The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue,

Years later the king of Egypt died, but the Israelites were still groaning under their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry went up to God,

Then the LORD said, "I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings,

So they got rid of their foreign gods and worshiped the LORD; and he became troubled over Israel's distress.

but the LORD was kind and merciful to them. He would not let them be destroyed, but helped them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He has never forgotten his people.

His anger lasts only a moment, his goodness for a lifetime. Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.

But God was merciful to his people. He forgave their sin and did not destroy them. Many times he held back his anger and restrained his fury.

As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him.

Many times the LORD rescued his people, but they chose to rebel against him and sank deeper into sin.

For their sake he remembered his covenant, and because of his great love he relented.

"Israel, you are my dearest child, the one I love best. Whenever I mention your name, I think of you with love. My heart goes out to you; I will be merciful.

"How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong.

So he got up and started back to his father. "He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him.