1 Now you are walled about with a wall;k

siege is laid against us;

with a rod they strike upon the cheek

the ruler of Israel.

2 But you, O Bethlehem* Ephrathah,

who are little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,

from ancient days.

3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in travail has brought forth;

then the rest of his brethren shall return

to the people of Israel.