Gruesome vision this, but one which from its very gruesomeness takes hold upon the imagination. Israel had been faithless to her mission as spiritual leader among the nations. Prosperity had brought riches, and riches while they tempted covetous enemies fostered pride and selfish indulgence. Indulgence wrought decadence. Her ancient valor decayed; blinded by the sensual heathen cults about her and within her, her spiritual vision was darkened; moral corruption. Poisoned her national life like a deadly miasma the spiritual few who lifted warning voices-were fiouted or smitten.