1. Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary.

2. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity.

3. "Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.

4. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

5. "With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

6. Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it.

7. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though people cry out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save them from their troubles.

8. "Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.

9. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

10. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

11. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.

12. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my 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, my splendor to Israel.