Isaiah 46:1

To make *idols in the beginning is hard work (see Isaiah 44:12). To have enemies who force you to carry your *idols to foreign countries, is also hard work. No *idol of a god can move by itself. Neither can it help. It has no life.

• The *Babylonians had to make images of their own gods. And then the *Babylonians had to carry the *idols. The gods could not carry the *Babylonians.

• For Isaiah’s opinion about people who are foolish enough to trust in *idols, see Isaiah 44:9-20.

God will look after his people

v3 ‘Listen to me, you people from Jacob’s family, you people from Israel who are alive today. I, the *Lord, have carried you from before you were born. And I have supported you since your birth as a nation. v4 I will be the one who carries you. Even when you grow old and your hair is white. I created you and I will support you. I will carry you and I will rescue you.’