1. Thus says the Lord:Where is the bill of divorcewith which I dismissed your mother?Or to which of my creditorshave I sold you?It was for your sins you were sold,for your rebellions your mother was dismissed.
2. Why was no one there when I came?Why did no one answer when I called?Is my hand too short to ransom?Have I not the strength to deliver?See, with my rebuke I dry up the sea,I turn rivers into wilderness;Their fish rot for lack of water,and die of thirst.
3. I clothe the heavens in black,and make sackcloth their covering.
4. The Lord God has given mea well-trained tongue,That I might know how to answer the wearya word that will waken them.Morning after morninghe wakens my ear to hear as disciples do;
5. The Lord God opened my ear;I did not refuse,did not turn away.
6. I gave my back to those who beat me,my cheeks to those who tore out my beard;My face I did not hidefrom insults and spitting.
7. The Lord God is my help,therefore I am not disgraced;Therefore I have set my face like flint,knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
8. He who declares my innocence is near.Who will oppose me?Let us appear together.Who will dispute my right?Let them confront me.