35. He changed deserts into pools of waterand dry land into flowing springs.
36. He let hungry people settle there,and they built a city to live in.
37. They sowed the fields and planted grapevinesand reaped an abundant harvest.
38. He blessed his people, and they had many children;he kept their herds of cattle from decreasing.
39. When God's people were defeated and humiliatedby cruel oppression and suffering,
40. he showed contempt for their oppressorsand made them wander in trackless deserts.
41. But he rescued the needy from their miseryand made their families increase like flocks.
42. The righteous see this and are glad,but all the wicked are put to silence.
43. May those who are wise think about these things;may they consider the Lord's constant love.