Woe to Those at Ease in Zion

(Luke 6:24–26)

Woe to those at ease in Zion

and those secure on Mount Samaria,

the distinguished ones of the foremost nation,

to whom the house of Israel comes.

2 

Cross over to Calneh and see;

go from there to the great Hamath;

then go down to Gath of the Philistines.

Are you better than these kingdoms?

Is their territory larger than yours?

3 

You dismiss the day of calamity

and bring near a reign of violence.

4 

You lie on beds inlaid with ivory,

and lounge upon your couches.

You dine on lambs from the flock

and calves from the stall.

5 

You improvise songs vvv on the harp like David

and invent your own musical instruments.

6 

You drink wine by the bowlful

and anoint yourselves with the finest oils,

but you fail to grieve

over the ruin of Joseph.

7 

Therefore, you will now go into exile

as the first of the captives,

and your feasting and lounging

will come to an end.

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