5
For when the terrible rage of wild beasts came upon thy people and they were being destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents, thy wrath did not continue to the end;
6
they were troubled for a little while as a warning, and received a token of deliverance to remind them of thy law's command.
7
For he who turned toward it was saved, not by what he saw, but by thee, the Savior of all.
8
And by this also thou didst convince our enemies that it is thou who deliverest 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 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;