[45:20] The Lord says, “Come together, people of the nations, all who survive the fall of the empire; present yourselves for the trial! The people who parade with their idols of wood and pray to gods that cannot save them— those people know nothing at all!
[45:21] Come and present your case in court; let the defendants consult one another. Who predicted long ago what would happen? Was it not I, the Lord, the God who saves his people? There is no other god.
[45:22] “Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is.
[45:23] My promise is true, and it will not be changed. I solemnly promise by all that I am: Everyone will come and kneel before me and vow to be loyal to me.
[45:24] “They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace.
[45:25] I, the Lord, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob, and they will give me praise.
[46:1] “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.
[46:2] The idols cannot save themselves; they are captured and carried away. This is the end for Babylon's gods!
[46:3] “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all who are left of my people. I have cared for you from the time you were born.
[46:4] 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.
[46:5] “To whom will you compare me?” says the Lord. “Is there anyone else like me?
[46:6] 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.
[46:7] 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.
[46:8] “Remember this, you sinners; consider what I have done.
[46:9] Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me.
[46:10] 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.
[46:11] 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.
[46:12] “Listen to me, you stubborn people who think that victory is far away.
[46:13] 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.”