Isaiah 46
1 Bel has bowed down; Nebo has crouched. Their idols have been loaded onto animals and livestock. The images you used to carry are now being carried, a burden for a weary animal.
2 They have crouched and bowed down together; they could not save the burden, and they themselves have gone into captivity.
3 Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been carried from the womb, borne from birth.
4 Even to old age I am the same; even when your hair is gray, I will carry you. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear you and save you.
5 Whom will you compare me to and make me equal to? Whom will you liken me to, so that we may be alike?
6 They pour gold from their purse and weigh out silver on the scales. They hire a goldsmith, who makes it into a god; then they bow down and prostrate themselves.
7 They lift it onto their shoulder, carry it, and set it in its place, where it stands. It does not move from where it is. Even when someone cries out to it, it does not answer or save anyone from distress.
8 Remember this and stand firm; take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things from long ago: I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me.
10 I announce the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what has not yet been done. I say, ‘My plan will stand, and I will do all that I desire.’
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man of my plan from a distant land. I have spoken, and I will also bring it about; I have formed the plan, and I will also carry it out.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness.
13 I have brought my righteousness near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation in Zion, and give my glory to Israel.
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