Add parallel Print Page Options

For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these, they were destroyed with the bitings of crooked serpents.

But thy wrath endured not for ever, but they were troubled for a short time for their correction, having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.

For he that turned to it, was not healed by that which he saw, but by thee the Saviour of all.

And in this thou didst shew to our enemies, that thou art he who deliverest from all evil.

For the bitings of locusts, and of flies killed them, and there was found no remedy for their life: because they were worthy to be destroyed by such things.

10 But not even the teeth of venomous serpents overcame thy children: for thy mercy came and healed them.

11 For they were examined for the remembrance of thy words, and were quickly healed, lest falling into deep forgetfulness, they might not be able to use thy help.

12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster that healed them, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.

13 For it is thou, O Lord, that hast power of life and death, and leadest down to the gates of death, and bringest back again:

14 A man indeed killeth through malice, and when the spirit is gone forth, it shall not return, neither shall he call back the soul that is received:

Read full chapter

For when the terrible rage of wild beasts came upon thy people[a]
and they were being destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents,
thy wrath did not continue to the end;
they were troubled for a little while as a warning,
and received a token of deliverance to remind them of thy law’s command.
For he who turned toward it was saved, not by what he saw,
but by thee, the Savior of all.
And by this also thou didst convince our enemies
that it is thou who deliverest from every evil.
For they were killed by the bites of locusts and flies,
and no healing was found for them,
because they deserved to be punished by such things;
10 but thy sons were not conquered even by the teeth of venomous serpents,
for thy mercy came to their help and healed them.
11 To remind them of thy oracles they were bitten,
and then were quickly delivered,
lest they should fall into deep forgetfulness
and become unresponsive[b] to thy kindness.
12 For neither herb nor poultice cured them,
but it was thy word, O Lord, which heals all men.
13 For thou hast power over life and death;
thou dost lead men down to the gates of Hades and back again.
14 A man in his wickedness kills another,
but he cannot bring back the departed spirit,
nor set free the imprisoned soul.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Wisdom 16:5 Gk them
  2. Wisdom 16:11 The meaning of the Greek is obscure