Sirach 16:7-17

7 The Lord didn't seek reconciliation with the ancient giants who rebelled in their might.
8 He didn't spare Lot's neighbors, whom he detested because of their arrogance.
9 He showed no mercy on a nation doomed to destruction, on people who were driven off because of their sins.
10 So also he showed no mercy to the six hundred thousand foot soldiers who gathered together in their stubbornness.
11 Even if there was one stiff-necked person, it would be amazing if that one would go unpunished, because mercy and wrath are with him, the Lord who reconciles and who pours out wrath.
12 His scrutiny is as severe as his mercy is abundant; he will judge people according to their deeds.
13 A sinner won't escape with plunder, and the endurance of the godly will never fail.
14 He will make allowance for every act of charity; everyone will receive their just reward.
17 Don't say, "I'll be hidden from the Lord," and "Who from on high will call me to mind? Among a great many people, I'll never be recognized; for what am I in such a vast creation?

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Heb princes
  • [b]. LXXb adds He did all these things to hard-hearted nations, and the multitude of his holy ones did not appease him.
  • [c]. Or hardness of their hearts; LXXb adds By flogging, showing mercy, striking, healing, the Lord watched carefully with compassion and discipline.
  • [d]. LXXb adds 16:15–16 The Lord hardened Pharaoh so that he didn’t know him, so that God’s works would be known everywhere under heaven. His mercy is evident to all creation, and his light and darkness he allotted to Adam.
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