1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops, their idols are on beasts and cattle; these things you carry are loaded as burdens on weary animals.

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

3 Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb;

4 even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

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

6 Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales-- they hire a goldsmith, who makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship!

7 They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries out to it, it does not answer or save anyone from trouble.

8 Remember this and consider, recall it to mind, you transgressors,

9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me,

10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, "My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention,"

11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man for my purpose from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have planned, and I will do it.

12 Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from deliverance:

13 I bring near my deliverance, it is not far off, and my salvation will not tarry; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.