Isaiah 50

The Servant Who Listens

1Thus says the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Look, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away. 2Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Look, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst. 3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering. 4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, so that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning the Lord GOD awakens;
awakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.

5The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious;
I did not turn backward. 6I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair;
I did not hide my face from shame and spitting. 7For the Lord GOD will help me;
therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I will not be disappointed. 8He is near who justifies me;
who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

9Look, the Lord GOD will help me;
who is the one who will condemn me? Look, all they will wax old as a garment, the moth will eat them up. 10Who is among you who fears the LORD, who obeys the voice of his servant? the one who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God. 11Look, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with firebrands;
walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. This will you have of my hand;
you will lie down in sorrow.