For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand,
_and instructed me
_that I should not walk
_in the way of this people, saying:
Say ye not,
_A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say,
_A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear,
_nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself,
_and let him be your fear,
_and let him be your dread.
And he shall be for a sanctuary;
_but for a stone of stumbling,
_and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel,
_for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
And many among them shall stumble and fall,
_and be broken,
_and be snared,
_and be taken.
Bind up the testimony,
_seal the law among my disciples.
And I will wait upon the Lord,
_that hideth his face from the house of Jacob,
_and I will look for him.”