1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle; the things you carried have become a load, a burden to the weary.

2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but they themselves have gone into captivity.

3 Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who were carried by Me from the belly, who were sustained from the womb;

4 even to your old age, I am He; and to the gray hairs I will bear you. I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

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

6 They pour gold out of the bag, and weigh silver out on the measuring rod, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it into a god; they prostrate themselves, yea, they bow down.

7 They carry it on the shoulder, they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands; it shall not move from its place. Yes, one shall cry unto it, yet it cannot answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

8 Remember this, and be a man; refresh the memory of your heart, you who rebel.

9 Remember the former things from a long time ago; for I am the Mighty God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one else is like Me,

10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from antiquity things which are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure;

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

12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness;

13 I bring near My righteousness. It shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not delay. And I will place salvation in Zion, My glory for Israel.