16 Because this cause, they were deservedly punished through creatures like those which they worship,

and tormented through a multitude of vermin.

2 Instead of this punishment, you, giving benefits to your people,

prepared quails for food,

a delicacy to satisfy the desire of their appetite,

3 to the end that your enemies, desiring food,

might for the hideousness of the creatures sent amongst them,

loathe even the necessary appetite;

but these, your people, having for a short time suffered lack,

might even partake of delicacies.

4 Because it was necessary that inescapable lack should come upon those oppressors,

but that to these it should only be showed how their enemies were tormented.

5 Because even when terrible raging of wild animals came upon your people,

and they were perishing by the bites of crooked serpents,

your wrath didn’t continue to the uttermost;

6 but for admonition were they troubled for a short time,

having a token of salvation

to put them in remembrance of the commandment of your law;

7 for he who turned towards it was not saved because of that which was seen,

but because of you, the Saviour of all.

8 Yes, and in this you persuaded our enemies

that you are he who delivers out of every evil.

9 Because the bites of locusts and flies truly killed them.

No healing for their life was found,

because they were worthy to be punished by such things.

10 But your children weren’t overcome by the very fangs of venomous dragons,

for your mercy passed by where they were and healed them.

11 Because they were bitten to put them in remembrance of your oracles,

and were quickly saved, lest, falling into deep forgetfulness,

they should become unable to respond to your kindness.

12 Because truly it was neither herb nor poultice that cured them,

but your word, Oh master, which heals all people.

13 Because you have authority over life and death,

and you lead down to the gates of Haidais, and lead up again.

14 But though a man kills by his wickedness,

he can’t retrieve the spirit that has departed

or release the imprisoned soul.