Isaiah 46
46
Idols a Weary Burden
1Bel bows down; Nebo stoops over. Their idols are for beasts and cattle. The things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.
2They stoop, they bow down together, they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.
3“Listen to Me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, borne by Me from birth, carried from the womb.
4Even to your old age I will be the same, until you are gray I will carry you. I have done it; I will bear you; I will carry you; I will deliver you.
5To whom will you liken Me, or make Me equal or compare Me, that we should be alike?
6They lavish gold from a purse and weigh out silver on the scales. They hire a goldsmith so he makes a god. They bow down. Yes, they worship it.
7They lift it upon a shoulder and carry it. They set in its place and there it stands. It does not budge from its place. Even if one cry to it, it cannot answer, nor save anyone from his trouble.”
Purpose for Cyrus
8“Remember this, and be assured. Recall it to mind, you transgressors.
9Remember the former things of old: For I am God—there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me—
10declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient time, what is yet to come, saying, “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all that I please.”
11From the east I am calling a bird of prey, a man for My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; I will bring it to pass; I have planned it; surely I will do it.
12Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
13I bring My justice near, it is not far off. So My salvation will not delay. I put salvation in Zion, My glory in Israel.”
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Isaiah 46: TLV
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Copyright © 2014 - Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society
Isaiah 46
46
Babylonia's gods are helpless
The LORD said:
1The gods Bel and Nebo#46.1 Bel and Nebo: Bel was another name for Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians. Nebo was the son of Marduk and also an important god.
are down on their knees,
as wooden images of them
are carried away
on weary animals.#46.1 as…animals: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
2They are down on their knees
to rescue the heavy load,
but the images are still taken
to a foreign country.
3You survivors in Israel,
listen to me, the LORD.
Since the day you were born,
I have carried you along.
4I will still be the same
when you are old and grey,
and I will take care of you.
I created you. I will carry you
and always keep you safe.
5Can anyone compare with me?
Is anyone my equal?
6Some people hire a goldsmith
and give silver and gold
to be formed into an idol
for them to worship.
7They carry the idol
on their shoulders,
then put it on a stand,
but it cannot move.
They call out to the idol
when they are in trouble,
but it doesn't answer,
and it cannot help.
8Now keep this in mind,#46.8 Now…mind: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
you sinful people.
And don't ever forget it.
The LORD alone is God
9I alone am God!
There are no other gods;
no one is like me.
Think about what happened
many years ago.
10From the very beginning,
I told what would happen
long before it took place.
I kept my word 11and brought
someone from a distant land
to do what I wanted.
He attacked from the east,
like a hawk swooping down.
Now I will keep my promise
and do what I planned.
12You people are stubborn
and far from being safe,
so listen to me.
13I will soon come to save you.
I am not far away
and will waste no time;
I take pride in Israel
and will save Jerusalem.
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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012