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.
-
Author:
orchidee (
Offline) - Published: December 1st, 2025 03:16
- Comment from author about the poem: A hymn-poem in 7.7.7.7. I had an Advent tune in mind but it seemed too joyful for the fulfilment of these dark prophecies. Here's a Lent tune, suitably sober and restrained. The story here is commemorated on Holy Innocents Day, December 28.
- Category: Spiritual
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments7
A most sad and dark story which seems a little too tragic for the celebration of a joyous time of the year. Well crafted as always Orchi it sends a chill down the spine at Christmas time. Well done my friend
Thank you SB. I don't think it was immediately Jesus' birth, this event, as it mentions little boys under age 2. But still murderous. But one King Herod (there was more than one of that name) got eaten by worms somehow, as he boasted that he was a god. Some intestinal disease, which is Too Much Info.
You are most welcome Orchi
Gone work, O🙏🏻👍🏻
Thank you A.
That’s *good* not gone, LOL 😂 autocorrect got me again🤣🙃
The poem revolves around the biblical account of the flight into Egypt by Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, highlighting themes of escape, prophecy fulfillment, and the tragedy of innocent lives lost due to Herod's wrath. It juxtaposes the hope represented by the Holy Family's escape with the sorrow of the families in Bethlehem who lost their children. So sad
Thank you F.
You are so welcome, my friend.
Certainly not a good time to be a child in those days.
What became of Herod, was he struck down in the end.
Thank you P. Yes - he or one of the Herods (there were more than one with the same name) got eaten by worms - an intestinal disease of some sort. We would agree it couldn't have happened to a more suitable person. That put you off your food now?!
Hey Orchi! Turn the lights on! It's kinda dark in here, with...💡 😱 ⚫️ Swoon!
Now we know why the lights are off! The hearing of the Horror of Herod is much better in the dark, because in the light all one sees in the ____________ of Popeyvs Glvg Maximvs Solvs! What's that now? Don't ask! 🤣
Thank you T. Can't see ya there Popeye - bit dark in here! lol.
LOL! Now you are getting my MO with the darkness. Prevents swooning! LOL!
Love this, my friend! All jokes aside, keep the lights off, it suits Advent quite well! Great hymn-poem! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you T. It just happened to be the next portion of verses in this series from Matthew's Gospel.
I am loving this series by the way. Seriously! You are most welcome!
Good one Orchi.
Thank you Gold.
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