Isaiah 46

1Bel bows down; Nebo stoops low. Their idols are loaded onto beasts and cattle; the images you carried about are now a heavy load, a burden for weary animals.

2They stoop and bow down together; they cannot rescue the burden, but they themselves go off into captivity.

3Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been carried since you were born, borne along since you were in the womb.

4Even to your old age I am he, and to your gray hairs I will carry you. I have made you, and I will bear you; I will carry you and rescue you.

5To whom will you liken me and make me equal? To whom will you compare me, as if we were alike?

6Some pour out gold from the bag and weigh out silver on the scale; they hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down and worship it.

7They lift it on their shoulders and carry it; they set it down in its place, and there it stands; it cannot move from its spot. Even when someone cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save him from his trouble.

8Remember this and stand firm; take it to heart, you rebels.

9Remember the former things of long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

10I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what has not yet been done. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

11I call a bird of prey from the east, the man of my purpose from a distant land. I have spoken, and I will bring it about; I have planned it, and I will do it.

12Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness.

13I am bringing my righteousness near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not be delayed. I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.