[1] This is the word of the Lord: Where is the statement which I gave your
mother when I put her away? or to which of my creditors have I given you
for money? It was for your sins that you were given into the hands of
others, and for your evil-doing was your mother put away. [2] Why, then,
when I came, was there no man? and no one to give answer to my voice? has
my hand become feeble, so that it is unable to take up your cause? or have
I no power to make you free? See, at my word the sea becomes dry, I make
the rivers a waste land: their fish are dead for need of water, and make an
evil smell. [3] By me the heavens are clothed with black, and I make
haircloth their robe. [4] The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who
are experienced, so that I may be able to give the word a special sense for
the feeble: every morning my ear is open to his teaching, like those who
are experienced: [5] And I have not put myself against him, or let my heart
be turned back from him. [6] I was offering my back to those who gave me
blows, and my face to those who were pulling out my hair: I did not keep my
face covered from marks of shame. [7] For the Lord God is my helper; I will
not be put to shame: so I have made my face like a rock, and I am certain
that he will give me my right. [8] He who takes up my cause is near; who
will go to law with me? let us come together before the judge: who is
against me? let him come near to me. [9] See, the Lord God is my helper;
who will give a decision against me? truly, all of them will become old
like a robe; they will be food for the worm. [10] Who among you has the
fear of the Lord, giving ear to the voice of his servant who has been
walking in the dark and has no light? Let him put his faith in the name of
the Lord, looking to his God for support. [11] See, all you who make a
fire, arming yourselves with burning branches: go in the flame of your
fire, and among the branches you have put a light to. This will you have
from my hand, you will make your bed in sorrow.
