For the LORDsawthe afflictionof Israel,[which was] verybitter;for there was neitherbondnorfree,norwas thereany helperfor Israel.
thereforebehold,I am bringingcalamityon the houseof Jeroboam,and will cutofffrom Jeroboameverymaleperson, both bondand freein Israel,and I will makea cleansweepof the houseof Jeroboam,as one sweepsawaydunguntilit is allgone.
"Behold,I will bringevilupon you, and will utterlysweepyou away,and will cutofffrom Ahabeverymale,both bondand freein Israel;
But the LORDwas graciousto them and hadcompassionon them and turnedto them becauseof His covenantwith Abraham,Isaac,and Jacob,and wouldnot destroythem or castthem from His presenceuntilnow.
Then Jehoahazentreatedthe favorof the LORD,and the LORDlistenedto him; for He sawthe oppressionof Israel,howthe kingof Aramoppressedthem.
For the wholehouseof Ahabshall perish,and I will cutofffrom Ahabeverymaleperson both bondand freein Israel.
Therefore He humbledtheir heartwith labor;They stumbledand therewas noneto help.
Be not farfrom me, for troubleis near;For thereis noneto help.
The LORDsaid,"I have surelyseenthe afflictionof My peoplewhoare in Egypt,and have givenheedto their crybecauseof their taskmasters,for I am awareof their sufferings.
"Now,behold,the cryof the sonsof Israelhas cometo Me; furthermore,I have seenthe oppressionwith whichthe Egyptiansare oppressingthem.
In alltheir afflictionHe was afflicted,And the angelof His presencesavedthem; In His loveand in His mercyHe redeemedthem, And He liftedthem and carriedthem allthe daysof old.
"I searchedfor a manamongthem who would buildup the walland standin the gapbeforeMe for the land,sothat I would not destroyit; but I foundnoone.
"For the LORDwill vindicateHis people,And will havecompassionon His servants,WhenHe seesthat [their] strengthis gone,And thereis none[remaining], bondor free.
So they putawaythe foreigngodsfrom amongthem and servedthe LORD;and He couldbearthe miseryof Israelnolonger.
