Isaiah 50 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

This is what Yahweh says: "Where is your mother's divorce certificate — the one that proves I sent her away? Or which of my creditors did I sell you to? Look — you were sold because of your own failures, and your mother was sent away because of your rebellion."

"Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called? Is my reach too short to rescue? Do I lack the strength to pull you free? Look — with a single rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into desert. Their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst."

"I dress the sky in black, I wrap it in funeral cloth."

The Master, Yahweh, has given me the tongue of someone who has been taught — to know the word that sustains the exhausted. Morning after morning he wakes me, wakes my ear to listen like a student.

The Master, Yahweh, has opened my ear, and I did not resist. I did not turn away.

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who ripped out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spit.

But the Master, Yahweh, helps me — that is why I have not been humiliated. That is why I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

The one who declares me right is close at hand. Who will bring charges against me? Let us stand together. Who is my accuser? Let him step forward.

Look — the Master, Yahweh, himself helps me. Who will condemn me? Look — all of them will wear out like old clothes. Moths will eat them up.

Who among you stands in awe of Yahweh and listens to the voice of his servant? Whoever walks in darkness with no light breaking through — let them trust in the name of Yahweh and lean on their God.

But look — all of you who kindle fires, who arm yourselves with burning torches: go ahead, walk by the light of your own fire, by the torches you have lit. This is what you will get from my hand: you will lie down in agony.