15 For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.”
16 You say, “No!
We will escape on horses”—
therefore you will escape!—
and, “We will ride on fast horses”—
but those who pursue you will be faster.(A)
17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one,(B)
at the threat of five you will flee,
until you alone remain
like a solitary pole on a mountaintop
or a banner on a hill.

The Lord’s Mercy to Israel

18 Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,
and is rising up to show you compassion,(C)
for the Lord is a just God.
All who wait patiently for Him are happy.

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15 Therefore, the Lord God,
    the holy one of Israel, says:
In return and rest you will be saved;
    quietness and trust will be your strength—
    but you refused.
16 You said,
“No! We’ll flee on horses”—
    therefore, you will indeed flee—
    “and we’ll ride off; on swift steeds we will ride”—
    therefore, your pursuers will be swift.
17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one,
    and at the threat of five you will flee,
    until you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
    like a flag on a hill.
18 Nonetheless, the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you,
    and will rise up to show you compassion.
The Lord is a God of justice;
    happy are all who wait for him.

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