Isaiah 46
46
False Gods Are Useless
1The Lord says, “Bel has fallen to the ground. Nebo#46:1 Nebo A false god of Babylon. is kneeling before me.
“Men put those idols on the backs of animals. They are only heavy burdens that must be carried. They do nothing but make people tired. 2But they all bowed down and fell to the ground. They couldn’t escape; they were all carried away like prisoners.
3“Family of Jacob, listen to me! You who are left from the family of Israel, listen! I have carried you since you left your mother’s womb. I carried you when you were born, 4and I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.
5“Can you compare me to anyone? No one is equal to me. You cannot understand everything about me. There is nothing like me. 6Some people are rich with gold and silver. Gold falls from their purses, and they weigh their silver on scales. They pay an artist to make a false god from wood. Then they bow down and worship that false god. 7They put their false god on their shoulders and carry it. That false god is useless; people have to carry it! People set the statue on the ground, and it cannot move. That false god never walks away from its place. People can yell at it, but it will not answer. That false god is only a statue; it cannot save people from their troubles.
8“Sinners, change your heart and mind. Think about this again. Remember it and be strong. 9Remember what happened long ago. Remember, I am God and there is no other God. There is no other like me.
10“In the beginning, I told you what would happen in the end. A long time ago, I told you things that have not happened yet. When I plan something, it happens. I do whatever I want to do. 11I am calling a man from the east to do what I want. He will come like an eagle from a faraway country. He will do all that I have planned. Everything I said will happen just as I said it would.
12“Listen to me, you stubborn#46:12 stubborn Literally, “mighty of heart.” people! You are far from doing what is right. 13But I am close to making things right. Salvation will not be delayed much longer. I will bring salvation to Zion and to my wonderful Israel.”
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Isaiah 46: ERV
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© 1987, 2004 Bible League International
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.