29. You warned them to turn backand discover true lifeby obeying your laws.But they stubbornly refusedand continued to sin.
30. For years, you were patient,and your Spirit warned themwith messages spokenby your prophets.Still they refused to listen,and you handed them overto their enemies.
31. But you are merciful and kind,and so you never forgot themor let them be destroyed.
32. Our God, you are powerful,fearsome, and faithful,always true to your word.So please keep in mindthe terrible sufferingsof our people, kings, leaders,priests, and prophets,from the time Assyria ruleduntil this very day.
33. You have always been fairwhen you punished usfor our sins.
34. Our kings, leaders, and priestshave never obeyed your commandsor heeded your warnings.
35. You blessed them with a kingdomand with an abundanceof rich, fertile land,but they refused to worship youor turn from their evil.
36. Now we are slavesin this fruitful landyou gave to our ancestors.
37. Its plentiful harvest is takenby kings you placed over usbecause of our sins.Our suffering is unbearable,because they do as they wishto us and our livestock.
38. And so, a firm agreement was made that had the official approval of the leaders, the Levites, and priests.