² When I came, why was there no one?
    When I called, why was there no one to answer?^(A)
Was my arm too short^(B) to deliver you?
    Do I lack the strength^(C) to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke^(D) I dry up the sea,^(E)
    I turn rivers into a desert;^(F)
their fish rot for lack of water
    and die of thirst.

¹⁶ He saw that there was no one,^(A)
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;^(B)
so his own arm achieved salvation^(C) for him,
    and his own righteousness^(D) sustained him.

⁵ I looked, but there was no one^(A) to help,
    I was appalled that no one gave support;
so my own arm^(B) achieved salvation for me,
    and my own wrath sustained me.^(C)

¹³ Who can fathom the Spirit^[a](A) of the Lord,
    or instruct the Lord as his counselor?^(B)
14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,^(C)
    or showed him the path of understanding?^(D)