Chapter 46

  Bel is bent down, Nebo is falling; their images are on the beasts and on the cattle: the things which you took about have become a weight to the tired beast.  

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  They are bent down, they are falling together: they were not able to keep their images safe, but they themselves have been taken prisoner.  

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  Give ear to me, O family of Jacob, and all the rest of the people of Israel, who have been supported by me from their birth, and have been my care from their earliest days:  

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  Even when you are old I will be the same, and when you are grey-haired I will take care of you: I will still be responsible for what I made; yes, I will take you and keep you safe.  

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  Who in your eyes is my equal? or what comparison will you make with me?  

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  As for those who take gold out of a bag, and put silver in the scales, they give payment to a gold-worker, to make it into a god; they go down on their faces and give it worship.  

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  They put him on their backs, and take him up, and put him in his fixed place, from which he may not be moved; if a man gives a cry for help to him, he is unable to give an answer, or get him out of his trouble.  

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  Keep this in mind and be shamed; let it come back to your memory, you sinners.  

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  Let the things which are past come to your memory: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me;  

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  Making clear from the first what is to come, and from past times the things which have not so far come about; saying, My purpose is fixed, and I will do all my pleasure;  

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  Sending for a bird of strong flight from the east, the man of my purpose from a far country; I have said it, and I will give effect to it; the thing designed by me will certainly be done.  

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  Give ear to me, you feeble-hearted, who have no faith in my righteousness:  

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  My righteousness is near, it is not far off; salvation will come quickly; and I will make Zion free, and give Israel my glory.  

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