The Lord used every prophet and every seer [205] to warn Israel and Judah. The Lord said, “Turn away from the evil things you do! Obey my commands and laws. Follow all the Law that I gave to your ancestors. [206] I used my servants the prophets to give this law to you.”
“Manasseh king of Judah has done these hated things and has done more evil than the Amorites before him. Manasseh also has caused Judah to sin because of his idols. [260]
But the people did not listen to God. Manasseh did more evil things than all the nations {that lived in Canaan before Israel came}. And the Lord destroyed those nations when the people of Israel {came to take their land}.
The Lord, the God of their ancestors, {\cf2\super [454]} sent prophets again and again to warn his people. The Lord did this because he felt sorry for them and for his temple. The Lord didn’t want to destroy them or his temple.
And then they turned against you!\par They threw away your teachings!\par They killed your prophets.\par Those prophets warned the people.\par They tried to bring them back to you.\par But our ancestors {\cf2\super [55]} did terrible things\par against you!\par
You were very patient with our ancestors.\par You let them mistreat you for many years.\par You warned them with your Spirit.\par You sent the prophets to warn them.\par But our ancestors {\cf2\super [58]} didn’t listen.\par So you gave them to people in other countries.\par