Wisdom of solomon 18:17 - Then forthwith apparitions in dreams terribly troubled them, And fears came upon them unlooked for.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 18:17

What does "Wisdom of solomon 18:17" mean?


Wisdom of Solomon 18:17 describes the terror and suffering experienced by the Egyptians during the final plague, the death of the firstborn. Let's break down the verse:

"Then forthwith apparitions in dreams terribly troubled them..."
Forthwith: Immediately, right away.
Apparitions in dreams: Visions, phantasms, ghostly figures appearing in their sleep. These dreams were likely terrifying nightmares.
Terribly troubled them: Caused them great distress, fear, and anxiety. The dreams were not just unsettling, but deeply disturbing.

"And fears came upon them unlooked for."
Fears: A sense of dread, anxiety, and terror.
Came upon them unlooked for: These fears were unexpected and sudden. They weren't just worried about what might happen; they were struck by overwhelming panic. The terror arrived abruptly, adding to the chaos and horror.

In essence, the verse is saying:

After the death of the firstborn, the Egyptians were immediately plagued by frightening nightmares that caused them great distress.
Sudden, unexpected fear and panic overwhelmed them, intensifying their suffering.

Interpretations and Significance:

Psychological Impact: The verse highlights the psychological impact of the plagues. The Egyptians were not only suffering physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The nightmares likely reflected their guilt, fear of divine retribution, and the sheer horror of their losses.
Divine Judgment: The dreams can be interpreted as a form of divine judgment. God was not just punishing the Egyptians physically, but also tormenting their minds, emphasizing the completeness of His judgment.
Contrast to the Israelites: This passage serves as a stark contrast to the protection and peace experienced by the Israelites during the plagues. While the Egyptians were plagued by fear and nightmares, the Israelites were spared and able to prepare for their exodus in relative peace.

In short, Wisdom of Solomon 18:17 depicts the culmination of the Egyptians' suffering during the final plague, showing how they were tormented by both physical and psychological horrors as a result of their resistance to God's will.

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