Isaiah, Chapter 50

1. Thus said the LORD: Where is the bill of divorce Of your mother whom I dismissed? And which of My creditors was it To whom I sold you off? You were only sold off for your sins, And your mother dismissed for your crimes.    2. Why, when I came, was no one there, Why, when I called, would none respond? Is my arm, then, too short to rescue, Have I not the power to save? With a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, And turn rivers into desert. Their fish stink from lack of water; They lie dead of thirst.    3. I clothe the skies in blackness And make their raiment sackcloth.    4. The Lord GOD gave me a skilled tongue, To know how to speak timely words to the weary. Morning by morning, He rouses, He rouses my ear To give heed like disciples.    5. The Lord GOD opened my ears, And I did not disobey, I did not run away.    6. I offered my back to the floggers, And my cheeks to those who tore out my hair. I did not hide my face From insult and spittle.    7. But the Lord GOD will help me -- Therefore I feel no disgrace; Therefore I have set my face like flint, And I know I shall not be shamed.    8. My Vindicator is at hand -- Who dares contend with me? Let us stand up together! Who would be my opponent? Let him approach me!    9. Lo, the Lord GOD will help me -- Who can get a verdict against me? They shall all wear out like a garment, The moth shall consume them.    10. Who among you reveres the LORD And heeds the voice of His servant? -- Though he walk in darkness And have no light, Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.    11. But you are all kindlers of fire, Girding on firebrands. Walk by the blaze of your fire, By the brands that you have lit! This has come to you from My hand: You shall lie down in pain.