Wisdom of solomon 16:9 - For them verily the bites of locusts and flies did kill, And there was not found a healing for their life, Because they were worthy to be punished by such as these;

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 16:9

What does "Wisdom of solomon 16:9" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 16:9 is part of a larger passage that contrasts the experiences of the Egyptians with the Israelites during the plagues. To understand it, we need to consider the broader context and the purpose of the book.

Here's a breakdown:

"For them verily the bites of locusts and flies did kill...": This refers to the plagues of locusts and flies that God sent upon Egypt. These weren't just nuisances; they were deadly. The insects caused devastation to crops, livestock, and, in this verse, directly caused death.

"...And there was not found a healing for their life...": This emphasizes the severity of the plagues and the Egyptians' inability to find relief. Their own gods and magicians were powerless to stop or heal the suffering.

"...Because they were worthy to be punished by such as these...": This is the key to the verse's meaning. The suffering was a divine punishment for the Egyptians' sins, specifically their oppression and mistreatment of the Israelites and their disregard for God.

Overall meaning:

The verse highlights the justice of God's judgment upon the Egyptians. Their suffering was deserved because of their wickedness. The plagues, even seemingly insignificant creatures like locusts and flies, were instruments of God's righteous anger and showed his power over even the smallest of creatures. This also serves to emphasize the powerlessness of the Egyptian gods and the impotence of Egyptian magic. The Israelites were spared from the plagues, demonstrating God's favor and protection.

Themes in the Book of Wisdom

The Book of Wisdom, written in Greek, emphasizes:

God's Justice: The book consistently portrays God as a just judge who rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness.
The Folly of Idolatry: The Egyptians' worship of false gods is a central target of criticism. The plagues expose the powerlessness of these idols.
The Superiority of Wisdom: True wisdom, which comes from God, leads to righteousness and salvation.
The Vindication of the Righteous: The book contrasts the fate of the wicked (like the Egyptians) with the protection and eventual vindication of the righteous (like the Israelites).

In summary, Wisdom of Solomon 16:9 is a theological statement about divine justice. The Egyptians suffered because they deserved it, and their suffering highlights the power of God and the futility of idolatry.

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