Isaiah 46
1Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols 1 are carried by animals and beasts of burden. These idols that you carry are a heavy burden for weary animals. 1
2Together they bend low, kneel down; they cannot rescue the images, 1 and they themselves have gone off into captivity. 1
3Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, 1 who have been carried by me from before your birth, carried from the womb. 1
4Even to your old age I am he, and until your hair is gray I will carry you. 1 I made you and I will bear you; I will carry you and I will rescue you. 1
5To whom will you compare me? Who do you think I resemble, so that we may be compared? 1
6People pour out gold from the bag and weigh silver on the scale. 1 They hire a metalsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down and worship it. 1
7They lift it on their shoulder and carry it; they set it in its place, and it stands in its place and does not move from it. 1 They cry out to it, but it cannot answer nor save anyone from his trouble. 1
8Think about these things; never ignore them, you rebels! 1
9Think about the earlier things, those of times past, 1 for I am God, and there is no other, I am God, and there is no one like me. 1
10I announce the end from the beginning, and beforehand what has not yet happened; 1 I say, “My plan will happen, and I will do as I desire.” 1
11I call a bird of prey from the east, the man of my choice from a distant land; 1 yes, I have spoken; I will also accomplish it; I have purposed, I will also do it. 1
12Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are far from doing what is right. 1
13I am bringing my righteousness near; it is not far away, and my salvation does not wait; 1 and I will give salvation to Zion and my beauty to Israel.