God Helps His Servant

      1 Thus says the LORD,
          “Where is the certificate of divorce
          By which I have sent your mother away?
          Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you?
          Behold, you were sold for your iniquities,
          And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.

2 “Why was there no man when I came?
          When I called, why was there none to answer?
          Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom?
          Or have I no power to deliver?
          Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke,
          I make the rivers a wilderness;
          Their fish stink for lack of water
          And die of thirst.

3 “I clothe the heavens with blackness
          And make sackcloth their covering.”

4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,
          That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.
          He awakens Me morning by morning,
          He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear;
          And I was not disobedient
          Nor did I turn back.

6 I gave My back to those who strike Me,
          And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
          I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.

7 For the Lord GOD helps Me,
          Therefore, I am not disgraced;
          Therefore, I have set My face like flint,
          And I know that I will not be ashamed.

8 He who vindicates Me is near;
          Who will contend with Me?
          Let us stand up to each other;
          Who has a case against Me?
          Let him draw near to Me.

9 Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me;
          Who is he who condemns Me?
          Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;
          The moth will eat them.

10 Who is among you that fears the LORD,
          That obeys the voice of His servant,
          That walks in darkness and has no light?
          Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire,
          Who encircle yourselves with firebrands,
          Walk in the light of your fire
          And among the brands you have set ablaze.
          This you will have from My hand:
          You will lie down in torment.