New Century Version NCV
Good News Translation GNT
1 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.
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"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 These gods will all bow down. They cannot save themselves but will all be carried away like prisoners.
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The idols cannot save themselves; they are captured and carried away. This is the end for Babylon's gods!
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.
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"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 Even 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.
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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 "Can you compare me to anyone? No one is equal to me or like me.
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"To whom will you compare me?" says the Lord. "Is there anyone else like me?
6 Some 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.
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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 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.
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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, and do not forget it! Think about these things, you who turn against God.
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"Remember this, you sinners; consider what I have done.
9 Remember what happened long ago. Remember that I am God, and there is no other God. I am God, and there is no one like me.
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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 told you what would happen in the end. A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened. When I plan something, it happens. What I want to do, I will do.
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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 from the east to carry out my plan; he will come like a hawk from a country far away. I will make what I have said come true; I will do what I have planned.
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I am calling a man to come from the east; 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 are far from what is right.
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"Listen to me, you stubborn people who think that victory is far away.
13 I will soon do the things that are right. I will bring salvation soon. and bring glory to Israel."
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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."
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.