“This is a lament^(C) and is to be used as a lament.”

The Branch From Jesse

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed^(A) from the empty way of life^(B) handed down to you from your ancestors,

¹⁹ But you have now rejected^(A) your God, who saves^(B) you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, ‘No, appoint a king^(C) over us.’^(D) So now present^(E) yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans.”

²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(A) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(B) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(C)