1 So says the LORD, Where [is] your mother's bill of divorce, whom I have put away? Or to which of My creditors have I sold you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and your mother is put away for your sins.

2 Who knows why I have come, and no one [is here]? I called and no one answered. Is My hand shortened at all so that it cannot 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 Jehovah has given Me the tongue of the learned, to know to help the weary [with] a word. He wakens morning by morning, He wakens the ear to hear as the learned.

5 The Lord Jehovah has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious, nor turned away backwards.

6 I gave My back to the strikers, and My cheeks to pluckers; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

7 For the Lord Jehovah will help Me; therefore I have not been ashamed. On account of this I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

8 [He is] near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together; who [is] master of My judgment? Let him come near Me.

9 Behold, the Lord Jehovah will help Me; who [is] he [who] shall condemn Me? Lo, they all shall wear out like a garment; the moth shall eat them.

10 Who among you fears the LORD, who obeys the voice of His servant, who walks [in] darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rest on his God.

11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who are surrounded [with] sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks which you have kindled. This you shall have of My hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.