Wisdom of Solomon 18:6 speaks about the night of the Passover, specifically the night when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"Of that night were our fathers made aware beforehand...": This means that the Israelites, specifically their ancestors (fathers), were given a warning or a prophecy about what was going to happen on that night – the night of the Exodus. They were given information about the impending events.
"...That, having sure knowledge...": This refers to the fact that they received this warning with certainty and reliability. It wasn't just a rumor or a guess; they had "sure knowledge," a reliable understanding of what was to come.
"...they might be cheered by the oaths which they had trusted:": This is the key to understanding the purpose of the advance warning. The "oaths" refers to the promises (covenants) that God had made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These promises included the promise of land, descendants, and deliverance. Because they knew these promises were now coming to fruition in the Exodus, and because they had believed (trusted) in those promises, they could take heart and be encouraged ("cheered").
In summary:
The verse explains that the Israelites received advance warning of the Exodus so that they would understand that God was keeping his promises (the "oaths") made to their ancestors. Knowing that God was faithful to his word would give them hope and encouragement during the terrifying events of that night.
Context within Wisdom of Solomon 18:
Chapter 18 of Wisdom of Solomon contrasts the fate of the Egyptians with the deliverance of the Israelites. The Egyptians suffered plagues and darkness, while the Israelites experienced light and freedom. This verse highlights how, even amidst the darkness and fear, the Israelites could have hope because they knew God was fulfilling his promises. The preceding verses also elaborate on the fact that the Egyptians were punished for their mistreatment of the Israelites and their killing of innocent children, while the Israelites were being protected by God's intervention.
Wisdom of Solomon 18:6 speaks about the night of the Passover, specifically the night when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"Of that night were our fathers made aware beforehand...": This means that the Israelites, specifically their ancestors (fathers), were given a warning or a prophecy about what was going to happen on that night – the night of the Exodus. They were given information about the impending events.
"...That, having sure knowledge...": This refers to the fact that they received this warning with certainty and reliability. It wasn't just a rumor or a guess; they had "sure knowledge," a reliable understanding of what was to come.
"...they might be cheered by the oaths which they had trusted:": This is the key to understanding the purpose of the advance warning. The "oaths" refers to the promises (covenants) that God had made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These promises included the promise of land, descendants, and deliverance. Because they knew these promises were now coming to fruition in the Exodus, and because they had believed (trusted) in those promises, they could take heart and be encouraged ("cheered").
In summary:
The verse explains that the Israelites received advance warning of the Exodus so that they would understand that God was keeping his promises (the "oaths") made to their ancestors. Knowing that God was faithful to his word would give them hope and encouragement during the terrifying events of that night.
Context within Wisdom of Solomon 18:
Chapter 18 of Wisdom of Solomon contrasts the fate of the Egyptians with the deliverance of the Israelites. The Egyptians suffered plagues and darkness, while the Israelites experienced light and freedom. This verse highlights how, even amidst the darkness and fear, the Israelites could have hope because they knew God was fulfilling his promises. The preceding verses also elaborate on the fact that the Egyptians were punished for their mistreatment of the Israelites and their killing of innocent children, while the Israelites were being protected by God's intervention.