1Thus says YHWH, "Where is this bill of your mother's divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2Why, when I came, was there no man (ish), when I called, none answered? Is my hand at all too short to redeem? Or is there no power in me to deliver? Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make rivers a wilderness; their fish stink for lack of water, and die of thirst.
3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and sackcloth I make their covering."
4My Lord (Adonai) YHWH has given me the tongue of the taught, that I should know how to sustain with a word him who is weary; he awakens morning by morning, he awakens my ear to hear as the taught.
5My Lord (Adonai) YHWH has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn away backward.
6My back I gave to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; my face I did not hide from shame and spitting.
7For my Lord (Adonai) YHWH helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
8Near is he who justifies me; who will contend with me? Let us stand together; who is the master of my judgment (mishpat)? Let him come near to me.
9Behold, my Lord (Adonai) YHWH helps me; who is he that shall condemn me? Behold, they all shall wear out like a garment; the moth shall eat them.
10Who among you fears YHWH, who obeys the voice of his servant? Though he walks in darkness and has no light, let him trust in the name of YHWH and lean upon his God.
11Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves with firebrands: walk in the light of your fire, and among the brands you have kindled. From my hand this has come to you: in sorrow you shall lie down.