Nehemiah 9:29-31

New Century Version

²⁹ You warned them to return to your teachings,
    but they were proud and did not obey your commands.
If someone obeys your laws, he will live,
    but they sinned against your laws.
They were stubborn, unwilling, and disobedient.
³⁰ You were patient with them for many years
    and warned them by your Spirit through the prophets,
but they did not pay attention.
    So you handed them over to other countries.
³¹ But because your mercy is great, you did not kill them all or leave them.
    You are a kind and merciful God.