¹⁶ “But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked,^(A) and they did not obey your commands.^{(B) 17} They refused to listen and failed to remember^(C) the miracles^(D) you performed among them. They became stiff-necked^(E) and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.^(F) But you are a forgiving God,^(G) gracious and compassionate,^(H) slow to anger^(I) and abounding in love.^(J) Therefore you did not desert them,^(K)

²⁹ “You warned^(A) them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant^(B) and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’^(C) Stubbornly they turned their backs^(D) on you, became stiff-necked^(E) and refused to listen.^{(F) 30} For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets.^(G) Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.^{(H) 31} But in your great mercy you did not put an end^(I) to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful^(J) God.