Isaiah

Israel’s Sin

1This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorcewith which I sent her away?Or to which of My creditorsdid I sell you?Look, you were sold for your iniquities,and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

2Why was no one there when I arrived?Why did no one answer when I called?Is My hand too short to redeem you?Or do I lack the strength to deliver you?Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea;I turn the rivers into a desert;the fish rot for lack of waterand die of thirst.

3I clothe the heavens in blackand make sackcloth their covering.”

The Servant’s Obedience

4The Lord GOD has given Methe tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word.He awakens Me morning by morning;He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

5The Lord GOD has opened My ears,and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.

6I offered My back to those who struck Me,and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

7Because the Lord GOD helps Me,I have not been disgraced;therefore I have set My face like flint,and I know that I will not be put to shame.

8The One who vindicates Me is near.Who will dare to contend with Me? Let us confront each other!Who has a case against Me?Let him approach Me!

9Surely the Lord GOD helps Me.Who is there to condemn Me?See, they will all wear out like a garment;the moths will devour them.

10Who among you fears the LORDand obeys the voice of His Servant?Who among you walks in darknessand has no light?Let him trust in the name of the LORD;let him lean on his God.

11Behold, all you who kindle a fire,who array yourselves with firebrands,walk in the light of your fireand of the firebrands you have lit!This is what you will receive from My hand:You will lie down in a place of torment.

1The LORD says, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorce, with which I have put her away?Or to which of my creditors have I sold you?Behold, you were sold for your iniquities,and your mother was put away for your transgressions.

2Why, when I came, was there no one?When I called, why was there no one to answer?Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t redeem?Or have I no power to deliver?Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea.I make the rivers a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water, and die of thirst.

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

4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught,that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary.He awakens morning by morning,he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

5The Lord GOD has opened my ear.I was not rebellious. I have not turned back.

6I gave my back to those who beat me,and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair. I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting.

7For the Lord GOD will help me.Therefore I have not been confounded.Therefore I have set my face like a flint,and I know that I won’t be disappointed.

8He who justifies me is near.Who will bring charges against me?Let us stand up together.Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me!Who is he who will condemn me?Behold, they will all grow old like a garment.The moths will eat them up.

10Who among you fears the LORDand obeys the voice of his servant?He who walks in darknessand has no light,let him trust in the LORD’s name,and rely on his God.

11Behold, all you who kindle a fire,who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves,walk in the flame of your fire,and among the torches that you have kindled.You will have this from my hand:you will lie down in sorrow.