238
From Eternity Past
with failing to fulfill His promises. Though their confession did not
spring from true repentance, it served to vindicate the justice of God.
The Lord still works in a similar manner to glorify His name by
bringing men to acknowledge His justice. God sets counteragencies at
work to make manifest the works of darkness. Though the spirit which
prompted to evil is not radically changed, confessions are made that
[275]
vindicate the honor of God and justify His faithful reprovers who have
been opposed and misrepresented. Thus it will be when the wrath of
God shall be finally poured out. Every sinner will be brought to see
and acknowledge the justice of his condemnation.
How Rebellion Made Their Situation Worse
Regardless of the divine sentence, the Israelites prepared to un-
dertake the conquest of Canaan. They were, in their own estimation,
fully prepared for conflict. Contrary to the command of God and the
solemn prohibition of their leaders, they went out to meet the armies
of the enemy.
Moses hastened after them with the warning, “Wherefore now do
ye transgress the commandment of the Lord? but it shall not prosper.
Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye be not smitten before
your enemies.”
The Canaanites had heard of the mysterious power that seemed to
be guarding this people, and they now summoned a strong force to
repel the invaders. The attacking army had no leader. No prayer was
offered that God would give them the victory. Though untrained in
war, they hoped by a fierce assault to bear down all opposition. They
presumptuously challenged the foe that had not dared to attack them.
The Canaanites had stationed themselves upon a rocky tableland
reached only by a steep and dangerous ascent. The immense numbers
of the Hebrews could only render their defeat more terrible. Massive
rocks came thundering down, marking their path with the blood of the
slain. Those who reached the summit, exhausted with their ascent,
were fiercely repulsed and driven back with great loss. The army of
Israel was utterly defeated.
The enemies of Israel, who had awaited with trembling the ap-
proach of that mighty host, were inspired with confidence to resist
them. All the reports they had heard concerning the marvelous things