Isaiah 46:1-7

International Children’s Bible

False Gods Are Useless

46 Bel and Nebo bow down.
    Their idols are carried by animals.
The statues are only heavy loads that must be carried.
    They only make people tired.
²These false gods will all bow down.
    They cannot save themselves.
    They will all be carried away like prisoners.

³“Family of Jacob, listen to me!
    All you people from Israel who are still alive, listen!
I have carried you since you were born.
    I have taken care of you from your birth.
⁴Even when you are old, I will take care of you.
    Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you.
I made you and will take care of you.
    I will carry you, and I will save you.

⁵“Can you compare me to anyone?
    No one is equal to me or like me.
⁶Some people are rich with gold.
    They weigh their silver on the scales.
They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god.
    Then they bow down and worship it.
⁷They put it on their shoulders and carry it.
    They set it in its place, and there it stands.
    It cannot move from its place.
People may yell at it, but it cannot answer.
    It cannot save people from their troubles.