15. our sins reach their peak.
16. Therefore, he never withdraws his mercy from us. Although disciplining us with misfortunes, God doesn’t forsake his own people.
17. Only let this be said to us as a reminder. After this brief digression, it is necessary to go on with the narrative.
18. A certain Eleazar, one of the leading scribes, elderly in age and with a most dignified outward appearance, was being compelled to open his mouth and eat pork.