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.
24. They had wandered far away from the truth and worshipped the most disgusting and horrible animals. They were deceived as easily as little children.
25. And so you punished them for their stupidity, and your judgement made them look like fools.