The Lord’s Compassion on Israel

14 O Lord, protect your people with your shepherd’s staff;

lead your flock, your special possession.

Though they live alone in a thicket

on the heights of Mount Carmel,*

let them graze in the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead

as they did long ago.

15 “Yes,” says the Lord,

“I will do mighty miracles for you,

like those I did when I rescued you

from slavery in Egypt.”

16 All the nations of the world will stand amazed

at what the Lord will do for you.

They will be embarrassed

at their feeble power.

They will cover their mouths in silent awe,

deaf to everything around them.

17 Like snakes crawling from their holes,

they will come out to meet the Lord our God.

They will fear him greatly,

trembling in terror at his presence.

18 Where is another God like you,

who pardons the guilt of the remnant,

overlooking the sins of his special people?

You will not stay angry with your people forever,

because you delight in showing unfailing love.

19 Once again you will have compassion on us.

You will trample our sins under your feet

and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love

as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.