1Bel boweth down , Nebo stoopeth , their idols were upon the beasts , and upon the cattle : your carriages were heavy loaden ; they are a burden to the weary beast . 2They stoop , they bow down together ; they could not deliver the burden , but themselves are gone into captivity . 3Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob , and all the remnant of the house of Israel , which are borne by me from the belly , which are carried from the womb : 4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made , and I will bear ; even I will carry , and will deliver you .
God's Sovereignty and Purpose
5To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal , and compare me, that we may be like ? 6They lavish gold out of the bag , and weigh silver in the balance , and hire a goldsmith ; and he maketh it a god : they fall down , yea, they worship . 7They bear him upon the shoulder , they carry him, and set him in his place , and he standeth ; from his place shall he not remove : yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer , nor save him out of his trouble . 8Remember this, and shew yourselves men : bring it again to mind , O ye transgressors . 9Remember the former things of old : for I am God , and there is none else; I am God , and there is none like me, 10Declaring the end from the beginning , and from ancient times the things that are not yet done , saying , My counsel shall stand , and I will do all my pleasure :
The Call to Remember
11Calling a ravenous bird from the east , the man that executeth my counsel from a far country : yea, I have spoken it , I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it , I will also do it. 12Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted , that are far from righteousness : 13I bring near my righteousness ; it shall not be far off , and my salvation shall not tarry : and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory .