This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 18:20 speaks about the plague that struck the Israelites in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"But it befell the righteous also to make trial of death..." This means that even the righteous Israelites, those who were faithful to God, were not immune to experiencing death or facing the threat of death during the plague. "Trial of death" suggests they were tested or faced with mortality. It highlights that suffering and death affect everyone, even the faithful.
"...And a multitude were stricken in the wilderness..." This refers to the great number of Israelites who died during the plague. The "wilderness" locates this event within the Exodus narrative, referring to the Israelites' wanderings after leaving Egypt.
"Howbeit the wrath endured not for long." This offers a sense of hope and mercy. While the plague was severe, God's wrath (or the consequence of sin) was not everlasting. It implies that God's judgment is tempered with compassion and that there is an end to suffering. It also emphasizes that God's punishment, though severe, is ultimately remedial and not purely destructive.
In Summary:
The verse describes the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness when a plague struck the people. It acknowledges that even the righteous faced death and suffering. However, it also emphasizes that God's wrath did not last forever, offering a glimmer of hope and a reminder of God's mercy.
Context within the Book of Wisdom:
The Book of Wisdom is written to encourage Jews living in a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) world to remain faithful to their traditions. This verse, within the broader context of the book, highlights God's justice and mercy towards the Israelites. It also reinforces the idea that faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded, even if it involves temporary suffering.
This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 18:20 speaks about the plague that struck the Israelites in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break it down:
"But it befell the righteous also to make trial of death..." This means that even the righteous Israelites, those who were faithful to God, were not immune to experiencing death or facing the threat of death during the plague. "Trial of death" suggests they were tested or faced with mortality. It highlights that suffering and death affect everyone, even the faithful.
"...And a multitude were stricken in the wilderness..." This refers to the great number of Israelites who died during the plague. The "wilderness" locates this event within the Exodus narrative, referring to the Israelites' wanderings after leaving Egypt.
"Howbeit the wrath endured not for long." This offers a sense of hope and mercy. While the plague was severe, God's wrath (or the consequence of sin) was not everlasting. It implies that God's judgment is tempered with compassion and that there is an end to suffering. It also emphasizes that God's punishment, though severe, is ultimately remedial and not purely destructive.
In Summary:
The verse describes the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness when a plague struck the people. It acknowledges that even the righteous faced death and suffering. However, it also emphasizes that God's wrath did not last forever, offering a glimmer of hope and a reminder of God's mercy.
Context within the Book of Wisdom:
The Book of Wisdom is written to encourage Jews living in a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) world to remain faithful to their traditions. This verse, within the broader context of the book, highlights God's justice and mercy towards the Israelites. It also reinforces the idea that faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded, even if it involves temporary suffering.