3. In the past, you were slaves. People forced you to work hard. But the Lord will take away the hard work you were forced to do.
4. At that time you will begin to sing this song about the king of Babylon: The king was cruel when he ruled us, but now his rule is finished.
5. The Lord breaks the scepter of evil rulers; he takes away their power.
6. In anger, the king of Babylon beat the people. He never stopped beating them. He was an evil ruler who ruled in anger. He never stopped hurting people.
7. But now, the whole country rests and is quiet. Now the people begin to celebrate.
8. You were an evil king, and now you are finished. Even the pine trees are happy. The cedar trees of Lebanon rejoice. They say, “The king chopped us down, but now the king has fallen, and he will never stand again.”
9. The place of death is excited that you are coming. Sheol is waking the spirits of all the leaders of the earth for you. Sheol is making the kings stand up from their thrones to meet you.
10. They will make fun of you, saying, “Now you are as dead as we are. Now you are just like us.”
11. Your pride has been sent down to Sheol. The music from your harps announces the coming of your proud spirit. Maggots will be the bed you lie on, and other worms will cover your body like a blanket.