16:4. For it was requisite that inevitable destruction should come upon them that exercised tyranny: but to these it should only be shewn how their enemies were destroyed.
16:5. For when the fierce rage of beasts came upon these, they were destroyed by the bitings of crooked serpents.
16:6. But thy wrath endured not for ever, but they were troubled for a short time for their correction, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.
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.