Wisdom
Chapter 16
HISTORICAL JUDGMENTS II
Quails
That is why these people received the punishment they deserved through similar animals and hordes of tormenting insects.
But in contrast to this punishment, it was kindness you showed to your people by providing quails—a delicious food—for them.
As for the Egyptians, despite their fierce hunger, they were held back by disgust from eating because of the repulsive sight of the creatures sent against them. However, after being deprived for a time, the Israelites were then given the finest food.
It was necessary for their oppressors to suffer severe want, but it was enough for your people to see how the enemy was punished.
Judgment of the Snakes
Indeed, when they faced the fury of wild animals and the bites of writhing snakes, your anger did not last.
Their brief suffering served as a warning; then they received a sign of salvation to remind them of your law’s commandments.
For whoever turned to it was saved, not by the image he saw, but by you, Lord, the Savior of all.
In this way, you demonstrated to our enemies that it is you who rescues us from all evil.
They were, in fact, killed by insect and fly stings for which there was no cure, as they deserved punishment from these creatures.
Instead, your children were not overcome, even by the fangs of venomous snakes, because your mercy intervened and healed them.
Wounds quickly healed reminded them of your commands, so they would not fall into deep forgetfulness and overlook your kindness.
No herb or ointment healed them but your word, Lord, which heals all.
You are the Lord of life and death; you bring us down to the gates of the underworld and bring us back again.
Man in his wickedness can kill, but he cannot revive the departed or rescue the snatched soul.
Judgment of Fire and Food
It is impossible to escape your hand.
The godless, refusing to acknowledge you, were scourged by the strength of your arm, lashed by relentless downpours, hail, and pitiless storms, and consumed by fire.
But this was the most astonishing: water, capable of quenching, made the fire burn even more fiercely, for the elements fight on the side of the righteous.
Sometimes, the flame diminished to spare the insects attacking the wicked, so they would know they were under God’s judgment.
At other times, in the midst of the water, the flame rose more fiercely than fire to destroy the harvest of an unholy land.
But to your people, you provided the bread of angels—heavenly bread already prepared, suitable for all tastes, and with every flavor.
In this way, you revealed your loving-kindness to your children.
Satisfying all needs, this bread gave each person what they desired. That food, appearing like snow and ice, resisted fire and did not melt; they understood how their enemy’s harvest was destroyed by fire amid hail, with lightning flashing in the falling rain.
This same fire seemed to forget its own nature to spare the food of the righteous.
Your creation is at your service, for you are its Creator. It works to punish the wicked and steps back for the benefit of those who trust in you.
In the service of your bounty, which cares for everything, creation became manifold and adapted to everyone’s wishes.
Then, the children you love learned that it is not crops of any kind that nourish humankind, but your word that sustains those who trust you.
That food, which resisted fire, simply melted in the warmth of a fleeting sunbeam,
teaching us that we must wake before the sun to thank and pray to you at dawn.
The hope of the ungrateful will melt like winter frost and flow away like unused water.
Commentaries
Historical Judgments II.
The section on historical judgments that started in chapter 11 continues.
Quails.
These verses draw a parallel between the food the Israelites enjoyed in the desert (Ex 16:9-13; Nm 11:10-32) and the hunger the Egyptians suffered during the plagues of animals. The details of the biblical accounts referenced are interpreted freely. When we encounter expressions of revenge or joy at the suffering of enemies in the Bible, it can be easy for the sensitivities of today’s believers to be offended. To understand them, we must, on one hand, place them in their historical context—we are reading texts that are over two thousand years old—and, on the other hand, try to grasp a current theological message. Why not conclude that, just as in the past they recognized God’s power in defending his people and punishing their enemies, it is also possible to see God’s love in believers—and even in their enemies?
Judgment of the Snakes.
The author pauses here to explain, in the form of a midrash, the episode of the serpents found in Num 21:4-6. The same logic applies: what serves as punishment for enemies—in this case, Israel—is also a form of salvation and a reminder of God’s Law. He adds, moreover, that the miracle of healing was due to divine power (cf. Jn 3:14, 17), which governs life and death (13; cf. 1 Kgs 17:17-23; Ps 9:14; 107:17-19; Is 38:10-17). “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” has been used by the Bible itself to refer to other later events, including the example we find here. The message remains relevant today: “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert…”, so too, the Lord is present in the community and in personal life through the adverse events that happen unintentionally. It is not about asking, “What have I done, Lord, to deserve this?”, but rather, “What are you trying to tell me through this, Lord?”
Judgment of Fire and Food.
The message of this passage is that manna falling instead of storms signifies a blessing. It recalls the seventh plague of Egypt (Ex 9:13-15), as if it happened at the same time as the story of the manna (Ex 16; Nm 11), showing that true nourishment comes from the Word of the Lord (26) and emphasizing the importance of prayer (28; cf. Ex 16:21). This event has been widely remembered in Christian tradition, especially in relation to the theme of the Eucharist (Ps 78:25; 105:40; Jn 6). The hailstorm and the manna serve as lessons for the author’s audience about remaining faithful to God’s Word and maintaining a life of prayer. These two points remain central in the life of believers today, along with their brotherly love.