Isaiah 46

Babylon’s False Gods

1. Bel and Nebo, the gods of Babylon, 1 bow as they are lowered to the ground. 1 They are being hauled away on ox carts. 1 The poor beasts stagger under the weight.

2. Both the idols and their owners are bowed down. 2 The gods cannot protect the people, 2 and the people cannot protect the gods. 2 They go off into captivity together.

3. “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, 3 all you who remain in Israel. 3 I have cared for you since you were born. 3 Yes, I carried you before you were born.

4. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— 4 until your hair is white with age. 4 I made you, and I will care for you. 4 I will carry you along and save you.

5. “To whom will you compare me? 5 Who is my equal?

6. Some people pour out their silver and gold 6 and hire a craftsman to make a god from it. 6 Then they bow down and worship it!

7. They carry it around on their shoulders, 7 and when they set it down, it stays there. 7 It can’t even move! 7 And when someone prays to it, there is no answer. 7 It can’t rescue anyone from trouble.

8. “Do not forget this! Keep it in mind! 8 Remember this, you guilty ones.

9. Remember the things I have done in the past. 9 For I alone am God! 9 I am God, and there is none like me.

10. Only I can tell you the future 10 before it even happens. 10 Everything I plan will come to pass, 10 for I do whatever I wish.

11. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east— 11 a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. 11 I have said what I would do, 11 and I will do it.

12. “Listen to me, you stubborn people 12 who are so far from doing right.

13. For I am ready to set things right, 13 not in the distant future, but right now! 13 I am ready to save Jerusalem[a] 13 and show my glory to Israel.

Footnotes:
a. 46:13: Hebrew Zion.