The Lord Shows Restraint

Because the Israelites disobeyed my laws and prayed to the gods of their forefathers, I resolved to vent my fury on them; however, I resisted so that I should not be shamed in the eyes of the nations who saw me bring them out of Egypt, and instead I imposed evil statutes on them and laws which could not lead to life. I made them sacrifice their children in fire, that they might know remorse; then they would know that I am the Lord.

-Ezekiel 20:21