But the Israelites fixed their hopes upon worldly greatness. From the time of their entrance to the land of Canaan, they departed from the commandments of God, and followed the ways of the heathen. It was in vain that God sent them warning by His prophets. In vain they suffered the chastisement of heathen oppression. Every reformation was followed by deeper apostasy.

Men israelitterne havde fæstnet deres håb ved verdslig storhed. Fra den tid, hvor de drog ind i Kana'ans land, veg de bort fra Guds bud og fulgte hedningernes skikke. Det var forgæves, at Gud sendte dem advarsler gennem sine profeter. Det var forgæves, at de led under hedenske undertrykkeres tugtelse. Enhver genoprejsning blev efterfulgt af et endnu større frafald.