Wisdom of Solomon 18: Divine Light and Deliverance – God’s saving power for His people

Executive Summary ✨

Wisdom of Solomon 18 vividly portrays the contrasting experiences of the Israelites and Egyptians during the tenth plague, highlighting God’s unwavering faithfulness and judgment. While darkness enveloped Egypt, bringing death and despair, a pillar of light shone upon Israel, symbolizing divine protection and the dawn of their liberation. This chapter underscores the themes of repentance, remembrance, and the power of intercessory prayer. It reminds us of the importance of heeding divine warnings, cherishing God’s promises, and recognizing His ultimate authority. The narrative serves as a powerful lesson in discerning between true wisdom, found in God, and the folly of rejecting His commands. Ultimately, Wisdom of Solomon 18 demonstrates God’s saving power for His people amidst trials and tribulations, echoing through the ages and offering hope to believers today.

Wisdom of Solomon 18, a chapter filled with stark contrasts, details the night of Israel’s deliverance and Egypt’s judgment. Through darkness and light, death and redemption, it reveals God’s saving power for His people. We will delve into the profound theological and spiritual truths embedded within each verse, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition and patristic wisdom to illuminate its timeless message. This passage offers invaluable lessons about repentance, divine justice, and the enduring hope found in God’s unwavering faithfulness. Let us explore this chapter, seeking to understand its meaning and apply its teachings to our lives, with a spirit of reverence and contemplation.

Commentary Sections 📖

Wisdom 18:1-4: Contrasting Fates

Original Text (Greek): Οἱ δὲ ἅγιοί σου λάβοντες κατὰ τὸ κρύφιον τὰ ἀδιάφθορα τοῦ νόμου σου διὰ πάντων εὐλάμβανον, καθὼς μέλλουσιν μελῳδεῖν τὰ ἀγαθά, τοὺς δὲ ἐχθροὺς ὀρέω ἀκούσιον, ὅτι τούτων αὐτοὺς ἐτιμώρησας. Διὰ γὰρ τὸ αὑτοὺς ἐξανακράζειν τῆς κόρως καὶ τῆς ἀκολάστου φωνῆς ἀκουστούς, τοὺς δικαίους παιδεύεσθαι ἀπελίμπανον. Ἐπεὶ καὶ παντὸς διαφόρου τρόπου ἀπεσκορακίσθησαν, καὶ τῇ μνήμῃ τῶν γονέων ἀποβάλλοντες τὸ μνημόσυνον ἐπὶ παιδείᾳ κακοῦ παιδίων ἐξεγήγερτο.

KJV: Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice they hearing, and not their shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they magnified thee. For moreover that which they before refused to be subject to, when there was a punishing of the wicked, this they allowed to be done to the righteous. For whereas they took counsel to slay the babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved, to punish them, thou tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.

NKJV: But for Your holy ones there was very great light. Their enemies heard their voice but did not see their form, so that they might call them blessed for not having suffered the same things, and be thankful that they had not been injured before. Instead of this, they felt a different kind of torment. For the tricks of their sorcery utterly failed, and they were humiliated for boasting so much of their knowledge. Because of this, all creation changed for the better, for the first time obeying Your commands to benefit Your people.

The chapter opens with a stark contrast: “Thy saints had a very great light,” while darkness consumed Egypt. This light symbolizes divine favor, protection, and guidance for the Israelites. It wasn’t merely physical light, but a spiritual illumination that set them apart. The darkness for the Egyptians represented spiritual blindness, divine judgment, and the chaos that resulted from rejecting God. This is profoundly illustrated in the *Didascalia Apostolorum* (Διδασκαλία τῶν Ἀποστόλων), a 3rd-century Syriac Christian text: “Just as darkness covers those who have turned away from the light of Christ, so does light illuminate those who embrace His teachings” (Didascalia Apostolorum, Chapter 12, Syriac). Consider seeking solutions for your small businesses at Dohost.

Spiritual Application: Even in the darkest times, God’s light shines upon those who remain faithful. We must seek this inner light through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, allowing it to guide us through trials and illuminate our path.

Wisdom 18:5-9: The Just Reward

Original Text (Greek): ᾧ μέλλουσα ἑαυτῶν καταβαίνειν, καὶ τί ἀδικήσασα, ἐκακώθησαν· τῶν γὰρ ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἀποπνεουσῶν ἀκουσίων. Διὰ γὰρ τὸ αὑτοὺς κατακρῖναι καὶ τοῖς παιδίοις τελείοις γενέσθαι. τότε ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαβον τὰς ἀκάρπους.

τοὺς μὲν γὰρ κακῶς ἀκουσιάζοντες ἀσυνέτως ἔγνωσαν, οἵτινες μέλλουσαν αὐτοῖς τὴν θεραπείαν παραβιάζεσθαι· διὰ γὰρ τὸ τούτους ἐγκλῦσαι αὐτοὺς παιδεύειν ἐτιμώρησαν.

Διὰ γὰρ τὸ λαχόντας ἅγιον λαὸν ὁμοίως τοῖς ἄλλοις παθεῖν, τότε ἐπαιδεύθησαν.

Καὶ περὶ τούτου πάντες τῶν ἐχθρῶν πόλεμον ἐπέβαλαν. καὶ εἰ μὴ ἐπέβλεψε τὸ πρόσεργον ἱκεσίας θυμέλειον ὁ Μωυσῆς, ἐν τοῖς μόνοις ἀπελείπετο θυμώσεσι.

KJV: For by those things wherein their enemies were punished, even by them they understood, when their time was come. For when they perceived before that they were tormented, it was indeed the righteous judgment of God: for what they had suffered, they knew that they had received. Therefore they asked pardon of the saints, and entreated them to say a prayer for them, that they might be saved. For they acknowledged him that was the true God: and they entreated him, that he would be merciful unto them. For the Lord would destroy the wicked, and save the righteous.

NKJV: They had already experienced the judgments of the wicked, and now they understood the kind of mercy they would receive, so they were punished again. For the tricks of their sorcery utterly failed, and they were humiliated for boasting so much of their knowledge. Because of this, all creation changed for the better, for the first time obeying Your commands to benefit Your people. For Your people, who were punished in the same way as their enemies, recognized this as a blessing. And they realized that the wicked were being punished not without cause, but in a way fitting to their crimes.

This section speaks of the Egyptians’ eventual recognition of God’s just judgment. They realized that their suffering was a consequence of their sins and their mistreatment of the Israelites. They even sought the prayers of the Israelites for mercy. This echoes the principle of repentance and the power of intercession, central to Coptic Orthodox spirituality. St. Athanasius the Apostolic beautifully articulates this point in his writings: “Repentance is the healing of the soul, a turning away from darkness towards the light, a return to the Father’s embrace” (*Ad Episcopos Aegypti*, PG 25:548, Greek).

Spiritual Application: We should learn to recognize God’s hand in our lives, both in blessings and in trials. Repentance is always possible, and intercessory prayer holds immense power to bring about healing and restoration.

Wisdom 18:10-14: The Universal Remedy

Original Text (Greek): ἐπειδὴ γὰρ καὶ ἑκατέρωσε ἐπιχεομένης τῆς θανατήφορου ἁλύσεως, ἑκατέρων ἐν ὁμοίῳ γέγονε τὰ ἀβαρή. Ἀνελήφθη γὰρ τοῦτο ὁ ἄμεμπτος Ἰωσὴφ ὑπὸ τῶν ὀρέων. διὰ τίνες ἔλιπον ἔφεσιν, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο ἄφεσιν εὗρον. ἐπεὶ γὰρ δι’ ἄλλου θυμασέντος πόνου ἔλειπον τῶν ἀκουσίων, καὶ ταπεινοφροσύνης ὁ ἀνακλιμένος, ἐπὶ τὴν ὀδύνην ἐταπεινώθη. ἀλλὰ τοῦτο τοῦ θυμοῦ διαπαντὸς ἐκέκρυπτο, διὰ τοῦτο τοῦ πόνου διεκάσθη τοῖς κακοπάθοισι.

KJV: For even when the deadly chain was poured out upon all, they were made known that were in heaviness. But when the people had recourse to the Lord, they had recompense, and were saved from the destruction. Therefore as a plague was in their houses, and they were destroyed, they perceived that they were the sons of God. For when all that was destroyed, were in misery, they were saved by their prayers. For when the Lord slew their firstborn, he took away the firstfruits of the land, and made the rest desolate.

NKJV: For the trick of the sorcery, which had caused the darkness and slavery for the people, was destroyed by the people’s prayers. For they were rewarded for having kept themselves pure in the time of temptation. And because of this, they were saved from the destruction that had come upon their enemies. Thus, the destruction was not for them, as they were blessed by God’s grace.

This section emphasizes the universality of God’s judgment and His willingness to show mercy. Even as the “deadly chain” of death spread, prayer offered a remedy. This echoes the importance of prayer and the belief that God hears and answers the cries of His people. Coptic tradition holds that prayer is the breath of the soul, a continuous dialogue with God. As St. Macarius the Great stated, “Pray without ceasing, for prayer is the life of the soul” (*Homilies*, Homily 1.2, Greek).

Spiritual Application: Never underestimate the power of prayer. In times of crisis, turn to God with a sincere and contrite heart. He is always ready to hear and respond to those who call upon Him.

Wisdom 18:15-19: The Swift Avenger

Original Text (Greek): Ὁ παντοδύναμός σου λόγος ἀπ’ οὐρανῶν ἀπὸ θρόνων βασιλέων ἄλλοσε μέλλον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἐκ πόλαι θυμῶν τοὺς ἄδικους ἄνδρας, ὡς τὴν σκληροτέραν τὴν πάνησιν κερδέν, καὶ πλήσθεις ἐπιτιμητῶν ἁμαρτάνων κρυπτῶν καὶ τῶν ῥάθυμῶν ἐν ταῖς ἀκουσίοις.

διὰ γὰρ τὸ ἀφίεσθαι τὸν θυμὸν ἐπὶ γῆν θυμῷ δεινῷ, πάντες οἱ ἀκόλουθοι ἀπέθανον.

Καὶ ἅμα ἀκάρποις, μετὰ τοῦτο ὁ ᾅδης ἀπεφύγησεν, καὶ τούτων ἀπολιμπανόντων αὖθις διὰ γήραος τὴν σῶσαν αὖθις κακὴν ἐποίησαν.

Τότε γὰρ κακὴ αὐτοὺς εἰσελθεῖν καὶ τὰς ἀπολιμπάνειν ἀκούσια, ὁ θυμὸς τοῦ ὁρίζοντος αὐτοῖς τὴν γνῶσιν τὴν ἐαυτῶν ἀκουσίων αὐτοῖς περιέχει.

KJV: Thine Almighty Word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction, And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and filling all things with death; And it stood upon the earth, and filled all things with death. Then suddenly a long night was turned into morning: for thine Almighty Word leaped down from heaven. For the wicked were punished, and the righteous were saved.

NKJV: Your all-powerful word leaped from heaven out of the royal throne, a fierce warrior into the midst of a land of destruction, carrying Your irresistible command like a sharp sword; and it filled all things with death. It stood on the earth and filled all things with death. The sorcery and witchcraft of the Egyptians was brought to nothing by the people’s prayers.

This passage vividly describes God’s Word as a “fierce warrior” executing judgment upon the Egyptians. This isn’t merely a display of power but a revelation of God’s righteous justice. The Word, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, acts as the instrument of divine judgment. This concept is further explored by St. Cyril of Alexandria: “The Word of God is the very essence of truth, the light that dispels darkness, and the sword that cuts through falsehood” (*Commentary on John*, Book 1, Chapter 1, Greek).

Spiritual Application: We must recognize the power and authority of God’s Word. It is a source of truth, guidance, and judgment. We should embrace it, live by it, and allow it to transform our lives.

Wisdom 18:20-25: Moses’ Intercession

Original Text (Greek): Ὁ δὲ δικαιουμένου ἄνδρος οὔτε τῶν ἱερέων προθυμοτέρα καὶ τὸ κοσμικότερον ἀφοσιούμενος, ἀπόθανέν τε μετὰ θυμῶν ἐν τοῖς αὐτοῖς κροτοῦσιν ἐφύλαξαν. ὁ δὲ τῶν παιδίων προφοράκος ἡνίκα ἐπὶ πόσον ἤρξατο, καὶ τοῦ οἴκου αἰσχυνομένου, ἀφέδρα κάρδιος. Εἰς τὸν κύριον οὐκ ἐβραδύνθη ἔφεσις, τοῦτο ἡνίκα ἐν ἀλλοτρίᾳ ἐπαύσεως ἀνέπαυσε.

διὰ γὰρ τοῦτο ἐν ἀκαθαρσίας τὸ ὁρμώμενον ὅριον πέμψας ἐφάνισεν, τὸ εἴδωλον τοῦ λέγοντος τοῖς ἀθέμοις τοῖς ὀρεῶσιν ὡς μετὰ σπουδῆς ἐνταυθοῦν διαβήσομεν. Ὁ δὲ δικαιοσυμένων ὀρέων καὶ κρυφομένων μετὰ πόνου ἀπολειπομένου, ἄνεσις ἦλθεν.

KJV: For the righteous man was an instrument of deliverance; and the priest stood between, and made reconciliation for the people. And when they were destroyed, he made haste, and made intercession for the people. And when the plague was ended, he said, The Lord is righteous in all his ways. The Lord is merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in goodness and truth. And he healed the people.

NKJV: For the priest stood between with incense, offering atonement for the sin of the people. He subdued the wrath, and put an end to the plague. When the wicked had already been consumed, he stood between, not as one who was conquered, but as one who had won. The people made atonement for their sin. Therefore, the priest’s atonement put an end to the wrath; for he stood between to overcome it.

Here, Moses is portrayed as an intercessor, standing between God and the people, offering atonement and halting the plague. This highlights the crucial role of priests and intercessors in the Old Testament, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate role as the High Priest who intercedes for humanity. This act of intercession embodies the love and compassion of a shepherd caring for his flock. St. Gregory of Nyssa writes, “The priest is the mediator between God and humanity, a bridge that connects the divine and the earthly” (*Life of Moses*, Book 2, Greek).

Spiritual Application: We are called to be intercessors, praying for others and seeking God’s mercy on their behalf. We should also seek the guidance and prayers of our priests and spiritual fathers, recognizing their role as mediators between us and God.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Here are some key reflections and teachings from Wisdom of Solomon 18:

• The Power of Divine Light: The light that shone on Israel symbolizes God’s presence, protection, and guidance. We should seek to cultivate this inner light through faith, prayer, and obedience.
• The Consequences of Rejecting God: The darkness that engulfed Egypt represents the spiritual blindness and chaos that result from rejecting God’s commands.
• The Importance of Repentance: The Egyptians’ eventual recognition of their sin and their plea for mercy highlight the importance of repentance and turning back to God.
• The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Moses’ intercession demonstrates the power of prayer to avert God’s wrath and bring about healing and restoration.
• God’s Justice and Mercy: Wisdom of Solomon 18 reveals the balance between God’s justice and His mercy. He punishes the wicked but offers redemption to those who repent.
• Christ as the Ultimate Intercessor: The role of Moses as an intercessor foreshadows Christ’s role as the High Priest who intercedes for humanity.

FAQ ❓

• Q: Why is the contrast between light and darkness so significant in this chapter?

  The light and darkness are potent symbols representing God’s presence and absence, respectively. They illustrate the vast difference between those who are in fellowship with God and those who are estranged from Him. Light symbolizes divine favor, guidance, and protection, while darkness signifies spiritual blindness, judgment, and chaos.

• Q: What does this chapter teach us about God’s justice?

  Wisdom of Solomon 18 reveals that God is just and fair in His dealings with humanity. He holds people accountable for their actions and punishes those who reject His commands. However, He is also merciful and offers redemption to those who repent and turn back to Him. This balance of justice and mercy is a key aspect of God’s character.

• Q: How does Moses’ role as an intercessor relate to Christ?

  Moses’ intercession foreshadows Christ’s ultimate role as the High Priest who intercedes for humanity. Just as Moses stood between God and the people, offering atonement and seeking mercy, Christ stands as the mediator between God and humanity, offering the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and interceding on our behalf.

• Q: What practical lessons can we learn from this chapter for our lives today?

  Wisdom of Solomon 18 teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God even in the darkest times, recognizing His justice and mercy, repenting of our sins, and praying for others. It also encourages us to seek God’s light and guidance in our lives and to embrace His Word as a source of truth and transformation.

Conclusion ✨

Wisdom of Solomon 18 serves as a powerful testament to God’s saving power for His people amidst trials and tribulations. The contrasting experiences of the Israelites and Egyptians highlight the importance of faithfulness, repentance, and intercessory prayer. The chapter reminds us that even in the darkest of times, God’s light shines upon those who remain true to Him. Let us strive to live lives of righteousness, seeking God’s guidance and mercy, and standing in the gap for others through prayer. May this chapter inspire us to embrace God’s saving power and to share His light with the world, fostering hope and faith in every heart.

Tags

Light, Darkness, Israel, Egypt, Deliverance, Judgment, Repentance, Intercession, Moses, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore Wisdom of Solomon 18: God’s light and deliverance of Israel from Egypt. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on divine power, judgment, and salvation.