⁷ The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous^(A) than other peoples, for you were the fewest^(B) of all peoples.^{(C) 8} But it was because the Lord loved^(D) you and kept the oath he swore^(E) to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand^(F) and redeemed^(G) you from the land of slavery,^(H) from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

¹⁷ You may say to yourself,^(A) “My power and the strength of my hands^(B) have produced this wealth for me.” ¹⁸ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,^(C) and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

¹² I sent the hornet^(A) ahead of you, which drove them out^(B) before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow.^(C)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(B) and not from us.

⁶ So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:^(A) ‘Not^(B) by might nor by power,^(C) but by my Spirit,’^(D) says the Lord Almighty.

¹⁵ Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved^(A) them, and he chose you,^(B) their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today.^(C)