34. They did not destroy the [heathen] nations as the Lord commanded them,
35. But mingled themselves with the [idolatrous] nations and learned their ways and works
36. And served their idols, which were a snare to them.
37. Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons [II Kings 16:3.]
38. And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with their blood.
39. Thus were they defiled by their own works, and they played the harlot and practiced idolatry with their own deeds [of idolatrous rites].
40. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred and rejected His own heritage. [Deut. 32:17.]
41. And He gave them into the hands of the [heathen] nations, and they that hated them ruled over them.
42. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under the hand of their foes.
43. Many times did [God] deliver them, but they were rebellious in their counsel and sank low through their iniquity.
44. Nevertheless He regarded their distress when He heard their cry;
45. And He [earnestly] remembered for their sake His covenant and relented their sentence of evil [comforting and easing Himself] according to the abundance of His mercy and loving-kindness [when they cried out to Him].
46. He also caused [Israel] to find sympathy among those who had carried them away captive.