55. He drove out nations before them, and allotted them an inheritance. He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
56. Yet they tested and rebelled against El Elyon, and did not keep His decrees.
57. Like their fathers they turned and were treacherous. They turned aside like a faulty bow.
58. For they provoked Him with their high places, so they aroused His jealousy with their graven images.
59. God heard and was furious, and He greatly detested Israel.
60. He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He pitched among men.
61. He gave up His strength into captivity, and His glory into the adversary’s hand.
62. He gave His people over to the sword, when He was angry at His inheritance.
63. Fire consumed their young men, and their virgins had no wedding songs.
64. Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows could not weep.
65. Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a warrior shaking off wine.
66. He beat back His foes, putting them to lasting scorn.
67. Then He detested Joseph’s tent and chose not the tribe of Ephraim.
68. Instead He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved.