[1] This is what the LORD says: Where is your mother's divorce certificate that I used to send her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, 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? Or do I have no power to rescue? Look, I dry up the sea by my rebuke; 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 covering. [4] The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are instructed 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. [5] The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back. [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. [7] The Lord GOD will help me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. [8] The one who vindicates me is near; who will contend with me? Let us confront each other. Who has a case against me? Let him come near me! [9] In truth, the Lord GOD will help me; who will condemn me? Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment; a moth will devour them. [10] Who among you fears the LORD and listens to his servant? 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 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.
