1 Thus says the Lord, "Where is the acertificate of divorce By which I have bsent your mother away? Or to whom of My creditors did I csell you? Behold, you were sold for your diniquities, And for your etransgressions your mother fwas sent away. 2 "Why was there ano man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My bhand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, I cdry up the sea with My rebuke, I dmake the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink for lack of water And die of thirst. 3 "I aclothe the heavens with blackness And make sackcloth their covering." 4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of adisciples, That I may know how to bsustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me cmorning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 5 The Lord GOD has aopened My ear; And I was bnot disobedient Nor did I turn back. 6 I agave 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. 7 For the Lord GOD ahelps Me, Therefore, I am bnot disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like cflint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He who avindicates Me is near; Who will contend with Me? Let us bstand up to each other; Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me. 9 Behold, athe Lord GOD helps Me; bWho is he who condemns Me? Behold, cthey will all wear out like a garment; The moth will eat them. 10 Who is among you that fears the Lord, That obeys the voice of His aservant, That bwalks in darkness and has no light? Let him ctrust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. 11 Behold, all you who akindle 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 blie down in torment.