51. God struck down all of Egypt’s oldest males;in Ham’s tents, he struck their pride and joy.
52. God led his own people out like sheep,guiding them like a flock in the wilderness.
53. God led them in safety—they were not afraid!But the sea engulfed their enemies!
54. God brought them to his holy territory,to the mountain that his own strong hand had acquired.
55. God drove out the nations before themand apportioned property for them;he settled Israel’s tribes in their tents.
56. But they tested and defied the Most High God;they didn’t pay attention to his warnings.
57. They turned away, became faithless just like their ancestors;they twisted away like a defective bow.
58. They angered God with their many shrines;they angered him with their idols.
59. God heard and became enraged;he rejected Israel utterly.