Israel’s Sin

1This is what the LORD {YHWH} says:

“Where is your⁺ mother’s certificate of divorce

with which I sent her away?

Or to which of My creditors

did I sell you⁺?

Look, you⁺ were sold for your⁺ iniquities,

and for your⁺ transgressions your⁺ mother was sent away.

2Why was no one there when I arrived?

Why did no one answer when I called?

Is My hand too short to redeem you?

Or do I lack the strength to deliver you?

Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea;

I turn the rivers into a desert;

the fish rot for lack of water

and die of thirst.

3I clothe the heavens in black

and make sackcloth their covering.”

The Servant’s Obedience
(Matthew 27:27–31; Mark 15:16–20; Luke 22:63–65; John 19:1–15)

4The Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} has given Me

the tongue of discipleship,

to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning;

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

5The Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} has opened My ears,

and I have not been rebellious,

nor have I turned back.

6I offered My back to those who struck Me,

and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard.

I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.

7Because the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} helps Me,

I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set My face like flint,

and I know that I will not be put to shame.

8The One who vindicates Me is near.

Who will dare to contend with Me?

Let us confront each other!

Who has a case against Me?

Let him approach Me!

9Surely the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} helps Me.

Who is there to condemn Me?

See, they will all wear out like a garment;

the moths will devour them.

10Who among you⁺ fears the LORD {YHWH}

and obeys the voice of His Servant?

Who among you walks in darkness

and has no light?

Let him trust in the name of the LORD;

let him lean on his God {Elohim}.

11Behold, all you⁺ who kindle a fire,

who array yourselves with firebrands,

walk in the light of your⁺ fire

and of the firebrands you⁺ have lit!

This is what you⁺ will receive from My hand:

You⁺ will lie down in a place of torment.