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.