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The Red Sea

19But the ungodly were assailed to the end by pitiless anger,
for God^* knew in advance even their future actions:
² how, though they themselves had permitted^* your people to depart
and hastily sent them out,
they would change their minds and pursue them.
³ For 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.
⁴ For 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,
⁵ and that your people might experience^* an incredible journey,
but they themselves might meet a strange death.

God Guides and Protects His People

⁶ For the whole creation in its nature was fashioned anew,
complying with your commands,
so that your children^* might be kept unharmed.
⁷ The 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,
⁸ where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation,
after gazing on marvellous wonders.

A New Harmony in Nature

¹⁸ For the elements changed^* places with one another,
as on a harp the notes vary the nature of the rhythm,
while each note remains the same.^*
This may be clearly inferred from the sight of what took place.
¹⁹ For land animals were transformed into water creatures,
and creatures that swim moved over to the land.
²⁰ Fire even in water retained its normal power,
and water forgot its fire-quenching nature.
²¹ Flames, on the contrary, failed to consume
the flesh of perishable creatures that walked among them,
nor did they melt^* the crystalline, quick-melting kind of heavenly food.

Conclusion

²² For 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.

Ode to a Capable Wife

¹⁰ A capable wife who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
   and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant,
   she brings her food from far away.
¹⁵ She rises while it is still night
   and provides food for her household
   and tasks for her servant-girls.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
   and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
   Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff,
   and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor,
   and reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
   for all her household are clothed in crimson.
²² She makes herself coverings;
   her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the city gates,
   taking his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them;
   she supplies the merchant with sashes.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
   and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
   and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household,
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her happy;
   her husband too, and he praises her:
²⁹ ‘Many women have done excellently,
   but you surpass them all.’
³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
   but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
   and let her works praise her in the city gates.