1 Thus saith Jehovah: Where is that bill of your mothers divorcement Whom I have dismissed? Or who is the creditor To whom I sold you? Behold! for your iniquities ye have been sold, And to your transgressions was Your mother dismissed.

2 Why came I, And no mall (met me)? Called I, And no man answered? By shortening hath my hand been shortened, So that it cannot redeem? Is there not in me power to deliver? Behold! by my rebuke I dry up the sea; I put rivers in the wilderness, So that their fishes purify for want of water, And die for thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, And make their covering like sackcloth.

4 The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of the learned, That I may know a word in season to the weary. In the morning will he awaken, In the morning will he awaken mine ear, That I may hear as the learned.

5 The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, And I was not rebellious: I did not turn back.

6 I exposed my body to the smiters, And my cheeks to them that tore me; My face I did not hide from shame And spitting.

7 For the Lord Jehovah will assist me; Therefore I was not ashamed; Therefore have I set my time as a flint; And I know that I shall not be confounded.

8 He is near that justifieth me: Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together: Who is the opponent of my cause? Let him draw near to me.

9 Behold! the Lord Jehovah will assist me; Who is he that shall condemn me? Behold! all shall wax old as a garment; The moth shall consume them.

10 Who is there among you that feareth Jehovah? Let him hear the voice of his servant. He who hath walked in darkness, And hath had no light; Let him trust in the name of Jehovah, And rely on his God.

11 Behold! ye all kindle a fire, And are surrounded with sparks. Walk ye in the light of your fire, And in the sparks which ye have kindled. From my hand hath this been to you; Ill sorrow shall ye lie down.