1 This is what the LORD says:
Where is your mother’s divorce certificate
that I used to send her away? k
Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? l
Look, you were sold for your iniquities, m
and your mother was sent away
because of your transgressions.
2 Why was no one there when I came?
Why was there no one to answer when I called?
Is my arm too weak to redeem? n
Or do I have no power to rescue?
Look, I dry up the sea by my rebuke; o
I turn the rivers into a wilderness;
their fish rot because of lack of water
and die of thirst.
3 I dress the heavens in black
and make sackcloth their clothing. p
The Obedient Servant
4 The Lord GOD has given me
the tongue of those who are instructed q
to know how to sustain the weary with a word.
He awakens me each morning;
he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed. r
5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious;
I did not turn back. s
6 I gave my back to those who beat me,
and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard.
I did not hide my face from scorn and spitting. t
therefore I have not been humiliated;
therefore I have set my face like flint, u
and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 The one who vindicates me is near; v
who will contend with me?
Let us confront each other. M
Who has a case against me? N
Let him come near me!
9 In truth, the Lord GOD will help me;
who will condemn me? w
Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;
a moth will devour them. x
10 Who among you fears the LORD
and listens to his servant? y
Who among you walks in darkness,
and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD;
let him lean on his God.
11 Look, all you who kindle a fire,
who encircle yourselves with O torches;
walk in the light of your fire
and of the torches you have lit!
This is what you’ll get from my hand:
you will lie down in a place of torment.