23. You gave them as many children as there are stars in the sky,and let them conquer and live in the landthat you had promised their ancestors to give them.
24. They conquered the land of Canaan;you overcame the people living there.You gave your people the power to do as they pleasedwith the people and kings of Canaan.
25. Your people captured fortified cities,fertile land, houses full of wealth,cisterns already dug,olive trees, fruit trees, and vineyards.They ate all they wanted and grew fat;they enjoyed all the good things you gave them.
26. “But your people rebelled and disobeyed you;they turned their backs on your Law.They killed the prophets who warned them,who told them to turn back to you.They insulted you time after time,
27. so you let their enemies conquer and rule them.In their trouble they called to you for help,and you answered them from heaven.In your great mercy you sent them leaderswho rescued them from their foes.
28. When peace returned, they sinned again,and again you let their enemies conquer them.Yet when they repented and asked you to save them,in heaven you heard, and time after timeyou rescued them in your great mercy.
29. You warned them to obey your teachings,but in pride they rejected your laws,although keeping your Law is the way to life.Obstinate and stubborn, they refused to obey.
30. Year after year you patiently warned them.You inspired your prophets to speak,but your people were deaf,so you let them be conquered by other nations.
31. And yet, because your mercy is great,you did not forsake or destroy them.You are a gracious and merciful God!
32. “O God, our God, how great you are!How terrifying, how powerful!You faithfully keep your covenant promises.From the time when Assyrian kings oppressed us,even till now, how much we have suffered!Our kings, our leaders, our priests and prophets,our ancestors, and all our people have suffered.Remember how much we have suffered!
33. You have done right to punish us;you have been faithful, even though we have sinned.
34. Our ancestors, our kings, leaders, and priestshave not kept your Law.They did not listen to your commands and warnings.
35. With your blessing, kings ruled your peoplewhen they lived in the broad, fertile land you gave them;but they failed to turn from sin and serve you.
36. And now we are slaves in the land that you gave us,this fertile land which gives us food.
37. What the land produces goes to the kingsthat you put over us because we sinned.They do as they please with us and our livestock,and we are in deep distress!”