The gods of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, are carried on animals, whereas the LORD carries his people from birth to old age. Isaiah challenges the idols: to whom will you liken God? God declares the end from the beginning.
1 Bel boweth down , Nebo stoopeth , their idols were upon the beasts , and upon the cattle : your carriages were heavy loaden ; 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 shew 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 .