International Standard Version
Isaiah 46
1 “Bel a bows down, Nebo b stoops low. Their idols are on beasts, on c livestock. Your loads are more burdensome than their reports. d
2 They stoop, they bow down together, and e they are not able to rescue the burden, but they themselves go off f into captivity.
3 “Listen g to me, house of Jacob, and all you remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld from before your birth, and who have been carried from the womb.
4 Even h until your i old age, I am the one, and I’ll carry you even until your gray hairs come. j It is I who have created, k and I who will carry, and it is I who will bear and save.
5 “To whom will you compare me, count me equal, l or liken me, so that I m may be compared?
6 Those who pour out gold in n a purse, weigh silver in a balance, hire a goldsmith in order to make o a god, and then p they bow down and even worship it.
7 And q they lift it on their shoulders, carry it, set it up in its place, and there it stands. It cannot move r from that spot. One may even call to s it, but it cannot answer nor save him from his distress.
8 “Remember this, and stand firm; take it again to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things from long ago, Because I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I declare from the beginning things to follow, t and from ancient times things that have not yet been done; saying, ‘My purpose will stand, and he u will accomplish everything that I please.’
11 I am calling a bird of prey from the east, and from a far country a man with his v purpose. Indeed, I’ve spoken; I will certainly make it happen; I’ve planned it; w and I will certainly carry it out.
12 “Listen to me, you hard-hearted, you who are far removed from righteousness:
13 My righteousness is brought near x and y it’s not far off, and my salvation won’t delay. I’ll z grant salvation in Zion, and aa to Israel, my glory.”