Redemption

The dove Thou hast borne on eagles’ wings,
That hath nested in Thy bosom in the innermost chambers—
Why hast Thou left her flying about the forests.
While on every side are spreaders of nets?
Strangers entice her with other gods,
But she in secret weepeth for the lord of her youth.
And Dishan and Dishon speak smoothly to her,
But she lifteth her eyes to her first husband:—
Why hast Thou abandoned my soul to the grave—
While I know there is none beside Thee to redeem?
Shall she that was undefiled go ever with uncovered locks,
A contempt and appalment to Mizzah and
Lo, the bondwoman’s son hath spread terror for me,
For with hand upraised he shot with the bow,
And my tent became a high place for Oholibamah,
And Oholibah —how shall she still hope, and how long?
Since there is no miracle and no sign, no vision, no sight—
And should I ask to behold when shall be the end of these wonders,
The prophecies answer: Thou hast asked a hard thing.
The daughters lapped in luxury are exiled from their homes,
From green couches and quiet resting places,
And scattered amid peoples of no understanding.
Of strange lips and other tongues;
Yet have they kept the faith, nurtured among these,
And to pictured idols have refused to humble themselves.
Then why standeth He afar off that dwelleth in the skies,
While my ruler oppresseth and my beloved is afar?
And as for the end of days—verily one asketh!
The banner of brotherhood is removed from me
And the foot of pride is yoke and band upon me
And I am chastened with cruel castigation,
Exiled and prisoned, vexed and thrust away:
Without marshal or chief, without king or prince,
While the foe turneth towards me, and my Rock turneth away.
He hath ruined in His wrath the Place of His foot-steps,
And burnt in His indignation His doorposts and His threshold,
And a fire is kindled in His anger that burneth unto Sheol.
Will the Lord reject for ever?
Is there no end to the times appointed of my dreams?
Rise up, O Lord, and let mine adversaries be scattered,
And return to mine habitations, to the innermost shrine:
Reveal to mine eyes Thy glory as from Sinai,
And requite upon them that reproached me’ a recompense for my sorrow.
With dew of salvation descend upon him that feareth and trembleth
And bring low from his throne the bold son of the bondwoman,
Speedily—lest I go down in sorrow to the grave.