These surroundings exerted a polluting influence upon the Israelites. Their minds became familiar with the vile thoughts constantly suggested; their life of ease and inaction produced its demoralizing effect; and almost unconsciously to themselves they 454 were departing from God and coming into a condition where they would fall an easy prey to temptation.

I disse omgivelser blev Israel udsat for en fordærvende indflydelse. Folkets tanker blev fortrolige med den ondskab, som de til stadighed så antydet. Det var også demoraliserende for dem at leve i magelighed og lediggang. Næsten uden at de selv vidste det, gled de bort fra Gud, og de befandt sig snart i en tilstand, hvor de var et let bytte for fristelser.