1 Thus says Yahweh, "Where is the bill of your mother's divorce,
with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to
whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were you sold,
and for your transgressions was your mother put away. 2 Why,
when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to
answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or
have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the
sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because
there is no water, and die for thirst. 3 I clothe the
heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering."

4 The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he
wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who
are taught. 5 The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was
not rebellious, neither turned away backward. 6 I gave my
back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the
hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. 7 For
the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been
confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know
that I shall not be disappointed. 8 He is near who justifies
me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together:
who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the
Lord Yahweh will help me; who is he who shall condemn me? Behold,
all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.
10 Who is among you who fears Yahweh, who obeys the voice of
his servant? He who 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 about with
torches; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands
that you have kindled. You shall have this of my hand; you shall
lie down in sorrow.