52. Then he led his people out like a shepherdand guided them through the desert.
53. He led them safely, and they were not afraid;but the sea came rolling over their enemies.
54. He brought them to his holy land,to the mountains which he himself conquered.
55. He drove out the inhabitants as his people advanced;he divided their land among the tribes of Israeland gave their homes to his people.
56. But they rebelled against Almighty Godand put him to the test.They did not obey his commandments,
57. but were rebellious and disloyal like their ancestors,unreliable as a crooked arrow.
58. They angered him with their heathen places of worship,and with their idols they made him furious.
59. God was angry when he saw it,so he rejected his people completely.
60. He abandoned his tent in Shiloh,the home where he had lived among us.
61. He allowed our enemies to capture the Covenant Box,the symbol of his power and glory.
62. He was angry with his own peopleand let them be killed by their enemies.
63. Young men were killed in war,and young women had no one to marry.
64. Priests died by violence,and their widows were not allowed to mourn.
65. At last the Lord woke up as though from sleep;he was like a strong man excited by wine.
66. He drove his enemies backin lasting and shameful defeat.