46 “This is the end for Babylon's gods!
    Bel and Nebo once were worshiped,
    but now they are loaded on donkeys,
    a burden for the backs of tired animals.
²     The idols cannot save themselves;
    they are captured and carried away.
This is the end for Babylon's gods!

³ “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
    all who are left of my people.
I have cared for you from the time you were born.
⁴ I am your God and will take care of you
    until you are old and your hair is gray.
I made you and will care for you;
    I will give you help and rescue you.

⁵ “To whom will you compare me?” says the Lord.
    “Is there anyone else like me?
⁶ People open their purses and pour out gold;
    they weigh out silver on the scales.
They hire a goldsmith to make a god;
    then they bow down and worship it.
⁷ They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
    they put it in place, and there it stands,
    unable to move from where it is.
If any pray to it, it cannot answer
    or save them from disaster.

⁸ “Remember this, you sinners;
    consider what I have done.
⁹ Remember what happened long ago;
    acknowledge that I alone am God
    and that there is no one else like me.
¹⁰ From the beginning I predicted the outcome;
    long ago I foretold what would happen.
I said that my plans would never fail,
    that I would do everything I intended to do.
¹¹ I am calling a man to come from the east;^[a]
    he will swoop down like a hawk
    and accomplish what I have planned.
I have spoken, and it will be done.

¹² “Listen to me, you stubborn people
    who think that victory is far away.
¹³ I am bringing the day of victory near—
    it is not far away at all.
My triumph will not be delayed.
    I will save Jerusalem
    and bring honor to Israel there.”