1Thus says the LORD: “Where is your mother's divorce certificate, by which I have put her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? By your own transgressions have you sold yourselves, and for them your mother is put away. 2When I came, why was there no one there? When I called, why was there no answer? Was it because you think I am unable to redeem you? Or have I no power to rescue? Behold, at My mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn the rivers into a desert; its fish die and stink for lack of water. 3I clothe the heavens with darkness, and I make sackcloth their covering.”

4“The sovereign LORD God has given Me (Christ) a well learned tongue, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary; He awakens Me morning by morning; He wakes My ear and opens My understanding to His will. 5The LORD God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious, nor have I turned away. 6I gave My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to them that plucked off My beard; I did not hide My face from mocking and spitting. 7For the LORD God helps Me; I shall not be confounded; therefore, have I set My face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. 8He Who justifies is near Me. Who will accuse Me? Who is My adversary? Let him confront Me. 9Behold, It is the sovereign LORD God Who helps Me. Who will condemn Me? Lo, they all wear out like an old garment; the moth shall eat them up.

10“Who among you fears the LORD, and obeys the voice of His Servant. Let him who walks in darkness, and has no light, trust in the name of the LORD, and rely upon his God. 11But go on now, in the light of your fires that provide your own light. This you shall receive from My (Christ’s) hand; you shall lie down in a place of sorrow.”