> [[isaiah-45|← Previous]] | [[isaiah-00|TOC]] | [[isaiah-47|Next →]] --- # Isaiah, Chapter 46 ## Chapter 46 ### The Gods of Babylon 1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops, ^isaiah-46-1 their idols set upon beasts and cattle; They must be borne upon shoulders, a load for weary animals. 2 They stoop and bow down together; ^isaiah-46-2 unable to deliver those who bear them, they too go into captivity. 3 Hear me, O house of Jacob, ^isaiah-46-3 all the remnant of the house of Israel, My burden from the womb, whom I have carried since birth. 4 Even to your old age I am he, ^isaiah-46-4 even when your hair is gray I will carry you; I have done this, and I will lift you up, I will carry you to safety. 5 To whom would you liken me as an equal, ^isaiah-46-5 compare me, as though we were alike? 6 There are those who pour out gold from a purse ^isaiah-46-6 and weigh out silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith to make it into a god before which they bow down in worship. 7 They lift it to their shoulders to carry; ^isaiah-46-7 when they set it down, it stays, and does not move from the place. They cry out to it, but it cannot answer; it delivers no one from distress. 8 Remember this and be firm, ^isaiah-46-8 take it to heart, you rebels; 9 remember the former things, those long ago: ^isaiah-46-9 I am God, there is no other; I am God, there is none like me. 10 At the beginning I declare the outcome; ^isaiah-46-10 from of old, things not yet done. I say that my plan shall stand, I accomplish my every desire. 11 I summon from the east a bird of prey, ^isaiah-46-11 from a distant land, one to carry out my plan. Yes, I have spoken, I will accomplish it; I have planned it, and I will do it. 12 Listen to me, you fainthearted, ^isaiah-46-12 far from the victory of justice: 13 I am bringing on that victory, it is not far off, ^isaiah-46-13 my salvation shall not tarry; I will put salvation within Zion, give to Israel my glory. \* (46:1] – [4) Bel…Nebo: gods of Babylon; their complete helplessness is here contrasted with God’s omnipotence; whereas they must be carried about, the Lord carries Israel as a parent does a child. \* (46:11) From the east a bird of prey: Cyrus; cf. [41:2] – [4]. a. (46:3) [Is 44:2]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[isaiah-45|← Previous]] | [[isaiah-00|TOC]] | [[isaiah-47|Next →]]