Isaiah 50

1Thus says the LORD: Where is your mother's certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I sold you? Look, you were sold because of your iniquities, and your mother was sent away because of your transgressions.

2Why, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there no one to answer? Is my hand really too short to redeem, or is there no power in me to deliver? Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea; I make rivers a wilderness; their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst.

3I clothe the heavens with darkness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.

5The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back.

6I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I did not hide my face from disgrace and spitting.

7But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.

8Near is the one who vindicates me; who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is the master of my case? Let him come near to me.

9Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who is he who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; a moth will eat them.

10Who among you fears Yahweh, listening to the voice of his servant? Let the one who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of Yahweh and lean on his God.

11Look, all of you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves with burning arrows: walk in the light of your fire and among the arrows you have set ablaze. This has come to you from my hand: you will lie down in torment.