1. At that time the Lord will punish Leviathan with his sword. His great, powerful and deadly sword will punish the serpent that glides through the sea. He will kill that twisting sea monster.
2. At that time the Lord will sing about his fruitful vineyard. He will say,
3. "I am the Lord. I watch over my vineyard. I water it all the time. I guard it day and night. I do it so no one can harm it.
4. I am not angry with my vineyard. I wish thorns and bushes would come up in it. Then I would march out against them in battle. I would set all of them on fire.
5. So the enemies of my people had better come to me for safety. They should make peace with me. I will say it again. They should make peace with me."
6. In days to come, Jacob's people will put down roots like a vine. Israel will bud and bloom. They will fill the whole world with fruit.
7. The Lord struck down those who struck Israel down. But he hasn't punished Israel as much. The Lord killed those who killed many of his people. But he hasn't punished his people as much.
8. The Lord will use war to punish Israel. He will make them leave their land. With a strong blast of his anger he will drive them out. It will be as if the east wind were blowing.
9. The people of Jacob will have to pay for their sin. That must happen in order for their sin to be taken away. They will make all of the altar stones like chalk. They will crush them to pieces. No poles that had been used to worship the goddess Asherah will be left standing. No incense altars will be left either.