- 81-
But although the allied army could not reduce the city, "the slingers" posted on the
overlooking heights might inflict serious losses on the garrison. In fact, the place
would soon have become untenable. In these circumstances Mesha endeavored, at
the head of 700 swordsmen, to cut his way through the besieging army in the
direction where the king of Edom was posted - either because this was the weakest
point in the camp of the allies, or probably because he may have expected less
resistance in that quarter. Driven back into the city, the frenzy of despair seized him.
The idea underlying sacrifice was in heathen worship also that of substitution, though
not as provided by the mercy of God, but in order to appease His wrath. It was not
the infinite compassion and love of God which provided a ransom, but the despair of
mercy and goodness that suggested such means as the last hope of expiation. Hence
that which was nearest and dearest to a man was offered up to propitiate, if possible,
a god who was not known to be full of compassion. And so the king of Moab now
took his eldest son, who should have succeeded him on the throne, and in sight of
besiegers and besieged offered him on the wall as a burnt offering. Thus would he
conciliate Chemosh; thus also would he show his devotion to his country. It was a
horrible, sickening spectacle, which made deepest impression on all onlookers friend
as well as foe. The undertaking on which Israel had engaged its allies became hateful
to all - and the allied army retired from before Kir-haraseth. So ended the campaign
against Moab.
(^)