_Israel's Self-rejection; and the
Steadfastness of the Servant of Jehovah._
1. Thus saith Jehovah, Where is your mother's bill of divorce, with
which I put her away? Or where is one of My creditors, to whom I sold
you? Behold,[1] for your iniquities are ye sold, and for your
transgressions is your mother put away.
2. Why did I come, and there was no one there? Why did I call, and
there was no one who answered? Is My hand too short to redeem? Or is
there no strength in Me to deliver? Behold, through My threatening I
dry up the sea; turn streams into a plain: their fish rot because
there is no water, and die for thirst. 3. I clothe the heavens in
mourning, and make sackcloth their covering.
4. The Lord Jehovah hath given Me a disciple's tongue, that I may
know how to set up the wearied with words: He wakeneth every morning;
wakeneth Mine ear to attend in a disciple's manner. 5. The Lord
Jehovah hath opened Mine ear; and I, I was not rebellious, and did
not turn back. 6. I offered My back to smiters, and My cheeks to them
that pluck off the hair; I hid not My face from shame and spitting.
7. But the Lord Jehovah will help Me; therefore have I not suffered
Myself to be overcome by mockery: therefore did I make My face like
the flint, and knew that I should not be put to shame. 8. He is near
that justifieth Me; who will contend with Me? We will draw near
together! Let him draw near to Me! 9. Behold, the Lord Jehovah will
help Me; who is he that could condemn Me? Behold, they shall all fall
to pieces like a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
10. Who among you is fearing Jehovah, hearkening to the voice of His
servant? He that walketh in darkness, and without a ray of light, let
him trust in the name of Jehovah, and stay himself upon his God.
11. Behold,[2] all ye that kindle fire, that equip yourself with
burning darts: away into the glow of your own fire, and into the
burning darts that ye have kindled! This comes to you from My hand;
ye shall lie down in sorrow.