2 Why was no one there when I came?Why was there no one to answer when I called?Is My hand too short to redeem? Or do I have no power to deliver?Look, I dry up the sea by My rebuke; I turn the rivers into a wilderness;their fish rot because of lack of waterand die of thirst.
3 I dress the heavens in blackand make sackcloth their clothing.
4 The Lord God has given Methe tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word.He awakens Me each morning;He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed.
5 The Lord God has opened My ear,and I was not rebellious;I did not turn back.
6 I gave My back to those who beat Me,and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard.I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting.
7 The Lord God will help Me;therefore I have not been humiliated;therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
8 The One who vindicates Me is near; who will contend with Me?Let us confront each other. Who has a case against Me? Let him come near Me!