Study Desk

He sent a strong wind from the east, and by his power he made the south wind blow.

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.

Again and again they tested his patience. They really hurt the Holy One of Israel.

They forgot about his power. They forgot the many times he saved them from the enemy.

He showed the Egyptians his anger. He sent his destroying angels against them.

He found a way to show his anger. He did not spare their lives. He let them die with a deadly disease.

Then he led Israel like a shepherd. He led his people like sheep into the desert.

He led his people to his holy land, to the mountain he took with his own power.

But they tested God Most High and made him very sad. They didn't obey his commands.

He abandoned his place at Shiloh, the Holy Tent where he lived among the people.

He let foreigners capture the Box of the Agreement, the symbol of his power and glory.

He showed his anger against his people and let them be killed in war.

Finally, our Lord got up like a man waking from his sleep, like a soldier after drinking too much wine.

He forced his enemies to turn back defeated. He brought them shame that will last forever.

He built his holy Temple high on that mountain. Like the earth, God built his Temple to last forever.

He chose David to be his special servant. He took him from the sheep pens.

He took him away from the job of caring for sheep and gave him the job of caring for the descendants of Jacob—Israel, his chosen people.

I heard what the Lord God said. He said there would be peace for his people and his loyal followers. So they must not go back to their foolish way of living.

He will soon save his faithful followers. His glory will again live in our land.

God's love will come together with his faithful people. Goodness and peace will greet them with a kiss.