The Servant Perseveres

50:4 The sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be his spokesman,9

so that I know how to help the weary.10

He wakes me up every morning;

he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do.11

50:5 The sovereign Lord has spoken to me clearly;12

I have not rebelled,

I have not turned back.

50:6 I offered my back to those who attacked,13

my jaws to those who tore out my beard;

I did not hide my face

from insults and spitting.

50:7 But the sovereign Lord helps me,

so I am not humiliated.

For that reason I am steadfastly resolved;14

I know I will not be put to shame.

50:8 The one who vindicates me is close by.

Who dares to argue with me? Let us confront each other!15

Who is my accuser?16 Let him challenge me!17

50:9 Look, the sovereign Lord helps me.

Who dares to condemn me?

Look, all of them will wear out like clothes;

a moth will eat away at them.

50:10 Who among you fears the Lord?

Who obeys18 his servant?

Whoever walks in deep darkness,19

without light,

should trust in the name of the Lord

and rely on his God.

50:11 Look, all of you who start a fire

and who equip yourselves with20 flaming arrows,21

walk22 in the light23 of the fire you started

and among the flaming arrows you ignited!24

This is what you will receive from me:25

you will lie down in a place of pain.26