Isaiah 46

The Gods of Babylon and the God Who Carries

1Bel bows, Nebo stoops;
their idols are loaded onto animals and cattle.
What you carried is now a load,
a burden for weary beasts. 2They stoop and bow together;
they cannot rescue the burden,
and they themselves go into captivity. 3“Listen to me, Jacob’s house,
all the remnant of Israel’s house,
you whom I have borne from the womb,
carried from birth. 4Even to old age I am he;
even when you are gray I will bear you.
I made you, and I will carry you;
I will bear you and rescue you.

5To whom will you liken me and make me equal?
With whom will you compare me, that we should be alike? 6People pour gold from a bag, weigh silver on a balance,
hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god.
Then they bow and worship. 7They lift it onto a shoulder and carry it,
set it in its place, and there it stands.
It cannot move from that spot.
Though someone cries to it, it does not answer;
it cannot save him from his distress. 8Remember this and take it to heart;
bring it to mind, you rebels.

9Remember the former things from long ago:
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and none is like me. 10I announce the end from the beginning,
from ancient times things not yet done.
I say, ‘My counsel will stand;
I will fulfill all my purpose.’ 11I call a bird of prey from the east,
from a distant land the man of my counsel.
I have spoken; I will bring it about.
I have formed it; I will do it. 12Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
far from righteousness.

13I bring my righteousness near; it is not far away.
My salvation will not delay.
I will grant salvation in Zion,
my splendor to Israel.”