Israel’s Sin
1 This is what the Lord says:
“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce,
with which I sent her away?
Or to which of my creditors have I sold you?
You were sold because of your sins,
and your mother was sent away
because of your transgressions.
2 Why, when I came, was there no one?
When I called, why was there no one to answer?
Is my arm too short, that it cannot rescue you?
Do I not have the power to deliver?
At my rebuke I dry up the sea.
I make the rivers a wilderness.
Their fish stink because there is no water,
and they die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with blackness.
I make sackcloth their covering.”
The Servant’s Obedience
4 The Lord God has given me the words of the educated,
that I may know how to encourage the weary with words.
He awakens me morning by morning.
He awakens my ear to hear as one who is taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear.
I was not rebellious.
I have not turned back.
6 I gave my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair.
I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.
7 Because the Lord God helps me,
I have not been disgraced.
Therefore I have set my face like hard stone,
and I know that I will not be put to shame.
8 He who justifies me is close by.
Who will bring charges against me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
9 The Lord God will help me!
Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like an old garment,
and moths will devour them.
10 Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the instruction of his servant?
He who walks in darkness
and has no light,
let him trust in the name of the Lord,
and rely on his God.
11 All you who light your own fire,
who surround yourselves with your own torches,
walk in the flame of your own fire,
and among the torches that you have lit!
This is what you will receive from my hand:
You will lie down in torment.