38. They shed innocent blood – the blood of their sons and daughters,whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.The land was polluted by bloodshed.
39. They were defiled by their deeds,and unfaithful in their actions.
40. So the Lord was angry with his peopleand despised the people who belong to him.
41. He handed them over to the nations,and those who hated them ruled over them.
42. Their enemies oppressed them;they were subject to their authority.
43. Many times he delivered them,but they had a rebellious attitude,and degraded themselves by their sin.
44. Yet he took notice of their distress,when he heard their cry for help.
45. He remembered his covenant with them,and relented because of his great loyal love.
46. He caused all their conquerorsto have pity on them.
47. Deliver us, O Lord, our God!Gather us from among the nations!Then we will give thanks to your holy name,and boast about your praiseworthy deeds.
48. The Lord God of Israel deserves praise,in the future and forevermore.Let all the people say, “We agree! Praise the Lord!”