Isaiah 46:1-13

The gods of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, are bowed down and lowered to the ground. They haul away on ox carts their wobbling idols. They both stoop and bow down, and they are powerless to rescue their own images. There they go—carried off into captivity! “Listen to me, O Jacob’s tribes, all the remnant of Israel. You never had to carry me, but I have carried you from birth. I supported you from the moment you left the womb. Even as you grow old and your hair turns gray, I’ll keep carrying you! I am your Maker and your Caregiver. I will carry you and be your Savior. To whom can you compare me, the incomparable God? Have you found someone else like me? The wealthy pour out their gold, weigh out their silver in the scales, and hire a goldsmith who crafts it into a ‘god.’ Then they bow down before it to worship it. They lift it up to their shoulders and have to carry it. They set it on a stand, and there it sits, unable to move from its place. When someone cries out to it, it never answers nor saves anyone from trouble. Keep this in mind and don’t forget it! Take this to heart, you rebels! Remember the miracles of long ago. Acknowledge that I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. I declare from the beginning how it will end and foretell from the start what has not yet happened. I decree that my purpose will stand, and I will fulfill my every plan. I called that eagle Cyrus, swooping in from the east; from a distant land he came, the man of my purpose. I have spoken, and yes, I will bring it to pass. I have formed my plan, and yes, I will do it. “Listen to me, you stubborn ones who are far from righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness closer to you; it is not far off. My deliverance will not be delayed, for I will set my salvation in Zion for Israel my glory!”