Israel’s Sin and the Servant’s Obedience

50 This is what the Lord says:

“Where is your mother’s certificate of divorcen

with which I sent her away?

Or to which of my creditors

did I sello you?

Because of your sinsp you were sold;q

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?r

Was my arm too shorts to deliver you?

Do I lack the strengtht to rescue you?

By a mere rebukeu I dry up the sea,v

I turn rivers into a desert;w

their fish rot for lack of water

and die of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with darknessx

and make sackclothy its covering.”

4 The Sovereign Lordz has given me a well-instructed tongue,a

to know the word that sustains the weary.b

He wakens me morning by morning,c

wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.d

5 The Sovereign Lorde has opened my ears;f

I have not been rebellious,g

I have not turned away.

6 I offered my back to those who beath me,

my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;i

I did not hide my face

from mocking and spitting.j

7 Because the Sovereign Lordk helpsl me,

I will not be disgraced.

Therefore have I set my face like flint,m

and I know I will not be put to shame.n

8 He who vindicateso me is near.p

Who then will bring charges against me?q

Let us face each other!r

Who is my accuser?

Let him confront me!

9 It is the Sovereign Lords who helpst me.

Who will condemnu me?

They will all wear out like a garment;

the mothsv will eat them up.

10 Who among you fearsw the Lord

and obeysx the word of his servant?y

Let the one who walks in the dark,

who has no light,z

trusta in the name of the Lord

and rely on their God.

11 But now, all you who light fires

and provide yourselves with flaming torches,b

go, walk in the light of your firesc

and of the torches you have set ablaze.

This is what you shall receive from my hand:d

You will lie down in torment.e