37. They sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons.
38. They shed innocent blood,the blood of their own sons and daughterswhom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.The land became polluted with blood.
39. They became filthy because of what they did.They behaved like prostitutes.
40. The Lord burned with anger against his own people.He was disgusted with those who belonged to him.
41. He handed them over to other nations,and those who hated them ruled them.
42. Their enemies oppressed themand made them subject to their power.
43. He rescued them many times,but they continued to plot rebellion against himand to sink deeper because of their sin.
44. He saw that they were sufferingwhen he heard their cry for help.
45. He remembered his promise to them.In keeping with his rich mercy, he changed his plans.
46. He let them find compassionfrom all those who held them captive.
47. Rescue us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nationsso that we may give thanks to your holy nameand make your praise our glory.
48. Thanks be to the Lord God of Israelfrom everlasting to everlasting.Let all the people say amen.Hallelujah!