The LORD'Slovingkindnessesindeednevercease,For His compassionsneverfail.
Then Davidsaidto Gad,"I am in greatdistress.Let us nowfallinto the handof the LORDfor His merciesare great,but do not let me fallinto the handof man."
"Nevertheless, in Your greatcompassionYou did not makean endof them or forsakethem, For You are a graciousand compassionateGod.
He has not dealtwith us according to our sins,Norrewardedus according to our iniquities.
And He rememberedHis covenantfor their sake, And relentedaccording to the greatnessof His lovingkindness.
And do not hideYour facefrom Your servant,For I am in distress;answerme quickly.
Has His lovingkindnessceasedforever?Has [His] promisecometo an endforever?
But He, being compassionate,forgave[their] iniquityand did not destroy[them]; And oftenHe restrainedHis angerAnd did not arouseallHis wrath.
But You, O Lord,are a Godmercifuland gracious,Slowto angerand abundantin lovingkindnessand truth.
"Goand proclaimthesewordstoward the northand say,Return,faithlessIsrael,'declaresthe LORD;I will not lookupon you in anger. For I am gracious,'declaresthe LORD;'I will not be angryforever.
For I am with you,' declaresthe LORD,'to saveyou; For I will destroycompletelyallthe nationswhereI have scatteredyou, OnlyI will not destroyyou completely.But I will chastenyou justlyAnd will by nomeansleaveyou unpunished.'
"Is EphraimMy dearson?Is he a delightfulchild?Indeed,as oftenas I have spokenagainst him, I certainly[still] rememberhim; ThereforeMy heartyearnsfor him; I will surelyhavemercyon him," declaresthe LORD.
"To the Lordour God[belong] compassionand forgiveness,for we have rebelledagainst Him;
"For I, the LORD,do not change;therefore you, O sonsof Jacob,are not consumed.
"AND HIS MERCYIS UPON GENERATIONAFTERGENERATIONTOWARD THOSEWHO FEARHIM.
