Bel crouches ; Nebo ... cowers. Their idols (weigh down) beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome , a load to the weary (animal).
The gods cower ; they crouch together , vvv unable to relieve the burden ; but they themselves go into captivity.
“ Listen to Me , O house of Jacob , all the remnant of the house of Israel , who have been sustained from the womb , carried along since birth.
Even to your old age , I will be the same , and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you , and I will carry you ; I will sustain you and deliver you.
To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal ? To whom will you compare Me , that we should be alike ?
They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales ; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god , so they can bow down and worship.
They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along ; they set it in its place , and there it stands , not budging from that spot. They cry out to it , but it does not answer ; it saves no one from his troubles.
Remember this and be brave ; take it to heart , you transgressors !
Remember what happened long ago , for I am God , and there is no other ; I am God , and (there is) none like Me.
I declare the end from the beginning , and ancient times from what is still to come. I say , ‘ My purpose will stand , and all My good pleasure I will accomplish. ’
I summon a bird of prey from the east , a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken , and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it , and I will surely do it.
Listen to Me , you stubborn people , far removed from righteousness :
I am bringing My righteousness near ; it is not far away , and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion (and adorn) Israel with My splendor. (’’)