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"When they were hungry, you gave them bread from heaven,
1 and water from a rock when they were thirsty. You told them to take control of the land which you had promised to give them.
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But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn
2 and refused to obey your commands.
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They refused to obey; they forgot all you did;
3 they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to 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.
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They made an idol in the shape of a bull-calf
4 and said it was the god who led them from Egypt! How much they insulted you, Lord!
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But you did not abandon them there in the desert,
5 for your mercy is great. You did not take away the cloud or the fire that showed them the path by day and night.
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In your goodness you told them what they should do; you fed them manna and gave them water to drink.
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Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain.
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"You let them conquer nations and kingdoms,
6 lands that bordered their own. They conquered the land of Heshbon, where Sihon ruled, and the land of Bashan, where Og was king.
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You gave them as many children as there are stars in the sky,
7 and let them conquer and live in the land that you had promised their ancestors to give them.
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They conquered the land of Canaan;
8 you overcame the people living there. You gave your people the power to do as they pleased with the people and kings of Canaan.
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Your people captured fortified cities,
9 fertile land, houses full of wealth, cisterns already dug, olive trees, fruit trees, and vineyards. They ate all they wanted and grew fat; they enjoyed all the good things you gave them.