Isaiah 46

1Bel bows down; Nebo stoops. Their idols are for the beasts and the cattle. Your loads are borne, loaded as a burden for the weary.

2They stoop; they bow down together. They are unable to save the burden, and they themselves go into captivity.

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

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

5To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike?

6Those who lavish gold from the purse and weigh out silver on the scale hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they prostrate themselves.

7They lift it onto the shoulder, they carry it, and they set it in its place, and it stands there; it does not move from its place. Even if someone cries out to it, it does not answer; it does not save him from his distress.

8Remember this and be ashamed; take it to heart, you transgressors.

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

10declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand, and I will accomplish all my good pleasure.’

11calling from the east a bird of prey, from a distant land the man of my purpose. Indeed, I have spoken; indeed, I will bring it to pass. I have formed it; indeed, I will do it.

12Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness.

13I have brought near my righteousness; it is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel my splendor.