21
And who is like your people, like Israel, a nation unique on earth, whom God set out to redeem as his own people (and became most famous for it), performing great and fearsome acts, throwing out nations and their gods left and right as you saved your people from Egypt?
22
You established for yourself a people - your very own Israel! - your people forever. And you, God, became their God.
23
So now, great God, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it forever! Do exactly what you've promised!
24
Then your reputation will be confirmed and flourish always as people exclaim, "The God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God over Israel, is Israel's God!" And the house of your servant David will remain rock solid under your watchful presence.
25
You, my God, have told me plainly, "I will build you a house." That's how I was able to find the courage to pray this prayer to you.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.