Look down from heaven and regard us from your holy and glorious palace! Where is your zealous care and your might, your surge of pity? Your mercy hold not back!
in their every affliction. It was not an envoy or a messenger, but his presence that saved them. Because of his love and pity the Lord redeemed them, Lifting them up and carrying them all the days of old.
Is Ephraim not my favored son, the child in whom I delight? Even though I threaten him, I must still remember him! My heart stirs for him, I must show him compassion!—oracle of the Lord.
So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
Surely, the Lord will do justice for his people; on his servants he will have pity. When he sees their strength is gone, and neither bond nor free is left,
Exult with him, you heavens, bow to him, all you divine beings! For he will avenge the blood of his servants, take vengeance on his foes; He will requite those who hate him, and purge his people’s land.
Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”