2Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can`t redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.
3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
4The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
5The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.
6I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I didn`t hide my face from shame and spitting.
7For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8He is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.