3
in order that those people, when they desired food, might lose the least remnant of appetite because of the odious creatures sent to them, while your people, after suffering want a short time, might partake of delicacies.
4
For it was necessary that upon those oppressors inescapable want should come, while to these others it was merely shown how their enemies were being tormented.
5
For when the terrible rage of wild animals came upon your people and they were being destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents, your wrath did not continue to the end;
6
they were troubled for a little while as a warning, and received a symbol of deliverance to remind them of your law's command.
7
For the one who turned toward it was saved, not by the thing that was beheld, but by you, the Savior of all.
8
And by this also you convinced our enemies that it is you who deliver from every evil.
9
For they were killed by the bites of locusts and flies, and no healing was found for them, because they deserved to be punished by such things.
10
But your children were not conquered even by the fangs of venomous serpents, for your mercy came to their help and healed them.
11
To remind them of your oracles they were bitten, and then were quickly delivered, so that they would not fall into deep forgetfulness and become unresponsive to your kindness.
12
For neither herb nor poultice cured them, but it was your word, O Lord, that heals all people.
13
For you have power over life and death; you lead mortals down to the gates of Hades and back again.