Isaiah

Their idols are loaded on animals, on beasts of burden,+

Like baggage that burdens the weary animals.

 2 They stoop and bend down together;

They cannot rescue the loads,*

And they themselves* go into captivity.

 3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all you who remain of the house of Israel,+

You whom I have supported from birth and carried from the womb.+

 4 Until you grow old I will be the same;+

Until your hair is gray I will keep bearing you.

 5 To whom will you liken me or make me equal or compare me,+

So that we should resemble each other?+

 6 There are those who lavish gold from their purse;

They weigh out the silver on the scale.

 7 They lift it to their shoulders;+

They carry it and put it in its place, and it just stands there.

They cry out to it, but it does not answer;

It cannot rescue anyone from distress.+

 9 Remember the former* things of long ago,

That I am God,* and there is no other.

10 From the beginning I foretell the outcome,

And from long ago the things that have not yet been done.+

I say, ‘My decision* will stand,+

And I will do whatever I please.’+

11 I am calling a bird of prey from the sunrise,*+

From a distant land the man to carry out my decision.*+

12 Listen to me, you who are stubborn* of heart,

You who are far away from righteousness.

13 I have brought my righteousness near;

It is not far away,

And my salvation will not delay.+