²⁸ “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight.^(A) Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion^(B) you delivered them^(C) time after time.

²⁹ “You warned^(D) them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant^(E) and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’^(F) Stubbornly they turned their backs^(G) on you, became stiff-necked^(H) and refused to listen.^{(I) 30} For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets.^(J) Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.^{(K) 31} But in your great mercy you did not put an end^(L) to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful^(M) God.