1 ^aBEL [one of the false Gods of the Caaninites] boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, [In essence he is saying let's contrast what God has done for you in contrast to what you idols have done for you. ] their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

2 They stoop, they bow down together, they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. [These idols just way you down - they are heavy to maintain especially whe they provide nothing of substance or value to you.]

3 ¶ Hearken [ Hebrew "Shema" is translated here as hearken which means to "listen" and "obey". ] unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. [The ultimate contrast between the messiah and idols - they have done nothing and will do nothing , but I on the other hand have made, will bear, will carry and will deliver you.]

5 ¶ To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? [ Go ahead tell me which of your Gods are equalt to me and what I have done for you. Which of your idols do you want to compare to me? ]

6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

8 Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, [ refers to Cyrus of Persia and his rapid conquest of the area, according to the footnote. He delivers Israel and provides protection for them.] the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

12 ¶ Hearken [ Hebrew "Shema" is translated here as hearken which means to "listen" and "obey". ] unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:

13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.