1The LORD appeared unto David when he was old and said to him: “Behold, I am with you, and I am your God, and behold, My covenant is with you; do not be afraid, nor discouraged, because your God is your helper.”
2And David bowed down to the LORD and rejoiced in his heart.
3And the LORD said: “Speak these words in My name to the people and make sure they understand and obey so that they will live. If they do, I will no longer be angry with them.”
4And the LORD put His words in his mouth.
5Then David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem, and he made a pulpit of wood for himself and he stood upon it and addressed all the people. He opened his mouth and said:
6“Hear, O Israel, your God and my God is one, the only one, and unique; there is no one like His individuality. He is hidden from everyone; He always has been and always will be [eternal]. He fills His creation, but His creation does not fill Him. He sees everything, but is not seen; He knows the future and reveals it to mankind, for He is the never-ending God, and there is no end to His presence, power and truth; whole worlds are full of His glory.
7He gave each person free choice: if one person wants to do good, he will be helped, but if a person wants to do evil, he will find a way.
8As for us, we will worship our God who is our King, our Lord, and our Savior, with love and awe. For your wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD and if you truly understand Him, you will depart from evil.
9Remember and obey the Law of Moses, the man of God, so that you will live a blessed life all of your days.
10Ask your fathers, and they will teach you, ask your elders, and they will instruct you.
11Do not just listen to the Law, but be strong and valiant to obey all of it.
12Hearing is like the seed, but a deed shows that the seed has taken root in you. It then becomes a tree of belief which produces the fruit of true righteousness.
13What becomes of a smelly rotten seed if no root will come out of it?
14So, hurry. Be quick to hear and act. For if you are a true seed, if you have belief and righteousness, then the LORD will bless you all with peace.
15Live in peace with each other. Love the deeds, and those created in the image of the LORD like your own selves,
16because it is a sign that you love the Creator, if you love His creation.
17You cannot take hold of the one but withdraw your hand from the other. Love the LORD and also man so that it will be well with you all the days of your life.”
18David raised his voice, and lifted his hands toward heaven, and said: “LORD, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, God, merciful and gracious, guard Israel forever.
19Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance, and tend to them, and uphold them forever.”
20And all the people called out: “Amen, amen.”
21And David sent the people away and they went home peacefully.