¹⁵ The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, ¹⁶ and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, ¹⁷ I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, ¹⁸ and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.’

Psalm 47

God’s Rule over the Nations

To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.

⁹ Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters,^[a] you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; ¹⁰ and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters^[b] throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved,^[c] to do so more and more, ¹¹ to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, ¹² so that you may behave properly towards outsiders and be dependent on no one.