The Ruler From Bethlehem

1 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too small to be counted among the thousands of Judah’s house, from you the Messiah will come before Me to rule Israel, whose name was spoken of long ago, from ancient times.⁠a 2 So they will be handed over when the woman in labor gives birth. The rest of their brothers will then rely on the people of Israel.

3 He will rise and rule with strength from the Lord, in the greatness of the name of the Lord his God. They will⁠b return from their exiles, for his name will then be great to the ends of the earth.

4 There will be peace for us when the Assyrian comes into our land, and when he treads on our fortresses. We will appoint seven kings over us, eight human princes.

5 They will rule Assyria’s land with the sword, and Nimrod’s land with the strength of its fortresses. He will rescue us from the Assyrian, so that he will not enter our land or tread on our territory.

The Survivors of Jacob

6 The survivors of Jacob’s house will live among many peoples, like dew from the Lord, like drops of spring rain on grass. They do not wait for anyone or depend on mortals.

7 The survivors of Jacob’s house will be among the nations, amid many peoples, like a lion among forest animals, like a young lion among flocks of sheep. As it passes, it tramples and kills, and no one can rescue them.

8 From this time on, Israel, your hand will overpower your enemies, and all your enemies will be destroyed.

Judgment on the Nations

9 At that time, says the Lord, I will destroy the⁠c peoples’ horses in your midst and demolish their chariots. 10 I will destroy the peoples’ cities in your land and demolish all their mighty fortresses.

11 I will destroy the sorcerers among you, and you will have no more diviners.

12 I will destroy the peoples’ carved images and their pillars from among you. You will no longer worship what your own hands have made. 13 I will uproot the peoples’ plantings from among you, and destroy your enemies.

14 In anger and fury I will bring judgment and punishment on the nations that⁠d have not accepted the Torah’s teaching.