after his conquest of Palestine are truly astonishing.

Beautiful vases of gold and silver, artistically moulded bronzes, furniture carved out of ebony and cedar and inlaid with ivory and precious stones, were among the booty.

Iron, which was found in the hills, was freely used, and made into armour, weapons, and chariots.

It was "the chariots of iron" which prevented the Israelites from capturing and sacking the cities of the plains.

Wealth brought with it a corresponding amount of luxury, which to the simpler Hebrews of the desert seemed extravagant and sinful.