For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith.

Grace be with you all.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

The children of your elect sister greet you.

“If they do not believe you or pay attention to the former sign, then they may believe the latter sign.

Then Saul said, “All you leaders of the army come here. Find out how this sin occurred today.

The people from Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the people from Cuth made Nergal, the people from Hamath made Ashima,

Call to mind now: Who, being innocent, ever perished? And where were upright people ever destroyed?

Remember that my life is but a breath, that my eyes will never again see happiness.

He who removes mountains suddenly, who overturns them in his anger;

For he is not a human being like I am, that I might answer him, that we might come together in judgment.

If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,

Make then my pledge with you. Who else will put up security for me?

He has made me a byword to people, I am the one in whose face they spit.

When people are brought low and you say ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast;

If even the moon is not bright, and the stars are not pure as far as he is concerned,

I will never declare that you three are in the right; until I die, I will not set aside my integrity!

I cry out to you, but you do not answer me; I stand up, and you only look at me.