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Chapter 3

The Hidden Counsels of God[a]

A. On Suffering[b]

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,(A)
    and no torment shall touch them.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:1–4:19 The central section of chaps. 1–6. The author begins by stating that immortality is the reward of the righteous, and then in the light of that belief comments on three points of the traditional discussion of the problem of retribution (suffering, childlessness, early death) each of which was often seen as a divine punishment.
  2. 3:1–12 The author affirms that, for the righteous, sufferings are not punishments but purification and opportunities to show fidelity, whereas for the wicked suffering is truly a punishment.

13     yes, from eternity I am he;
There is none who can deliver from my hand:
    I act and who can cancel it?(A)

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