PART I.-OLD TESTAMENT. and the constitution is solemnly ratified at Gilgal. Samuel formally resigns his civil judgeship. Saul forms a small standing army, the Philistines having disarmed the Hebrews. Jonathan begins a war of independence. Saul's 3 characteristic failures (1) At Gilgal, at the outset of the war, the king offers sacritice instead of awaiting the prophet's arrival Samuel pronounces Saul's rejection-(2) Saul's rash curse mars Jonathan's victory and makes Israel to sin-(3) Saul neglects to fully execute God's commission against Amalek; Samuel repeats the sentence of rejection, and ceases to visit Saul. Samuel is inspired to anoint David, Jesse's youngest son, summoned from the sheepfold, as Saul's destined successor. David slays Goliath and wins Jonathan's friendship. David, summoned to court to soothe Saul's melancholy by his harp, wins Saul and becomes his armourbearer. By successes against the Philistines, David becomes popular at court and with the people (see 2 Sam. v. 2). Saul indulging jealousy of David attempts David's life directly and by inciting him to dangerous expeditions against the Philistines, but these involve David's marriage to Michal, Saul's daughter, and increase his renown. Finally, Saul avows his intention to kill David, but is reconciled to him by Jonathan. David's further successes against the Philistines. Saul attempts his life and sends emissaries to kill him at his house. Michal aids David to escape to Samuel at Naioth in Ramah, where Saul's fourfold attempt to capture David is foiled by the prophetic spirit seizing even himself. David seeks Jonathan's protection; the friends vow mutual fidelity and Jonathan risks his life in ascertaining Saul's real intention to kill David. David's Hight. Aided at Nob by the H.P. Ahimelech, David escapes to king Achish at Gath, and thence to the Cave of Adullam, where Jesse and his family and a band of 400 warriors join him (cp. Jephthah). Marching into Moab, he places his family in safety and occupies the hold (Gadite and other warriors join him, 1 Chr. xii. 8) until the prophet Gad bids him return into Judah. David in the Forest of Hareth. Saul hearing of his return accuses Jonathan and other chief officials of conspiring with David. Doeg to clear himself implicates Ahimelech, and by Saul's orders destroys Nob, with the priests and the H.P. Ahimelech, whose son Abiathar alone escapes (with God's oracle). David relieves Keilah; but warned by Abiathar, who joins him there, escapes, now with 600 warriors, from Saul into the wilderness of Ziph, E. of Judah. Saul vainly pursues, and Jonathan meets and comforts David. The Ziphites betraying David's haunt, he escapes into the wilderness of Maon, whence Saul is recalled by a Philistine invasion. David moves to En-gedi. Saul renews the pursuit, but desists on David sparing his life. Death of Samuel. David moves into the wilderness of Paran, and there protects the flocks and herds of Nabal, &c.; he marries Ahinoam and Abigail, Nabal's widow, Saul having married Michal to Phalti of Gallim. The Ziphites again betray David; Saul renewing the pursuit, David surprises the camp and again spares Saul. Saul again desists, admitting David's innocency and his own guilt. David enters the service of the Philistine king. Achish gives him Ziklag, and his band increases (1 Chr. xii. 1-7, 20-22). By crafty enterprises David secures Achish's confidence and friends in S. Judah (ch. xxx. 26-31). The Philistine invasion. David and his band form Achish's bodyguard, but, through the suspicions of the Philistine chiefs, are sent back. They find Ziklag sacked by Amalekites, but recover all. Saul, Godforsaken, consults the witch at Endor; he learns his fate and David's future. Saul and his sons fall in the battle of Mt. Gilboa; the Hebrews retreat across Jordan, and the Philistines occupy the abandoned towns. David mourns for Saul and Jonathan. (The song of The Bow,' vs. 19—27.) David, instructed by Abiathar, returns into Judah to Hebron where he is elected and anointed king over his tribe. Abner makes Ish-bosheth, Saul's only surviving son, king, with Mahanaim in Gilead as his capital. Having driven back (?in 5 years) the Philistines, Abner makes Ish-bosheth's kingdoni co-extensive with the future kingdom of Israel, for 2 years. Abner makes an expedition against Judah. David's army under Joab defeats him at Gibeon. In a long war David makes steady progress. Amnon, Absalom (by a princess of Geshur), Adonijah, and 3 other sons are born to David in Hebron, Ish-bosheth quarrels with Abner. Abner treats with David. Joab murders Abner, whereupon Ish-bosheth is assassinated. David, recognised by all Israel as the Lord's Anointed and a proved leader, is anointed king in Hebron (see 1 Chr. xii. 23—40), aged 37 years. Joab captures the citadel of Jerusalem, henceforward called the City of David, i.e. his capital. Hearing of David's accession, the Philistines invade Judah, but are twice routed in the valley of Rephaim. David overruns Philistia to Gezer. David builds a palace and assumes royal state. David, desiring to make his capital the religious centre of the nation, transfers the Ark with great pomp from Kirjath-jearim to a new tabernacle in Jerusalem, after a detention at Obed-edom's house, due to Uzzah's irreverence and death. David is forbidden to build a temple, but receives the promise (the sure mercies of David') of an everlasting kingdom. David extends his dominions by conquering the Philistines and Moab, the Syrians of Zobah and Damascus, Ammon, Edom, and Amalek (cp. Ps. xviii. 43). The spoils of gold, silver, and bronze, and like tribute from neighbouring nations, are dedicated to Jehovah. David gives Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, sole relic of Saul's house, Saul's patrimony. David's successful war with the Ammonites and their Syrian allies. While in the 3rd campaign Joab besieges the Ammonite capital Rabbah, David lingering in Jerusalem commits adultery with Bath-sheba, procures Uriah's death, and marries her. Nathan announces David's punishment by the child's death and lifelong quarrels in his own family. David is present at the capture of Rabbah. Bath-sheba bears Solomon. The feud between Absalom and Amnon; Absalom murders Amnon (B.C. 1030), flees to Geshur. After 3 years, Joab persuades David to recall Absalom and, after 2 years, to forgive him. Absalom conspires against David in Hebron. David retires to Mahanaim. Absalom crossing Jordan is defeated and slain. In the restoration of David, Judah forestalls the other tribes: recriminations ensue, and Sheba's rebellion, which Joab promptly suppresses. David numbers Israel; the consequent plague is stayed at Araunah's threshing-floor, which David purchases for the site of an altar. Adonijah, David's eldest surviving son, prepares to dispute the succession with Solomon, and is supported by Joab, the H.P. Abiathar, and other chief officials. David publicly designates Solomon, as chosen by God to succeed him and to build the Temple, and transfers the revealed patterns with the accumulated materials. Solomon is re-anointed. Solomon pardons Adonijah. David charges Solomon. Death of David. 984. 980. 975. 974. 972. 971. 958. 957. 956. 955. 951. 953. 951. 941. 940. vii. ix.;2 Chr. viii 3. Neh. i. 7-9. 4-8. HISTORICAL EPITOME OF THE HOLY BIBLE. Adonijah's conspiracy is renewed; Abiathar is deposed and exiled. Zadok becoming H.P. (see 1 Sam. ii. 36; 1 Chr. xxiv. 3. Joab is executed; Shimei also. Solomon being established on the throne, marries Pharaoh's daughter, with captured Gezer for dowry. In Givece, where Moses' altar and tabernacle were, God bids Solomon ask a gift. Solomon asks & discerning spirit; God adds riches and honour. The two hariots' suit, & 3,000 maxima & 1,005 songs based on observation of men & nature, compiled or composed, ilustrate his wisdom; his magnificent court, the extent, populousness & security of his realm, nis army. courier-service, & commerce, prove his prosperity. By treaty with Hiram, Sidonians with 30,000 Hebrew and 158,600 Canaanite conseri, ta, all fed by Solomon, prepare timber and stone in Lebanon, and in the 48th year after the Exodus the Temple begins to rise silently. In 7 years (Solomon's 11th year it was £nished, the Sanctuary (as distinguished from its courts consisting of 3 parts like the Tabernacle but doubled in all dimensions (see 320]. At its dedication, the descending Shechinah sitests God's acceptance; a national festival of 14 days follows Solomon's thanksgiving and prayer. Solomon completes his palace, its pillared hall of state (forest of Lebanon" and porch of judgment-Pharaoh's daughter's palace, and Jerusalem's fortifications superintended by Jeroboam). God again appearing, encourages and warns him. Solomon conquers Hamathzobah. Solomon's wisdom, buildings, and magnificence astound the queen of Sheba. Israel's decline. The divided kingdom to the Captivities. 1 Kings xi. 1. SOLOMd are he builds temples on Olivet, opposite the Temple. His character now declines, multiplies foreign wives, who introduce the worship of their gods, for which in till his empire, which realized Abraham's covenant (Gen. xv. 18 is forfeited. Yet for David's sake God re-grants one tribe' to Solomon's heir, transferring 10 to Jeroboam, an Ephraimite, by Ahijah. Jeroboam escapes into Egypt (to SHISHAK) from Solomon's jealousy. Solomon's other adversaries, Hadad, prince of Edom, & Rezon, founder of the Syrian kingdom, trouble him, by God's permission, all his days. Solomon dies after a reign of 40 39 yrs. Ecclesiastes is designed as a review of his unparalleled experience, by a later inspired writer. 9-13. 2 Chron. xiii. 5. 2 Chr. xi. 5, 23. Ex. xxxii. 8. 1 Kings iii. 2. 2 Chr. xi. 14. xiii. 9. 1 Kings xiii. 2 K. xxiii. 9, 16. 1 K. xiv. 22-26. 2 Chr. xi. 21, 22. 2 Chr. xiii. 20. 1 Kin. xv.25-34. 2 Chr. xiv. 3-8. 930. 929. 925. All Israel assembles at Shechem, the patriarchal sanctuary, to crown REHOBOAM, Solo mon's son by Naamah an Ammonite princess, aged 41. Jeroboam, returned from Egypt (9) heads a deputation to ask relief from the burdens of Solomon's magnificence. Rehoboam, disre garding Solomon's aged counsellors, replies despotically,& provokes ever-jealous Ephraim & the nation to abjure David's dynasty (& promises). Judah is loyal; Benjamin joins her. Shemarak bids Rehoboam & the 2 tribes acquiesce, but wars occur till Jehoshaphat's reign. Rehoboam fortifies cities, chiefly on the S&W.agst. Egypt),dispersing wisely therein his sons by many wives JEROBOAM, elected king of the separated tribes (all Israel', Ephraim, makes Shechem (& later Tirzah) his capital, & fortifies Penuel E. of Jordan against Syria. Mistrusting God's promise & fearing lest religious intercourse with Jerusalem cause reunion, he organizes & W ship of Jehovah under the emblem of Aaron's golden calf at the extremities of his kingdom, Bethel and Dan, utilizing the people's usage of time-honoured sanctuaries. He builds a state temple at Bethel, replaces the Mosaic hierarchy by a priesthood from the tribes in Escrizi nately (Heb.), & adds a feast; but preserves generally the institutions of Moses' Law Hosil 11, &c.), & counterfeits the ritual of the Temple. God repudiates Jeroboam's dedication of his new altar at Bethel by a prophet from Judah, who foretells the desecration of altar & priesth by Josiah of David's scorned 'house.' Miracles on king, altar, & prophet confirm the me The priests, Levites, & God-fearing Israelites, migrating into Judah strengthen it m. ra physically for Rehoboam's first 8 years. With security, Judah's idolatry 984) becomes miss t general; it is punished by the invasion [941] of SHISHAK, 1 who sacks Jerusalem & the Tem ple,& makes Rehoboam tributary. Judah repenting at Shemaiah's preaching, God respates her. ABIJAM (Abijah, Chr.), Rehoboam's son by his favourite wife Maschah (941, jeste his father's sins, but is spared for David's sake. After his appeal to Israel on Mount Zemarin, God enables him to crush Jeroboam's offensive power. He allies himself with Syria Ahijah tells the wife of Jeroboam the doom of his promising son, of the dynasty, & kingdom. ASA, Abijam's son, for piety like David's enjoys 10 years' peace, Revolutions in Israel Jeroboam dies, by God's visitation (Chr.); NADAB his son adopts his policy, BAASHA of Issachar kills Nadab in his 2nd year & extirpates Jeroboam's race; but, for cruelty & maintaining Jeroboam's policy, incurs a like doom which Jehu son of Hanani announces B.C. ga Asa reforming corruptions of 3 reigns, destroys the images,&c. The people maintain the A places until B.C. 726. Whilst enjoying peace, Asa fortifies Judah, i.e. rebels against Egre ZERAH the Ethiopian (Osorchon II.,k. of Egypt invading Judah, God answers Asa's prayer by victory at Mareshah, & Judah recovers independence 271. Encouraged by Azariak yap Asa purges his kingdom of idols, &c., and deposes the idolatrous queen-mother Maschab 1954) Judah and immigrants of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon renews the Con Baasha invading Judah fortifies Ramah 6 m. N. of Jerusalem to blockade its approaches: Asa, bribing Benhadad I. to transfer his alliance from Baasha, is relieved by his diversion on N.E. Israel, and fortifies Geba and Mizpah, N. of Ramah. Hanani announces Asa's forfe ture of peace and victory over Syria) for this lack of faith; Asa persecutes him and others. ELAH, Baasha's son, succeeds. In his 2nd yr. ZIMRI murders him,& destroys Baasha's race, OMRI, made king by the army, captures Tirzah seven days later, Zimri burning the palace over his head. Omri defeats and kills Tibni after four years' civil war, and in his 7th year removes to his new capital Samaria. He is worsted in war with Syria 1 K. 1.34 AHAB son of Omri exceeds him (as Omri his predecessors, r. 25 in apostacy. Marrying Phoenician Jezebel, he makes her's the state-religion, building a temple to Baal and are in Samaria,& establishing priesthoods to each 400 & 450). Jezebel almost extirpates Jehovah's prophets and worship. Hiel rebuilding Jericho, suffers Joshua's curse. Asa becomes diseased in his feet, & relies unduly on physicians. He dies 2 yrs, afterwards. JEHOSHAPHAT, Asa's son,aged 35, fortifies Judah, especially its N. frontier, &entiones his father's reformation, walking in David's first ways", Israel's evil example notwithstanding His commissioners 5 princes.2 priests.9 Levites) teach the Law throughout Judah. He propers exceedingly by peace, tributaries Philistines & Arabs of South), & gifts (see 710 & Psxx 19. During 31 years of drought invoked by him ravens and a Phonician widow feed Ele Elijah, after the test-sacrifice on mount Carmel, begins a reformation Dt. xiii. 6–11, 2 Chr. xv. 13), & rain is given at his prayer. In Horeb, God reveals to him-dissypertel & a fugitive from undaunted Jezebel-the completion of His work by Elisha, Hazel, & Jeha. Elisha is called. Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram marries Athaliah, daughter of Ahab & Jezebel. God aids Ahab in 2 successive invasions by a great Syrian confederacy; but after the decisive victory at Aphek, Ahab wrongly spares Benhadad II., accepting his promise to restore the Gileadite cities lost by Omri including Ramoth-Gilead, and unfulfilled, &c. Peace lasts 3 years. 1 Sheshonk I., whose triumphs are recorded on the Temple at Karnak (Thebes). Egypt is apparently unaggressive or friendly till R.COL B.C. 899. 1 Kings xxi. 17. 897. 896. 895. 891. 803. 892. 891. 889. 887. 885. 884. 878. 864. 862. 4 856. 849. 842. 840. 889. 838. 836. 827. 826. 825. 822. 810. vi. 8-23. 2 Chr. xxi. 3-6. 2 Chr. xxi. 12. 2 K. viii. 7-15. 2 Chr. xxii. 1-4. 2 Chr. xxii. 6-9. 29-33. 2 Chr.xxii. 10-12. χχίν. 7. 2K. xi. 4−21. 2 Chron. xxiii. PART I-OLD TESTAMENT. Elijah meeting Ahab in the vineyard of Naboth, judicially murdered by Jezebel's order, sentences Ahab, Jezebel, and their race. Ahab repenting, its fulfilment is postponed [884]. Ahab summons Israel to recover Ramoth-Gilead, the key of S. Gilead, from Syria; Jeho shaphat, then Ahab's honoured guest, assists, & has a narrow escape. On his way home, he is rebuked by Jehu the son of Hanani for this ungodly alliance. Ahab's death, in spite of his disguise, literally fulfils Elijah's and Micaiah's prophecies. Moab rebels against Israel. 1 AHAZIAH retains his father Ahab's idolatries, & openly dishonours God by sending to consult Baal-zebub of Ekron; Elijah replies & foretells his death (see Lk. ix. 54). Jehoshaphat's commercial alliance with Ahaziah is rebuked by Eliezer of Mareshah (Chr.) & not renewed. Jehoshaphat makes a progress throughout Judah to reform religion & the judicial system. Moab with Judah's vassals Ammon and Edom invading Judah from the S. E., Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and Judah assembles at Jerusalem (cp. Joel i. 14). His prayer is answered through Jahaziel, a Levite. Finding the confederates self-destroyed near Tekoa, the army celebrates God's deliverance in the valley of Berachah (blessing). Peace follows. JEHORAM, succeeding his childless brother Ahaziah in Jehoshaphat's 18th year, destroys Ahab's image of Baal, and partly reforms Israel (cp. ch. x. 27; xiii. 6), but retains Jeroboam's state-religion. Elijah being translated, Elisha succeeds him. See O. T. Miracles. Jehoram, aided by Jehoshaphat, invades Moab from the S. by the wilderness of Edom (Judah's vassal), the Syrians commanding the N. approaches [897]. The allies lacking water are, for Jehoshaphat's sake, saved through Elisha and promised Moab's complete re-conquest. King Mesha 1 sacrifices his firstborn to Chemosh. Elisha, besides other miracles (2 K. iv. 1 -37; vi. 6), cures Naaman, & saves Jehoram often, & himself at Dothan, from Syrian invaders. Samaria besieged; Jehoram threatens Elisha. The Syrians' flight changes famine to plenty. Jehoshaphat, grown old, disperses his sons in fenced cities, making JEHORAM, aged 32,kingconsort 2 (cp. 1 Chr. xxix. 22). Jehoram murders his brothers, & influenced by Athaliah his wife, forcibly establishes the Ahabite idolatries [89], building a temple for Baal in Jerusalem. Elisha foretells a7 years' famine, during which he miraculously cures poisoned pottage for the prophets' school at Gilgal, & feeds 100 men with 20 loaves of the firstfruits' (cp. Lev. ii. 14). Jehoshaphat dies. Edom revolts from Judah, though defeated at Zair (fulfilling Gen. xxvii. 40). Jehoram Jehoshaphat's son) receives Elijah's writing', prophesying his lingering death, & disaster to his house & Judah. Philistines & S. Arabians [912] take Jerusalem, kill all his sons but Jehoahaz the youngest, & Jehoram dies miserably after 2 years' illness, unregretted. Elisha visiting Damascus is consulted by Benhadad II. through Hazael, but foretells his death & Hazael's succession & oppression of Israel (884-819]. The 7 years' famine [891] ends. Jehoahaz or AHAZIAH, aged 22, succeeding Jehoram (Jehoshaphat's son), by his mother Athaliah's counsel maintains the Ahabite idolatries & alliance. He helps Jehoram (Ahab's son) to recover Ramoth-Gilead from Hazael, now king, & visits Jehoram lying wounded at Jezreel. JEHU anointed by Elisha's order to execute judgment on Ahab's house and policy (1 K. xix. 16), heads a revolution and reformation. Beside Naboth's vineyard, he kills Jeho ram, Ahaziah escaping mortally wounded (Chr.); Jezebel, Ahab's 70 sons, & Ahaziah's brethren (i.e. kinsmen, see 887), perish successively, with their adherents. Jehu destroying Baal's public worship, is promised the throne for 4 generations [772]. Jehu neglects this opportunity to abolish Jeroboam's state-religion; Hazael overruns the trans-Jordanic provinces. 3 ATHALIAH, sole survivor of Ahab's and Jezebel's family, usurps the throne on Ahaziah's death, & massacres the survivors of David's line except Jehoash (Joash), Ahaziah's infant son by Zibiah of Beersheba, whom Jehosheba, Ahaziah's sister & wife of Jehoiada the high priest, hid 6 years in the pillaged & partly ruined Temple. Athaliah maintains Baal worship. In the 7th year of the reigns of Athaliah and Jehu, and 8th of Joash's age, Jehoiada concerts with the five commanders of the royal guard and their supporters secretly assembled at Jerusalem, the restoration of David's dynasty, apparently extinct by successive massacres [see 892, 887, 884]. He produces and crowns JOASH in the Temple, executes Athaliah outside, & restores David's Temple-service. The people renew the Covenant and destroy Baal's 2 Chr. xxiv. 2, 3. temple and high priest Mattan. During Jehoiada's lifetime (d. B.C. 850, aged 130), Joash is faithful [840]; Jehoiada chooses him two wives. Amaziah is born, B.C. 861. XXV. 1. Jonah i. iv. 2 Kings xii. 6. 2 Chr. xxiv. 6. 2 K. xiii. 1, 2, 6. xiii. 19;xiv. 25,27. 2 Chr. xxiv. 17. Matt. xxiii. 35. 20-21. 2 Chr.xxv. 11-16. 2 K. xiv. 23, 24. xiii. 5. πίν. 19, 20. 2Chr. xxvi. 1-15. Jonah of Gath-hepher threatens Nineveh, Israel's destined scourge; it repents, & is spared. Joash interposes in his 23rd year, Jehoiada and the priests not having repaired the Temple as ordered [726]. The people respond liberally, and the workmen's zeal and honesty leave a surplus for replacing the sacred vessels, &c., given to Baal by Athaliah's sons, JEHOAHÁZ,Jehu's son,retains Jeroboam's innovations,& still tolerates Ahab's Ashérah. Amaziah flees from conspirators, who kill him at Lachish. The people make his son 1 On the Monbite Stone, Mesha records how he had won & secured independence. 2 Some think Jehoram was king-consort B.C. 897, before Elijah's translation; others that Elijah survived Jehoshaphat. 3 Also Shalmaneser II. (Black Obelisk; British Museum) claims Jehu as Assyria's vassal. 4 Or, In Jeroboam II.'s reign. 5 See Variorum and Bible & Monuments, III.(d.) 6 Including Joel (?). HISTORICAL EPITOME OF THE HOLY BIBLE. develops the S. pastoral and agricultural districts, and strengthens Judah by reorganisin Uzziah dies. God in glory reveals Judah's captivity to Isaiah. Jotham pats down & tnes the Rise of a party in Judah, opposed by Isaiah (xx. 6; xxx. 1–7; xxxi. 1, &e), siming at independence of Assyria by aid of Egypt. Hezekiah at length yielding withhelds the Assyrian tribute. Isaiah xxix. 1-8; xxx. 27-33) foresees the consequences, but promises deliverance. SENNACHERIB attacks Hezekiah, takes 46 fenced cities, & threatens Jerusalem Hezekiah buys peace with the Temple's treasures: but Sennacherib demands the surrend of Jerusalem. Isaiah (xxxiii. repeats his reassurances, and predicts Sennacherib's retreat & violent death at home fulfilled 61 B.C.). TIRHAKAH, an Ethiopian king of Et, taking the field, Sennacherib threatens Hezekiah in a letter. Isaiah foretells Jerusalem's inv bility & Judah's recovery. That night, the flower of Sennacherib's army perishes MANASSEH, Hezekiah's son, aged 12, reigns 55 years. Immediate reaction shows Judah's hopeless corruption see Isa. xxix. 13). Manasseh restores the high places, the Israelite Baal-worship 1892, 741), and Moloch-worship in the valley of Hinnom's sons (Tophet, sacrificing a son (741]. He sets up in the Temple & courts Asherah's emblem (grove') and altars for star-worship, consecrating priests to all; & probably instals in the precincts horses and chariots dedicated to the Sun, Persian-fashion. He practises divination &c. Prophets vainly appeal and protest, and persecution fills Jerusalem with martyrs' blood Jer. ii. 90: Matt. xxiii. 37). For guilt greater than that which cost the Amorite Canaan. Judah and Jerusalem are sentenced to Samaria's fate. Assyrian invaders carry Manasseh to Babylon, the faunte residence of ESARHADDON only); there he repents, and being restored abolishes id latry. sparing only the illegal worship of Jehovah in the high places." He fortifies Judah and Jera- · salem. ESARHADDON (by his general Asnapper), colonises Samaria. SAMARITANs. Under AMON, Manasseh's son, Judah reverts to its condition before Manasseh's reformation. After 2 years, conspirators murder Amon; the people execute them & make his son Josiah king. JOSIAH, aged 8, grows up amid established idolatries, even in the Temple, parallel with Jehovah's worship (Ezek. xxiii. 39). Zephaniah describes Judah as openly or secretly idolstrous, godless & past feeling; full of wealth illgotten & abused, of tyrannical rulers, rapacİYOR judges, reckless prophets, and time-serving priests. He encourages the faithful remnant to lok beyond the Captivity by a new power, the Chaldeans, Habakkuk i 5-10-inevitable and hastening through Judah's impenitence-to Judah's restoration, and even to that of Israel. In the 8th year of his reign, Josiah seeks Jehovah; and in the 12th. probably after purging the Temple and Jerusalem, begins a progress as far as Naphtali, destroying all idols and dese crating for ever the altars and high places, esp. at Bethel fulfilling 1 K. xiii. 2). In the 15th 607. & GOG. 1st Captivity. 603. Herod. i. 74. 2 Chr. xxxiv. 8. Rom. xi. 22. 2 Chr. xxxiv. 29. XXXV. Jer. xxii. 15, 16. 2 Chr. xxxv, 20. Zech. xii. 11. 2 Kin. xxiii. 30. Ezek. xix. 3. Jer. vii.. xxvi. xxvi. 20. xlvi.2; 2 K.xxiv. Dan. i. 1-17. 2 Kings xxiv. 1. 599. 593. PART I-OLD TESTAMENT. year, Jeremiah is called to foretell an invasion (evil) from the north [606] for Judah's idolatry. About the 17th, NABOPOLASSAR seizes Babylon, and (or 20 years later) allied with the Medes destroys Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire, as foretold by Nahum & Zephaniah (ii. 13—15). In the 18th year, during the Temple's repair with the contributions of all Israel (see 856), a copy of the Law is found & read to Josiah. In dismay at the penalties incurred (Lev. xxvi; Dt. xxviii.) he consults Huldah; she foretells their infliction, but, for Josiah's contrition, only after his death. Josiah publishes the Law in the Temple, causes the nation to renew the Covenant, & completes the reformation throughout his dominions. David's Temple service & the ark being restored, a great passover is kept strictly by Judah & the remnant of Israel. Divination (Isa. viii. 19) &c., is suppressed & the administration of justice amended. But Jeremiah exposes the reformation's superficiality. Interval of 13 years. After the Temple's restoration, Pharaoh-NECHO marches against Carchemish, the key of the Euphrates-valley, i.e. NABOPOLASSAR's new kingdom (607); Josiah attacks him, and is mortally wounded near Megiddo. The mourning for Josiah becomes proverbial. The people anoint JEHOAHAZ, (Shallum, Josiah's 3rd or 4th 'evil' son) aged 23, but Necho returning victorious to Riblah deposes him there 3 months later, & takes him to Egypt; making JEHOIAKIM (Josiah's 2nd son Eliakim), aged 25, tributary king; he reigns 11 years. Jeremiah, threatening the Temple with Shiloh's and Zion with Samaria's fate, for Judah's open idolatry, is tried as a false prophet, but is saved by Ahikam and his party, on Micah's precedent. He denounces Jehoiakim as a heartless tyrant, covetous, and oppressing an impoverished people to build magnificent palaces, reckless of prevailing injustice, and a relentless persecutor, e.g. of Urijah. He foretells Jehoahaz's death in Egypt (Jer. xxii. 12). NABOPOLASSAR's son Nebuchadnezzar defeats Necho at Carchemish [610] & sweeps the Egyptians from Syria. The example of the Rechabite refugees in Jerusalem rebukes Judah's apostacy. After 23 years of fruitless appeal, Jeremiah reveals NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S mission (my servant,') against Judah, her neighbours, and Egypt, the 70 years Captivity, and Babylon's (Sheshach) destruction. Jehoiakim surrenders, but is restored as the tributary of Nebuchadnezzar, who sends Daniel, &c., to Babylon for the royal service. The 70 years begin. Baruch reads publicly Jeremiah's collected prophecies; Jehoiakim destroying the roll is doomed to die ignominionsly and successorless. Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream (the image) of the 4 Empires, followed by Messiah's kingdom. After 3 years, Jehoiakim rebels; Chaldeans, &c. overrun Judah, and probably kill and insult Jehoiakim as foretold. JEHOIACHIN (Jer. Coniah, Jeconiah), Jehoiakim's 'evil' son, aged 18, reigns 3 months and 10 days, and surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar is carried captive to Babylon, as foretold, with the Temple's golden vessels and the flower of the nation, including Ezekiel & the germ of the future restored nation (good figs, Jer. xxiv. 5, 6, 7; see Ezek. xi. 16). Nebuchadnezzar makes Mattaniah, Jehoahaz's brother, king over the poorest' (Ezek. xvii.), with the title, ZEDEKIAH. Jeremiah opposes a general restlessness, fostered by false prophets in Chaldea & Judah who predict the Chaldæan Empire's speedy fall, & restoration to Jehoiachin and the exiles. Zedekiah vacillates, but following the national party brings ruin on himself and Judah's relics, as foretold (Jer. xxvii. 17; xxxviii. 17-23). Jeremiah, in a letter (by Zedekiah's embassy), bids the exiles settle down, promising the restoration of a converted remnant at the 70 years' end; false prophets oppose, & Shemaiah writes urging his punishment. In Zedekiah's 3rd or 4th year, embassies from his neighbours concert a rebellion with him; Jeremiah replies (yokes'), declaring Nebuchadnezzar's irresistibility. Hananiah's death discredits his counterpredictions. Zedekiah visiting Babylon in his 4th year, Jeremiah sends his prophecies of Ba bylon's fall, the preliminary of the Restoration (by Cyrus, Isa. xliv. 28; 2 Chr. xxxvi. 20-23). In the 5th yr.of Jehoiachin's captivity, Ezekiel foretells to the exiles Jerusalem's siege, Judah's captivity,& the restoration of a converted remnant; in the 6th, God's withdrawal from the Temple (polluted by idolatry) & Jerusalem, & Zedekiah's meditated perjury & capture, denouncing the false prophets; in the 7th, Nebuchadnezzar's advance and Zedekiah's and Jerusalem's ruin. Zedekiah, in his 8th year, breaking his oath, allies himself with Egypt HоPHRA] & rebels. The Chaldeans advance; Judah's late allies join them, esp. Philistia, & Edom (denounced by Obadiah). In Zedekiah's 9th year, only Lachish, Azekah, and Jerusalem hold out; he asks God's aid through Jeremiah, but is bidden to submit. In the 10th month, Jerusalem is invested; a fact at once revealed to Ezekiel (xxiv.). On the approach of an Egyptian army, the Hebrew freedmen are re-enslaved; the Chaldæans raise the siege; Jeremiah, again invoked, predicts their return and success, & is imprisoned as a traitor. Zedekiah consults him secretly, and transfers him to the quarters of the royal guard (court of prison), where, in the 10th year, amid the horrors of a protracted blockade, he foretells the Restoration (redeeming Hanameel's field as a sign), and the fulfilment of all God's covenants in a sprout of David's stem when apparently dead, Jehovah our Righteousness. He republishes his prophecies of hope (xxx.xxxiii, the New Covenant) to sustain the faithful of Israel in captivity. Jeremiah surrendered by Zedekiah to Pashur &c., is left to starve in Malchiah's dungeon; Ebedmelech rescues him. Zedekiah guarantees his life, but fears to adopt his urgent counsel to save Jerusalem by surrender, & leaves him in the guard house till released by the Chaldæans. In Zedekiah's 11th year (4th month) the N. wall is breached. The king is captured (Ezek. xii. 12) near Jericho, blinded at Riblah, & at Babylon (fulfilling Ezek. xii. 13) dies in prison. In the 5th month, Nebuzar-adan destroys the Temple, chief buildings, and the walls, sending 832 of the survivors to Babylon with all valuables. He assigns lands to a remnant; Jeremiah choosing to remain is consigned to Gedaliah the governor. Jeremiah writes Lamentations. Refugees gather round Gedaliah, but Ishmael of the blood-royal murders him (in the 7th month). The remnant of Judah fearing Chaldæan vengeance consult God through Jeremiah. Bidden to remain, they deny Jeremiah's inspiration, & flee into Egypt, taking him & Baruch by force. In Taphanes, & after their dispersion, Jeremiah warns them of consuming punishment through Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Egypt (probably in 568 B.C., ef. Ezek. xxix. 17-20), unless they abandon idolatry; as a pledge, he predicts HOPHRA's deposition. Israel's Captivity; the Restored Jewish Nation. The Age of World-Empires. NEBUCHADNF-onfidence, being proud of his victories over Egypt, Judea, and other though warned by the dream of the tree interpreted by Daniel, countries, & the magnificence of his buildings, and is smitten with madness (lycanthropy). After seven years ("times") spent almost as a beast of the field, his understanding returning, he humbly acknowledges God's power and goodness towards him: and is confirmed in his kingdom. A few years afterwards he dies, having reigned about 43 years. Evil-merodach his son succeeds in the 37th year of Jehoiachin's captivity, and in his 1st year releases and pays the highest honour to this last earthly king of David's line. Evil-merodach reigned 2 years, and after Neriglissar's usurpation, etc., the line of Nebu chadnezzar was restored in Nabonadius (or Nabonedus), the last king of Babylon, with whom his son Belshazzar was latterly associated as king. He commanded in Babylon while Nabonedus took the field against Cyrus. In the first year of Belshazzar's reign in Babylon, Daniel |
