Isaiah 46
1 Bel bows down, Nebo bends low; their idols are carried off on beasts of burden, a heavy weight for the tired animals.
Bel bows down. Nebo stoops. Their idols are carried by animals, and on the livestock. The things that you carried around are heavy loads, a burden for the weary.
2 They bend low and bow down together—they can't help rescue their idols, and they themselves go off into captivity.
They stoop and they bow down together. They could not deliver the burden, but they have gone into captivity.
3 Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all those who are left of the people of Israel. I have looked after you since you were born, carrying you from birth.
“Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been carried from their birth, that have been carried from the womb.
4 Even when you're old, I will still be your God; even when your hair turns white, I will still support you. I made you, I will carry you, I will support you, and I will save you.
Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
5 Who will you liken me to? Who will you reckon to be my equal? Who will you compare me with, as if we were alike?
“To whom will you compare me, and consider my equal, and compare me, as if we were the same?
6 There are those who extravagantly tip out gold from their bags, and weigh out silver on the scales, and hire a goldsmith to make them a god they can bow down to and worship.
Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down— yes, they worship.
7 They lift the idol onto their shoulders, carry it along, and then put it in place. It stays there and doesn't move. Even when people cry out to it for help, it doesn't answer—it can't save them from their troubles.
They bear it on their shoulder. They carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It cannot move from its place. Yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer. It cannot save him out of his trouble.
8 Remember this, and act like men! Think about it, you rebels!
“Remember this, and show yourselves men. Bring it to mind again, you transgressors.
9 Remember what I've done for you since the beginning, for I am God, and there is no God apart from me. I am God, and there is none like me.
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I am the one who can predict what will happen in the end from the very beginning, declaring from ancient times what the future will bring. Whatever I plan will take place; I will accomplish everything I wish.
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
11 I'm calling a bird of prey from the east, a man from a distant country who will carry out my plan. I have spoken, and I will make sure it happens. I have made my plan, and I will carry it out.
I call a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken. I will also bring it to pass. I have planned. I will also do it.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are such a long way from doing what's right!
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness!
13 Very shortly I am going to make things right—it won't be long. I will come with my salvation without delay—I will save Zion to demonstrate my glory to Israel.
I bring my righteousness near. It is not far off, and my salvation will not wait. I will grant salvation to Zion, my glory to Israel.
