1Thus says the LORD: Where is this document of divorce of your mother that I sent away, or which of my creditors is the one to whom I sold you? Look! It was for your iniquities that you were sold, and for your transgressions that your mother was sent away.2Why did I come when there was no one? I called when there was no one answering. Is my hand too short for redemption, or do I lack the strength to rescue? Look! At my rebuke I dry up the sea and turn rivers into a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water, and they die of thirst.3I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth their covering.4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of disciples to know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he awakens my ear to hear as disciples do.5The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I have not been rebellious; I have not turned back.6I gave my back to those who strike and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I did not hide my face from disgrace and spitting.7The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been humiliated. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.8He who justifies me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is the master of my cause? Let him come near to me.9Look! The Lord GOD helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? Look! They will all wear out like a garment; a moth will eat them.10Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.11Look! All of you who kindle a fire and who arm yourselves with burning arrows, walk in the flame of your fire and among the arrows you have kindled. This has become your lot from my hand: you will lie down in torment.