36. But they tried to fool him with their words; they told him lies.
37. Their hearts were not really with him. They were not faithful to the agreement he gave them.
38. But God was merciful. He forgave their sins and did not destroy them. Many times he held back his anger. He never let it get out of control.
39. He remembered that they were only people, like a wind that blows and then is gone.
40. Oh, they caused him so much trouble in the desert! They made him so sad.