25. In the streets their children will be killed with swords. Their homes will be filled with terror. Young men and women will die. Babies and old people will die.
26. I said I would scatter them. I said I would wipe them from human memory.
27. But I was afraid their enemies would make fun of that. I was afraid their attackers would not understand. I was sure they would say, 'We're the ones who've beaten them! The Lord isn't the one who did it.' "
28. Israel is a nation that doesn't have any sense. They can't understand anything.
29. I wish they were wise. Then they would understand what's coming. They'd realize what would happen to them in the end.
30. How could one person chase a thousand? How could two make ten thousand run away? It couldn't happen unless their Rock had deserted them. It couldn't take place unless the Lord had given them up.
31. Their rock is not like our Rock. Even our enemies know that.
32. Their vine comes from the vines of Sodom. It comes from the vineyards of Gomorrah. Their grapes are filled with poison. Their bunches of grapes taste bitter.
33. Their wine is like the poison of snakes. It's like the deadly poison of cobras.
34. The Lord says, "I have kept all of those terrible things stored away. I have kept them sealed up in my strongbox.
35. I punish people. I will pay them back. The time will come when their feet will slip. Their day of trouble is near. Very soon they will be destroyed."
36. The Lord will judge his people. He'll show tender love to those who serve him. He will know when their strength is gone. He'll see that no one at all is left.
37. He'll say, "Where are their gods now? Where is the rock they went to for safety?
38. Where are the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices? Where are the gods who drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up to help you! Let them keep you safe!
39. "Look! I am the One! There is no other God except me. I put some people to death. I bring others to life. I have wounded, and I will heal. No one can save you from my powerful hand.
40. I raise my hand to heaven. Here is the oath I take. You can be sure that I live forever.
41. And you can be just as sure that I will sharpen my flashing sword. My hand will hold it when I judge. I will get even with my enemies. I will pay back those who hate me.
42. I will make my arrows drip with blood. My sword will destroy people. It will kill some. It will even kill prisoners. It will cut off the heads of enemy leaders."
43. You nations, be full of joy. Be joyful together with God's people. The Lord will get even with his enemies. He will pay them back for killing those who serve him. He will wipe away the sin of his land and people.
44. I spoke all of the words of that song to the people. Joshua, the son of Nun, was with me.