1
Thus says Yahweh,
“Where is the certificate of divorce
By which I have sent your mother away?
Or to which of My creditors did I sell you?
Behold, you were sold for your iniquities,
And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2
“Why was there no man when I came?
When I called, why was there none to answer?
Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom?
Or have I no power to deliver?
Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke;
I make the rivers a wilderness;
Their fish stink for lack of water
And die of thirst.
3
“I clothe the heavens with blackness
And make sackcloth their covering.”
4
Lord Yahweh has given Me the tongue of disciples,
That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
He awakens Me morning by morning;
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
5
Lord Yahweh has opened My ear;
And I did not rebel
Nor did I turn back.
6
I gave My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not hide My face from dishonor and spitting.
7
Even now Lord Yahweh helps Me,
Therefore, I am not dishonored;
Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
8
He who vindicates Me is near;
Who will contend with Me?
Let us stand up to each other;
Who has a judgment against Me?
Let him approach Me.
9
Behold, Lord Yahweh helps Me;
Who is he who condemns Me?
Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
The moth will eat them.
10
Who is among you that fears Yahweh,
That listens to the voice of His Servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of Yahweh and rely on his God.
11
Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
Who gird yourselves with firebrands,
Walk in the light of your fire
And among the brands you have set ablaze.
This you will have from My hand:
You will lie down in torment.