And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
They refused to obey and didn't remember the amazing things you did for them. Instead, they became stubborn and rebellious, and even chose a leader to take them back into slavery. But you are a God who is ready to forgive, full of grace and mercy, slow to get angry, and incredibly kind—and you didn't abandon them.
This verse contrasts human rebellion and forgetfulness with God's patient, forgiving character—even when people turn away from him, God remains faithful and doesn't abandon them.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a long prayer of confession where the Israelites are recounting their history, specifically remembering how their ancestors rebelled against God in the wilderness after being freed from Egypt. The reference to appointing 'a captain to return to their bondage' likely refers to the incident in Numbers 14 when the Israelites wanted to choose a leader to take them back to Egypt rather than enter the Promised Land.
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