Wisdom of solomon 18:2 - Yet for that they do not hurt them now, though wronged by them before, they are thankful; And because they had been at variance with them, they made supplication to them.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 18:2

What does "Wisdom of solomon 18:2" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 18:2 refers to the Israelites' experience during the Exodus, specifically after the devastating plagues God sent upon Egypt. It highlights a dramatic shift in their relationship with the Egyptians. Let's break it down:

"Yet for that they do not hurt them now, though wronged by them before, they are thankful;" This describes the Israelites' relief and gratitude that the Egyptians are no longer inflicting harm upon them. After generations of slavery and oppression, they are thankful for the absence of harm, even though the Egyptians had wronged them terribly in the past. This emphasizes the depth of their prior suffering. The Egyptians are in the midst of mourning all the first-born of Egypt.

"And because they had been at variance with them, they made supplication to them." This is perhaps the most surprising and nuanced part of the verse. The phrase "at variance" signifies their long-standing conflict and hostility. However, now, the Israelites are making "supplication" - humble requests or pleas - to the Egyptians. This is likely because the Egyptians are now pleading with them to leave. They were begging them to leave, giving them treasure, just to be rid of them. They are pleading with the Israelites to leave so that the Egyptians can escape more harm, and it represents a complete reversal of power dynamics. The Israelites are essentially being begged to leave with their lives and property.

In essence, the verse captures the following:

Acknowledgement of Past Injustice: The Israelites recognize the significant wrongs they suffered at the hands of the Egyptians.
Relief and Gratitude: They are thankful for the cessation of the Egyptians' harmful actions, even though this cessation is born out of fear.
Dramatic Shift in Power Dynamics: The Israelites are no longer in a position of weakness and subjugation. The Egyptians, devastated by the plagues, are now desperate for the Israelites to leave.
Irony and Nuance: The Israelites, who were once oppressed and forced into labor, are now being supplicated by their former oppressors.

Theological Significance:

Divine Justice: The verse implicitly underscores the idea of divine justice. God has intervened to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors, turning the tables on them.
Mercy and Redemption: While the Egyptians are experiencing punishment, the Israelites are being shown mercy and given the opportunity for redemption.
Complex Relationships: The verse highlights the complexity of human relationships, particularly in the context of oppression and liberation. Even in moments of victory, the memory of past suffering and the shifting dynamics of power can create surprising and nuanced interactions.

In short, the verse offers a powerful snapshot of a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, reflecting the Israelites' relief, the Egyptians' desperation, and the transformative power of divine intervention.

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