God often chooses to work through human agencies, allowing men to do certain things for themselves. The command to dig these ditches was a test of faith, and obedience to the command demonstrated submission to the divine will.

The power of God is able to bring forth streams in the desert and to make the wilderness blossom as a rose. In like manner, when the Spirit of God is allowed to come into the hearts of men, lives that once were barren become fruitful with labors of love. Man, however, has his part to play in preparing the way for the reception of the Spirit of God.