6. The Lord is Israel’s king and defender.He is the Lord of Armies.This is what the Lord says:I am the first and the last,and there is no God except me.
7. If there is anyone like me, let him say so.Let him tell me what happenedwhen I established my people long ago.Then let him predict what will happen to them.
8. Don’t be terrified or afraid.Didn’t I make this known to you long ago?You are my witnesses.Is there any God except me?There is no ⌊other⌋ rock; I know of none.
9. All who make idols are nothing. Their precious treasures are worthless. Their own witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame.
10. Nothing comes from making gods or casting metal idols.
11. Everyone associated with the gods will be put to shame. The craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all get together and take their stand. They will be frightened and ashamed together.
12. Blacksmiths shape iron into tools. They work them over the coals and shape them with hammers, working them with their strong arms. They get hungry, and their strength fails. If they don’t drink water, they will faint.
13. Carpenters measure blocks of wood with ⌊chalk⌋ lines. They mark them with pens. They carve them with chisels and mark them with compasses. They carve them into forms of people, beautiful people, so the idols can live in shrines.