² For he says,

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Restoration of Israel

⁸ This is what the Lord says:

⁷ God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

¹³ But encourage one another daily,^(A) as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.^(B)

⁴² and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.^{(A) 44} They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls.^(B) They will not leave one stone on another,^(C) because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming^(D) to you.”

Warning Against Unbelief

⁷ So, as the Holy Spirit says:^(A)

⁸ “‘Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment^(A) over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant^(B) with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.^(C)