1 This is what the Lord says:Where are your mother’s divorce papers?Did I give her any to get rid of her?To which of my creditors did I sell you?You were sold because of your sins.I got rid of your mother because of your rebellion.
2 Why was no one here when I came?Why was no one here to answer when I called?Am I too weak to reclaim you?Don’t I have the power to rescue you?I dry up the sea with my command,and I turn rivers into deserts.Their fish stink because there is no water,and people die of thirst.
3 I clothe the heavens in darknessand cover them with sackcloth.
4 The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say,so I will know how to encourage weary people.Morning after morning he will wake meto listen like a student.
5 The Almighty Lord will open my ears.I will not rebel, nor will I turn away ⌊from him⌋.
6 I will offer my back to those who whip meand my cheeks to those who pluck hairs out of my beard.I will not turn my face away from those who humiliate meand spit on me.