I had many things [to say when I began] to write to you, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (reed) and black (ink);

Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make in it rooms (stalls, pens, coops, nests, cages, compartments) and coat it inside and out with pitch (bitumen).

“How can you say, ‘We are wise,
And the law of the Lord is with us [and we are learned in its language and teachings]’?
Behold, [the truth is that] the lying pen of the scribes
Has made the law into a lie [a mere code of ceremonial observances].

The sin of Judah is written down with an iron stylus;
With a diamond point it is engraved upon the tablet of their heart
And on the horns of their altars.

My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my psalm to the King.
My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.

“From Ephraim those whose root is in Amalek came down,
After you, Benjamin, with your relatives;
From Machir came down commanders and rulers,
And from Zebulun those who handle the scepter of the [office of] scribe.

“That with an iron stylus and [molten] lead
They were engraved in the rock forever!

For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all [Jew and Gentile alike].