1. God was gracious and merciful (22-31)

The people reviewed their nation's history from the time God graciously brought them into the promised land and subdued all their enemies. They remembered that whenever they forgot God and worshiped other idols and were oppressed by their enemies, God was gracious and merciful and delivered them. Our God graciously and mercifully does not treat us as our sins deserve, but he hears our cries and delivers us for his good purpose.

2. God was righteous and faithful (32-38)

When people became arrogant and forgot God, especially kings whom God had raised up, he allowed them to go into exile. Righteous God brought judgment on them for their sins to purify their hearts and restore them. In his faithfulness, he brought them back to his holy city. Yet they were not free, but slaves suffering under great oppression, for Persia demanded heavy tribute. Having returned to the holy city, they pledged to live as his holy people and renewed their covenant with God their King.