13. For when they heard that the cause of their own tormentswas a benefit to these others, they recognized the Lord.
14. For though they had mocked and rejected him who had been cast out and abandoned long ago,in the final outcome, they marveled at him,since their thirst proved unlike that of the righteous.
15. In return for their senseless, wicked thoughts,which misled them into worshiping dumb serpents and worthless insects,You sent upon them swarms of dumb creatures for vengeance;
16. that they might recognize that one is punished by the very things through which one sins.
17. For not without means was your almighty hand,that had fashioned the universe from formless matter,to send upon them many bears or fierce lions,
18. Or newly created, wrathful, unknown beastsbreathing forth fiery breath,Or pouring out roaring smoke,or flashing terrible sparks from their eyes.
19. Not only could these attack and completely destroy them;even their frightful appearance itself could slay.