Study Desk

This is what the Lord says: "Where is your mother's certificate of divorce^(a) with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell^(b) you? Because of your sins^(c) you were sold;^(d) because of your transgressions your mother was sent away.

When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer?^(e) Was my arm too short^(f) to deliver you? Do I lack the strength^(g) to rescue you? By a mere rebuke^(h) I dry up the sea,⁽ⁱ⁾ I turn rivers into a desert;^(j) their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst.

I clothe the heavens with darkness^(k) and make sackcloth^(l) its covering."

The Sovereign Lord ^(m) has given me a well-instructed tongue,⁽ⁿ⁾ to know the word that sustains the weary.^(o) He wakens me morning by morning,^(p) wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.^(q)

The Sovereign Lord ^(r) has opened my ears;^(s) I have not been rebellious,^(t) I have not turned away.

I offered my back to those who beat^(u) me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;^(v) I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.^(w)

Because the Sovereign Lord ^(x) helps^(y) me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint,^(z) and I know I will not be put to shame.^(aa)

He who vindicates^(ab) me is near.^(ac) Who then will bring charges against me?^(ad) Let us face each other!^(ae) Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!

It is the Sovereign Lord ^(af) who helps^(ag) me. Who will condemn^(ah) me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths^(ai) will eat them up.

Who among you fears^(aj) the Lord and obeys^(ak) the word of his servant?^(al) Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light,^(am) trust^(an) in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.

But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches,^(ao) go, walk in the light of your fires^(ap) and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand:^(aq) You will lie down in torment.^(ar)