1 Bel bows down; Nebo [is] stooping. Their idols are {on} animals and {on} cattle; your {cargo} is carried [as] a burden {on} weary [animals].
2 They stoop; they bow down together. They are not able to save [the] burden, but {they themselves go} in captivity.
3 "Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel who have been carried from [the] belly, who have been carried from [the] womb:
4 Even to [your] old age I [am] he; even to [your] advanced age I myself will support [you]. I myself have made [you], and I myself will carry [you], and I myself will support [you], and I will save [you].
5 To whom will you liken me, and count as equal, and compare with me, as though we were alike?
6 Those who lavish gold from [the] purse and weigh out silver in the balance scales; hire {a goldsmith} and he makes him a god; they bow down, indeed they bow in worship.
7 They carry it on [their] shoulder; they support it and they set it [in] its place, and it stands in position. It cannot be removed from its place; even [when] he cries out to it, it does not answer. It does not save him from his trouble.
8 Remember this and pluck up courage! Call to {mind}, [you] transgressors!
9 Remember [the] former things from {a long time ago}, for I [am] God and there is none besides [me], God and [there is] none like me,
10 who from [the] beginning declares [the] end, and from before, [things] that have not been done, who says, 'My plan shall stand,' and, 'I will accomplish all my wishes,'
11 who calls a bird of prey from [the] east, the man of his plan from a country from afar. Indeed I have spoken; indeed I will bring it [to being]. I have formed [it]; indeed I will do it.
12 Listen to me, strong of heart, far from righteousness!
13 I bring my righteousness near; [it is] not far. And my salvation will not delay; and I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory."