One is reminded of the
"Satz," `"Gegensatz," and "Vermittelung" of the Hegelian philosophy
when one's ear has once been caught by the monotonous beat with
which the history here advances, or rather moves in a circle.
Rebellion, affliction, conversion, peace; rebellion, affliction,
conversion, peace. The sole subjects of all that is said are
Jehovah and Israel; their mutual relation alone it is that keeps
the course of things in motion, and that too in opposite directions,
so that in the end matters always return to their original position.
"They did what was evil in the sight of Jehovah, they went
a-whoring after strange gods,"-such is the uninterrupted key-note.
Although Jehovistic monolatry is so potently recommended from
without, it yet takes no firm root, never becomes natural to the
people, always remains a precept above and beyond their powers.
For decennia on end indeed they hold fast to it, but soon their
idolatrous tendency, which has only been repressed by fear of the
judge during his lifetime, again finds expression; they must have
a change. Now this rebellion is indeed quite indispensable for
the pragmatism, because otherwise there would be nothing at all
to tell; it is on the unrest in the clock that the whole movement
depends.
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