1These are the words of the Lord: Is there anywhere a deed of divorce by which I put your mother away? Which creditor of mine was there to whom I sold you? No; for your own wickedness you were sold and for your misconduct your mother was put away.
2Why did I find no one when I came? Why, when I called, did no one answer? Can my arm not reach out to deliver? Do you think I lacked the power to save? Did I not by my rebuke dry up the sea and turn rivers into desert, the fish in them stinking for lack of water and dying of thirst?
3Did I not clothe the heavens with mourning, and cover them with sackcloth?
4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of one who has been instructed to console the weary with a timely word; he made my hearing sharp every morning, that I might listen like one under instruction.
5The Lord GOD opened my ears and I did not disobey or turn back in defiance.
6I offered my back to the lash, and let my beard be plucked from my chin, I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7But the Lord GOD is my helper; therefore no insult can wound me; I know that I shall not be put to shame, therefore I have set my face like flint.
8One who will clear my name is at my side. Who dare argue against me? Let us confront one another. Who will dispute my cause? Let him come forward.
9The Lord GOD is my helper; who then can declare me guilty? They will all wear out like a garment; the moth will devour them.
10Whoever among you fears the LORD, let him obey his servant's commands. The one who walks in dark places with no light, let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
11But all who kindle a fire and set firebrands alight, walk by the light of your fire and the firebrands you have set ablaze. This is your fate at my hands: you shall lie down in torment.