1. The gods Bel and Nebo are brought down in shame. The statues of them are being carried away on the backs of animals. They used to be carried around by the people who worshiped them. But now they've become a heavy load for tired animals.
2. Bel and Nebo are brought down in shame together. They aren't able to save their own statues. They themselves are carried off as prisoners.
3. The Lord says, "Family of Jacob, listen to me. Pay attention, you people of Israel who are left alive. I have taken good care of you since your life began. I have carried you since you were born as a nation.
4. I will continue to carry you even when you are old. I will take good care of you even when your hair is gray. I have made you. And I will carry you. I will take care of you. And I will save you. I am the Lord.
5. "Who will you compare me to? Who is equal to me? What am I like? Who can you compare me to?
6. Some people pour gold out of their bags. They weigh out silver on the scales. They hire someone who works with gold to make it into a god. They bow down to it and worship it.
7. They lift it up on their shoulders and carry it. They set it up in its place. And there it stands. It can't move from that spot. Someone might cry out to it. But it does not answer him. It can't save him from his troubles.
8. So remember that, you who refuse to obey me. Keep it in your minds and hearts.
9. "Remember what happened in the past. Think about what took place long ago. I am God. There is no other God. I am God. There is no one like me.
10. Before something even happens, I announce how it will end. In fact, from times long ago I announced what was still to come. I say, 'My plan will succeed. I will do anything I want to do.'
11. I will send for a man from the east to carry out my plan. From a land far away, he will come like a bird that eats dead bodies. I will bring about what I have said. I will do what I have planned.
12. Listen to me, you stubborn people. Pay attention, you who refuse to do what is right.