Morning Prayer 

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Inspiration 

God showed great forbearance toward Israel in warning them again and again, sending his prophets among them, and testifying of to them of their sins. Yet, Israel still rebelled and went into captivity. But (verse 31) God did not utterly destroy them, but out of mercy spared a remnant and brought them back to their land 70 years later.

Prayer 

You are a God of mercy, O Lord, but also a God who will punish iniquity. You pour out your wrath and justice on the lost and discipline your children when they go astray. To the lost, you are a Judge before whom they stand condemned; to us, you are a loving Father who corrects us when we stray or a watchful Shepherd whose rod and staff guides us and comforts us (Psalm 23). Amen.