17 They refused to listenand did not remember Your wondersYou performed among them. They became stiff-necked and appointed a leaderto return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God,gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and rich in faithful love, and You did not abandon them.
18 Even after they had cast an image of a calffor themselves and said,“This is your God who brought you out of Egypt,” and they had committed terrible blasphemies,
19 You did not abandon them in the wildernessbecause of Your great compassion.During the day the pillar of cloudnever turned away from them,guiding them on their journey.And during the night the pillar of fireilluminated the way they should go.
20 You sent Your good Spirit to instruct them.You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths,and You gave them water for their thirst.
21 You provided for them in the wilderness 40 years and they lacked nothing.Their clothes did not wear out,and their feet did not swell.
22 You gave them kingdoms and peoplesand assigned them to be a boundary.They took possessionof the land of Sihon king of Heshbonand of the land of Og king of Bashan.
23 You multiplied their descendantslike the stars of heaven and brought them to the landYou told their ancestors to go in and take possession of it.