Where are your mother’s divorce papers?

Did I give her any to get rid of her?

To which of my creditors did I sell you?

You were sold because of your sins.

I got rid of your mother because of your rebellion.

2 Why was no one here when I came?

Why was no one here to answer when I called?

Am I too weak to reclaim you?

Don’t I have the power to rescue you?

I dry up the sea with my command,

and I turn rivers into deserts.

Their fish stink because there is no water,

and people die of thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens in darkness

and cover them with sackcloth.

4 The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say,

so I will know how to encourage weary people.

Morning after morning he will wake me

to listen like a student.

5 The Almighty Lord will open my ears.

I will not rebel, nor will I turn away ⌞from him⌟.

6 I will offer my back to those who whip me

and my cheeks to those who pluck hairs out of my beard.

I will not turn my face away from those who humiliate me

and spit on me.

7 The Almighty Lord helps me.

That is why I will not be ashamed.

I have set my face like a flint.

I know that I will not be put to shame.

8 The one who pronounces me innocent is near.

Who will bring a case against me?

Let us confront each other!

Who accuses me?

Let him confront me!

9 The Almighty Lord helps me.

Who will find me guilty?

They will all wear out like a garment.

Moths will eat them.

10 Who among you fears the Lord

and obeys his servant?

Let those who walk in darkness and have no light

trust the name of the Lord

and depend upon their God.

11 But all of you light fires

and arm yourselves with flaming torches.

So walk in your own light

and among the torches you have lit.

This is what you will receive from me:

You will be tormented.