Isaiah 46 YLT
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.
1Bowed down hath Bel, stooping is Nebo, Their idols have been for the beast and for cattle, Your burdens are loaded, a burden to the weary.
2They have stooped, they have bowed together, They have not been able to deliver the burden, And themselves into captivity have gone.
3Hearken unto Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of Israel, Who are borne from the belly, Who are carried from the womb,
4Even to old age I am He, and to grey hairs I carry, I made, and I bear, yea, I carry and deliver.
5To whom do ye liken Me, and make equal? And compare Me, that we may be like?
6--They are pouring out gold from a bag, And silver on the beam they weigh, They hire a refiner, and he maketh it a god, They fall down, yea, they bow themselves.
7They lift him up on the shoulder, They carry him, and cause him to rest in his place, And he standeth, from his place he moveth not, Yea, one crieth unto him, and he answereth not, From his adversity he saveth him not.
8Remember this, and shew yourselves men, Turn it back, O transgressors, to the heart.
9Remember former things of old, For I am Mighty, and there is none else, God--and there is none like Me.
10Declaring from the beginning the latter end, And from of old that which hath not been done, Saying, `My counsel doth stand, And all My delight I do.'
11Calling from the east a ravenous bird, From a far land the man of My counsel, Yea, I have spoken, yea, I bring it in, I have formed it, yea, I do it.
12Hearken unto Me, ye mighty in heart, Who are far from righteousness.
13I have brought near My righteousness, It is not far off, And My salvation--it doth not tarry, And I have given in Zion salvation, To Israel My glory!
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