Even though the inhabitants of Maroth long for success, nevertheless evil descended from the LORD to the gate of Jerusalem.

The wives of my people, ye do even drive out, each from the house of her darlings, - from over her children, ye do take away mine ornament, as long as life shall last.

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.”

Use your rod to shepherd your people, the flock that belongs to you, that lives alone in the forest of Carmel. Let them find pasture in Bashan and Gilead, as they did long ago.

You will show loyalty to Jacob
and faithful love to Abraham,
as You swore to our fathers
from days long ago.