Secondly, any success they might enjoy in the coming conquest was not to be interpreted as a mark of divine approval for their own righteousness (9:1–6). In fact, both in the incident of the golden calf (9:7–21) and in a number of other incidents (9:22, 23), Israel had proved herself stubborn and rebellious. She was delivered only after the intercession of Moses (9:24–29). Past experience should remind the people that they needed discipline for their rebellious ways. Yet through all their recalcitrance