⁹ We must not tempt the Lord [that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness], as some of them did—and they were killed by serpents.^{(A) 10} And do not murmur [in unwarranted discontent], as some of them did—and were destroyed by the ^[a]destroyer.^{(B) 11} Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.