Israel in Egypt A Poem. By Edwin Atherstone |
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 | Israel in Egypt |  |
Darkness again on Israel! for the words
Of Pharaoh,—with harsh proclamation sent
Throughout the city, and throughout the land,—
Struck down all hope: and o'er the time to come
Shadow so fearful cast, that gloomiest days
Of the years gone, with that compared, seemed breath
Of spring, to winter's blast. 'Gainst Moses then,
And Aaron, rose new murmurs, and 'gainst all
The priests and Elders, who had promise given
Of a deliverance coming. Of God's help
Despaired the many: even some there were,
Who of Jehovah, the One Only God,
Doubt felt,—nay, disbelief: for, in the ways
Of Egypt born and bred,—to Egypt's gods
Rather inclined they: the poor Hebrew creed
Vulgar esteeming; and for ignorance
Alone a fit belief. Murmurs, and groans,
And cries, and curses rose.
Of Pharaoh,—with harsh proclamation sent
Throughout the city, and throughout the land,—
Struck down all hope: and o'er the time to come
Shadow so fearful cast, that gloomiest days
Of the years gone, with that compared, seemed breath
Of spring, to winter's blast. 'Gainst Moses then,
And Aaron, rose new murmurs, and 'gainst all
The priests and Elders, who had promise given
Of a deliverance coming. Of God's help
Despaired the many: even some there were,
Who of Jehovah, the One Only God,
Doubt felt,—nay, disbelief: for, in the ways
Of Egypt born and bred,—to Egypt's gods
Rather inclined they: the poor Hebrew creed
Vulgar esteeming; and for ignorance
Alone a fit belief. Murmurs, and groans,
And cries, and curses rose.
But, meek and mild,
Though great, and awe-inspiring, Moses went
Among the people, strengthening their hearts;
Bidding them trust in God; for, sure as day
Would follow night, so surely would His act,
The promise follow. “‘With an outstretched hand
Will I bring Israel forth,’—said not the Lord?
‘The king of Egypt will not let you go:
But with my wonders will I smite the land;
And, after that, the king shall let you go.’
And hath He not with wonders smitten them?
And think ye God will cease, till all be done?
Be sure that wonders greater yet shall be;
And that, though millstone-hard against us now,
Yet, in the end, shall Pharaoh soft become
As clay in the potter's hands. In God then trust.”
Though great, and awe-inspiring, Moses went
Among the people, strengthening their hearts;
Bidding them trust in God; for, sure as day
248
The promise follow. “‘With an outstretched hand
Will I bring Israel forth,’—said not the Lord?
‘The king of Egypt will not let you go:
But with my wonders will I smite the land;
And, after that, the king shall let you go.’
And hath He not with wonders smitten them?
And think ye God will cease, till all be done?
Be sure that wonders greater yet shall be;
And that, though millstone-hard against us now,
Yet, in the end, shall Pharaoh soft become
As clay in the potter's hands. In God then trust.”
| Israel in Egypt | |