Shibboleth – Genesis Chapter 12:1

Their questions – seven (plus one remark),
Defined their group right from the start,
For shibboleth’s a dance indeed
Of inner life, apart from need.

King David, long before he reigned,
Fled town, and faked he’d gone insane,
That he might cross to enemy,
So he (and group) in peace might be.

A stop-gap measure to be sure,
But for that time they all demurred
To local thought and custom – lies –
A made-up lifestyle – just – like spies.

The record shows each query’s gist;
Who’d asked each question on the list;
No answers – just concern was shown,
For whom each question had a home.

Divide was made for him to see
’Fore Chapter 12 – which speaks to me:
“Go – Abraham, be with thyself,
Out there is where I’ll give thee wealth.

“For here in Chaldes, land of Ur,
To many gods you must demure;
And you are right, there’s only Me,
Your folks cannot that aspect see.

“But you’re already down that road
In heart – to stay’s too great a load;
So go – leave town – be with thyself
And integrate – get off the shelf.”

 So Abe left town, and we were blessed;
It took some time, I must confess,
But yes, indeed – salt, leaven, light
Through him have come into our night.

So there it is O sister dear,
Those first three verses make it clear
That shibboleth’s the name of game;
No blessing comes when we remain –

In land of Chaldes – move on out;
Our Promised Land is not in doubt,
For God will bless our family
When we pursue integrity.

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