Study Desk

The Lord was full of anger when He heard them. And a fire was set against Jacob. His anger went up against Israel,

He made the east wind blow in the heavens. And He brought in the south wind by His power.

But still they kept on sinning. They did not believe in His powerful works.

For their heart was not right toward Him. They were not faithful to His agreement.

But He showed them loving-kindness and forgave their sins. He did not destroy them. He held back His anger many times. He did not let all of His anger loose.

They did not remember His power and the day He saved them from those who hated them,

when He did His powerful works in Egypt and showed His greatness in the field of Zoan.

He sent them His burning anger and trouble. He sent a group of angels to bring trouble and sorrow to them.

He made a straight path for His anger. He did not save their soul from death. But He gave their lives over to all these troubles.

But He brought His people out like sheep. And He led them like a flock in the desert.

He brought them to His holy land, to the hill country His right hand had taken.

But they tempted and went against the Most High God. They did not keep His Law.

And He let His strength be taken. He put His greatness into the hands of those who hated Israel.

He allowed His people to be killed with the sword. And He was very angry with those who belong to Him.

He built His holy place like the high mountains, like the earth He has built forever.

He chose David, His servant and took him from the flocks of sheep.

He brought him from caring for the sheep and their lambs to being the shepherd of Jacob His people, and Israel who belongs to Him.

"I took the load off his shoulders. His hands were set free from the basket.

God takes His stand in the great meeting of His people. He judges among the rulers.

I will listen to what God the Lord will say. For He will speak peace to His people, to those who are right with Him. But do not let them turn again to foolish things.