16. For you are our father,though Abraham does not know usand Israel does not recognize us.You, Lord, are our father;you have been called our protector from ancient times.
17. Why, Lord, do you make us stray from your ways,and make our minds stubborn so that we do not obey you?Return for the sake of your servants,the tribes of your inheritance!
18. For a short time your special nation possessed a land,but then our adversaries knocked down your holy sanctuary.
19. We existed from ancient times,but you did not rule over them,they were not your subjects.