Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

God's Covenant with Abram

1After this, Abram had a vision and heard the LORD say to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I will shield you from danger and give you a great reward.”

2But Abram answered, “Sovereign LORD, what good will your reward do me, since I have no children? My only heir is Eliezer of Damascus. 3You have given me no children, and one of my slaves will inherit my property.”

4Then he heard the LORD speaking to him again: “This slave Eliezer will not inherit your property; your own son will be your heir.” 5The LORD took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and try to count the stars; you will have as many descendants as that.”

6Abram put his trust in the LORD, and because of this the LORD was pleased with him and accepted him.

Genesis 15:1-6GNBOpen in Bible reader

12Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD;

happy are the people he has chosen for his own!

13The LORD looks down from heaven

and sees the whole human race.

14From where he rules, he looks down

on all who live on earth.

15He forms all their thoughts

and knows everything they do.

16A king does not win because of his powerful army;

a soldier does not triumph because of his strength.

17War horses are useless for victory;

their great strength cannot save.

18The LORD watches over those who obey him,

those who trust in his constant love.

19He saves them from death;

he keeps them alive in times of famine.

20We put our hope in the LORD;

he is our protector and our help.

21We are glad because of him;

we trust in his holy name.

22May your constant love be with us, LORD,

as we put our hope in you.

Psalms 33:12-22GNBOpen in Bible reader
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