Isaiah 46

₁The gods Bel and Nebo

are down on their knees,

as wooden images of them

are carried away

on weary animals.

₂They are down on their knees

to rescue the heavy load,

but the images are still taken

to a foreign country.

₃You survivors in Israel,

listen to me, the LORD.

Since the day you were born,

I have carried you along.

₄I will still be the same

when you are old and grey,

and I will take care of you.

I created you. I will carry you

and always keep you safe.

₅Can anyone compare with me?

Is anyone my equal?

₆Some people hire a goldsmith

and give silver and gold

to be formed into an idol

for them to worship.

₇They carry the idol

on their shoulders,

then put it on a stand,

but it cannot move.

They call out to the idol

when they are in trouble,

but it doesn't answer,

and it cannot help.

₈Now keep this in mind,

you sinful people.

And don't ever forget it.

₉I alone am God!

There are no other gods;

no one is like me.

Think about what happened

many years ago.

₁₀From the very beginning,

I told what would happen

long before it took place.

I kept my word ₁₁and brought

someone from a distant land

to do what I wanted.

He attacked from the east,

like a hawk swooping down.

Now I will keep my promise

and do what I planned.

₁₂You people are stubborn

and far from being safe,

so listen to me.

₁₃I will soon come to save you.

I am not far away

and will waste no time;

I take pride in Israel

and will save Jerusalem.