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 thy sons were not conquered even by the teeth of venomous serpents, for thy mercy came to their help and healed them.
11
To remind them of thy oracles they were bitten, and then were quickly delivered, lest they should fall into deep forgetfulness and become unresponsive to thy kindness.
12
For neither herb nor poultice cured them, but it was thy word, O Lord, which heals all men.
13
For thou hast power over life and death; thou dost lead men down to the gates of Hades and back again.
14
A man in his wickedness kills another, but he cannot bring back the departed spirit, nor set free the imprisoned soul.
15
To escape from thy hand is impossible;
16
for the ungodly, refusing to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thy arm, pursued by unusual rains and hail and relentless storms, and utterly consumed by fire.
17
For -- most incredible of all -- in the water, which quenches all things, the fire had still greater effect, for the universe defends the righteous.
18
At one time the flame was restrained, so that it might not consume the creatures sent against the ungodly, but that seeing this they might know that they were being pursued by the judgment of God;
19
and at another time even in the midst of water it burned more intensely than fire, to destroy the crops of the unrighteous land.