1. This is what the Lord says:‘Where is your mother’s certificate of divorcewith which I sent her away?Or to which of my creditorsdid I sell you?Because of your sins you were sold;because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2. When I came, why was there no one?When I called, why was there no one to answer?Was my arm too short to deliver you?Do I lack the strength to rescue you?By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,I turn rivers into a desert;their fish rot for lack of waterand die of thirst.
3. I clothe the heavens with darknessand make sackcloth its covering.’
4. The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,to know the word that sustains the weary.He wakens me morning by morning,wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
5. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;I have not been rebellious,I have not turned away.
6. I offered my back to those who beat me,my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;I did not hide my facefrom mocking and spitting.
7. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,I will not be disgraced.Therefore have I set my face like flint,and I know I will not be put to shame.