16. “But our ancestors were proud and stubbornand did not obey your commands.
17. They refused to listen;they forgot the miracles you did for them.So they became stubborn and turned against you,choosing a leader to take them back to slavery.But you are a forgiving God.You are kind and full of mercy.You do not become angry quickly, and you have great love.So you did not leave them.
18. Our ancestors even made an idol of a calf for themselves.They said, ‘This is your god, Israel,who brought you up out of Egypt.’They spoke against you.
19. “You have great mercy,so you did not leave them in the desert.The pillar of cloud guided them by day,and the pillar of fire led them at night,lighting the way they were to go.
20. You gave your good Spirit to teach them.You gave them manna to eatand water when they were thirsty.
21. You took care of them for forty years in the desert;they needed nothing.Their clothes did not wear out,and their feet did not swell.
22. “You gave them kingdoms and nations;you gave them more land.They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbonand the country of Og king of Bashan.
23. You made their children as many as the stars in the sky,and you brought them into the landthat you told their ancestors to enter and take over.
24. So their children went into the land and took over.The Canaanites lived there, but you defeated them for our ancestors.You handed over to them the Canaanites, their kings, and the people of the land.Our ancestors could do what they wanted with them.
25. They captured strong, walled cities and fertile land.They took over houses full of good things,wells that were already dug,vineyards, olive trees, and many fruit trees.They ate until they were full and grew fat;they enjoyed your great goodness.
26. “But they were disobedient and turned against youand ignored your teachings.Your prophets warned them to come back to you,but they killed those prophetsand spoke against you.
27. So you handed them over to their enemies,and their enemies treated them badly.But in this time of trouble our ancestors cried out to you,and you heard from heaven.You had great mercyand gave them saviors who saved them from the power of their enemies.
28. But as soon as they had rest,they again did what was evil.So you left them to their enemieswho ruled over them.When they cried out to you again,you heard from heaven.Because of your mercy, you saved them again and again.
29. You warned them to return to your teachings,but they were proud and did not obey your commands.If someone obeys your laws, he will live,but they sinned against your laws.They were stubborn, unwilling, and disobedient.