39They defiled themselves by their evil deeds,
and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight.
40That is why the Lord’s anger burned against his people,
and he abhorred his own special possession.
41He handed them over to pagan nations,
and they were ruled by those who hated them.
42Their enemies crushed them
and brought them under their cruel power.
43Again and again he rescued them,
but they chose to rebel against him,
and they were finally destroyed by their sin.
44Even so, he pitied them in their distress
and listened to their cries.
45He remembered his covenant with them
and relented because of his unfailing love.
46He even caused their captors
to treat them with kindness.
47Save us, O Lord our God!
Gather us back from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you.
48Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
who lives from everlasting to everlasting!
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!
