⁴ But when they were distressed by wars and oppression, they returned to the Eternal One, the True God of Israel. They sought Him, and He let them find Him. ⁵ In those times before the monarchy, no one traveling had a peaceful life. Everyone in the lands had numerous difficulties; ⁶ nations and cities fought back and forth, destroying each other again and again. Because of their disobedience, the True God troubled them constantly.