Isaiah 46:1

Bel boweth down. In chs. 40:19, 20; 41:23, 24; 44:9-20; 45:16 Isaiah has pointed out the folly of worshiping idols; here he speaks specifically of the gods of Babylon. Bel, meaning “lord,” was the title applied to Marduk, the patron god of Babylon (Jer. 50:2; 51:44). During the annual New Year festivities Babylonian kings “took the hands of Marduk” and received confirmation of the kingship for the ensuing year. The same practice was followed by the kings of Assyria when they became rulers of Babylon (see Vol. II, p. 61). The name Bel appears in the names Belteshazzar (Dan. 1:7) and Belshazzar (Dan. 5:1).

Nebo. Or, Nabu, the Babylonian god of knowledge and literature. His seat of worship was at Borsippa, near Babylon. He attained a position second only to Marduk, and was regarded as his son. Nabu did homage to his father by making an annual visit to Babylon, during the New Year celebration (see below). In return, Marduk accompanied Nabu part of the way back to Borsippa. The name of Nabu appears in the names Nebuchadnezzar (see on Dan. 1:1) and Nabopolassar.

Upon the beasts. On the journeys aforementioned Bel and Nebo were carried by men or on the backs of animals. In contrast, Israel’s God has carried and delivered His people (v. 3). Whereas Bel and Nebo required the help of their devotees, the true God was the helper of those who worshipped Him.