Isaiah — Chapter 46
BelaBel A Babylonian deity. is bowed, NebobNebo Another Babylonian deity. is cowering,Their images are a burden for beasts and cattle;The things youcyou Emendation yields “they.” would carry [in procession]Are now piled as a burdenOn tired [beasts].
They cowered, they bowed as well,They could not rescue the burden,dburden Emendation yields “him who carried [them]”; cf. Targum. And they themselves went into captivity.
Listen to Me, O House of Jacob,All that are left of the House of Israel,Who have been carried since birth,Supported since leaving the womb:
Till you grow old, I will still be the same;When you turn gray, it is I who will carry;I was the Maker, and I will be the Bearer;And I will carry and rescue [you].
To whom can you compare MeOr declare Me similar?To whom can you liken Me,So that we seem comparable?
Those who squander gold from the purseAnd weigh out silver on the balance,ebalance Lit. “beam [of the balance].” They hire a metal worker to make it into a god,To which they bow down and prostrate themselves.
They must carry it on their backs and transport it;When they put it down, it stands,It does not budge from its place.If they cry out to it, it does not answer;It cannot save them from their distress.
Keep this in mind, and stand firm!fstand firm Meaning of Heb. uncertain. Take this to heart, you sinners!
Bear in mind what happened of old;For I am God, and there is none else,I am divine, and there is none like Me.
I foretell the end from the beginning,And from the start, things that had not occurred.I say: My plan shall be fulfilled;I will do all I have purposed.
I summoned that swooping bird from the East;gthat swooping bird from the East I.e., Cyrus; cf. 41.2–3; 44.28–45.1. From a distant land, the man for My purpose.I have spoken, so I will bring it to pass;I have designed it, so I will complete it.
Listen to Me, you stubborn of heart,hstubborn of heart Septuagint reads, “who have lost heart.” Who are far from victory:
I am bringing My victory close;It shall not be far,And My triumph shall not be delayed.I will grant triumph in ZionTo Israel, in whom I glory.