Isaiah

Thus said GOD:aI.e., the mother (the country) has not been formally divorced, nor the children (the people) sold because of poverty. Therefore there is no obstacle to their restoration. Where is the bill of divorceOf your mother whom I dismissed?And which of My creditors was itTo whom I sold you off?You were only sold off for your sins,And your mother dismissed for your crimes.

Why, when I came, was no one there,bno one there As a covenantal partner. Why, when I called, would none respond?Is my arm, then, too short to rescue,Have I not the power to save?With a mere rebuke I dry up the sea,And turn rivers into desert.Their fish stink from lack of water;They lie dead of thirst.cof thirst Change of vocalization yields “on the parched ground”; cf. 44.3.

I clothe the skies in blacknessAnd make their raiment sackcloth.

My Sovereign GOD gave me a skilled tongue,To know how to speak timely words to the weary.dMy Sovereign GOD gave me … words to the weary Meaning of Heb. uncertain. Morning by morning, [God] rouses me,Rousing my earTo give heed like disciples.

My Sovereign GOD opened my ears,And I did not disobey,I did not run away.

I offered my back to the floggers,And my cheeks to those who tore out my hair.I did not hide my faceFrom insult and spittle.

But my Sovereign GOD will help me—Therefore I feel no disgrace;Therefore I have set my face like flint,And I know I shall not be shamed.

My Vindicator is at hand—Who dares contend with me?Let us stand up together!eLet us stand up together As opponents in court; cf. Num. 35.12. Who would be my opponent?Let them approach me!

Lo, my Sovereign GOD will help me—Who can get a verdict against me?They shall all wear out like a garment,The moth shall consume them.

Who among you reveres GOD And heeds the voice of the appointedfthe appointed Lit. “His”; cf. 49.1, 5. servant?—Though walking in darknessAnd having no light,Let them trust in the name of GOD And rely upon hisghis I.e., the servant’s. God.

But you are all kindlers of fire,Girding onhGirding on Emendation yields “Lighters of.” firebrands.Walk by the blaze of your fire,By the brands that you have lit!This has come to you from My hand:You shall lie down in pain.iYou shall lie down in pain Meaning of Heb. uncertain.