50
1 The
LORD says, “Where
is the bill
of your mother’s
divorce, with
which I have
put her away?
Or to which
of my creditors
have I sold
you?
Behold, you were
sold for your
iniquities,
and your mother
was put away
for your
transgressions.
2 Why,
when I came,
was there no one?
When I called,
why was there no
one 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 of thirst.
3 I
clothe the heavens
with blackness.
I make sackcloth
their covering.”
4 The
Lord GOD has
given me the
tongue of those
who are taught,
that I may
know how to
sustain with words
him who is
weary.
He awakens
morning by morning,
he awakens my
ear to hear
as those who
are taught.
5 The
Lord GOD has
opened my ear.
I was not
rebellious.
I have not
turned back.
6 I
gave my back
to those who beat
me,
and my cheeks
to those who plucked
off the hair.
I didn’t hide my
face from shame
and spitting.
7 For
the Lord GOD
will help me.
Therefore I have
not been
confounded.
Therefore I have
set my face
like a flint,
and I know
that I won’t
be disappointed.
8 He
who justifies me
is near.
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 GOD
will help me!
Who is he
who will condemn
me?
Behold, they will
all grow old like
a garment.
The moths will eat
them up.
10 Who
among you fears
the LORD
and obeys the
voice of his
servant?
He who walks
in darkness
and has no
light,
let him trust
in the LORD’s
name,
and rely on
his God.
11 Behold,
all you who
kindle a fire,
who adorn yourselves
with torches around
yourselves,
walk in the flame
of your fire,
and among the torches
that you have
kindled.
You will have
this from my
hand:
you will lie
down in sorrow.