17. They refused to listen. They forgot the amazing things you did with them. They became stubborn. They decided to return to Egypt and become slaves again. “But you are a forgiving God! You are kind and full of mercy. You are patient and full of love. So you didn’t leave them!
18. You didn’t leave them even when they made golden calves and said, ‘These are the gods that led us out of Egypt.’
19. You are very kind, so you didn’t leave them in the desert. You didn’t take the tall cloud away from them by day. You continued to lead them. You didn’t take the column of fire away from them at night. You continued to light their path and to show them which way to go.
20. You gave them your good Spirit to make them wise. You gave them manna for food. You gave them water for their thirst.
21. You took care of them for 40 years. They had all they needed in the desert. Their clothes didn’t wear out, and their feet didn’t swell and hurt.
22. You gave them kingdoms and nations, and you gave them faraway places where few people live. They got the land of King Sihon of Heshbon. They got the land of King Og of Bashan.
23. You made their descendants as many as the stars in the sky. You brought them to the land you promised to give their ancestors. They went in and took that land.
24. Their children took the land. They defeated the Canaanites living there. You let them defeat those people. You let them do whatever they wanted to those nations, people, and kings.
25. They defeated powerful cities. They took the fertile land. They got houses filled with good things. They got wells that were already dug. They got vineyards, olive trees, and plenty of fruit trees. They ate until they were full and fat. They enjoyed all the wonderful things you gave them.
26. And then they turned against you. They threw away your teachings. They killed your prophets. Those prophets warned the people. They tried to bring them back to you. But our ancestors said terrible things against you.
27. So you let their enemies have them. The enemy caused them much trouble. When trouble came, our ancestors called to you for help. And in heaven, you heard them. You are very kind, so you sent people to save them. And they rescued them from their enemies.
28. Then as soon as our ancestors were rested, they started doing terrible things again! So you let the enemy defeat them and punish them. They called to you for help, and in heaven you heard them and helped them. You are so kind. That happened so many times.
29. You warned them. You told them to come back, but they were too proud. They refused to listen to your commands. If people obey your laws, they will live. But our ancestors broke your laws. They were stubborn. They turned their backs on you. They refused to listen.
30. “You were very patient with our ancestors. You let them mistreat you for many years. You warned them with your Spirit. You sent the prophets to warn them. But our ancestors didn’t listen. So you gave them to people in other countries.
31. “But you are so kind! You didn’t completely destroy them. You didn’t leave them. You are such a kind and merciful God!
32. Our God, you are the great God, the awesome, powerful soldier! You are kind and loyal. You keep your agreement. We have had many troubles, and our troubles are important to you. Bad things happened to all our people, and to our kings and leaders, and to our priests and prophets. Those terrible things have happened from the days of the king of Assyria until today!
33. But God, you were right about everything that happened to us. You were right, and we were wrong.