1Bel bows down and Nebo stoops low. Their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome. They are a burden for the weary. 2They stoop and bow down together. They are unable to rescue the burden and they go off into captivity. 3»Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel. I have upheld you since you were conceived. I have carried you since your birth. 4Even in your old age with gray hair I am he, I am he who will support you. I have made you and I will bear your burden take care of you. I will sustain supportstrengthen you and I will rescue you keep you safe. 5»To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? 6»Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales. They hire a goldsmith to make it into a god. They bow down and worship it. 7»They lift it to their shoulders and carry it. They set it up in its place and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though one cries out to it, it does not answer. It cannot save him from his troubles! 8»Remember this! Keep it in mind and take it to heart, you rebels. 9»Remember the former things, the things of long ago. I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. 10»I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11I summon a bird of prey from the east. I summon a man to fulfill my purpose from a far off land. What I have said I will bring about. What I have determined purposed I will do. 12»Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. 13»I bring near my righteousness. It is not far away. My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.«