The fall of Babylon is first portrayed by the carrying off of her gods (46:1–13). The exile of Babylon’s gods is symbolic of God’s intervention on behalf of Israel. The inability of Babylon’s gods to save her stands in stark contrast to the power of Yahweh. Therefore, the prophet concludes by calling on Israel to listen and respond to God because his salvation is near.

As their gods are being carried off, the people of Babylon make every effort to save them, but to no avail. Bel is the title given to Marduk, god of the capital city of Babylon. His title is related to the Hebrew word baal (“Lord,” “Master”). The god of the city of Borsippa was Nebo, Marduk’s son, to whom belonged wisdom and learning. The political power represented by Bel and the wisdom represented by Nebo will be unable …