Tune: Heinlein
(\'40 days and 40 nights\')
Matthew 2 v.16-18
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Joseph, through an angel dream
Knew all was not as did seem
With child Jesus and Mary
Escaped from Herod, so be
Escaped unto Egypt\'s land
Guided by angel\'s good hand
So Hosea\'s prophecy {1}
It did come to pass we see
Word was, Out of Egypt I
Have called my son, no deny
But Herod in anger slew
Young children in Beth\'lem true
For he sought to Jesus kill
Bore Him malice and ill-will
Gave orders for small boys to
Be killed, those aged under two
Then fulfilled was prophecy
Of Jeremiah\'s it be {2}
In Ramah town a voice heard {3}
Of weeping, profound, disturbed
Lamentation, great mourning
Rachel weeping, distressing {4}
For her children are no more
Not comforted, horror sure
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{1} Hosea 11 v.1
{2} Jeremiah 31 v.15
{3} Ramah - a town near Jerusalem.
{4} Rachel is a \'mother-figure\' representing Israel and Judah;
also a literal person in the Old Testament.