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

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

3 Hearken 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:

4 Even 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.

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

6 To 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?

7 They 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.

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

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

10 Declaring 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,

11 Calling 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.

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

13 My 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.