Once again, we have an explanation of past events: the sin of the Canaanites (Ex 23:28; Dt 7:11, 20; 18:9-12; 20:18-20). The reasoning used is the same as in the previous section. The example shows God’s mercy in punishing sin to encourage repentance. Mercy is one of the experiences that brings us closest to God. It surpasses justice and recognizes that the world and life are in His hands.