Read & explore together
God’s word, not a visible token, heals the serpent-bitten
This passage explains that God’s people were healed not by a visible object itself, but by God. It contrasts brief discipline and mercy for God’s children with punishment that others could not escape.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In Wisdom of Solomon 16:5–14, the speaker addresses God directly and reflects on people bitten by serpents, a “token of salvation”, and God’s healing word. The passage compares what happened to “your people” and “your children” with “our enemies”, stressing God’s authority over life and death.
Wisdom of Solomon 16:5–14Main takeaway
This passage teaches that the visible token did not heal by its own power, because healing came from God’s word and mercy.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Troubled for a short timeThe passage begins with danger and discipline. God’s people were “perishing by the bites of crooked serpents”, yet God’s wrath “didn’t continue to the uttermost”.
Explanation
The passage begins with danger and discipline. God’s people were “perishing by the bites of crooked serpents”, yet God’s wrath “didn’t continue to the uttermost”. Their trouble was “for admonition” and only “for a short time”. The purpose given is correction, not final destruction.
02A token that pointed beyond itselfThey had “a token of salvation”, but the writer explains carefully what it meant. The one who turned toward it “was not saved because of that which was seen, but because of you”.
Explanation
They had “a token of salvation”, but the writer explains carefully what it meant. The one who turned toward it “was not saved because of that which was seen, but because of you”. The visible thing reminded them of “the commandment of your law”, while God remained the true Saviour.
03A contrast with the enemiesThe writer says this also showed enemies that God “delivers out of every evil”. Then a contrast follows.
Explanation
The writer says this also showed enemies that God “delivers out of every evil”. Then a contrast follows. Locusts and flies killed them, and “no healing” was found for their life. By comparison, God’s children were not overcome, because God’s mercy “healed them”.
04God’s word healsThe bites reminded God’s children of his “oracles”, and they were “quickly saved” so they would not forget his kindness.
Explanation
The bites reminded God’s children of his “oracles”, and they were “quickly saved” so they would not forget his kindness. The writer then states the main point plainly: “neither herb nor poultice” cured them, but God’s word. God alone has authority over “life and death”, while humans cannot restore a departed spirit.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does the passage say the “token of salvation” was meant to do?
Look for the phrases about remembrance and what the visible sign could not do by itself.
02How does the writer contrast God’s children with “our enemies”?
Compare the verses about no healing being found with the verse that says God’s mercy healed his children.
03According to this passage, what really healed the people?
The answer is stated directly when the writer mentions herbs, poultices, and God’s word.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Wisdom of Solomon 16:5–14
5For even when terrible raging of wild beasts came upon your people, and they were perishing by the bites of crooked serpents, your wrath didn’t continue to the uttermost;
6but for admonition were they troubled for a short time, having a token of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of your law;
7for he who turned toward it was not saved because of that which was seen, but because of you, the Savior of all.
8Yes, and in this you persuaded our enemies that you are he who delivers out of every evil.
9For the bites of locusts and flies truly killed them. No healing for their life was found, because they were worthy to be punished by such things.
10But your children weren’t overcome by the very fangs of venomous dragons, for your mercy passed by where they were and healed them.
11For they were bitten to put them in remembrance of your oracles, and were quickly saved, lest, falling into deep forgetfulness, they should become unable to respond to your kindness.
12For truly it was neither herb nor poultice that cured them, but your word, O Lord, which heals all people.
13For you have authority over life and death, and you lead down to the gates of Hades, and lead up again.
14But though a man kills by his wickedness, he can’t retrieve the spirit that has departed or release the imprisoned soul.