[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 put to shame. [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
firebrands; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that
you have kindled. This shall you have of my hand; you shall lie down in
sorrow.
