Now sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, born to Ahinoam the Jezreelite.

But Absalom fled and went to King Talmai son of Ammihud of Geshur. And David grieved over his son every day.

Absalom had three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. She was a very attractive woman.

The king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in Jehoiachin’s place. He renamed him Zedekiah.

His children are far from safety, and they are crushed at the place where judgment is rendered, nor is there anyone to deliver them.

So he saves from the sword that comes from their mouth, even the poor from the hand of the powerful.

you sent widows away empty-handed, and the arms of the orphans you crushed.

They drive away the orphan’s donkey; they take the widow’s ox as a pledge.

The fatherless child is snatched from the breast, the infant of the poor is taken as a pledge.

for I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the orphan who had no one to assist him;

But Job will be tested to the end, because his answers are like those of wicked men.

You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.

All this has happened to us, even though we have not rejected you or violated your covenant with us.

I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago!

Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering!

he taught me, and he said to me: “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live.

The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves his child is diligent in disciplining him.

Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow!

A shoot will grow out of Jesse’s root stock, a bud will sprout from his roots.

Leave your orphans behind and I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on me.”