Genesis B. C. 1857. XXV. 19. 1853. 1-6. 12-18. 1822. 1805. 7-10. 29-31. 1804. xxvi. 1-31. 1790. 1760. 1753. 1749 1745. 1739. 1732. 1716. 1715. 1712-11. 1707. 1706. 1702-1. 34, 35. xxvii. 1-45. 46; xxviii. xxix. 35. XXX. 22-24. 25-43. xxxi. 1-2. 3-55. xxxiii. 1-17. 18-20. XXXV. 1-8. 9-20. 21; 27-29. xxxvi. Xxxvii. 2-36. xxxix.-xl. xli. 50-52. xlii.-xliv. xlv. 1-15. xlv. 16-xlvi. 7. HISTORICAL EPITOME OF THE HOLY BIBLE. The Generations of Isaac-Esau and Jacob, twins, are born to Isaac in the Negeb Abraham marrying Keturah becomes the ancestor of six Arabian and Midianite tribes A second famine in Canaan. Isaac migrates into Gerar, but is forbidden to enter Egypt; the Promises are confirmed to him on his remaining in Canaan. Isaac settes and cultivates land in Gerar. His growing wealth provoking jealousy, he moves s to Beersheba, where the Abimelech (1898) makes a treaty with him, and God confirms again the Promises. But here Esau, aged 40, profanely marries two native Hittite wives In about Isaac's 100th year, Rebekah induces Jacob to supplant Esau by beguiling Isaac into making him the heir of the full covenant-blessing of Abraham. Fearing lest Esau kill Jacob, but on the pretext that Jacob also might marry a Canaanite. Rebekah induces Isaac to send Jacob into Padan-Aram to seek a daughter of his uncle Laban in marriage, and to confirm consciously the stolen blessing God assures to Jacob, asleep by the wayside, the Promises made to Abraham, and confirmed to Isame. Jacob vows on his safe return to commemorate [1732] the dream, and God's protection at the spot, which he names Bethel (God's house). Jacob loves Laban's younger daughter Rachel, and serves him seven years for her. Laban substitutes the elder, Leah, but gives Rachel to Jacob for a second seven years of service, Leah bears her third son Judah, the destined ancestor of David and the Promised Seal Rachel at length bears Joseph. Jacob, obliged to provide for his family ris. Reben, Simeon, Levi, Judah Leah's sons), born B.C. 1752-42; Gad, Asher (Zilpan's sons - Leati si, 1 born B.C. 1749-8; Dan, Naphtali Bilhah's sons Rachel's), born B.C. 1745-7; Interior, Zebulun, Dinah (Leah's children), born B.C. 1747-5; and Jose A. consents to a fresh compact with Laban. Laban's sons grudge Jacob's great prosperity. After 20 years' service, God bids Jacob return to Canaan, and promises. His protection. Jacob escapes Laban overtakes him at Galeed (Gilead) and makes a treaty with Lim Jacob, again encouraged at Mahanaim (tro hosts) and at Peniel face of God,, proga for deliverance from Esau. At Peniel he is named ISRAEL (prince of God). He is recoured to Esau, who abandons Canaan to Jacob, and retires to Mt Seir Seir ancestor of the Horites, or cave dwellers, ch. xxxvi. 6-8, thence named Edom. In Canaan, Jacob buys land at Shalem near Shechem (cp. Josh. xxiv. 32), erects an altar El-Elobe-Israel God the God of Israel), & settles. Simeon & Levi avenge Dinah's dishonour on the Hivite chiefs Hamor and Shechem. God bids Jacob remove to Bethel, where, after solemnly putting away the Aramean idols of his household. Jacob builds an altar Gd confirms (1760) the Promises to him and his seed. As Jacob migrates S. towards Ephrath (Bethlehem, Mic. v. 2), Rachel dies in bearing Benjamin. Jacob settles near isaac at Mamre Kirjath-arha, later Hebron]. Esau and Jacob bury Isaac there in his 18th year. The Generation of Esau.-Account of chiefs and kings of Edom. The Generations of Jacob.-Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt it. 17-30 by his jealous half brethren, becomes steward to Potiphar, commander of Pharaoh's bodyguard t is long imprisoned on a false accusation. Interpreting Pharaoh's dream he is released and made viceroy of Egypt to provide for the foretold 7 years of famine. Joseph's wife, daughter of the priest of On (Heliopolis), bears Manasseh and Ephraim During the famine, Joseph's ten brethren fetch corn from Egypt on their second visit they bring Benjamin, and Joseph discloses his identity and God's purpose in sen ling him beforehand to preserve Jacobs family [and so to prepare for the sojourn and deve. ment of a Hebrew nation in Egypt as foretold to Abraham Jacob hesitates to ac cept Pharaoh's invitation, but moves from Hebron to Isaac's sanctuary at Beer-shela ; there God encourages him [1801] to leave Canaan and enter Egypt by a vision and I promise that of the restoration of his seed thence to Canaan as a great ratin ch. xv. 13-14. Jacob with seventy sons and grandsons enters Egynt in his 130th year: xlvi. 28-xlvii. 12. Pharaoh settles them in the pasture-land of Goshen on the N E. frontier. 13-26. 8-27. see Joseph acquires for Pharaoh all the money, cattle, and land (the priests' excepted of the Egyptians. Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh, prophetically preferring the younger, and fore-1 shadows in blessings pronounced on his twelve sons the character and fortunes of the tribes of Israel. He foretells the descent of the Promised Seed from Judah for the genealogy through Pharez son of Judah and Tamar, see ch. xxxviii, 6-30; Ruth v. 15-2 Matt i. 3-16). Jacob dies, aged 147. His sons bury him in the cave of Machperah with great pomp and mourning. Joseph reassures his brethren. Joseph pledges them to carry his body also into Canaan when God should fuifl the Promise quoted by Jacob in ch. xlviii. 21, and dies, aged 110 years. Towards the fulness of time see Acts vii. 17) a new Pharaoh Rameses 11) tries vainly to check the increase of Jacob's descendants by (1) excessive levies for forced labour on jub lic works, (2) by ordering (a) the destruction, (b) the exposure of all Hebrew male infants. Moses, younger brother of Aaron and Miriam (Num. 26 59), and great grandson of Levi (ch. 6. 16-21), is born and exposed, but is saved and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. Er cated in Pharaoh's family in all the wisdom of the most civilised nation of the age. Moses becomes famous, but prefers to share his people's fortunes (see Acts vii. 20-22; Hết xi 23) Moses, aged 40, enquires into the oppression of his people. He says an Egyptian and takes refuge with Renel or Jethro, the patriarchal priest-prince of Midian, marrying his daughter Zipporah. who bears a son Gershom (see Acts vii. 23-29; Heb. xi. 24-27). The Hebrew Nation.—The LORD, the God of the Hebrews' (Jehovah)- The Erodna, God reveals Himself to Moses in Mount Horeb from a burning bush as the God revealed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now purposing to deliver His people, and to transplant them into Canaan (1913). God commissions Moses to conduct the Exodus promising (as a pledge or earnest) that Israel shall leave Egypt and worship Him in that range God bids Moses deliver this message to the assembled elders of Israel, further encouraging him with a new revelation of Himself as JEHOVAH (the Eternal Self-existent, A. V the LORD), and with signs confirmatory of his mission to be repeated before Pharaoh. Moses hesitates, and Aaron is assigned to be his spokesman (see Acts vii. 30–25. Moses returns to Egypt: Gershom is circumcised, and Aaron meets Moses in Horeh The elders joyfully accept God's message; but when Pharaoh-scoring the God of the Hebrews and His demand that His people should go three days' journey out of Egypt ( B.C. 1491. 1490. Exodus vi. 1-13. vi. 28-vii. 7. vii. 8-13. vii. 14-xi. 10. xii. 1-28, 43-49. xiii. 17-22. xiv. IV. 1-21. 22-26. Num. xxxiii. 8. xvi. 1. xvii. 1-7. 8-16. xviii. xix. xx. 1-17. 18-21. PART I.-OLD TESTAMENT. to Mount Horeb) to sacrifice to Him-adds to their burdens, the elders reproach Moses, and he God. Then God further reveals Himself to Moses as Israel's future Covenant-God, and promises to prove His Godhead (1) by delivering His people by wonders discrediting the gods of Egypt, and (2) by bringing Israel into Canaan as He had promised to their forefathers. The dispirited elders disbelieve. God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to repeat the demand, and commissions them (aged 80 and 83) to conduct the Exodus. Moses and Aaron revisit Pharaoh; but the Egyptian magicians imitate their credential miracles, and Pharaoh is obdurate. Though shaken by each of 10 progressive plagues upon Egypt and its people-viz. (1) the Nile turned into blood, (2) Frogs, (3) Líce, or Guats (the magicians' imitations cease), (4) Flies, (5) Murrain, (6) Boils (the magicians suffer also and retire), (7) Hail, (8) Locusts, (9) Darkness, (10) and the threatened Death of the firstborn-Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go (see Ps. lxxviii. 43-51; cv. 26-36). The Passover is instituted for 14th Abib, henceforward the first month (May 4), to commemorate the sparing of Israel's firstborn and the Deliverance from Egypt (see Heb. xi. 28). -On the 15th at midnight (plague 10) all the firstborn of the Egyptians and their cattle die. Urged, and even paid by Pharaoh and the Egyptians, the Hebrews start (bearing Joseph's bones) in the 430th year after Abram's visit to Egypt (see Gen. xii. 10), viz., 600,000 adult males, besides children and a mixed multitude (cp. ch. xxxviii. 26), They march (1) from Rameses to Succoth, (2) to Etham, avoiding the direct coast route N.E. to Canaan, through warlike Philistia; (3) southwards to Pi-hahiroth, along the wilderness W. of the Red Sea. The Shechinah leads and shrouds them and covers their night march through the Red Sea, miraculously divided. On the Arabian shore, the nation gives thanks for its deliverance from Egypt and Pharaoh's pursuit (see Ps. cvi. 11, 12; Heb. xi. 29). The Hebrews march S. along the E. shore of the Sinaitic Peninsula through the wilderness of Shur (three days) to the bitter wells at Marah, which Moses cures, pacifying the people; thence inland to Elim and again to the Red Sea, reaching the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Sinai, on the 15th of the second month after the Exodus. Lacking food, and recalling the plenty of Egypt, they murmur against Moses and Aaron. God provides quails and a supply of manna daily (the Sabbath excepted) during 40 years (i.e. until a second generation having crossed Jordan eats Canaanite corn in Gilgal). On the commemorative pot of manna, see Neh. ix. 15; Ps. lxxviii. 23-25: John vi. 31-49. Encamping for a week here and at Dophkah and at Alush (Num. 33. 12-14), they reach Rephidim, where Moses miraculously provides water, naming the spot Massah' and Meribah' ('temptation' and 'chiding'). See Ps. lxxxi. 7. The Amalekites in possession of the scattered pastures of the Peninsula, attack Israel. Joshua directs the defence, while Moses prays-the altar Jehovah-Nissi and God's sentence of extermination on Amalek (executed by Saul, Israel's first king, see Deut. xxv. 17-19; 1 Sam. xv.) commemorate the victory. Jethro visits Moses, bringing Zipporah and her two sons, and holds a covenant-sacrifice and feast with him. On Jethro's advice Moses delegates his judicial authority in minor causes to the tribal heads of fifties, hundreds, and thousands. The Covenant Nation.-The Law given at Mount Sinai. In the third month, Israel encamps 'before the Mount' in the wilderness of Sinai. God offers through Moses a Covenant (conditioned on obedience), and on the 3rd day delivers directly to the people the Ten Commandments, having descended in fire upon Mount Sinai amid clouds, thunder, lightning, and earthquake (see Heb. xii. 18-21). Moses, as intermediary between the terrified people and God, receives further ordinances XX. 22.-xxiii. 19. for the regulation of civil life and elementary religious observances called (ch. xxiv. 7) 'The Book of the Covenant,' and executes with the people the formalities of the New Covenant. (See Heb. ix. 17-20.) Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and 70 elders, are permitted to see God's glory and to hold the Covenant feast (eat and drink') in the mountain. χχίν. 1-11. Moses summoned into the mountain receives the tables of Stone, the Law, and other details of the Theocratic constitution, and after six days spent there with Joshua, is called up into the cloud alone. During 40 days' absence, Moses is instructed as to (1) making a Tent of Meeting (see ch. xxv. 22; xxix. 42, 43; and xxxiii. 7-11) between God and the people (A.V. tabernacle of the congregation) and its furniture; (2) the Aaronic priesthood; (3) the Services, ritual, and materials used; finally Moses receives the two Tables of the Decalogue inscribed by God (see 2 Cor. iii. 3; Heb. ix. 1-10). The people's faith failing during the withdrawal of the Shechinah and of Moses into Mount Sinai, the Covenant is forfeited by (Ps. cvi.. 20) a heathenish worship of Jehovah, under the idolatrous representation of Aaron's Golden Calf. God reveals to Moses this relapse and His purpose to destroy Israel, and make of Moses' seed another Covenaut-nation; but Moses' intercession is accepted, and he returns (with Joshua). Seeing the festival afar, Moses in righteous indignation drops and breaks the two Tables. He destroys the calf, upbraids Aaron, and calls on the faithful to execute the faithless. The tribe of Levi responding slays 3,000 men, thus earning the privilege of the Holy Tribe to be accepted in lieu of the dedicated firstborn. Moses returns into the mount, and God accepts his intercession for the people, but sends plagues, and announces that His Angel and not He Himself would henceforward be their guide. But the people's mourning is accepted, and, at Moses' intercession (in the Mount), God promises to resume His personal leadership; and permits Moses (as visible evidence) to see His glory. God summons Moses again into the mountain with two new tables of stone. At Moses' intercession, God renews the broken Covenant between Himself and Israel, and promises to displace the Canaanites if Israel make no terms with them and generally will be faithful. During this second absence of 40 days, Moses is instructed afresh in the moral and ceremonial laws of the Covenant; and on his return, a dazzling reflection of God's glory irradiates his face, as on subsequent interviews with God in the Tent of Meeting (see 2 Cor. iii. 13-16). Moses invites contributions of materials and labour towards a Tent or Tabernacle of Meeting (described in detail to him in the mount), and aided by Bezaleel and Aholiab completes it with its furniture. On New Year's Day of the second year after the Exodus, the Aaronic priesthood is consecrated, and the Shechinah descending signifies God's acceptance of the Tabernacle-it abides thereon during Israel's wanderings. On the 14th of Abib, the Passover is kept. Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two elder sons, offering incense with ordinary fire (strange,' i.e. not from the altar) are miraculously destroyed. March to Canaan-from the Wilderness of Sinai to Kadesh. Organization of the Nation.-The first military census of males above 20 years, Levi being exempted, gives 603,550 warriors. Census of male Levites of 30-50 years, the priests, HISTORICAL EPITOME OF THE HOLY BIBLE. i.e. Aaron's family, excepted:-duties as assistants of the priests in the Service of the Tabernacle and in the transport of its fabric and contents, are assigned to the families of Gershon, Merari, and Kohath. The order of the Encampment. A hollow square with the Tabernacle in the midst surrounded by the tribe of Levi; the other 12 tribes in four groups-Judah. Issacker, and Zebulon on the E.; Reuben, Simeon, and Gad on the 8; Ephraim, Manassch, and Benjamin on the W. Dan, Asher, and Naphtali on the N-The order of the March. The Ark covered by the Shechinah leads, borne by the Priests; the groups of three tribes follow, riz, (1) Judah, &c.; next Gershon and Merari, the Levites escorting cre waggons laden with the fabric of the Tabernacle; (2) Reuben, &c. following, then Kohath and the Levites bearing on their shoulders 'the Sanctuary' and its sacred utensils, previously covered by the Priests (ch. iv. 1-15); (3) Ephraim, &c. following; (4) Dan, &c closing the rear (see ch. x.). The Shechinah rising from or settling on the Tabernacle signals the march or halt, and the Priests' silver trumpets start the tribal groups. The chiefs of the Tribes present offerings at the Dedication of the Taixrnacle and Altar. Moses, entering the Tabernacle, hears the voice of God from the mercy-seat" for cloud on the cover or lid of the Ark). The March. In the 14th month after the Exodus, the Covenant-nation leaves Sinai for Canaan the usual 11 days journey occupy four months, Deut. i 2; Num x 11 with. 30, and encamps in the wilderness of Paran. After three days' march, discontent breaks qu at Taberah burning), and many are burned miraculously, Moses interceding the fire ceases. Henceforward, God being visibly present as their Leader, the Israelites are punished by miracle for want of faith, discontent, disobedience, &c, as rebels against Himself.] Again, at Kibroth Hattaavah (the graves of lust), led by the mixt multirale (ie. their Egyptian kindred), Israel regrets the ease and plenty of Egypt, and clampars for ordinary food as a change from the heavenly. Moses saddened and overburdenei prays; God promises a month's food, and inspires 70 elders to share Moses' adviseretine labours. [Contrast Ex. xviii.] Quails settle round the camp in extraordinary flights, and are collected, but a great plague follows (see Ps. lxxviii. 27-31). At Hazeroth, the Cushite (or Ethiopian) wife of Moses excites Miriam's jealousy; Aaron and Miriam claim equal prophetic authority with Moses. The Shechinah desormis; God summons the three leaders (Ex. xv. 20; Micah vi. 4), but declares the superor prophet-hood of Moses, and when the Shechinah withdraws. Miriam is found jeprous. Moses interceding, she is healed in seven days; the march is meanwhile suspended. After several encampments in the wilderness of Paranji.e. the limestone platean E Tih, which rises from Sinai to the S. border of Canaan] Israel reaches Kadesh bares, but hesitates to enter Canaan (Deut. i. 20, 21). The people suggest the mission of the twelve spies; who return after forty days to Kadesh, having searched Cansan from the wilderness of Zin (ie, the Arabah, or valley S. of the Dead Sea) to Rehob in the MidLebanon valley and back W. and S. by the coast and the South (ie the Nosh to Hebron, whence they bring a sample cluster of grapes (Eshcol). Caleb and Jesina, in faith, urge an immediate advance, but the other ten spies dilate on the strength of the Canaanite cities and stature of the Anakim. Doubting the promises, notwithstanding the miracles of the Exodus and the march, the people openly rebel, and purpose returting to Egypt, and would have stoned Joshua and Caleb, who protest and encourage them But the Shechinah descends, and God tells Moses that he will destroy Israel and make him the father of a better and mightier nation. Moses intercedes and prevails, but the | generation of the Exodus is condemned to wander 40 years outside the Promised Land, a year for each day of the spies' absence, and to die in the wilderness; only Joshua and Caleb should enter Canaan. The ten spies die in a plague. The Penal Wanderings in the Wilderness Forty Years. At the order to march back into the wilderness, the people repent, and attempt, though forbidden, to enter Canaan. The Canaanites and Amalekites rout them at Hormab [Of the next 37 years few events are recorded, as if this generation had no further lot in the history. The Israelites probably had their headquarters at Kadesh or Zenbath (Judg. i. 17, now Sebaita), while roaming or partly settled in the pastures of the Peninenia of Sinai after the manner of the Patriarchs. Apparently circumcision (Josh. v. 4-5) was neglected, the Sabbath desecrated (yet see Num. XV. 32), and idolatry was practised (Ezek. xx. 10-26; Amos v. 25, 26, but see Variorum: Acts vii 42, 43-the Passover is not mentioned Num. ix. 5-Josh. v. 10, i.e. between Sinai and Gilgal Korah, a Levite, as if jealons of the exclusive priesthood of Aaron's family, asserts the religious equality of the nation. Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites, as if asserting the patriarchal privileges of the tribe of the firstborn against the supremacy of Moses, actrize him of tyranny and oppression, and of deluding the people with false promises. They conspire with 250 tribal chieftains and protest openly against Moses and Aaron G adopts Moses' test of who are His representatives' and 'who is holy; and the earth swallows up Dathan, Abiram, &c. Korah, and the 250 offering incense (as though priests), are miraculously burned; yet, next day, the people accuse Moses and Aaryn of mur dering them. Aaron's intercession stays the consequent plague. Altar plates of the rche's” censers, with Aaron's rod that budded, commemorate God's vindication of the priesthood of Aaron's family (the 2nd branch of Levi). March of the New Generation towards Canaan. In the 1st month of the 40th year, the Israelites reassemble at Kadesh, where Miriam is buried. Lacking water, they murmur against Moses and Aaron. Moses strikes the rock twice (Meribah) and speaks unadvisedly as if he and Aaron would work the nutrace (cp. Acts iii. 12). For assuming glory due to God only, both are sentenced to die ents le the Promised Land (see Ps. cvi. 33). Moses, forbidden to attack Israel's kinsk Ea Moab, and Ammon, asks of the Edomite king a free passage probably by passes N. of Petra leading to the fords of Jericho]; his refusal obliges Israel to march round the S. and E. of Edom. In the border of Edom. on Mt. Hor, in the 5th month, Aaron dies, aged 123, after the transfer of the High Priesthood to his son Eleazar. The Canaanite king of Arad (Variorum), in 'the South,' ie, the Nogeb, attacks Israel at Hormah, but is destroyed (see Judg. i. 16, 17). The Israelites discouraged by the long circuit murmur and are plagued with serpents, but cured on repentance and faith, of which the Brazen Serpent is a test (see 2 Kings xviii. 4; John iii. 14. 15. At length they cross the brook Zered into Moab, and the R. Arnon into the territory of Schon king d the Amorites, lately won from Moab (r. 25), and reach the platean of the Alarm range where the ridge of Pisgah overlooks the plains of Moab beside Jordan opposite Jericha PART I.-OLD TESTAMENT. Conquests and Allotments East of Jordan under Moses.-Sihon refuses Israel a passage and attacks them at Jahaz, but is repulsed and slain, and his land occupied as far as the R. Jabbok. Israel, avoiding Ammon in its strongholds on the Jabbok, defeats Og the king of Bashan at Edrei, and conquers the lava-labyrinth of Argob (Trachonitis, now the Lejah, see Num. xxxii. 41, 42; Deut. iii. 14), and the rest of Gilead to Mt. Hermon. Then Israel crossing Mt. Abarim encamps on the high terrace of the Jordan valley (the plains of Shittim') facing the fords of Jericho. Balak, king of Moab S. of Arnon (ch. xxi. 26), and his Midianite confederates (Josh. xiii. 21), dismayed at Israel's numbers and success, hires Balaam, a famous but unscrupulous prophet of God, from Pethor in Mesopotamia, to help him to conquer and expel Israel. Covetousness outweighing God's prohibition, Balaam accompanies Balak's second mission, but is rebuked by the ass and overruled to utter God's messages only; Balaam blesses Israel from three idolatrous high places,' and finally foretells its glorious future, the destruction of Edom. Moab, and Amalek, and the later supersession of the Semitic race by a Western power (ships from Chittim, i.e. Cyprus). See 2 Pet. ii. 15, 16; Jude 11. Balaam remaining among the Midianites advises the corruption of Israel through the impure worship of Baal-Peor practised by the Midianite women [as if to weaken or destroy it through the wrath of Jehovah]. The chief apostates are executed and the votaries slain or destroyed (24,000) by a plague, which Phinehas by an act of righteous zeal stays, thereby earning an everlasting priesthood. God sentences the Midianites to destruction (see Ps. cvi. 28-31). The Census at Shittim.-The warriors now number 601,730; the Levite males, from a month old, 23,000. The only survivors of the census at Sinai are Joshua and Caleb. Moses is commanded to divide Canaan, assigning a territory to each tribe proportioned to its numbers in a situation decided by lot. The case of Zelophehad's daughters decides that (to keep inheritances and the tribal territory unbroken) daughters may inherit, but must marry within their tribe. God bids Moses view the Promised Land from the range of Abarim or Pisgah before his death. Moses prays for another leader for Israel, and is commanded to publicly appoint and instruct Joshua, to whom God will communicate His will through the High Priest. Phinehas, son of Eleazar the H.P., with 12,000 men exterminates the Midianites in a sacred war; Balaam and five chiefs perish, but no Israelite. The people spare the flocks, &c., and the women and children, but Moses destroys all the males and married women, and halves the spoil between the combatants and the rest. Reuben and Gad ask to have their allotment in the newly conquered pastoral downs and forests E. of Jordan. On condition that they fully share the conquest of Canaan, Moses allots (1) from the R. Arnon to the S. slopes of Mt. Gilead to Reuben; thence (2) along Jordan to the Lake of Chinnereth (Gennesaret) to Gad; and (3) N.E. Gilead and Bashan as far as Mt. Hermon to half Manasseh. Moses defines the bounds of Canaan, and delegates its allotment to Eleazar, Joshua, and a prince of each tribe; Levi to receive 48 dispersed cities, each in a square of pasture ground (A.V. suburbs), six of the Levitical cities to afford sanctuary in cases of blood-feud for accidental homicide: he appoints Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth-Gilead in Gad, and Golan in Manasseh, as the Transjordanic Cities of Refuge (see Deut. iv. 41-43; xix. 1–10). In the 11th month of the 40th year Moses, aged 120, delivers three parting addresses to all Israel, his prayer to be spared to enter Canaan being denied. (1) He recapitulates the history of the present generation from its departure from Horeb (chs. i.-iii.), emphasising (ch. iv.) the Spirituality of Jehovah. (2) He reiterates-a) The Ten Commandments, expounding the lessons thence deducible as to the Israelites duty towards their God, and urging them by the memory of the past to be faithful to Him (chs. v.--xi.); (b) The Book of the Covenant (Ex. xx. 19-xxiii. 19), expanding it and giving the Israelite a manual to guide him in his duty to his neighbour (chs. xii-xxvi.); concluding with an injunction to inaugurate the Law publicly by a ceremony at Shechem (ch. xxvii.) and with a declaration of the consequences of faithfulness and disobedience, respectively (ch. xxviii. ; cf. Ex. Xxii. 20-33 and Lev. xxvi.). (3) Finally, he charges Israel and Joshua, commits this (written) law,' to the priests' custody for septennial public reading, and teaches Israel a song, as a perpetual forewarning of the consequences of disobedience. Moses blesses Israel, and after viewing Canaan from Mt. Pisgahı, dies, aged 120. The Conquest and Allotment of Canaan. In Shittim, after the mourning for Moses (Deut. xxxiv. 8), Joshua is appointed to lead Joshua's two spies, saved at Jericho by Rahab, report the discouragement of the Canaanites. Joshua encamps by Jordan, and Israel crosses it at its fullest dryshod; memorials of the miracle are set in mid-stream and at Gilgal (ch. v. 9), the first encampment in the Land of Promise. The new generation being circumcised keeps the Passover and Feast of unleavened cakes, made of the old corn of Canaan. The manna ceases. Siege and fall of Jericho, the key to the fords of Jordan and to the E. passes into the central highland. Rahab is saved. After a reverse, due to Achan's sacrilegious covetousness, Ai is destroyed and Israel established on the highland. The prescribed ratification and public reading of the Law (Deut. xxvii. 2-8, 11-26) take place in the vale of Shechem (Gen. xii. 6, 7 & xxxiii. 19). League of S. Canaan.-The Gibeonite confederacy, which controls the chief W. pass (Beth-horon), craftily makes peace, and Gibeon is besieged by Adonizedec of Jerusalem, and four kings of the league. Joshua relieves Gibeon, and in the pursuit, miraculously prolonged, captures Makkedah and Libnah, and executes the five kings. In the campaign following, Joshua captures the fortified towns S. of Gibeon and Gilgal (except Jerusalem) as far as Kadesh-barnea and Gaza, i.e. he conquers (1) the highland S. of Jebus with the Anakim, (2) the steppes of the Negeb (south) beyond, (3) the W. foot-hills ('springs' or slopes), and (4) the plain of the coast or Shephelah (vale'). League of N. Canaan.-Joshua at L. Merom destroys Jabin and his allies, their chariots, Caleb claims and conquers the district of Hebron. The bounds and cities of Judah, of Ephraim (Gezer unconquered), and of half-Manasseh (the Canaanites of the sea coast and plain of Kishon unconquered). HISTORICAL EPITOME OF THE HOLY BIBLE. The tabernacle is set up in Shiloh; allotments to the 7 tribes are made at the tabernacle door after a survey of the unallotted territory. The bounds and cities of Benjamin, of Simeon taken out of Judah), of Zebulan of Issachar, of Asher, of Naphtali, and Dan (with Laish added by conquest). Jostna receives Timnath-serah. Three cities of refuge are appointed W. of Jordan, viz. Kedesh-Naphtali, Shecher in Ephraim, Hebron in Judah. The 6 refuge-cities, with 42 cities and adjacent pastures (suburbs') given by the other tribes, are allotted to the priests and Levites. The Transjordanic tribes, their forces being dismissed, erect the altar Ed as a witness of their union with the other tribes. Joshua charges the elders and rulers (? at Shiloh), and finally a national asserably at Shechem, which renounces idolatry (see Gen. xxxv. 1-4), and solemny renews the covenant of Sinai. Death of Joshua, aged 110. and of the H.P. Eleazar. While elders of the generation of the Wanderings survive, Israel is faithful, but concerted national action is recorded once only-Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, being H.P.when the outrage at Gibeah (Hos. ix. 9 & x. 9) nearly caused Benjamin's extinction The W. tribes continue the conquest in their several allotments (especialy Julah and Simeon), but from want of faith, or union, or perseverance, fail to expel the Philistines and other Canaanites who had chariots of iron. The Canaanite remnant becaus tributary, but, as Moses foresaw (Ex. xxiii. 31-35; Deut, vil 1-6, gradully corrupts Israel's religion and morals through inter-marriage (cp. 1 Kings xi. 1-5; Neh. 11. 23–2) and by example. A prophet rebukes Israel at Bochim for tolerating the Canaanites Des, unable to expel the Philistines, seizes unfortified Laish by the sources of Jerian, soi establishes there Micah's oracle and teraphim under Micah's priest, Moses' in a sanctuary to Jehovah. The priesthood and image last as long as the appointed central Sanctuary in Shiloh (1 Sam. iv. 21); the sanctuary is adopted by Jeroboam and lasts till Tiglath Pileser's deportation (1 Kings xiii.; 2 Kings xv. 29). Period of the Judges. The Wars of Deliverance - Israel's relapses are punished (the national disunion assisting Subjection to Mesopotamia (Chushan-rishathaim) 8 years (cp. Gen. xiv-Judgeship of Subjection to Moab, Ammon, and Amalek 18 years-Ehud, a Benjamite, kilis Egion, ring of Moab, and destroys the retreating Moabites at the fords of Jordan; Shaingar biso defeats the Philistines, but Israel is cowed (see ch. v. 6-8). Subjection to Jabin of Hazor 20 years-Deborah, the prophetess-judge, rouses Berak whose deliverance Jal completes by killing Sisera, Jabin's general. Judgeship of Deb Subjection to Midian, Amalek, and the children of the East (Bedouin; cp. ExL XXV. 4, 5) 7 years. A prophet rebukes Israel. An angel inspires Gideon, a Manassite. to deliver Israel and, after destroying his father's sanctuary to Baal and Asherah (A. V. the grove) in Operah, to substitute the worship of Jehovah by building an altar on the site of the revelation Gideon with 300 selected men twice surprises the hordes of Midian, capturing the bus Zebah and Zalmunna beyond Jordan, while Ephraim captures the princes Oreb ani Zab at the fords (Isa. ix. 4 & x. 26; Ps. lxxxiii. 11, 12). Judgeship of Gideon 40 years. Gala refuses an hereditary sovereignty; but, to promote the service of Jehovah, mistakenly (cp. Micah) sets up a sanctuary and an oracle (ephod") in Ophrah. After Gideon's death, Baal-worship revives in connexion with a local confederacy at Shechem (Baal-berith, i.e. Baal of the League. Abimelech, Gideon's youngest son by a Canaanite concubine, murders Gideon's 70 sons, Jotham alone escaping, and is elected by the Hivite and Israelite population Chief of the Confederacy at Joshua's par a Shechem. Three years later, in a counter revolution, Abimelech is slain ignominions when assaulting Thebez Judgeship of Tola of Issachar in Ephraim 23 years. Death of Tola. Judgeship of Jair of Gilead 22 years. General apostacy of Israel (Ps. 1xxviii. 56-59). Eli H.P. and judge. Sampel hora. Eli's sons, in his old age, by cupidity and immorality profane and discredit the waher; nacle-service at Shiloh. A prophet announces the doom of Eli's family, the fortcature of the High Priesthood, and the death of Hophui and Phinehas on one day, Subjection to Ammon 18 years, and to the Philistines 40 years. Samson born, destined to begin the deliverance from the Philistines. Jephthah delivers Transjordanic Israel from Ammon. Judgeship of Jephthak in Gilead 6 years. Samson's first exploits in Dan against the Philistines. The imminence of Eh's doom [1165] is revealed to Samuel at Shiloh. All Israel recognises the renewal of revelatia through Samuel. The Philistines capture the Ark at Ebenezer and slay Hepent and Phinehas. Death of Eli. The destruction of Shiloh Jer. vii. 12-14; Ps iXXVLL &CN Samson, a refugee in Judah, massacres the Philistines in Lehi. Judgeship of S21428 20 years. The Philistines, after 7 months of plagues, send back the Ark to Beth-sheniush; it is placed in Abinadab's house in Kirjath-jearim (= city of woods, cp. På ca 6; see 2 Sam. vi. 4), Death of Jephthah. Judgeship of Thzan, 7 years, and of Elon, 10 years-both of Zehnlan Judgeship of Abdon of Ephraim 8 years. Betrayal and death of Samson. Un Israeis repentance the prophet Samuel conducts a national reformation at Mizpeh, and repasang the Philistine invasion at Ebenezer, frees Dan. The Philistine subjection ends Judge ship of Samuel; his yearly circuits to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpeh; his home, justice-scat, and sanctuary at Ramah. The Monarchy.-Saul and David-The Promise to David to be fulfilled spiritua Corrupt administration by Samuel's sons, his deputies in Beer-sheba, in his old age Relapse of Israel and its renewed oppression by the Philistines. The people demas ! king to administer justice and lead them in war, especially against the Philistines and a threatened invasion by Ammon. Sammel's protests are finally overruled; and Saul a Benjamite, is indicated by God, and being anointed privately by Samuel is chosen king by the sacred lot in a national assembly at Mizpen (cp. Josh. vii. 14, &c.) Samuel declares and records the new constitution. Saul relieves Jabesh-gilead, surprising the Ammonites |
