³⁸ Yet he was merciful;^(A)
    he forgave^(B) their iniquities^(C)
    and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger^(D)
    and did not stir up his full wrath.

²³ So he said he would destroy^(A) them—
    had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach^(B) before him
    to keep his wrath from destroying them.