3
They withstood their enemies and fought off their foes.
4
When they thirsted they called upon thee, and water was given them out of flinty rock, and slaking of thirst from hard stone.
5
For through the very things by which their enemies were punished, they themselves received benefit in their need.
6
Instead of the fountain of an ever-flowing river, stirred up and defiled with blood
7
in rebuke for the decree to slay the infants, thou gavest them abundant water unexpectedly,
8
showing by their thirst at that time how thou didst punish their enemies.
9
For when they were tried, though they were being disciplined in mercy, they learned how the ungodly were tormented when judged in wrath.
10
For thou didst test them as a father does in warning, but thou didst examine the ungodly as a stern king does in condemnation.
11
Whether absent or present, they were equally distressed,
12
for a twofold grief possessed them, and a groaning at the memory of what had occurred.
13
For when they heard that through their own punishments the righteous had received benefit, they perceived it was the Lord's doing.