Isaiah 46
46
Babylon’s Idols Will Go into Captivity
1The god Bel bows down; the god Nebo stoops low.
Their statues are seated on animals and cattle.
The gods that you carry are burdens, a load for weary people.
2These gods stoop low and bow down together.
They aren’t able to escape with heavy loads.
They go away into captivity.
3Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
the few people left of the nation of Israel.
I’ve carried you since your birth.
I’ve taken care of you from the time you were born.
4Even when you’re old, I’ll take care of you.
Even when your hair turns gray, I’ll support you.
I made you and will continue to care for you.
I’ll support you and save you.
5To whom will you compare me and make me equal?
To whom will you compare me so that we can be alike?
6People pour gold out of their bags and weigh silver on scales.
They hire a goldsmith. He makes it into a god.
They bow down and worship it.
7They lift it on their shoulders and carry it.
They set the idol in its place, and it stands there.
It doesn’t move from its place.
If they cry to it for help, it can’t answer.
It can’t rescue them from their distress.
8Remember this, and take courage.
Recall your rebellious acts.
9Remember the first events,
because I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there’s no one like me.
10From the beginning I revealed the end.
From long ago I told you things that had not yet happened, saying,
“My plan will stand, and I’ll do everything I intended to do.”
11I will call a bird of prey from the east.
I will call someone for my plan from a faraway land.
I have spoken, and I will bring it about.
I have planned it, and I will do it.
12Listen to me, you stubborn people who are far from being righteous.
13I’ll bring my righteousness near; it isn’t far away.
My salvation will not be delayed.
I’ll provide salvation for Zion
and bring my glory to Israel.
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Isaiah 46: GW
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GOD'S WORD® Translation ©1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God's Word to the Nations Mission Society. 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.