16  For ^eI will not contend forever,

nor will I always be angry;

for the spirit would grow faint before me,

and the breath of life that I made.

“‘Return, faithless Israel,

declares the Lord.

I will not look on you in anger,

for I am merciful,

declares the Lord;

^jI will not be angry forever.

18  ^xWho is a God like you, ^ypardoning iniquity

and passing over transgression

for the ^zremnant of his inheritance?

^aHe does not retain his anger forever,

because he delights in steadfast love.