Isaiah Chapter 50

Isaiah 50 — English translation

Translation: THE JPS TANAKH: Gender-Sensitive Edition. Verse numbers match the Hebrew text below.

1. 1Thus said G OD : Where is the bill of divorce Of your mother whom I dismissed? And which of My creditors was it To whom I sold you off? You were only sold off for your sins, And your mother dismissed for your crimes.
2. 2Why, when I came, was no one there, 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.
3. 3I clothe the skies in blackness And make their raiment sackcloth.
4. 4My Sovereign G OD gave me a skilled tongue, To know how to speak timely words to the weary. Morning by morning, [God] rouses me, Rousing my ear To give heed like disciples.
5. 5My Sovereign G OD opened my ears, And I did not disobey, I did not run away.
6. 6I offered my back to the floggers, And my cheeks to those who tore out my hair. I did not hide my face From insult and spittle.
7. 7But my Sovereign G OD will help me— Therefore I feel no disgrace; Therefore I have set my face like flint, And I know I shall not be shamed.
8. 8My Vindicator is at hand— Who dares contend with me? Let us stand up together! Who would be my opponent? Let them approach me!
9. 9Lo, my Sovereign G OD will help me— Who can get a verdict against me? They shall all wear out like a garment, The moth shall consume them.
10. 10Who among you reveres G OD And heeds the voice of the appointed servant?— Though walking in darkness And having no light, Let them trust in the name of G OD And rely upon his God.
11. 11But you are all kindlers of fire, Girding on 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.

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