THE OBEDIENT SERVANT

4 The Lord God has given me

the tongue of those who are instructedt

to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens me each morning;

he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.u

5 The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious;

I did not turn back.v

6 I gave my back to those who beat me,

and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard.

I did not hide my face from scorn and spitting.a

7 The Lord God will help me;

therefore I have not been humiliated;

therefore I have set my face like flint,b

and I know I will not be put to shame.

8 The one who vindicates me is near;c

who will contend with me?

Let us confront each other.A

Who has a case against me?B

Let him come near me!

9 In truth, the Lord God will help me;

who will condemn me?d

Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;

a moth will devour them.e

10 Who among you fears the Lord

and listens to his servant?f

Who among you walks in darkness,

and has no light?

Let him trust in the name of the Lord;

let him lean on his God.

11 Look, all you who kindle a fire,

who encircle yourselves withC torches;

walk in the light of your fire

and of the torches you have lit!

This is what you’ll get from my hand:

you will lie down in a place of torment.