Isaiah 46:1-7

New Century Version

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 gods will all bow down.
    They cannot save themselves
    but 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 be the same.
    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 save you.

⁵“Can you compare me to anyone?
    No one is equal to me or like me.
⁶Some people are rich with gold
    and 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 them from their troubles.