Wisdom of solomon 18:8 - For as you did take vengeance on the adversaries, By the same means, calling us to yourself, you did glorify us.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 18:8

What does "Wisdom of solomon 18:8" mean?


Wisdom of Solomon 18:8 is part of a longer passage that contrasts the fate of the Egyptians, who persecuted the Israelites, with the fate of the Israelites themselves during the tenth plague (the death of the firstborn). The verse speaks to how God's actions simultaneously punished the oppressors and redeemed the oppressed. Let's break it down:

"For as you did take vengeance on the adversaries...": This refers to the plagues, specifically the final, most devastating one, that God inflicted on the Egyptians. God acted to avenge the injustices suffered by the Israelites, who were enslaved and treated cruelly.

"...By the same means, calling us to yourself...": This is the core of the verse's meaning and presents a bit of a paradox. It suggests that the very actions God used to punish the Egyptians were also the means by which he "called" the Israelites to himself. This "calling" can be interpreted in several ways:
Redemption and Deliverance: The act of saving them from slavery through miraculous power demonstrates God's care and claim over them. He's showing them who their true God and protector is.
Establishing the Covenant: The Exodus event, marked by the plagues, is foundational to the covenant between God and Israel. By delivering them in such a dramatic way, God is solidifying their relationship and calling them to be his chosen people.
Drawing Near Through Experience: The shared experience of witnessing God's power, albeit from different sides of the event, brings both groups face-to-face with the divine. For the Israelites, this leads to a deeper understanding and commitment to God.

"...you did glorify us.": This refers to the enhanced status and reputation of the Israelites after the Exodus. God's actions against Egypt demonstrated his power and his favor toward Israel. The Israelites were no longer just a band of slaves but a nation freed by God, a nation with a divine destiny. The Exodus established them as a nation set apart, with a unique identity and purpose.

In summary, the verse means that God's acts of judgment against the Egyptians simultaneously acted as acts of redemption and glory for the Israelites. The same events that punished the oppressors liberated the oppressed, solidified their relationship with God, and elevated their status in the world.

Key Themes:

Divine Justice: God's justice is a central theme. He doesn't overlook oppression and will act to right wrongs.
Redemption: God's actions are not just punitive but also redemptive. He uses the same circumstances to save and elevate his people.
Covenant: The Exodus is a pivotal moment in the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel.
Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of events, using them for his purposes, both to punish the wicked and to bless the righteous.

The Wisdom of Solomon emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the consequences of unrighteousness. This verse perfectly illustrates that principle, showing how God's judgment on the wicked leads to the glorification of the righteous.

What categories does "Wisdom of solomon 18:8" have?