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Wisdom saved the Israelites in the desert 1 She prospered their works in the hands of the holy prophet. 2 They went through wildernesses that were not inhabited, and in desert places they pitched their tents. 3 They stood against their enemies, and revenged themselves of their adversaries. 4 They were thirsty, and they called upon you, and water was given them out of the high rock, and a refreshment of their thirst out of the hard stone. She punished the enemies of the Israelites 5 For by what things their enemies were punished, when their drink failed them, while the children of Israel abounded there and rejoiced: 6 By the same things they in their need were benefited. 7 For instead of a fountain of an ever running river, you gave human blood to the unjust. 8 And while they were diminished for a manifest reproof of their murdering the infants, you gave to them abundant water unlooked for: 9 Showing by the thirst that was then, how you did exalt them, and did kill their adversaries. 10 For when they were tried, and chastised with mercy, they knew how the wicked were judged with wrath and tormented. 11 For you did admonish and try them as a father: but the others, as a severe king, you did examine and condemn. 12 For whether absent or present, they were tormented alike. 13 For a double affliction came upon them, and a groaning for the remembrance of things past. 14 For when they heard that by their punishments the others were benefited, they remembered the Lord, wondering at the end of what was come to pass. God's mercy shown even in punishing Egypt 15 For whom they scorned before, when he was thrown out at the time of his being wickedly exposed to perish, him they admired in the end, when they saw the event: their thirsting being unlike to that of the just. 16 But for the foolish devices of their iniquity, because some being deceived worshipped dumb serpents and worthless beasts, you did send upon them a multitude of dumb beasts for vengeance. 17 That they might know that by what things a man sins, by the same also he is tormented. 18 For your almighty hand, which made the world of matter without form, was not unable to send upon them a multitude of bears, or fierce lions, 19 Or unknown beasts of a new kind, full of rage: either breathing out a fiery vapour, or sending forth a stinking smoke, or shooting horrible sparks out of their eyes: 20 Whereof not only the hurt might be able to destroy them, but also the very sight might kill them through fear. 21 Yea and without these, they might have been slain with one blast, persecuted by their own deeds, and scattered by the breath of your power: but you have ordered all things in measure, and number, and weight. God chastises sinners for love of them 22 For great power always belonged to you alone: and who shall resist the strength of your arm? 23 For the whole world before you is as the least grain of the balance, and as a drop of the morning dew, that fallsh down upon the earth: 24 But you have mercy upon all, because you can do all things, and overlook the sins of men for the sake of repentance. 25 For you love all things that are, and hate none of the things which you have made: for you did not appoint, or make any thing hating it. 26 And how could any thing endure, if you would not? or be preserved, if not called by you. 27 But you spare all: because they are yours, O Lord, who loves souls. Commentary on Wisdom 11
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