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.”