1-2. The god Bel falls down, god Nebo slumps.The no-god hunks of wood are loaded on mulesAnd have to be hauled off,wearing out the poor mules—Dead weight, burdens who can’t bear burdens,hauled off to captivity.
12-13. “Now listen to me:You’re a hardheaded bunch and hard to help.I’m ready to help you right now.Deliverance is not a long-range plan.Salvation isn’t on hold.I’m putting salvation to work in Zion now,and glory in Israel.”