The Hebrew Prophets

I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Ya'akov, 'It is in vain that you will seek me.' I, ADONAI, speak rightly; I say what is true.

Assemble, come and gather together, you refugees from the nations! Those carrying their wooden idols are ignorant, they pray to a god that cannot save.

Let them stand and present their case! Indeed, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, announced it in times gone by? Wasn't it I, ADONAI? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides me.

Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God; there is no other.

In the name of myself I have sworn, from my mouth has rightly gone out, a word that will not return - that to me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear

about me that only in ADONAI are justice and strength." All who rage against him will come to him ashamed,

but all the descendants of Isra'el will find justice and glory in ADONAI.

Bel bows down, N'vo stoops low; their idols are borne by animals, beasts of burden. The loads you yourselves were carrying are now burdening tired animals.

They stoop and bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

"Listen to me, house of Ya'akov, all who remain of the house of Isra'el: I have borne you from birth, carried you since the womb.

Till your old age I will be the same - I will carry you until your hair is white. I have made you, and I will bear you; yes, I will carry and save you.

To whom will you liken me and equate me? With whom will you compare me, as if we were similar?"

They squander the gold from their bags and weigh silver on a scale; they hire a goldsmith to make a god, before which they fall down and worship!

It is borne on shoulders and carried, then set in its place; and there it stands. From its place it does not move. If one cries to it, it cannot answer or save anyone from his troubles.

Remember this, and stand firm. Keep it in mind, you rebels.

"Remember things that happened at the beginning, long ago - that I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

At the beginning I announce the end, proclaim in advance things not yet done; and I say that my plan will hold, I will do everything I please to do.

I call a bird of prey from the east, the man I intended, from a distant country. I have spoken and will bring it about; I have made a plan, and I will fulfill it.

Listen to me, you stubborn people, so far from righteousness:

I am bringing my justice nearer, it is not far away; my salvation will not be delayed, I will place my salvation in Tziyon for Isra'el my glory.

"Come down, and sit in the dust, you virgin daughter of Bavel! Sit on the ground, not on a throne, daughter of the Kasdim! No longer are you to be called dainty and delicate.

Take the millstones, and grind meal; take off your veil, strip off your skirt, uncover your legs, wade through the streams.

Your private parts will be exposed; yes, your shame will be seen. I am going to take vengeance, and no one will stand in my way."

Our Redeemer! ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name, the Holy One of Isra'el!

"Sit there speechless, go into darkness, you daughter of the Kasdim! For you will no longer be called the mistress of kingdoms.