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Chapter 46

The Gods of Babylon

Bel bows down, Nebo[a] stoops,
    their idols set upon beasts and cattle;
They must be borne upon shoulders,
    a load for weary animals.

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Footnotes

  1. 46:1–4 Bel…Nebo: gods of Babylon; their complete helplessness is here contrasted with God’s omnipotence; whereas they must be carried about, the Lord carries Israel as a parent does a child.

Proclaim this among the nations, announce it!
    Announce it, do not hide it, but say:
Babylon is captured, Bel[a] put to shame, Marduk terrified;
    its images are put to shame, its idols shattered.

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Footnotes

  1. 50:2 Bel: originally the title of the god of Nippur in Mesopotamia, later associated with Merodach (Marduk), chief god of Babylon (cf. Is 46:1).

Babylon suddenly falls and is broken:
    wail over her!
Bring balm for her wounds,
    in case she can be healed.(A)

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A second angel followed, saying:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great,(A)
    that made all the nations drink
    the wine of her licentious passion.”[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 14:8 This verse anticipates the lengthy dirge over Babylon (Rome) in Rev 18:1–19:4. The oracle of Is 21:9 to Babylon is applied here.

[a]He cried out in a mighty voice:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.(A)
    She has become a haunt for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
    a cage for every unclean bird,
    [a cage for every unclean] and disgusting [beast].

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Footnotes

  1. 18:2 Many Greek manuscripts and versions omit a cage for every unclean…beast.