
450 BC to 430 BC, Psalm 25: Redemption.
This generation is that of the years between 450 BC to 430 BC.
- Now [1] all the people gathered as one man to the square that was before the Water Gate, and they said to Ezra the scholar to bring the scroll of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel.
- And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.
- And he read in it before the square that was before the Water Gate from the [first] light until midday in the presence of the men and the women and those who understood, and the ears of all the people were [attentive] to the Scroll of the Law.
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- Then Nehemiah-he is Hattirshatha-and Ezra the priest, the scholar, and the Levites who caused the people to understand, said to all the people, « This day is holy to the Lord your God; neither mourn nor weep, » for all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law.
- And he said to them, « Go, eat fat foods and drink sweet drinks and send portions to whoever has nothing prepared, for the day is holy to our Lord, and do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. »
- And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, « Hush, for the day is holy, and do not be sad. »
- Then all the people went to eat and to drink and to send portions and to rejoice greatly, for they understood the words that they informed them of.
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(extract of the psalm 27 associated to this generation, verses 1 to 5 )
- Of David. To You, O Lord, I will lift up my soul.
- My God, I trusted in You; let me not be ashamed. Nor shall my enemies rejoice over me.
- Those who opposed the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem (see previous psalm) and who remain a threat to the reconstruction of the people of Israel.
- Neither shall any of those who hope for You be ashamed;
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- let those who betray [to the extent of] destitution be ashamed.
- O Lord, let me know Your ways;
- The priests have just read again to the people the Torah.
- teach me Your paths.
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- Direct me with Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I hope for You all day long.
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(extract of the psalm 27 associated to this generation, verse 6 )
- Remember Your mercies, O Lord, and Your kindnesses, for they have been since time immemorial.
- The Levites in their speech continue by recalling the faults of the people of Israel and the resulting sanctions.
(extract of the psalm 27 associated to this generation, verses 7 to 13 )
- The sins of my youth and my transgressions, do not remember;
- These faults are widely remembered by the Levites.
- what is worthy of Your kindness, You remember for me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord.
- The Lord is good and upright; therefore, He leads sinners on the road.
- He leads the humble with just rules and He teaches the humble His way.
- All the Lord’s ways are kindness and truth for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
- For Your name’s sake, O Lord, You shall forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
- Who is this man who fears the Lord?
- Whenever the people of Israel recovers, God forgives them their faults.
- He will guide him on the road that he chooses.
- His soul shall abide in prosperity, and his seed shall inherit the earth.
- Allusion to the entry into the promised land despite the faults of the desert.
- The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant is to let them know [it].
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(extract of the psalm 27 associated to this generation, verses 14 to 22 )
- The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant is to let them know [it].
- My eyes are always to God for He will take my feet out of the net.
- Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone and poor.
- The troubles of my heart have increased; deliver me from my straits.
- See my affliction and my toil, and forgive all my sins.
- See my enemies for they have increased, and they hate me with unjust hatred.
- Guard my soul and save me; let me not be shamed for I have taken refuge in You.
- Sincerity and uprightness shall guard me, for I have hoped for You.
- O God, redeem Israel from all its troubles.
[1] Nechemiah – Nehemiah – Chapter 8, Chapitre 8, verses 1 to 3 then 9 to 12, for the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, see verses 13 and following.