Horror Of Herod - OT/NT Series 3

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.