Lyrics · Jeremiah
Ropes and Old Rags
Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
[Watchman]
The word was not false because the gate called it treason,
The prison grew darker while policy changed with the season.
Bring ropes and old rags,
[Answer]
No water in the pit, only mud at the floor,
A prophet sank slowly where princes heard no more.
Mercy can be practical, quiet, and brave.
[Watchman]
Pad the wounded arms before pulling him upward,
An outsider may rescue whom rulers condemn.
Bread lasted daily until bread was gone,
[Answer]
A frightened king kept asking what he would not obey.
One final choice waited behind a secret door:
Surrender and live, or watch fire take the city.
[Bridge]
The ropes raised the body, not the burdened word;
He left the mud carrying the same message he entered with.
[Final Chorus]
Bring ropes and old rags,
Mercy can be practical, quiet, and brave.
The ropes raised the body, not the burdened word;

