The days of the patriarchs witnessed the treachery of the sons of Jacob, and the resultant descent into Egypt. The wilderness was a forty years’ record of God’s faithfulness and man’s unreliability. The days of the Judges but confirmed the same story; while the history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel emphasized still more the deceitfulness of the human heart. From time to time God wrought in power and grace, giving revival and blessing; but soon the people wearied of His law, and gave themselves up to doing their own pleasure, “till there was no remedy,” and Assyria and Babylon swallowed up the favored people. - H. A. IRONSIDE