In order that those men, when they desired food, might lose the least remnant of appetite because of the odious creatures sent to them: In order that means, in effect, “You did what verses 1 and 2 say you did in order that….” This will not be clear without some help from the translator, and this is why Good News Translation begins with “You did all this so that the idolaters….” However, Good News Translation “would be unable to eat” misses the point, which is that they could not eat because the disgusting creatures all around them made them lose their appetite. A better translation would be “What happened because of what you did? The creatures you sent to harass our enemies were so revolting [or, disgusting] that the idol worshipers lost all desire to eat, even though they were hungry.” The Revised Standard Version footnote here simply provides a more literal rendering.

While thy people, after suffering want a short time, might partake of delicacies may be rendered “But on the other hand, your people had the finest food to eat, after suffering hunger for only a short time.”

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.