God Helps His Servant

      1Thus says the LORD,
            “Where is the certificate of divorce
            By which I have sent your mother away?
            Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you?
            Behold, you were sold for your iniquities,
            And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

      2“Why was there no man when I came?
            When I called, why was there none to answer?
            Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom?
            Or have I no power to deliver?
            Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke,
            I make the rivers a wilderness;
            Their fish stink for lack of water
            And die of thirst.

      3“I clothe the heavens with blackness
            And make sackcloth their covering.”

      4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,
            That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
            He awakens Me morning by morning,
            He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

      5The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
            And I was not disobedient
            Nor did I turn back.

      6I gave My back to those who strike Me,
            And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
            I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.

      7For the Lord GOD helps Me,
            Therefore, I am not disgraced;
            Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
            And I know that I will not be ashamed.

      8He who vindicates Me is near;
            Who will contend with Me?
            Let us stand up to each other;
            Who has a case against Me?
            Let him draw near to Me.

      9Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me;
            Who is he who condemns Me?
            Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
            The moth will eat them.

      10Who is among you that fears the LORD,
            That obeys the voice of His servant,
            That walks in darkness and has no light?
            Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

      11Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
            Who encircle yourselves with firebrands,
            Walk in the light of your fire
            And among the brands you have set ablaze.
            This you will have from My hand:
            You will lie down in torment.