Isaiah 46

God's Sovereignty and the Futility of Idols

2 min read

1

Bel bows down, Nebo stoops, their idols were on the beasts, and on the cattle: your carriages were heavy laden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

 2

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. ¶

 3

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

 4

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. ¶

 5

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

 6

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it a god: they fall down, yes, they worship.

 7

They bear him on the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from his place shall he not remove: yes, one shall cry to him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

 8

Remember this, and show yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O you transgressors.

 9

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am 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 ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes my counsel from a far country: yes, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. ¶

 12

Listen to me, you stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

 13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.