¹⁸ And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael^(A) might live under your blessing!”^(B)

¹⁶ David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying^(A) in sackcloth^[a] on the ground.

¹² May the Lord give you discretion and understanding^(A) when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.

¹⁹ And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion^(A) to keep your commands, statutes and decrees^(B) and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”^(C)

⁵ When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified.^(A) Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering^(B) for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned^(C) and cursed God^(D) in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.