“Come and listen, you sons of Jacob; listen to Israel, your father.
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength, the child of my vigorous youth. You are first in rank and first in power.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.
So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.
“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Have any of your idols ever told you this? Come, all of you, and listen: The Lord has chosen Cyrus as his ally. He will use him to put an end to the empire of Babylon and to destroy the Babylonian armies.