Isaiah 46
46
1“This is the end for Babylon's gods!
Bel and Nebo once were worshipped,
but now they are loaded on donkeys,
a burden for the backs of tired animals.
2The idols cannot save themselves;
they are captured and carried away.
This is the end for Babylon's gods!
3“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
all who are left of my people.
I have cared for you from the time you were born.
4I am your God and will take care of you
until you are old and your hair is grey.
I made you and will care for you;
I will give you help and rescue you.
5“With whom will you compare me?” says the LORD.
“Is there anyone else like me?
6People open their purses and pour out gold;
they weigh out silver on the scales.
They hire a goldsmith to make a god;
then they bow down and worship it!
7They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they put it in place, and there it stands,
unable to move from where it is.
If anyone prays to it, it cannot answer
or save him from disaster.
8“Remember this, you sinners;
consider what I have done.
9Remember what happened long ago;
acknowledge that I alone am God
and that there is no one else like me.
10From the beginning I predicted the outcome;
long ago I foretold what would happen.
I said that my plans would never fail,
that I would do everything I intended to do.
11I am calling a man to come from the east;#46.11 a man to come from the east: See 41.2.
he will swoop down like a hawk
and accomplish what I have planned.
I have spoken, and it will be done.
12“Listen to me, you stubborn people
who think that victory is far away.
13I am bringing the day of victory near —
it is not far away at all.
My triumph will not be delayed.
I will save Jerusalem
and bring honour to Israel there.”
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Isaiah 46: GNBDC
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Good News Bible. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.
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.