THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Isaiah Chapter 50

1 ¶ The LORD asks, Where is your mother’s bill of divorce, with which I divorced her? or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Realize, that you sold yourselves by your iniquities, and your mother was divorced because of your transgressions.

2 When I came, why was no one there? when I called, why didn’t anyone answer? Is my hand in any way shortened, so that it cannot redeem? or do I have no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and cover them with sackcloth.

4 ¶ The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, so that I will know how to say the right thing to the weary: morning after morning he awakens me, he awakens my ear so I will hear like those who receive instruction.

5 The Lord GOD opened my ears, and I did not resist, or turn away.

6 I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair: I did not hide my face from insults and spitting.

7 For the Lord GOD helps me; that is why I have not been ashamed: therefore I have set my face like a flint, and know that I will not be ashamed.

8 He who vindicates me is near; who will contend with me? let us face each other: who is my adversary? let him come near me.

9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who then will condemn me? they will all wear out like a garment; and a moth will eat them up.

10 ¶ Whoever among you fears the LORD, should hear the words of his servant. He who walks in darkness, without a light, should trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God.

11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, and encircle yourselves with firebrands: walk in the light of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. But this is what you will get from my hand; you will lie down in a place of torment.