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Wisdom 11:3-5
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom 11:3-5
New Catholic Bible
3 they stood firm against their enemies and turned back their foes.
4 When they were thirsty they cried out to you,
and water was given to them out of unyielding rock,
a refreshment for their thirst out of hard stone.[a]
5 The very means that had served to punish their enemies
became a benefit for them in their need.[b]
Footnotes
- Wisdom 11:4 The author fails to mention that it was either Moses or Aaron who called upon the Lord for their people.
- Wisdom 11:5 The very means . . . their need: the theme of this part of the Book (which can be better understood by reviewing the texts indicated by the cross-references) as well as the principle of interpretation for all that follows: God utilizes the same elements (water, fire, etc.) as a blessing for his people and as a malediction for his enemies. Each element, and even its natural properties, can be transformed at the will of God to save or to judge.
