17 He made it stand as a law for Jacob. He made it stand as a covenant for Israel. It will last forever.
18 He said, "I will give you the land of Canaan. It will belong to you."
19 At first there weren't very many of God's people. There were only a few. And they were strangers in the land.
20 They wandered from nation to nation. They wandered from one kingdom to another.
21 But God didn't allow anyone to beat them down. To keep them safe, he gave a command to kings.
22 He said to them, "Do not touch my anointed ones. Do not harm my prophets."
23 All you people of the earth, sing to the Lord. Day after day tell about how he saves us.