⁷ Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf^(A) and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.

³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property^(A) with prostitutes^(B) comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

⁴ “Then he sent some more servants^(A) and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

¹⁴ “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal^(A) to the Lord. For I am a great king,^(B)” says the Lord Almighty,^(C) “and my name is to be feared^(D) among the nations.^(E)

¹⁵ Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “We would like you to stay until we prepare a young goat^(A) for you.”

¹⁶ The angel of the Lord replied, “Even though you detain me, I will not eat any of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering,^(B) offer it to the Lord.” (Manoah did not realize^(C) that it was the angel of the Lord.)

³ But he insisted^(A) so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house.^(B) He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast,^(C) and they ate.^(D)