1. This is what the lord says:“Was your mother sent away because I divorced her?Did I sell you as slaves to my creditors?No, you were sold because of your sins.And your mother, too, was taken because of your sins.
2. Why was no one there when I came?Why didn’t anyone answer when I called?Is it because I have no power to rescue?No, that is not the reason!For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up!I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish.
3. I dress the skies in darkness,covering them with clothes of mourning.”
4. The Sovereign lord has given me his words of wisdom,so that I know how to comfort the weary.Morning by morning he wakens meand opens my understanding to his will.
5. The Sovereign lord has spoken to me,and I have listened.I have not rebelled or turned away.
6. I offered my back to those who beat meand my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.I did not hide my facefrom mockery and spitting.