36. But the Lord will acquit his people,will have compassion on those who serve him,once he sees that their strength is all gone,that both prisoners and free people are wiped out.
37. The Lord will ask, "Where are their gods—the rocks they trusted in—
38. who ate up the fat of their sacrifices,who drank their sacred wine?They should stand up and help you!They should protect you now!
39. Now, look here: I myself, I’m the one;there are no other gods with me.I’m the one who deals death and gives life;I’m the one who wounded, but now I will heal.There’s no escaping my hand.
40. But now I’m lifting my hand to heaven—I swear by my own eternity:
41. when I sharpen my blazing swordand my hand grabs hold of justice,I’ll pay my enemies back;I’ll punish in kind everyone who hates me.
42. I’ll make my arrows drink much blood,while my sword devours flesh,the blood of the dead and captured,flowing from the heads of enemy generals."