55. He forced out the other nations.And he had his people inherit the land.He let the tribes of Israel settle there in tents.
56. But they tested Godand turned against the Most High.They did not keep his rules.
57. They turned away and sinned just like their ancestors.They were like a crooked bow that does not shoot straight.
58. They made God angry by building places to worship false gods.They made him jealous with their idols.
59. When God heard them, he became very angry.And he rejected the people of Israel completely.
60. He left his dwelling at Shiloh,the tent where he lived among men.
61. He let his Ark of the Covenant be captured.He let the Ark of the Covenant, which was his glory, be taken by enemies.
62. He let his people be killed.He was very angry with his children.
63. The young men died by fire.The young women had no one to marry.
64. Their priests fell by the sword.But their widows were not allowed to cry.
65. Then the Lord got up as if he had been asleep.He awoke like a man who was drunk with wine.
66. He struck down his enemies.He disgraced them forever.
67. But God rejected the family of Joseph.He did not choose the tribe of Ephraim.
68. Instead, he chose the tribe of Judahand Mount Zion, which he loves.
69. And he built his Temple high like the mountains.Like the earth, he built it to last forever.
70. He chose David to be his servant.He took him from the sheep pens.
71. He brought him from tending the sheepso he could lead the flock, the people of Jacob.This flock was his own people, the people of Israel.
72. And David led them with an innocent heart.He guided them with skillful hands.