Isaiah 46 WBT
Summary: Isaiah mocks the Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo, pictured as burdens loaded on weary animals, unable even to save themselves let alone carry anyone, stooping and bowing down together into captivity. In sharp contrast, the LORD reminds Israel that He has carried them from birth and will continue to carry and deliver them even to old age and gray hairs, unlike lifeless idols that must be carried. He again asserts uniqueness, declaring the end from the beginning and calling Cyrus, "a ravenous bird from the east," to execute His purpose, since what He has planned He will surely do. The chapter closes calling the "stouthearted," who are far from righteousness, to listen, promising salvation for Zion and glory for Israel.
1Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your loads [were] heavy; [they were] a burden to the weary [beast].
2They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves have gone into captivity.
3Hearken to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the birth, which are carried from the womb:
4And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoary hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].
5To whom will ye liken me, and make [me] equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
6They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yes, they worship.
7They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yes, [one] shall cry to him, yet he cannot answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
8Remember this, and show yourselves men: bring [it] again to mind, O ye transgressors.
9Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; I [am] God, and [there is] none like me,
10Declaring 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:
11Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth 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 perform it.
12Hearken to me, ye stout-hearted, that [are] far from righteousness:
13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not delay: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
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