17 They refused to obey; they forgot all you did;they forgot the miracles you had performed.In their pride they chose a leaderto take them back to slavery in Egypt.But you are a God who forgives;you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry.Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them.
18 They made an idol in the shape of a bull-calfand said it was the god who led them from Egypt!How much they insulted you, Lord!
19 But you did not abandon them there in the desert,for your mercy is great.You did not take away the cloud or the firethat showed them the path by day and night.
20 In your goodness you told them what they should do;you fed them manna and gave them water to drink.
21 Through forty years in the desertyou provided all that they needed;their clothing never wore out,and their feet were not swollen with pain.
22 “You let them conquer nations and kingdoms,lands that bordered their own.They conquered the land of Heshbon, where Sihon ruled,and the land of Bashan, where Og was king.
23 You gave them as many children as there are stars in the sky,and let them conquer and live in the landthat you had promised their ancestors to give them.