Isaiah 46
46
Babylon’s idols can’t compare
1Bel crouches down; Nebo cowers.
Their idols sit on animals, on beasts.
The objects you once carried about
are now borne as burdens by the weary animals.
2They crouch down and cower together.
They aren’t able to rescue the burden,
but they themselves go into captivity.
3Listen to me, house of Jacob,
all that remains from the house of Israel
who have been borne by me since pregnancy,
whom I carried from the womb
4until you grow old. I am the one,
and until you turn gray I will support you.
I have done it, and I will continue to bear it;
I will support and I will rescue.
5To whom will you liken me and count me equal
and compare me so that we are alike?
6Those who pour out gold from a bag
and weigh silver with a balance
hire a metalworker; then he makes a god.
They bow down; they worship;
7they carry the idol#46.7 Or it on their shoulders and support it;
they set it down, and it stands still,
unable to move from its place.
If one cries out to it, it doesn’t answer.
It can’t save people from their distress.
Remember past events
8Remember this and take courage;
take it to heart, you rebels.
9Remember the prior things—from long ago;
I am God, and there’s no other.
I am God! There’s none like me,
10who tells the end at the beginning,
from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, “My plan will stand;
all that I decide I will do,”
11I call a bird of prey from the east,
a man from a distant land for my plan.
As surely as I have spoken, I’ll make it happen;
I have planned, and yes, I’ll do it.
12Listen to me, you bullheaded people
who are far from victory:
13I’m bringing my victory near—it isn’t far,
and my salvation—it won’t delay.
I will establish salvation in Zion
and grant my splendor to Israel.
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Isaiah 46: CEB
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2011 Common English Bible. All rights reserved.
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 gray,
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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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.