[See WE 5903-04, explaining Joshua 8.] 5905. The reason why ambushes were laid [v. 2, 9, 12] - but not as at Jericho in that it was put to ruin - is that enemies had to be punished by the same method they want to use, namely by setting traps; for this is a law of retaliation, which is Divine. So those at the last judgment who wished treacherously to lay snares for Israel, will fall by their own weapons. There would have been no need for these actions except to portray things that are to come. For who does not know that heaven has no need of traps?-unless that Law is a trap which decrees that such as a person is, so shall he be punished. A house that claims to be righteous by its own powers, such as the one and principal house of the Jewish people, is like that, wanting to set traps, and constantly trying to claim righteousness for its good deeds, and for its obedience.* This * In the margin at this sentence is written "What the House of God is, as just above [WE 5903-04]."