The Red Sea

1But the ungodly were assailed to the end by pitiless anger,

for God19.1 Gk he knew in advance even their future actions:

2how, though they themselves had permitted19.2 Other ancient authorities read had changed their minds to permit your people to depart

and hastily sent them out,

they would change their minds and pursue them.

3For while they were still engaged in mourning,

and were lamenting at the graves of their dead,

they reached another foolish decision,

and pursued as fugitives those whom they had begged and compelled to leave.

4For the fate they deserved drew them on to this end,

and made them forget what had happened,

in order that they might fill up the punishment that their torments still lacked,

5and that your people might experience19.5 Other ancient authorities read accomplish an incredible journey,

but they themselves might meet a strange death.

God Guides and Protects His People

6For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew,

complying with your commands,

so that your children19.6 Or servants might be kept unharmed.

7The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp,

and dry land emerging where water had stood before,

an unhindered way out of the Red Sea,

and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,

8where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation,

after gazing on marvellous wonders.

9For they ranged like horses,

and leapt like lambs,

praising you, O Lord, who delivered them.

10For they still recalled the events of their sojourn,

how instead of producing animals the earth brought forth gnats,

and instead of fish the river spewed out vast numbers of frogs.

11Afterwards they saw also a new kind19.11 Or production of birds,

when desire led them to ask for luxurious food;

12for, to give them relief, quails came up from the sea.

The Punishment of the Egyptians

13The punishments did not come upon the sinners

without prior signs in the violence of thunder,

for they justly suffered because of their wicked acts;

for they practised a more bitter hatred of strangers.

14Others had refused to receive strangers when they came to them,

but these made slaves of guests who were their benefactors.

15And not only so—but, while punishment of some sort will come upon the former

for having received strangers with hostility,

16the latter, having first received them with festal celebrations,

afterwards afflicted with terrible sufferings

those who had already shared the same rights.

17They were stricken also with loss of sight—

just as were those at the door of the righteous man—

when, surrounded by yawning darkness,

all of them tried to find the way through their own doors.

A New Harmony in Nature

18For the elements changed19.18 Gk changing places with one another,

as on a harp the notes vary the nature of the rhythm,

while each note remains the same.19.18 Meaning of Gk uncertain

This may be clearly inferred from the sight of what took place.

19For land animals were transformed into water creatures,

and creatures that swim moved over to the land.

20Fire even in water retained its normal power,

and water forgot its fire-quenching nature.

21Flames, on the contrary, failed to consume

the flesh of perishable creatures that walked among them,

nor did they melt19.21 Cn: Gk nor could be melted the crystalline, quick-melting kind of heavenly food.

Conclusion

22For in everything, O Lord, you have exalted and glorified your people,

and you have not neglected to help them at all times and in all places.