18 Although you have power to do all things, you are gentle when you judge us, and you rule us with great patience.
19 Our God, by the things you have done, you have given your people a wonderful hope and have taught them to live right and be kind because you have let them turn from evil.
20 The enemies of your people deserved death, but you patiently gave them time to give up their sins, before punishing them.
21 You did severely punish your people, even though you had made wonderful promises and agreements with them.
22 Yes, we were punished! But our enemies were punished 10,000 times worse, so that when we judge others, we will remember your kindness, and when we are being judged, we can expect mercy.
23 The Egyptians foolishly lived a sinful life, but you punished them by using those disgusting creatures they worshiped.
24 In fact, they had gone so far from the truth that they were like senseless children, worshiping the most worthless animals.