1 A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem
1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops,[a] 1 for a siege is laid against us. 1 They will strike Israel's ruler 1 on the cheek with a rod.
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 2 though you are small among the clans[b] of Judah, 2 out of you will come for me 2 one who will be ruler over Israel, 2 whose origins[c] are from of old, 2 from ancient times.[d] "
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned 3 until the time when she who is in labor gives birth 3 and the rest of his brothers return 3 to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock 4 in the strength of the Lord, 4 in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. 4 And they will live securely, for then his greatness 4 will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be their peace.
6 Deliverance and Destruction 6 When the Assyrian invades our land 6 and marches through our fortresses, 6 we will raise against him seven shepherds, 6 even eight leaders of men.
6 They will rule[e] the land of Assyria with the sword, 6 the land of Nimrod with drawn sword.[f] 6 He will deliver us from the Assyrian 6 when he invades our land 6 and marches into our borders.
7 The remnant of Jacob will be 7 in the midst of many peoples 7 like dew from the Lord, 7 like showers on the grass, 7 which do not wait for man 7 or linger for mankind.
8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, 8 in the midst of many peoples, 8 like a lion among the beasts of the forest, 8 like a young lion among flocks of sheep, 8 which mauls and mangles as it goes, 8 and no one can rescue.
9 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, 9 and all your foes will be destroyed.
10 "In that day," declares the Lord, 10 "I will destroy your horses from among you 10 and demolish your chariots.
11 I will destroy the cities of your land 11 and tear down all your strongholds.
12 I will destroy your witchcraft 12 and you will no longer cast spells.
13 I will destroy your carved images 13 and your sacred stones from among you; 13 you will no longer bow down 13 to the work of your hands.
14 I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles[g] 14 and demolish your cities.
15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath 15 upon the nations that have not obeyed me."
