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The Obedience of the Lord's Servant

The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say,
    so that I can strengthen the weary.
Every morning he makes me eager
    to hear what he is going to teach me.
The Lord has given me understanding,
    and I have not rebelled
    or turned away from him.
(A)I bared my back to those who beat me.
    I did not stop them when they insulted me,
    when they pulled out the hairs of my beard
    and spit in my face.

But their insults cannot hurt me
    because the Sovereign Lord gives me help.
I brace myself to endure them.
    I know that I will not be disgraced,
    (B)for God is near,
    and he will prove me innocent.
Does anyone dare bring charges against me?
    Let us go to court together!
    Let him bring his accusation!
The Sovereign Lord himself defends me—
    who, then, can prove me guilty?
All my accusers will disappear;
    they will vanish like moth-eaten cloth.

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The Sovereign Lord(A) has given me a well-instructed tongue,(B)
    to know the word that sustains the weary.(C)
He wakens me morning by morning,(D)
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.(E)
The Sovereign Lord(F) has opened my ears;(G)
    I have not been rebellious,(H)
    I have not turned away.
I offered my back to those who beat(I) me,
    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;(J)
I did not hide my face
    from mocking and spitting.(K)
Because the Sovereign Lord(L) helps(M) me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,(N)
    and I know I will not be put to shame.(O)
He who vindicates(P) me is near.(Q)
    Who then will bring charges against me?(R)
    Let us face each other!(S)
Who is my accuser?
    Let him confront me!
It is the Sovereign Lord(T) who helps(U) me.
    Who will condemn(V) me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
    the moths(W) will eat them up.

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