The Israelites had been guilty of treason, and that against a King who had loaded them with benefits and whose authority they had voluntarily pledged themselves to obey. That the divine 325 government might be maintained justice must be visited upon the traitors. Yet even here God's mercy was displayed. While He maintained His law, He granted freedom of choice and opportunity for repentance to all. Only those were cut off who persisted in rebellion.

Israelitterne havde gjort sig skyldige i forræderi, endda over for en konge, der havde overøst dem med velsignelser, og hvis myndighed de frivilligt havde lovet at adlyde. For at den guddommelige regering kunne bestå, måtte forræderne straffes. Men også her blev Guds nåde lagt for dagen. Selv om han stadfæstede sin lov, gav han dem, der ville, anledning til at angre. Kun de, der fortsat gjorde oprør, blev hugget ned.