Babylon’s Idols

1 Bel and Nebo,
the gods of Babylon
now bow and stoop.
Their idols are carried by beast and livestock.
The carved images that you once carried around
have become heavy loads,
a burden for the weary.
2 Stooped and bowed,
they go down together.
They could not rescue,
but they themselves are carried into captivity.

3 “Listen to me, house of Jacob,
and all the remnant of the house of Israel,
that have been carried from their birth,
that have been carried from the womb.
4 Even to your aged years I am he,
and even when your hair turns grey I will carry you.
I have made you, and I will bear you up.
Yes, I will carry you and will deliver you.

5 To whom will you compare me and consider my equal,
comparing me, as if we were the same?
6 Some pour out gold from the bag,
and weigh silver in the balance.
They hire a goldsmith,
and he makes it a god.
They fall down—
yes, they worship.
7 They bear it on their shoulder.
They carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there.
It cannot move from its place.
Yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer.
It cannot save him from his trouble.

8 Remember this and take your stand.
Recall it to mind, you sinners.
9 Remember the former things of old,
for I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I declare the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times things that have not yet been done.
I say: My counsel will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
11 I call a ravenous bird from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
Yes, I have spoken.
I will also bring it to pass.
I have planned it.
I will also do it.

12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
who are far from righteousness!
13 I bring my righteousness near.
It is not far off,
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my glory to Israel.”

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