Israel moved to Egypt; Jacob lived for a time in the land of Ham.

When Israel left Egypt, when the family of Jacob left a foreign nation behind,

Look! Israel’s protector does not sleep or slumber!

A song of ascents. “Since my youth they have often attacked me,” let Israel say.

O Israel, hope in the Lord now and forevermore!

Indeed, the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel to be his special possession.

Let Israel rejoice in their Creator! Let the people of Zion delight in their king!

I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.

The sovereign master decreed judgment on Jacob, and it fell on Israel.

“But you did not call for me, O Jacob; you did not long for me, O Israel.

So I defiled your holy princes, and handed Jacob over to destruction, and subjected Israel to humiliating abuse.”

“Now, listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!”

Yes, you are a God who keeps hidden, O God of Israel, deliverer!

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, through whom I will reveal my splendor.”

“The Lord God of Israel has a message for you, Baruch.

Then some men from Israel’s elders came to me and sat down in front of me.

“This is how you will divide this land for yourselves among the tribes of Israel.

When Israel was a young man, I loved him like a son, and I summoned my son out of Egypt.

The Lord says this to the family of Israel: “Seek me so you can live!

What follows is divine revelation. The word of the Lord came to Israel through Malachi: