Sign of salvation… The brazen serpent, an emblem of Christ our
Saviour.
16:7. For he that turned to it, was not healed by that which he saw, but by thee, the Saviour of all.
16:8. And in this thou didst shew to our enemies, that thou art he who deliverest from all evil.
16:9. For the bitings of locusts, and of flies, killed them, and there was found no remedy for their life: because they were worthy to be destroyed by such things.
16:10. But not even the teeth of venomous serpents overcame thy children: for thy mercy came and healed them.
16:11. For they were examined for the remembrance of thy words, and were quickly healed, lest falling into deep forgetfulness, they might not be able to use thy help.
16:12. For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster, that healed them, but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.
16:13. For it is thou, O Lord, that hast power of life and death, and leadest down to the gates of death, and bringest back again:
16:14. A man indeed killeth through malice, and when the spirit is gone forth, it shall not return, neither shall he call back the soul that is received:
16:15. But it is impossible to escape thy hand: