THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
The seven nations of the Canaanites, known for their formidable stature and prowess in battle, resided in a land rich and safeguarded by nature. What could possibly subdue and humble the Hebrews, who had endured the trials and tribulations of their forty years in the wilderness, if not the transgressions that Abraham witnessed with God's hand poised to deliver justice centuries prior, patient until the destined time for retribution? As it was proclaimed to him, "the sins of the Amorites have been fulfilled unto this day" (Gen. 15:16). The little and often irritable tribe of Judah, what fortified their strength under David, brought joy during Solomon's reign, and made them unassailable against the victorious Assyrians under Hezekiah, if not the holiness and integrity of their kings?
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These rulers, through their exemplary actions and authority, imparted truth to the people and eradicated iniquity. Conversely, this same divinely chosen nation, this sacred realm, what caused its division, weakness, degradation, destruction, and eventual exile into foreign captivity, if not the multitude of sins it committed in the manner of the heathen? This reality is so evident that the Prophet Jeremiah, in prophesying the consequences of transgression for Jerusalem and Israel, depicts it not as a specific divine punishment but rather as the inevitable result of sin. He does not declare, "God will punish you," but states, "Sins will punish you." "Thy backsliding shall punish thee, and thy wickedness shall reprove thee" (Jer. 2:19).