31 You have caused terrible troubles for our people, but you won't escape the punishment God will send on you.
32-33 We have disobeyed God and made him angry with us. So for a little while the living Lord is letting us suffer because he wants to correct us and teach us to do right. But we are still his servants, and he will soon forgive us.
34 King Antiochus, you're the most disgusting and godless creature that ever lived. Stop acting so high and mighty, and stop making foolish promises to yourself as you torture God's people.
35 You will never escape God All-Powerful! He sees everything and will punish you.
36 My brothers stayed faithful to our sacred agreement with God. So for a little while they had to suffer. Now, however, they have drunk the water that gives eternal life. But because of your pride, God will judge you and punish you as you deserve.
37 I am willing to die along with my brothers for the laws of our ancestors. Meanwhile, I pray that God will soon forgive our people and show us mercy. I also pray that he will punish you so severely that you will finally confess that the Lord alone is God.
38 God All-Powerful was right to be angry with our whole nation. But I pray that his anger will end with the sufferings that my brothers and I are going through.