God’s Wonders in the Exodus: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Wisdom of Solomon 19

Executive Summary ✨

Wisdom of Solomon Chapter 19 serves as a profound conclusion to the Exodus narrative, reflecting on God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The chapter contrasts the fate of the wicked Egyptians with the righteous Israelites, emphasizing God’s sovereignty over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His chosen people. It highlights the reversals of nature, the protection afforded to the Israelites, and the ultimate justice rendered upon those who opposed God’s will. This commentary delves into the spiritual significance of these events, drawing from Coptic Orthodox tradition, Patristic writings, and scriptural connections to illuminate the enduring relevance of God’s intervention in the lives of believers today. Through examining the narrative, we aim to appreciate God’s power, love, and justice manifested in the Exodus and how it continues to resonate within our spiritual journey. As we delve deeper, let’s consider hosting solutions to aid in reaching others with these profound lessons.

Introduction: Wisdom of Solomon 19 encapsulates the grandeur and the severity of God’s actions during the Exodus. It’s a theological reflection on the power of faith, the folly of idolatry, and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. It acts as a powerful reminder of God’s providential care and his unwavering commitment to his chosen people, the Israelites. This chapter provides a summary of the extraordinary acts of salvation God enacted for the Hebrews, contrasting their experience with that of their oppressors, the Egyptians. We examine the verse-by-verse teachings of the chapter through the lens of the Coptic Orthodox tradition and interpret the spiritual applications for modern-day believers.

Commentary Sections

Wisdom of Solomon 19:1 (KJV)

“As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: for he knew before what they would do;”

This verse establishes the overarching theme of divine retribution. The “ungodly” Egyptians faced unrelenting wrath, demonstrating that God’s judgment is both just and far-reaching. It is important to note the verse speaks to God’s foreknowledge, a concept debated within theological circles. The Coptic Orthodox perspective emphasizes God’s omniscience but also highlights human free will. The Egyptians, despite God’s warnings, persisted in their wickedness, ultimately bringing destruction upon themselves.

Spiritual Application: We are reminded to heed God’s warnings in our lives and to choose righteousness over wickedness, knowing that our actions have consequences.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:2 (KJV)

“That though they had suffered them to depart, and had sent them away hastily, yet they repented, and pursued after them.”

The Egyptians, initially compelled by plagues to release the Israelites, soon succumbed to regret and pursued them. This highlights the fleeting nature of repentance based on fear rather than genuine contrition. Their change of heart was superficial, motivated by the loss of their slave labor. This echoes the theme of Pharaoh’s hardened heart, a recurring motif in the Exodus narrative.

Spiritual Application: True repentance involves a genuine change of heart and a turning away from sin, not just a temporary alteration of behavior due to external pressure.

“Ἀντὶ γὰρ τοῦ προσδεξαμένους ἀπεστείλαν οἱ γὰρ ἄνομοι ὅτε μὲν ἀπελύον δίκαιον ὅτε δὲ ἐμετάνοουν ἐδίωκον αὐτούς.” – (Septuagint) – “For, instead of welcoming them, when they had sent away a righteous nation, they repented and pursued them.”

St. Athanasius comments on the fleeting remorse of the Egyptians, linking it to the superficial conversion of those who follow Christ for worldly gain, “Οἱ δὲ τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐκ ἔχοντες ἀλλ᾽ ἐπὶ πλεονεξίᾳ δουλεύοντες, μετανοοῦσι καὶ πάλιν ἐπιστρέφουσιν εἰς τὰ ἴδια” (Adversus Gentes, 45). “Those who do not have the love of God but serve for greed repent and return to their own.”

Wisdom of Solomon 19:3 (KJV)

“For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued after them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.”

Even amidst their grief over the devastating plagues, the Egyptians stubbornly persisted in their pursuit. This underscores their irrational hatred and defiance of God’s will. The text uses potent irony, highlighting how they pursued as fugitives those whom they had earlier begged to leave. This stubbornness reveals the depth of their spiritual blindness.

Spiritual Application: We are cautioned against allowing pride and stubbornness to cloud our judgment and lead us to act against our own best interests and the will of God.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:4-5 (KJV)

“For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, and made them forget those things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was wanting to their torments: And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they might find a strange death.”

These verses highlight God’s providential control over events. The Egyptians were driven by their own wickedness towards their inevitable destruction, while simultaneously, God paved a miraculous path for the Israelites’ deliverance. God used the very actions of the Egyptians to ensure the Israelites’ safety and to manifest His power.

Spiritual Application: Even in the midst of trials and opposition, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:6-7 (KJV)

“For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto them: That thy children might be kept unhurt: the fire, the cloud, and the sea, fought against the enemies;

These verses emphasize the theme of creation being subject to God’s command. The natural elements—fire, cloud, and sea—became instruments of divine intervention, protecting the Israelites and destroying their enemies. The laws of nature were seemingly suspended to serve God’s purpose, demonstrating His ultimate authority.

Spiritual Application: God is not bound by the limitations of the natural world. He can and does intervene in extraordinary ways to protect and deliver His people.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:8 (KJV)

“But they were all changed into another form: for never before was any thing so done by the Lord.”

This verse emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the Exodus miracles. Never before had God wrought such dramatic transformations of nature to accomplish His will. This underscores the uniqueness of the Exodus event as a pivotal moment in salvation history. It highlights God’s active involvement in history, working through creation to achieve His purposes.

Spiritual Application: We should recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of God’s interventions in our lives and in the world, understanding that He works in ways that are often beyond our comprehension.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:9-10 (KJV)

“For some time the earth brought forth fruit, even as the sea fishes cast out the things that they swallowed: After this, they saw birds flying about of every sort, and the beasts also following them.”

These verses describe further reversals of nature, highlighting the disruption of the natural order during the Exodus. The earth yielded fruit where it normally would not, and the sea expelled what it had consumed. These extraordinary events served as a testament to God’s power to transform and subvert the natural world.

Spiritual Application: God has the power to transform barrenness into fruitfulness in our lives. We should trust in His ability to bring forth blessings even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:11-12 (KJV)

“For the biting of adders and vipers was as nothing, the children of the wicked were slain; Neither could the beast devour them, the sea cast them out again.”

The Israelites were protected from harm, even from venomous creatures, while the Egyptians suffered complete destruction. These verses emphasize the sharp contrast between God’s favor upon His people and His judgment upon their oppressors. It is a powerful illustration of divine protection and retribution.

Spiritual Application: Those who trust in God are under His protection and will be shielded from ultimate harm, while the wicked face the consequences of their actions.

“Τοὺς δὲ μισοῦντας τὸν Θεὸν ἐπάταξεν καὶ ἀπώλεσε καὶ ἔδωκεν ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν τῶν δικαίων” – (Septuagint Ps 144:20) – “The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.”

St. Cyril of Alexandria echoes this sentiment by asserting, “Οἱ μὲν γὰρ τῷ Θεῷ προσέχοντες ἀεὶ τηροῦνται, οἱ δὲ ἀπεστραμμένοι ὑπόπτου τυγάνουσιν ἀεὶ τῆς τιμωρίας.” (Commentary on Psalms 144:20) – “For those who attend to God are always preserved, but those who are turned away are always suspicious of punishment.”

Wisdom of Solomon 19:13-17 (KJV)

“Yea, a flaming fire ran upon them, and would not burn their flesh, that it might destroy the beasts that were sent against them: Whereupon they would not once so much as acknowledge that God was with them: For the most part of them that were slain were not ignorant of this: for if they had acknowledged it, they would not have been slain. For by the same things wherewith they punished the just, were they punished: They saw that they were justly punished, by the thing wherein they offended.”

Even with miraculous signs surrounding them, many Egyptians remained unrepentant, refusing to acknowledge God’s presence and power. Their punishment mirrored their offenses, highlighting the principle of divine justice. This demonstrates the consequences of hardened hearts and the futility of resisting God’s will.

Spiritual Application: We should be open to recognizing God’s presence and power in our lives and in the world. Refusal to acknowledge God can lead to spiritual blindness and ultimately, destruction.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:18-21 (KJV)

“For those that were not to be touched, now touched the poor, that did not forsake God: And that they might see how much the righteous are esteemed by God: And that the more they were punished, the more their substance increased: But by the same means, the good were rewarded, and the evil were punished: For by the same things, whereby they were punished, were they rewarded.”

These verses emphasize God’s protection of those who remain faithful to Him, even in the face of persecution. God’s esteem for the righteous is made manifest, as their fortunes are increased even amidst hardship. The final verse reiterates the principle of divine justice, where the very instruments of punishment become the means of reward for the righteous.

Spiritual Application: Our faith will be rewarded, for God does not forget the good deeds of those who remain faithful to Him. His justice is always present in the world.

Wisdom of Solomon 19:22 (KJV)

“The righteous indeed spoiled the ungodly: they praised thy holy name, and magnified with one accord thine hand, that fought for them.”

The Israelites, having been delivered, praised God for his intervention, acknowledging His power and deliverance. This shows the right response to experiencing God’s intervention in one’s life is to glorify Him with thanksgiving and praise.

Spiritual Application: We should always offer praise and thanksgiving to God for His deliverance and blessings in our lives, recognizing His hand in our victories.

Subtopic Sections

The chapter highlights several key reflections on the relationship between God and humanity during the Exodus:

• ✨ Divine Sovereignty: God’s control over creation is absolute, capable of suspending natural laws to achieve His purposes.
• 💡 Justice and Retribution: God’s justice is impartial, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked according to their deeds.
• 📖 Protection of the Faithful: God protects those who trust in Him, even amidst trials and persecution.
• 📜 Folly of Resistance: Resisting God’s will leads to destruction and spiritual blindness.
• 🕊️ Transformation: Even in the midst of hardship, God can transform barrenness into fruitfulness and bring blessings out of adversity.

FAQ ❓

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church interpret the concept of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart?

A: The Coptic Orthodox tradition views God’s “hardening” of Pharaoh’s heart not as a direct manipulation of Pharaoh’s will, but rather as God giving Pharaoh over to the consequences of his own free will and choices. God presented Pharaoh with opportunities for repentance, but Pharaoh consistently chose to reject God’s commands, hardening his own heart. God’s actions were not to force Pharaoh into evil but to allow Pharaoh to fulfill his chosen path, revealing the depth of his wickedness and the glory of God’s power in contrast.

Q: What is the spiritual significance of the plagues in the Wisdom of Solomon 19?

A: The plagues are seen as both a judgment upon the Egyptians for their oppression of the Israelites and a demonstration of God’s power over false gods. Each plague targeted a specific Egyptian deity, revealing the impotence of these idols and asserting the supremacy of the one true God. Spiritually, the plagues symbolize the breaking of the chains of sin and idolatry, leading to freedom and redemption.

Q: How does the Exodus story relate to the New Testament and the Christian faith?

A: The Exodus is a central event in salvation history and serves as a type (or prefigurement) of Christ’s redemption of humanity. Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, Christ delivers believers from the slavery of sin and death. The Passover lamb, whose blood saved the Israelites from death, is seen as a symbol of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Exodus provides a foundational understanding of salvation, deliverance, and God’s unwavering love for His people.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Wisdom of Solomon 19 to our lives today?

A: The lessons of Wisdom of Solomon 19 are deeply relevant to contemporary Christian life. We should learn to trust in God’s sovereignty and power, even amidst trials and difficulties. We should strive to live righteously, knowing that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. We should be open to recognizing God’s presence in our lives, and we ought to turn away from sin to embrace the freedom Christ offers to all believers. The Exodus reminds us of the need for genuine repentance, the importance of faith, and the unwavering faithfulness of God. This could even include finding new ways to reach people, such as starting a blog with a reliable server.

Conclusion

Wisdom of Solomon 19 serves as a powerful testament to the power, justice, and love of God during the Exodus. The dramatic events, reversals of nature, and divine interventions all underscore God’s sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. The contrast between the fate of the Egyptians and the deliverance of the Israelites highlights the importance of choosing righteousness and trusting in God’s providence. The memory of the Exodus continues to inspire faith, hope, and perseverance. Through understanding the profound message of Wisdom of Solomon 19, we can deepen our spiritual lives, strengthen our relationship with God, and renew our commitment to serving Him with all our hearts. May we always appreciate God’s Wonders in the Exodus and apply its lessons to our lives today.

Tags

Exodus, Wisdom of Solomon, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Patristics, Divine Justice, Divine Providence, Miracles, Deliverance, Faith

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Explore God’s Wonders in the Exodus through a Coptic Orthodox lens with detailed commentary on Wisdom of Solomon 19. Discover insights into divine justice and deliverance.