1Bel bows down. Nebo stoops. Their idols are carried by animals, and on the livestock. The things that you carried around are heavy loads, a burden for the weary.
2They stoop and they bow down together. They could not deliver the burden, but they have gone into captivity.
3“Sh'ma ·Hear obey· me, house of Jacob Supplanter, and all the remnant of the house of Israel God prevails, that have been carried from their birth, that have been carried from the racham ·womb, bowels of compassion·.
4Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
5“To whom will you liken me, and consider my equal, and compare me, that we may be equal?
6Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a deity. They fall down— yes, they worship.
7They 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 cannot answer. It cannot save him out of his trouble.
8“Remember this, and show yourselves men. Bring it to mind again, you transgressors.
9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.
10I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
11I 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. I will also do it.
12Sh'ma ·Hear obey· me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness!
13I bring my righteousness near. It is not far off, and my salvation will not wait. I will grant salvation to Zion Mountain ridge, Marking, my glory to Israel God prevails.
