Wisdom of solomon 17:15 - Now were haunted by monstrous apparitions, And now were paralysed by their soul’s surrendering; For fear sudden and unlooked for came upon them.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 17:15

What does "Wisdom of solomon 17:15" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 17:15 describes the terror and psychological torment experienced by the Egyptians during the plagues in the lead up to the Exodus. Let's break it down:

"Now were haunted by monstrous apparitions...": This describes the Egyptians being tormented by terrifying visions or appearances, things that were supernatural and grotesque. These apparitions likely contributed to their fear and paranoia.

"...And now were paralysed by their soul’s surrendering...": This is a more subtle but powerful image. "Soul's surrendering" suggests a complete loss of hope, courage, and inner strength. They are so overwhelmed by fear that their spirit is broken. This paralysis isn't necessarily physical, but a psychological and emotional breakdown that renders them helpless.

"For fear sudden and unlooked for came upon them.": This is the core reason for their torment: they were overcome by a sudden and unexpected wave of fear. It wasn't a gradual build-up of apprehension, but a swift and overwhelming onset of terror that caught them off guard.

In essence, the verse portrays a state of utter psychological breakdown. The Egyptians are not just experiencing physical suffering from the plagues, but are also being mentally and emotionally devastated by terrifying visions and a profound sense of hopelessness brought on by overwhelming fear. The cumulative effect is paralysis, both physical (perhaps through sheer terror) and, more importantly, spiritual/psychological.

Thematic Significance:

In the broader context of the Book of Wisdom, this verse serves several purposes:

Emphasis on Divine Power: It highlights the power of God, not just to inflict physical harm, but also to control the minds and emotions of his enemies.
Condemnation of Idolatry: The Egyptians' fear likely stems from their inability to find help or protection from their false gods. This indirectly critiques idolatry and affirms the supremacy of the God of Israel.
Justice and Retribution: The suffering of the Egyptians is presented as a just consequence for their oppression of the Israelites. The psychological torment is a fitting punishment for the mental and spiritual anguish they inflicted on the Hebrew people.
Warning: It serves as a warning to those who oppose God and his people, suggesting that divine retribution can manifest not only in physical hardship, but also in the breakdown of the mind and spirit.

In conclusion, the verse uses vivid and evocative language to depict the crushing fear and psychological devastation that befell the Egyptians during the plagues, emphasizing the power of God and the consequences of opposing him.

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