3
to the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among them loathe even that which they must desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.
4
For it was requisite that upon those exercising tyranny should come penury which they could not avoid; but to these it should only be shown how their enemies were tormented.
5
For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon Thy people, and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, Thy wrath endured not for ever;
6
but they were troubled for a short season, that they might be admonished, having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of Thy law.
7
For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the thing that he saw, but by Thee, who art the Savior of all.
8
And in this Thou made Thine enemies confess that it is Thou who deliverest from all evil.
9
For the biting of grasshoppers and flies killed them, neither was there found any remedy for their life; for they were deserving to be punished by such.
10
But the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame not Thy sons, for Thy mercy was ever by them and healed them.
11
For they were pricked, that they should remember Thy words, and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep forgetfulness they might be continually mindful of Thy goodness.
12
For it was neither herb nor mollifying plaster that restored them to health, but Thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.
13
For Thou hast power of life and death; Thou leadest to the gates of hell and bringest up again.