The Lord Challenges His People
Here’s what the Lord asks: “Did I abandon you? Did I throw you out forever? Where’s the divorce decree ending our relationship? To which creditor did I sell you off?” No—you sold yourselves through your own wrongdoing. Your rebellion drove you away. So when I came, why was no one there? When I called out, why didn’t anyone answer? House of Israel, do you think my reach is too short to save you? Do I lack the power to rescue you? Listen: at my word I can turn the sea into a desert. I can dry up rivers until the fish rot and die of thirst. I can cover the sky with storm clouds and wrap the heavens in darkness.
The Servant Speaks
The Lord God has given me the words of someone trained, so I know how to speak to you when you’re exhausted, House of Israel. Every morning he wakes me. He opens my ears to hear like someone who’s been taught. The Lord God opened my ears, and I didn’t resist. I didn’t pull back. I let them beat my back. I let them rip out my beard. I didn’t turn away when they mocked me and spit in my face. But the Lord God will help me. That’s why I won’t be humiliated. I’ve set my face like stone, and I know I won’t be put to shame. The Lord is close, and he will prove I’m right. Who wants to argue with me? Let’s face each other. Who’s my enemy? Let him step forward, and I’ll strike him down with my words. The Lord God is on my side. Everyone who tries to condemn me will wear out like old clothes. Moths will devour them.
A Warning to the Self-Reliant
Who among you honors the Lord and listens to his servant? If you’re walking in darkness with no light, trust in the Lord’s name and lean on your God. But all of you who light your own fires and surround yourselves with your own sparks—go ahead, walk in the light of your own making. Here’s what you’ll get from me: you’ll lie down in torment.