Wisdom of solomon 19:17 - And moreover they were stricken with loss of sight (Even as were those others at the righteous man’s doors), When, being compassed about with yawning darkness, They sought every one the passage through his own door.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 19:17

What does "Wisdom of solomon 19:17" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 19:17 is part of a larger passage comparing the plight of the Egyptians during the Exodus to the fate of the Sodomites. Let's break it down:

"And moreover they were stricken with loss of sight..." This refers to the Egyptians. During the plague of darkness, in addition to the darkness itself, they were also struck with blindness or impaired vision. It's an intensification of their suffering.

"(Even as were those others at the righteous man’s doors)..." This is an allusion to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. When angels visited Lot (the "righteous man"), the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house and demanded that he bring the angels out so they could sexually assault them. The angels then struck the men of Sodom with blindness. The Wisdom of Solomon draws a parallel between the blindness of the Sodomites and the Egyptians.

"When, being compassed about with yawning darkness..." This emphasizes the oppressive, overwhelming darkness that afflicted both the Egyptians and the Sodomites. "Yawning darkness" suggests a deep, almost palpable void.

"They sought every one the passage through his own door." Blinded and lost in the darkness, the Egyptians stumbled around, unable to find their way. Each individual was desperately trying to find the familiar safety of their own home. The verse emphasizes their confusion, disorientation, and helplessness. It highlights the breakdown of order and the isolation they experienced.

In summary, the verse means:

The Egyptians, during the plague of darkness, were also afflicted with blindness, similar to how the men of Sodom were blinded when they tried to assault the angels at Lot's door. Overwhelmed by the oppressive darkness, each Egyptian, disoriented and unable to see, frantically sought to find their own way back home, highlighting their confusion and despair.

Theological Significance:

Divine Retribution: The verse illustrates the theme of divine retribution in the Wisdom of Solomon. Both the Egyptians and the Sodomites suffered for their sins. God's judgment is portrayed as fitting and just.
Parallel between Oppressors: The parallel drawn between the Egyptians and the Sodomites links different forms of injustice. The Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, while the Sodomites were known for their wickedness and hostility towards strangers. The author emphasizes that God punishes all forms of evil.
Emphasis on Sin and Punishment: The text underscores the idea that sin has consequences, and God will ultimately bring evildoers to justice.
Righteousness and Deliverance: While the wicked suffer, the righteous (like Lot and the Israelites) are delivered by God. This reinforces the importance of living a virtuous life.
Cosmic Disorder: The darkness and blindness represent a breakdown of the natural order, reflecting the moral disorder caused by sin. The verse thus speaks to a larger cosmic struggle between good and evil.
Loss of Direction: The phrase "sought every one the passage through his own door" metaphorically represents the lack of direction and purpose that afflicts those who turn away from God. They are lost and stumbling in the darkness of their own making.

In conclusion, Wisdom of Solomon 19:17 uses vivid imagery to depict the suffering and disorientation of the Egyptians, drawing a parallel to the Sodomites to emphasize the theme of divine retribution and the consequences of sin.

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