Isa Isaiah, chapter Book of Isaiah, chapter 46
Bel bows down, Nebo bends low;46:1. Bel and Nebo were Babylonian gods. The picture here is of the conqueror dragging away the idols of a defeated people. their idols are carried off on beasts of burden, a heavy weight for the tired animals. Jer 50:2They bend low and bow down together—they can't help rescue their idols, and they themselves go off into captivity.
Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all those who are left of the people of Israel. I have looked after you since you were born, carrying you from birth. Even when you're old, I will still be your God; even when your hair turns white, I will still support you. I made you, I will carry you, I will support you, and I will save you.Psa 71:9; Psa 71:18
Can you think of anyone who is like me? Can you consider anyone to be my equal? Can you compare anyone with me, as if we were alike?Isa 40:18; Isa 41:7
There are those who extravagantly tip out gold from their bags, and weigh out silver on the scales, and hire a goldsmith to make them a god they can bow down to and worship. Jdg 17:4They lift the idol onto their shoulders, carry it along, and then put it in place. It stays there and doesn't move. Even when people cry out to it for help, it doesn't answer—it can't save them from their troubles.Jer 10:5
Remember this, and act like men! Think about it, you rebels! Remember what I've done for you since the beginning, for I am God, and there is no God apart from me. I am God, and there is none like me. Deu 32:39I make known the end from the very beginning, declaring from ancient times what the future will bring. Whatever I plan will take place; I will accomplish everything I wish. Psa 33:11; Heb 6:17I'm calling a bird of prey from the east, a man from a distant country who will carry out my plan.46:11. Once again this is taken to refer to Cyrus. I have spoken, and I will make sure it happens. I have made my plan, and I will carry it out.Psa 33:9
Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are such a long way from doing what's right! Very shortly I am going to make things right—it won't be long. I will come with my salvation without delay—I will save Zion to demonstrate my glory to Israel.