| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New Living Translation |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Bel and Nebo, the gods of Babylon, bow as they are lowered to the ground. They are being hauled away on ox carts. The poor beasts stagger under the weight. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2Both the idols and their owners are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. They go off into captivity together. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6Some people pour out their silver and gold and hire a craftsman to make a god from it. Then they bow down and worship it! |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7They carry it around on their shoulders, and when they set it down, it stays there. It can’t even move! And when someone prays to it, there is no answer. It can’t rescue anyone from trouble. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8“Do not forget this! Keep it in mind! Remember this, you guilty ones. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11I will call a swift bird of prey from the east— a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12“Listen to me, you stubborn people who are so far from doing right. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! I am ready to save Jerusalem and show my glory to Israel. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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