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.

⁹ I will not carry out my fierce anger,^(A)
    nor will I devastate^(B) Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man^(C)—
    the Holy One^(D) among you.
    I will not come against their cities.