Babylon’s Idols

Bel crouches; Nebo cowers.

Their idols [weigh down] beasts and cattle.

The images you carry are burdensome,

a load to the weary [animal].

2 

The gods cower; they crouch together,

vvv unable to relieve the burden;

but they themselves go into captivity.

3 

“ Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,

all the remnant of the house of Israel,

who have been sustained from the womb,

carried along since birth.

4 

Even to your old age, I will be the same,

and I will bear you up when you turn gray.

I have made you, and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and deliver you.

5 

To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal?

To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike?

6 

They pour out their bags of gold

and weigh out silver on scales;

they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god,

so they can bow down and worship.

7 

They lift it to their shoulder

and carry it along;

they set it in its place, and there it stands,

not budging from that spot.

They cry out to it, but it does not answer;

it saves no one from his troubles.

8 

Remember this and be brave;

take it to heart, you transgressors!

9 

Remember what happened long ago,

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and [there is] none like Me.

10 

I declare the end from the beginning,

and from ancient times what is still to come.

I say,‘My purpose will stand,

and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

11 

I summon a bird of prey from the east,

a man for My purpose from a far-off land.

Truly I have spoken,

and truly I will bring it to pass.

I have planned it,

and I will surely do it.

12 

Listen to Me, you stubborn people,

far removed from righteousness:

13 

I am bringing My righteousness near;

it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed.

I will grant salvation to Zion

[and adorn] Israel with My splendor.[’’] 47