60 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

tribes stood on Mount Gerizim, or near it ; the other six

‘stood on or near to Mount Ebal. The six on Mount
Gerizim pronounced blessings on those who kept the
law ; the six tribes on Mount Ebal pronounced curses on
those who did not keep it. So these two mountains are
called the Mounts of Blessing and Cursing. Gerizim, the
Mount of Blessing, is described as being remarkably fer-
tile, while Ebal, the Mount of Cursing, is said to be re-
markable for its savage barrenness.

George. It was an easy way for the Israelites to con-
quer first one town and then another, without ever hav-
ing a large body of people to deal with ; it was strange
that when the country was divided into so many small
states, the people did not think of entering into a league
for their mutual defence.

Grandfather. They did think of it, but not till after
they had seen the fate of Jericho and of Ai; then they
were seriously alarmed, and entered into a league against
this formidable foe. All the kings “in the hills and in
the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea,” gather-
ed themselves together to fight with Joshua and with
Israel with one accord.

George. They shewed their wisdom then. They
could not hope for success opposing Joshua singly.

Grandfather. They would have shewn their wisdom
more if they had submitted. It was insolence, and not
bravery, to expect success when fighting against God ;
and they ought to have known by the miracles which had
been wrought that a divine power was with the Israelites.