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False Gods and the Living God

¹ The false gods, Bel and Nebo, bow down. Their objects of worship were put on animals and cattle and the wagons had heavy loads making it hard for the tired animals. ² They get down, they bow down together. They could not save the heavy load, but are themselves carried away to another land.

³ "Listen to Me, O family of Jacob, and all who are left of the family of Israel. You have been helped by Me before you were born and carried since you were born. ⁴ Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will save you.

⁵ "To whom will you compare Me? With whom will you make Me the same and compare Me, that we should be alike? ⁶ Those who take much gold from the money bag and weigh silver hire one who works with gold, and he makes it into a god. Then they bow down and worship it. ⁷ They lift it upon their shoulders and carry it. They set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. When one cries to it, it cannot answer. It cannot take him away from his trouble.

⁸ "Remember this and be men. Bring it to mind again, you sinners. ⁹ Remember the things of long ago. For I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is no one like Me. ¹⁰ I tell from the beginning what will happen in the end. And from times long ago I tell of things which have not been done, saying, ‘My Word will stand. And I will do all that pleases Me.' ¹¹ I call a strong and hungry bird from the east, the man from a far country who will do what I have planned. I have spoken, and I will make it happen. I have planned it, and I will do it.

¹² "Listen to Me, you strong-willed people who are far from being right and good. ¹³ I bring near what is right and good. It is not far away. And My saving power is ready now. I will save Zion, and will bring My great power to Israel.