1 Gods of Babylon
1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; 1 their idols are borne by beasts of burden.[a] 1 The images that are carried about are burdensome, 1 a burden for the weary.
2 They stoop and bow down together; 2 unable to rescue the burden, 2 they themselves go off into captivity.
3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, 3 all you who remain of the house of Israel, 3 you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, 3 and have carried since your birth.
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs 4 I am he, I am he who will sustain you. 4 I have made you and I will carry you; 4 I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
5 "To whom will you compare me or count me equal? 5 To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
6 Some pour out gold from their bags 6 and weigh out silver on the scales; 6 they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, 6 and they bow down and worship it.
7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; 7 they set it up in its place, and there it stands. 7 From that spot it cannot move. 7 Though one cries out to it, it does not answer; 7 it cannot save him from his troubles.
8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, 8 take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; 9 I am God, and there is no other; 9 I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning, 10 from ancient times, what is still to come. 10 I say: My purpose will stand, 10 and I will do all that I please.
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; 11 from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. 11 What I have said, that will I bring about; 11 what I have planned, that will I do.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, 12 you who are far from righteousness.
13 I am bringing my righteousness near, 13 it is not far away; 13 and my salvation will not be delayed. 13 I will grant salvation to Zion, 13 my splendor to Israel.
