This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 18:13 refers to the Egyptians during the Exodus. Let's break it down:
"For while they were disbelieving all things by reason of the enchantments..." This refers to the Egyptian magicians' attempts to replicate the plagues sent by God. They were able to mimic the earlier plagues through their occult practices, which led them to believe they were on par with God's power, thus disbelieving in the true nature and power of God. They thought the plagues were just magical tricks.
"Upon the destruction of the firstborn they confessed the people to be God’s son." This refers to the final, devastating plague where the firstborn of Egypt were killed. This plague was unique, as it could not be replicated by the magicians. The immense grief and loss, combined with the undeniable power displayed by God, finally broke their resistance. They recognized that the Israelites were under the protection of a powerful God and essentially acknowledged that the Israelites, as a nation chosen by God, held a special relationship with Him, described metaphorically here as being God's "son." This refers to a status of intimate relationship and favored treatment rather than literal parentage. It echoes language used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Exodus 4:22-23, Hosea 11:1) describing Israel as God's firstborn son.
In essence, the verse contrasts the Egyptians' initial disbelief due to their reliance on magic with their ultimate acknowledgment of God's power and Israel's special status after the plague of the firstborn. The verse highlights the folly of relying on false idols and the ultimate triumph of God's power. It also emphasizes the unique relationship between God and the Israelites.
This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 18:13 refers to the Egyptians during the Exodus. Let's break it down:
"For while they were disbelieving all things by reason of the enchantments..." This refers to the Egyptian magicians' attempts to replicate the plagues sent by God. They were able to mimic the earlier plagues through their occult practices, which led them to believe they were on par with God's power, thus disbelieving in the true nature and power of God. They thought the plagues were just magical tricks.
"Upon the destruction of the firstborn they confessed the people to be God’s son." This refers to the final, devastating plague where the firstborn of Egypt were killed. This plague was unique, as it could not be replicated by the magicians. The immense grief and loss, combined with the undeniable power displayed by God, finally broke their resistance. They recognized that the Israelites were under the protection of a powerful God and essentially acknowledged that the Israelites, as a nation chosen by God, held a special relationship with Him, described metaphorically here as being God's "son." This refers to a status of intimate relationship and favored treatment rather than literal parentage. It echoes language used elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Exodus 4:22-23, Hosea 11:1) describing Israel as God's firstborn son.
In essence, the verse contrasts the Egyptians' initial disbelief due to their reliance on magic with their ultimate acknowledgment of God's power and Israel's special status after the plague of the firstborn. The verse highlights the folly of relying on false idols and the ultimate triumph of God's power. It also emphasizes the unique relationship between God and the Israelites.