11. Their whole nation was cursed from the start, and though you had not punished them for their sins, it was not because you were afraid of anyone.
12. You created those wicked people, and no one can speak in their defence or condemn you for destroying them. No one can question what you have done or challenge your judgement.
13. All things are under your care, and there is no other god to whom you must justify your decisions.
14. No king or ruler on earth can accuse you of punishing those people unfairly.
15. You are righteous, and you rule everything righteously. You have never used your power to condemn a person who does not deserve to be punished.
16. Your strength is the source of justice. You can show mercy to everyone, because you are the Lord of all.
17. You show your strength when people doubt that your power is perfect, and you punish anyone who knows your power but dares to ignore it.
18. Even though you have absolute power, you are a merciful judge. You could take action against us whenever you choose, but instead, you rule us with great patience.
19. By the things you have done you have taught your people that a person who is righteous must also be kind. You have given your people abundant hope by allowing them to repent of their sins.
20. You were very careful and patient in punishing your people's enemies; even when they deserved to die, you gave them every opportunity to give up their sinful ways.
21. But you judged your own people very strictly, even though you had made covenants with their ancestors and had solemnly promised to give them good things.
22. Yes, you punish us, but you punish our enemies 10,000 times more, so that when we judge others, we may remember your goodness, and when we are being judged, we may look for mercy.
23. And so you tormented those who were foolish enough to live wickedly — you tormented them with the horrible things they worshipped.