14
For in the case of the other nations the Lord waits patiently to punish them until they have reached the full measure of their sins; but he does not deal in this way with us,
15
in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterward when our sins have reached their height.
16
Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us. Although he disciplines us with calamities, he does not forsake his own people.
17
Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.
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Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh.