Noonein it is wearyor stumbles,Noneslumbersor sleeps;Noris the beltat its waistundone,Norits sandalstrapbroken.
"Now you alsoknowwhatJoabthe sonof Zeruiahdidto me, whathe didto the twocommandersof the armiesof Israel,to Abnerthe sonof Ner,and to Amasathe sonof Jether,whom he killed;he also shedthe bloodof warin peace.And he putthe bloodof waron his beltabout his waist,and on his sandalson his feet.
"He loosensthe bondof kingsAnd bindstheir loinswith a girdle.
"He pourscontempton noblesAnd loosensthe beltof the strong.
The Godwho girdsme with strengthAnd makesmy wayblameless?
The LORDreigns,He is clothedwith majesty;The LORDhas clothedand girdedHimself with strength;Indeed,the worldis firmlyestablished,it will not be moved.
Thenyou will walkin your waysecurelyAnd your footwill not stumble.
Also righteousnesswill be the beltabout His loins,And faithfulnessthe beltabout His waist.
Thussaysthe LORDto CyrusHis anointed,WhomI have takenby the righthand,To subduenationsbeforehim And to loosethe loinsof kings;To opendoorsbeforehim so that gateswill not be shut:
"I am the LORD,and thereis noother;BesidesMe thereis noGod.I will girdyou, though you have not knownMe;
Thenthe king'sfacegrewpaleand his thoughtsalarmedhim, and his hipjointswentslackand his kneesbegan knockingtogether.
NowJohnhimselfhada garmentof camel'shairand a leatherbeltaroundhis waist;and his foodwas locustsand wildhoney.
Outsidethe swordwill bereave,And insideterror--Bothyoungmanand virgin,The nurslingwith the manof grayhair.
