Wisdom of solomon 16:5 - For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people, And they were perishing by the bites of crooked serpents, Your wrath continued not to the uttermost;

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 16:5

What does "Wisdom of solomon 16:5" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 16:5 is part of a longer reflection on God's justice and mercy during the Exodus. Let's break it down:

"For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people..." This refers to plagues that God sent upon the Egyptians (not his own people). Wild animals are mentioned in the context of describing the chaotic and destructive nature of the judgments upon Egypt.

"...And they were perishing by the bites of crooked serpents..." This likely alludes to another plague inflicted upon the Egyptians, possibly the serpents sent among them. The "crooked serpents" could symbolize the cunning and destructive power of evil.

"Your wrath continued not to the uttermost..." This is the crucial point of the verse. Despite the Egyptians deserving punishment for their oppression of the Israelites, God's wrath was not infinite or without limit. He showed restraint, implying that even in judgment, there is an element of mercy. God did not utterly destroy the Egyptians, but rather used these plagues as a way to persuade them to release the Israelites.

In essence, the verse means:

Even when the Egyptians were suffering greatly from plagues, including attacks by wild beasts and venomous snakes, God's anger did not lead to their complete annihilation. God did not punish them to the fullest extent possible.

Context within Wisdom of Solomon:

The Book of Wisdom aims to demonstrate the superiority of wisdom and righteousness. This verse, along with the surrounding passages, serves to illustrate God's character as both just and merciful. The author emphasizes that God's punishments are often designed to lead to repentance and correction rather than simply to inflict pain.

Theological Implications:

The verse points to a balance between God's justice and his mercy. It suggests that even in divine judgment, there is a limit to God's wrath. God is not simply vengeful but has a purpose in his punishments, often aimed at correction or reconciliation.

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