Wisdom 11:5-14
New Catholic Bible
5 The very means that had served to punish their enemies
became a benefit for them in their need.[a]
6 Instead of the spring of an ever-flowing river[b]
befouled by blood mingled with water
7 as a rebuke for the decree to slaughter infants,
you gave them abundant water unexpectedly,
8 showing them by their thirst at that time
how you punished their enemies.
9 For when they themselves were tested, although they were only chastised in mercy,
they comprehended the torments of the godless who had been judged in anger.
10 You tested the former, admonishing them like a father,
but the latter you sifted as a stern king does in condemnation.
11 Whether far off or close by,[c] they were afflicted alike,
12 for a twofold grief seized them,
and a groaning over the remembrances of the past.
13 When they heard that through their punishment the righteous had received benefits,
they perceived the presence of the Lord.[d]
14 For the one whom long before they had cast out, exposed, and rejected[e] with scorn,
they regarded with admiration at the end of the events,
when they experienced thirst vastly different from that of the righteous.
Footnotes
- Wisdom 11:5 The very means . . . their need: the theme of this part of the Book (which can be better understood by reviewing the texts indicated by the cross-references) as well as the principle of interpretation for all that follows: God utilizes the same elements (water, fire, etc.) as a blessing for his people and as a malediction for his enemies. Each element, and even its natural properties, can be transformed at the will of God to save or to judge.
- Wisdom 11:6 Ever-flowing river: i.e., the Nile (see Ex 7:14f). The author contrasts the first plague of Egypt (see Ex 7:17-24) with the water drawn from a rock at Horeb (see Ex 17:5-7; Num 20:8-11).
- Wisdom 11:11 Whether far off or close by: both after and before the departure of the Hebrews, the Egyptians were overwhelmed with grief.
- Wisdom 11:13 The Vulgate adds: “and marveled at the outcome of these events.”
- Wisdom 11:14 One . . . cast out, exposed, and rejected: i.e., Moses, exposed on the waters (see Ex 1:22; 2:3) and rejected by Pharaoh (see Ex 5:2-5; 7:13, 22).
