50:4 The sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be his spokesman, ¹ 

so that I know how to help the weary. ² 

He wakes me up every morning;

he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do. ³ 

50:5 The sovereign Lord has spoken to me clearly; ⁴ 

I have not rebelled,

I have not turned back.

50:6 I offered my back to those who attacked, ⁵ 

my jaws to those who tore out my beard;

I did not hide my face

from insults and spitting.

50:7 But the sovereign Lord helps me,

so I am not humiliated.

For that reason I am steadfastly resolved; ⁶ 

I know I will not be put to shame.

50:8 The one who vindicates me is close by.

Who dares to argue with me? Let us confront each other! ⁷ 

Who is my accuser? ⁸  Let him challenge me! ⁹ 

50:9 Look, the sovereign Lord helps me.

Who dares to condemn me?

Look, all of them will wear out like clothes;

a moth will eat away at them.