For at one time the fire was mitigated, that the beasts which were sent against the wicked might not be burnt, but that they might see, and perceive that they were persecuted by the judgment of God.

Wisdom 16:16
For the wicked that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thy arm, being persecuted by strange waters, and hail, and rain, and consumed by fire.

Wisdom 16:17
And which was wonderful, in water, which extinguisheth all things, the fire had more force: for the world fighteth for the just.

Wisdom 16:19
And at another time the fire, above its own power, burnt in the midst of water, to destroy the fruits of a wicked land.

Wisdom 16:20
Instead of which things, thou didst feed thy people with the food of angels, and gavest them bread from heaven, prepared without labour; having in it all that is delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.