1
Bel boweth down; Nebo stoopeth; their idols were upon the beasts and upon the cattle; your carriages were heavy laden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
2
They stoop; they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
3
Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb;
4
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you.
5
To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
6
They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god; they fall down; yea, they worship.
7
They bear him upon the shoulder; they carry him and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove; yea, one shall cry unto him; yet can he not answer nor save him out of his trouble.
8
Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
9
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,
11
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it; I will also do it.
12
Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness;
13
I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel, my glory.