Study Desk

Bel^(a) bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols^(b) are borne by beasts of burden.^[a] The images that are carried^(c) about are burdensome, a burden for the weary.

They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity.^(d)

"Listen^(e) to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant^(f) of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth,^(g) and have carried^(h) since you were born.⁽ⁱ⁾

Even to your old age and gray hairs^(j) I am he,^(k) I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain^(l) you and I will rescue you.

"With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?^(m)

Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith⁽ⁿ⁾ to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it.^(o)

They lift it to their shoulders and carry^(p) it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move.^(q) Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;^(r) it cannot save^(s) them from their troubles.

"Remember^(t) this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.^(u)

Remember the former things,^(v) those of long ago;^(w) I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.^(x)

I make known the end from the beginning,^(y) from ancient times,^(z) what is still to come.^(aa) I say, ‘My purpose will stand,^(ab) and I will do all that I please.'

From the east I summon^(ac) a bird of prey;^(ad) from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned,^(ae) that I will do.^(af)

Listen^(ag) to me, you stubborn-hearted,^(ah) you who are now far from my righteousness.^(ai)

I am bringing my righteousness^(aj) near, it is not far away; and my salvation^(ak) will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion,^(al) my splendor^(am) to Israel.