The Book of the Prophet Isaiah 50 The Lord's Servant Outraged and Rescued

 The Book of the Prophet Isaiah 50

The Lord's Servant Outraged and Rescued

1 Thus says the Lord: Where is the certificate of divorce of your mother, by which I put her away? Or who is my creditor, to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you have sold yourselves, and for your transgressions your mother was put away.

2 Why did I come, and no one appeared? I called, and no one answered? Is my hand so shortened that it cannot redeem? Or is there no more strength in me to deliver? Behold, with my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert, until their fish stink, because they have no water and die of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I will put sackcloth over them.

4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He awakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

5 The Lord God hath opened mine ears, and I was not rebellious: I did not turn back.

6 I gave my back to them that smitten me, and my cheeks to them that plucked out my beard: I hid not my face from them that reproached and spat upon me.

7 For the Lord God helpeth me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face as a flint; and I know that I shall not be confounded.

8 He that vindicateth me is nigh: who shall contend with me? Let us stand up together: who is mine adversary? let him come near unto me.

9 Behold, the Lord God helpeth me: who is he that shall condemn me? Behold, they shall all wear out as a garment; the moth shall eat them up. 

10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? When walking in darkness and having no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire and encircle yourselves with sparks: walk in the flames of your fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled: this comes from my hand, and you shall lie down in torment.