translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ISA

label: NET study note

text: Bel was the name of a Babylonian god. The name was originally associated with Enlil, but later was applied to Marduk. See HALOT 132 s.v. בֵּל .


text: Nebo is a variation of the name of the Babylonian god Nabu.


text: The downfall of Babylon is depicted here. The idols are carried off by the victorious enemy; the gods are likened to defeated captives who cower before the enemy and are taken into exile.


text: Unlike the weary idol gods, whose images must be carried by animals, the Lord carries his weary people.