1 T he Lord says, “Where is the writing of your mother’s divorce, by which I have sent her away? To whom of those who owed Me money did I sell you? See, you were sold for your sins. For your wrong-doing your mother was sent away.

2 W hy was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot pay for your life? Have I no power to take you out of trouble? See, I dry up the sea with My sharp words. I make the rivers a desert. Their fish smell bad because they do not have enough water, and die of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with darkness. I make cloth made from hair its covering.”

4 T he Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who follow Him, that I may know how to give strength when I speak to one who is tired. He wakes Me up morning by morning. He wakes up My ear to listen as a follower.

5 T he Lord God has opened My ear, and I obeyed Him. I did not turn back.

6 I gave My back to those who hit Me, and My face to those who pull out the hair on my face. I did not cover My face from shame and spit.

7 F or the Lord God helps Me, so I am not put to shame. I have set My face like hard stone, and know that I will not be ashamed.

8 H e Who shows I am right is near. Who will fight with Me? Let us stand up to each other. Who has something against Me? Let him come near to Me.

9 S ee, the Lord God helps Me. Who will say that I am guilty? See, they will all wear out like a piece of clothing. The moth will eat them.

10 W ho among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of His Servant, yet walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and have faith in his God.

11 S ee, all you who start a fire and put fire all around you! Walk in the light of your fire and among the pieces of wood you have started to burn. You will receive this from My hand: You will lie down in much suffering.