The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, “as when a standardbearer fainteth.” Isaiah 10:18. But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ’s soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer. {8T 41.2}

Slaget rasede. Sejren skiftede fra den ene side til den anden. Snart gav korsets stridsmænd efter, »som når en fanebærer besvimer«. Es. 10,18 (eng. bibelovers.) Men deres tilsyneladende tilbagegang skete kun for at opnå en mere gunstig stilling. Der hørtes jubelråb. En lovsang steg op til Gud og englestemmer forenede sig i sangen, medens Kristi stridsmænd plantede hans banner på de fæstningsmure, fjenden hidtil havde holdt. Vor frelses feltherre ledede slaget og sendte hjælp til sine stridsmænd. Hans magt udfoldede sig vældigt og opmuntrede dem til at føre slaget frem til portene. Han lærte dem frygtelige ting i retfærdighed, medens han ledte dem sejrende skridt for skridt til sejr.