A paragraph break is needed here. At this point the writer turns from the theme of darkness to discuss the light that accompanied the Israelites on their desert journey.

But for thy holy ones there was very great light: Good News Translation “all the while” helps connect this material with the previous account of the darkness, but translators could make the connection in other ways; for example, “While darkness controlled the wicked people, a brilliant light was shining for your chosen people.” Holy here means “belonging to God,” so “your chosen people” is a good alternative for thy holy ones.

Their enemies heard their voices but did not see their forms: Exodus says nothing about this, but it does leave the impression that the Israelites lived among the Egyptians; compare, for instance, Exo 11.4-7. The writer is only drawing the conclusion that since the Egyptians heard sounds (17.18-20) but could not see anything in the real world, they could hear the Israelites, and thus be aware that they were not afflicted with the darkness. Translators may say “Although their enemies could not see your people, they could hear their voices [or, hear them talking].” The Revised Standard Version footnote says only that Their enemies is being translationally supplied for clarity.

And counted them happy for not having suffered: Good News Translation can serve as a model, or translators may say “They realized how fortunate your people were not to be suffering as they were.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Wisdom of Solomon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2004. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.