Now, at that time and
for centuries afterwards, the highwater marks of history were
indicated by the wars it recorded. The name "Israel" means
"El does battle," and Jehovah was the warrior El, after whom the
nation styled itself. The camp was, so to speak, at once the
cradle in which the nation was nursed and the smithy in which it
was welded into unity; it was also the primitive sanctuary.
There Israel was, and there was Jehovah. If in times of peace the
relations between the two had become dormant, they were at once
called forth into fullest activity when the alarm of danger was
raised; Israel's awakening was always preceded by the awakening
of Jehovah. Jehovah awakened men who under the guidance of His
spirit placed themselves at the nation's head; in them His proper
leadership was visibly expressed. Jehovah went forth with the
host to battle, and in its enthusiasm His presence was seen
(Judges. v. 13, 23). With signs and wonders from heaven Jehovah
decided the struggle carried on upon earth. In it He was always
upon Israel's side; on Israel was His whole interest concentrated,
although His power (for He was God) reached far beyond their local
limits.
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