Study Desk

This is what the Lord says: Where is your mother's divorce certificate that I used to send her away?^(a) Or who were My creditors that I sold you to?^(b) Look, you were sold for your iniquities,^(c) and your mother was put away because of your transgressions.

Why was no one there when I came? Why was there no one to answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem?^(d) Or do I have no power to deliver? Look, I dry up the sea by My rebuke;^(e) I turn the rivers into a wilderness; their fish rot because of lack of water and die of thirst.

I dress the heavens in black and make sackcloth their clothing.^(f)

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed^(g) 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.^(h)

The Lord God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back.⁽ⁱ⁾

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.^(j)

The Lord God will help Me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set My face like flint,^(k) and I know I will not be put to shame.

The One who vindicates Me is near;^(l) who will contend with Me? Let us confront each other.^[a] Who has a case against Me?^[b] Let him come near Me!

In truth, the Lord God will help Me; who will condemn Me?^(m) Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment; a moth will devour them.⁽ⁿ⁾

Who among you fears the Lord , listening to the voice of His Servant?^(o) Who among you walks in darkness, and has no light? Let him trust in the name of Yahweh; let him lean on his God.

Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with^[c] firebrands; walk in the light of your fire and in the firebrands you have lit! This is what you'll get from My hand: you will lie down in a place of torment.