You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed – not by perishable things like silver or gold,

Your ancestors ¹  ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

They have gone back to the evil ways ¹  of their ancestors of old who refused to obey what I told them. They, too, have paid allegiance to ²  other gods and worshiped them. Both the nation of Israel and the nation of Judah ³  have violated the covenant I made with their ancestors.

This was the one who exploited ¹  our people ²  and was cruel to our ancestors, ³  forcing them to abandon ⁴  their infants so they would die. ⁵ 

The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. ¹ 

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, ¹  when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. ² 

The God of our forefathers ¹  raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree. ² 

After God spoke long ago ¹  in various portions ²  and in various ways ³  to our ancestors ⁴  through the prophets,

You must divide it equally just as I vowed to give it to your forefathers; ¹  this land will be assigned as your inheritance. ² 

but then ¹  he may go free, ²  he and his children with him, and may return to his family and to the property of his ancestors. ³ 

Do not hold us accountable for the sins of earlier generations! ¹  Quickly send your compassion our way, ²  for we are in serious trouble! ³ 

But your ancestors ¹  did not listen to me nor pay attention to me. They became obstinate ²  and were more wicked than even their own forefathers.’”

You kept the promise that you swore on oath to their ancestors. ¹  You gave them a land flowing with milk and honey. ² 

Then you will live in the land I gave to your fathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. ¹ 

And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, ¹  we would not have participated with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Our ancestors ¹  ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” ² 

‘I am the God of your forefathers, ¹  the God of Abraham, Isaac, ²  and Jacob.’ ³  Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look more closely. ⁴ 

In regard to the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but in regard to election they are dearly loved for the sake of the fathers.

For I do not want you to be unaware, ¹  brothers and sisters, ²  that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea,

Do not move an ancient boundary stone ¹  which was put in place by your ancestors. ²