Isaiah 46

1Bel bows low, Nebo bends; their idols burden beasts and cattle—your carried loads, now laden, weigh upon the weary beast.

2They stooped and bowed down together; they could not deliver the burden, but their lives went into captivity.

3Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, borne by me from the belly, carried by me from the womb.

4Even to your old age it is I, and even to your gray hairs I will carry you; I have made you, and I will bear you, I will carry you and will deliver you.

5To whom will you compare me, and set me equal, and liken me, that we should be like?

6Those who lavish gold from the purse and weigh silver in the scales hire a founder, and he makes it a god; they fall down, yea, they worship.

7They lift it onto the shoulder, carry it, and set it down in position; it stands from its place and does not depart. Even one who cries to it receives no answer, nor rescue from his distress.

8Remember this, prove yourselves men, and bring it back to heart, you rebels.

9Remember the first things from ancient times, for I am God, and there is no other God, and none is like me.

10I proclaim the end from the beginning and from earliest times what has not yet been done, saying, "My counsel will stand, and I will accomplish all my desire."

11Calling a bird of prey from the east, a man whose counsel is my counsel from a distant land; indeed, I have declared, indeed, I will bring it; I have purposed it, indeed, I will perform it.

12Listen to me, you strong-hearted who are far from righteousness.

13I bring my righteousness near; it will not be distant, nor will my salvation delay—I will place salvation in Zion for Israel, my glory.