1Yahweh asks, 'Where is the divorce paper for your mother, which I used to send her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold because of your sins, and your mother was sent away because of your wrongdoings.'
2Why was there no one when I came? When I called, why did no one answer? Is my power too short to rescue you? Or do I have no strength to save you? Look, when I scold, I dry up the sea. I turn rivers into a desert. Their fish rot because there is no water, and they die of thirst.
3I cover the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth their covering.
4The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, so that I know how to encourage the weary with words. He wakes me up every morning; he wakes my ear to listen like those who are taught.
5The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not disobedient. I did not turn away.
6I offered my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I will not be put to shame. Therefore I have set my face like a hard stone, and I know that I will not be disappointed.
8He who proves me right is near. Who would dare accuse me? Let us stand up together. Who is my enemy? Let him come near to me.
9Look, the Lord Yahweh will help me! Who can condemn me? Look, they will all wear out like a piece of clothing; moths will eat them up.
10Who among you fears Yahweh and obeys the voice of his servant? If someone walks in darkness and has no light, let him trust in Yahweh's name and rely on his God.
11Look, all of you who light a fire, who surround yourselves with burning torches: walk in the flame of your fire and among the torches you have lit. You will receive this from me: you will lie down in sorrow.