^{Isaiah 50:4-9a}

⁴ The Lord God has given me
a trained tongue,^[a]
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens,
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
⁵ The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious;
I did not turn backward.
⁶ I gave my back to those who struck me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.

⁷ The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
⁸     he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand in court together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
⁹ It is the Lord God who helps me;