1 This is what the LORD says: "Where is the bill of divorce for your mother, with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? See, you were sold because of your iniquities, and your mother was sent away because of your transgressions.
2 Why was there no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my hand too short to ransom, or do I lack the strength to rescue? See, with a rebuke I dry up the sea and turn rivers into a wilderness; their fish rot for want of water and die of thirst.
3 I dress the heavens in darkness and make sackcloth their covering."
4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a disciple, so that I may know how to hold up the weary with a word. Morning after morning he wakes me, he wakes my ear to listen like a disciple.
5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I did not rebel; I did not draw back.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; I did not hide my face from insults and spit.
7 But the Lord GOD helps me, and so I have not been humiliated; so I have made my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 The one who declares me in the right is close by. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up face to face. Who is my accuser? Let him come forward to meet me.
9 See, the Lord GOD helps me; who is it that will declare me guilty? See, they will all fall apart like a garment; the moth will devour them.
10 Who among you fears the LORD and listens to the voice of his servant? Whoever walks in the dark, with no light at all, let him trust in the name of the LORD and lean on his God.
11 See, all you who light a fire and arm yourselves with firebrands: walk in the glow of your own fire and among the firebrands you have kindled! This is what you will get from my hand: you will lie down in torment.