Israel’s Sin

¹ This is what the LORD says:

“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce

with which I sent her away?

Or to which of My creditors

did I sell you?^*

Look, you were sold^* for your iniquities,

and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

² Why was no one there when I arrived?

Why did no one answer when I called?

Is My hand too short to redeem you?

Or do I lack the strength to deliver you?

Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea;

I turn the rivers into a desert;

the fish rot for lack of water

and die of thirst.

³ I clothe the heavens in black

and make sackcloth their covering.”

The Servant’s Obedience

⁴ The Lord GOD has given Me

the tongue of discipleship,

to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning;

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

⁵ The Lord GOD has opened My ears,

and I have not been rebellious,

nor have I turned back.

⁶ I offered My back to those who struck Me,

and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard.

I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

⁷ Because the Lord GOD helps Me,

I have not been disgraced;^*

therefore I have set My face like flint,

and I know that I will not be put to shame.

⁸ The One who vindicates Me is near.

Who will dare to contend with Me?

Let us confront each other!

Who has a case against Me?

Let him approach Me!

⁹ Surely the Lord GOD helps Me.

Who is there to condemn Me?

See, they will all wear out^* like a garment;

the moths will devour them.

¹⁰ Who among you fears the LORD

and obeys the voice of His Servant?

Who among you walks^* in darkness^*

and has no light^*?

Let him trust in the name of the LORD;

let him lean on his God.

¹¹ Behold, all you who kindle a fire,

who array yourselves^* with firebrands,

walk in the light of your fire

and of the firebrands you have lit!

This is what you will receive from My hand:

You will lie down in a place of torment.