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 sinketh down; Nebo falleth; Their images are laid upon beasts and cattle; Those that ye once bore are packed upon them; A burden to the weary beast!
2 They bend low and bow down together—they can't help rescue their idols, and they themselves go off into captivity.
They sink down; they fall together; They cannot rescue the burden; They themselves go 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.
Hearken to me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel; Ye that have been borne by me from your birth, That have been carried by me from your earliest breath!
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 your old age I am the same; Even to hoar hairs I will carry you; I have done it, and I will still bear you; I will carry, and will deliver you.
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 ye liken me, and compare me? Yea, to whom will ye compare me, that we may be like?
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.
They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver in the balance; They hire a goldsmith, and he maketh it a god; They fall down, yea, they worship it.
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 lift him upon the shoulder, and carry him; They set him in his place, and there he standeth; From his place he moveth not; Yea, one may cry to him, yet doth he not answer, Nor save him out of his distress.
8 Remember this, and act like men! Think about it, you rebels!
Remember these things, and show yourselves men; Lay them to heart, ye apostates!
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 in ancient times! For I am God, and there is none else; 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.
Declaring the end from the beginning; From ancient times the things that were not yet done; Saying, My purpose shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure;
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.
Calling from the East the eagle, The man that executeth my purpose from a far country; I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are such a long way from doing what's right!
Hearken to me, ye stubborn-hearted, That are far from deliverance!
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 have brought near my deliverance; it is not far off; My salvation shall not tarry; I will give to Zion salvation, To Israel, my glory.
