4 They thirsted, and they called on you,

and water was given to them out of the[fn] flinty rock,

and healing of their thirst out of the hard stone.[ref]

5 Because by what things their foes were punished,

by these they in their need were benefitted.

6 When enemies were troubled with clotted blood

instead of a river’s ever-flowing fountain,[ref]

7 to rebuke the decree for the slaying of babies,[ref]

you gave them abundant water beyond all hope,

8 having shown by the thirst which they’d suffered

how you punished the adversaries.

9 Because when they were tried, although chastened in mercy,

they learnt how the ungodly were tormented, being judged with anger.

10 Because you tested these as a father admonishing them;

but you searched out those as a stern king condemning them.

11 Yes and whether they were far off or near,

they were equally distressed;

12 for a double grief seized them,

and a groaning at the memory of things past.

13 Because when they heard that through their own punishments the others benefitted,

they recognised the master.

14 Because him who long before was thrown out and exposed they stopped mocking.

In the end of what happened, they marvelled,

having thirsted in another manner than the righteous.