2 Why did I come and find no one?Why did I call when no one answered?Is my hand too small to redeem you?Don’t I have enough power to save?With my rebuke I dry up the seaand make the rivers into wilderness.Their fish stink from lack of water;they die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens with darknessand cover them with funeral clothing.
4 The Lord God gave me an educated tongueto know how to respond to the wearywith a word that will awaken them in the morning.God awakens my ear in the morning to listen,as educated people do.
5 The Lord God opened my ear;I didn’t rebel; I didn’t turn my back.
6 Instead, I gave my body to attackers,and my cheeks to beard pluckers.I didn’t hide my facefrom insults and spitting.
7 The Lord God will help me;therefore, I haven’t been insulted.Therefore, I set my face like flint,and knew I wouldn’t be ashamed.
8 The one who will declare me innocent is near.Who will argue with me?Let’s stand up together.Who will bring judgment against me?Let him approach me.