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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Isaiah 46: CEV
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Isaiah 46
46
Babylon’s Idols
1Bel bows down;
Nebo is stooping.
Their idols are on#Literally “to” animals#Hebrew “animal” and on#Literally “to” cattle;
your cargo#Literally “things that are carried” is carried as a burden on#Literally “to” weary animals.
2They stoop;
they bow down together.
They are not able to save the burden,
but#Or “and” they themselves go#Literally “their inner self goes” 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:
4Even#Or “And” to your old age I am he;
even#Or “And” 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.
5To whom will you liken me,
and count as equal,
and compare with me,
as though#Or “and” we were alike?
6Those who lavish gold from the purse
and weigh out silver in the balance scales;
hire a goldsmith#Literally “one who smelts”
and he makes him a god;
they bow down,
indeed they bow in worship.
7They 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.
8Remember this and pluck up courage!
Call to mind,#Literally “heart” you transgressors!
9Remember the former things from a long time ago,#Literally “forever”
for I am God and there is none besides me,
God and there is none like me,
10who 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#Or “do” all my wishes,’#Hebrew “wish”
11who calls a bird of prey from the east,
the man of his#The reading tradition (Qere) has “my” 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.
12Listen to me, strong of heart,
far from righteousness!
13I bring my righteousness near; it is not far.
And my salvation will not delay;
and I will put#Or “give” salvation in Zion,
for Israel my glory.”
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