1BEL has fallen down, Nebo is overthrown; their idols were loaded as burdens upon beasts, yea, upon weary beasts and cattle.

2They were overthrown, they have fallen down together; they could not rescue those who carried them, but they themselves are gone into captivity.

3Hearken to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, even those who are borne in the belly and who still are carried in the womb:

4Even to your old age I am he; and even to gray hairs I will endure. I have made and I will sustain; even I will carry and will deliver.

5To whom will you liken me and make me equal and compare me, that we may be alike?

6To those who go astray, who pour out gold from their bags and weigh silver in the balance and hire a goldsmith; and they make it a god; they worship it, and they also pray to it?

7They bear it upon their shoulders, they carry it and set it in its place, and it cannot rise up from its place; they also pray to it, but it does not answer them nor save them from their troubles.

8Remember these things and discern; bring it again to your mind, O you transgressors!

9Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other god; and there is none like me,

10Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,

11Calling a ruler swift as a bird from the east, the man who executes my counsel from a far land; yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

12Hearken to me, O you stubborn of heart, that are far from righteousness;

13My righteousness is near; it shall not be far off, my salvation shall not tarry; and I will give salvation in Zion and for Israel my glory.