Call to arms; the future is secure

¹Now muster your troops, Daughter Troop![#5.1 4:14 in Heb; #5.1 Heb uncertain]

²As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah,

though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces,

His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.

³Therefore, he will give them up

⁴He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD ,[#5.4 Heb lacks]

When Assyria invades our land and treads down our fortresses,

⁶They will shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword,

He will rescue us from Assyria

⁷Then the few remaining in Jacob will be amid many peoples

⁸Then the few remaining in Jacob will be among the nations,

⁹Your hand will be lifted over your foes;

Doom for Israel’s enemies

¹⁰On that day—says the LORD —

¹¹I will cut down the cities of your land;

¹²I will demolish the sorceries you perform;

¹³I will cut down your images

¹⁴I will tear down your sacred poles in your midst;[#5.14 Heb asherim]

¹⁵I will exact vengeance in anger