3 Because truly the old inhabitants of your holy land,

4 hating them because they practised detestable works of enchantments and unholy rites—

5 merciless slaughters of children

and sacrificial banquets of men’s flesh and of blood—

6 allies in an impious fellowship,

and murderers of their own helpless babes,

it was your counsel to destroy by the hands of our fathers;

7 that the land which in your sight is most precious of all

might receive a worthy colony of God’s servants.[fn]

8 Nevertheless you even spared these as men,

and you sent hornets[fn] as forerunners of your army,

to cause them to perish little by little.

9 Not that you were unable to subdue the ungodly under the hand of the righteous in battle,

or by terrible wild animals or by a stern word to make away with them at once,

10 but judging them little by little you gave them a chance to repent,

not being ignorant that their nature by birth was evil,

their wickedness inborn,

and that their manner of thought would never be changed.

11 Because they were a cursed seed from the beginning.

It wasn’t through fear of any that you left them unpunished for their sins.

12 Because who will say, “What have you done?”

Or “Who will withstand your judgement?”

Who will accuse you for the perishing of nations which you caused?

Or who will come and stand before you as an avenger for unrighteous men?

13 Because there isn’t any God beside you that cares for all,

that you might show that you didn’t judge unrighteously.

14 No king or prince will be able to confront you

about those whom you have punished.

15 But being righteous, you rule all things righteously,

deeming it a thing alien from your power

to condemn one who doesn’t deserve to be punished.

16 Because your strength is the source of righteousness,

and your sovereignty over all makes you to forbear all.

17 Because when men don’t believe that you are perfect in power, you show your strength,

and in dealing with those who think this, you confuse their boldness.

18 But you, being sovereign in strength, judge in gentleness,

and with great forbearance you govern us;

for the power is yours whenever you desire it.