Here we see that the church—the Lord’s sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}

Her ser vi, at menigheden - Herrens helligdom - var den, der først skulle mærke Guds vredes slag. De ældste, sådanne, som havde fået stort lys og stået som vogtere af folkets åndelige interesser, havde været utro i deres tillidshverv. De havde indtaget det standpunkt, at vi ikke behøver at vente mirakler og de tydelige åbenbarelser af Guds kraft, som man så i fordums dage. Tiderne har forandret sig. Disse ord styrker deres vantro og de siger: Herren vil hverken gøre godt eller ondt. Han er for barmhjertig til at hjemsøge sit folk med straffedom. Således lyder råbet om fred og ingen fare fra mænd, der aldrig mere vil opløfte deres røst som en basun for at vise Guds folk deres overtrædelser og Jakobs hus deres synder. Disse stumme hunde, der ikke vil gø, er netop dem, der føler en fortørnet Guds retfærdige hævn. Mænd, jomfruer og små børn omkommer til hobe.