A Ruler from Bethlehem

(Matthew 2:1–12)

5 Now, O daughter of troops,

mobilize your troops;

for a siege is laid against us!

With a rod they will strike the cheek

of the judge of Israel.

2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are small among the clans[fn] of Judah,

out of you will come forth for Me

One to be ruler over Israel[fn]—

One whose origins are of old,

from the days of eternity.

3 Therefore [Israel] will be abandoned

until she who is in labor has given birth;

then the rest of His brothers will return

to the children of Israel.

4 He will stand and shepherd [His flock]

in the strength of the LORD,

in the majestic name of the LORD His God.

And they will dwell securely,

for then His greatness will extend

to the ends of the earth.

5 And He will be our peace[fn]

when Assyria invades our land

and tramples our citadels.

We will raise against it seven shepherds,

even eight leaders of men.

6 And they will rule the land of Assyria with the sword,

and the land of Nimrod with the blade drawn.

So He will deliver us

when Assyria invades our land

and marches into our borders.