Isaiah 50

The Servant Who Listens

1This is what the LORD says:
“Where is your mother’s divorce document
by which I sent her away?
Or to which of my creditors did I sell you?
Look, you were sold because of your own offenses;
your mother was sent away because of your rebellions. 2Why, when I came, was no one there?
Why, when I called, did no one answer?
Is my hand too short to redeem?
Have I no power to rescue?
At my rebuke I dry up the sea
and turn rivers into desert;
their fish stink for lack of water
and die of thirst. 3I clothe the heavens in darkness
and make sackcloth their covering.” 4The Lord GOD has given me a learner’s tongue,
so I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning after morning he awakens me;
he awakens my ear to listen as learners do.

5The Lord GOD opened my ear,
and I did not rebel
or turn back. 6I gave my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from insults and spit. 7But the Lord GOD helps me,
so I have not been disgraced.
So I have set my face like flint,
knowing I will not be put to shame. 8The one who vindicates me is near.
Who will bring a case against me?
Let us stand together.
Who is my accuser?
Let him approach me.

9Look, the Lord GOD helps me.
Who can condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
moths will eat them. 10Who among you fears the LORD
and listens to his servant?
Whoever walks in darkness
and has no light
should trust in the LORD’s name
and lean on his God. 11Look, all you who kindle a fire
and surround yourselves with flaming brands:
walk by the light of your fire
and the brands you have lit!
This is what you receive from my hand:
you will lie down in torment.