Isaiah 46

1 Bel has fallen, and Dagon has been broken to pieces. Their carved images have been loaded onto wild animals and cattle. You carry them packed as a burden for someone weary,

2 hungry, exhausted, and completely helpless. The idols cannot be saved from war; they themselves are taken away as captives.

3 Listen to me, house of Jacob and all who remain of Israel, whom I have carried from the womb and taught from childhood.

4 Until old age, I am he, and until you have grown old, I am he. I bear with you. I made you, and I will set you free; I will take you up and save you.

5 To whom have you compared me? Look carefully and consider, you who have gone astray.

6 People take gold from a purse and weigh silver on a scale. They hire a goldsmith, make idols, and bow down before them.

7 They carry the idol on their shoulders and go. When they set it in place, it stays there and cannot move. If anyone cries to it, it cannot hear or save that person from trouble.

8 Remember these things and groan. Turn back, you who have gone astray; return in your heart.

9 Remember the former things from long ago, because I am God, and there is no other besides me.

10 I announce the later events before they happen, and at once they are accomplished. I said, ‘All my counsel will stand, and I will do everything I have planned.’

11 I call a bird from the east, from a distant land, for the things I have planned. I have spoken and brought him; I created and made him, brought him here, and made his way prosper.

12 Listen to me, you senseless people who are far from righteousness.

13 I have brought my righteousness near, and I will not delay my rescue. I have given rescue in Zion to Israel for glory.