Part 11 (1/2)

II. The career of Elisha, Chs. 3-8.

III. The dynasty of Jehu, Chs. 9-14.

IV. The fall of Israel, Chs. 15-17.

V. The Kingdom of Judah, Chs. 18-25.

For Study and Discussion (1) Contrast the character of David with that of Solomon. Give the ideal elements and the defects of each. Also compare them as rulers. (2) Contrast the character of Elijah with that of Elisha. Point out the elements of strength and weakness in each.

Compare the great moral and religious truth taught by each as well as the great deeds performed by them. (3) Study this as the cradle of liberty. Note Elijah's resistance of tyrants and Ahab in the vineyard of Naboth. Look for other instances. (4) Consider the place of the prophets. Note their activity in the affairs of government. Glance through these books and make a list of all prophets who are named and note the character of their message and the king or nation to whom each spoke. (5) Make a list of the kings of Israel and learn the story of Jeroboam I, Omri, Ahab, Jehu, Jeroboam II and Hoshea. (6) Make a list of the kings of Judah and learn the princ.i.p.al events and the general character of the reign of Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Uzziah, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Mana.s.seh, Josiah and Zedekiah. (7) The fall of Judah. (8) The failure of human governments, (a) the cause, (b) the manifestation and result.

Chapter X.

First and Second Chronicles.

Name. The name Chronicles was given by Jerome. They were the ”words of days” and the translators of the Septuagint named them the ”things omitted.” They were originally one book.

Contents. Beginning with Adam the history of Israel is rewritten down to the return of Judah from captivity.

Relation to Former Books. It covers the same field as all the others.

To this time the books have fitted one into another and formed a continuous history. Here we double back and review the whole history, beginning with Adam, and coming down to the edict of Cyrus which permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Religious Purpose of the Narratives. Several things show these books to have a religious purpose. (1) G.o.d's care of his people and his purpose to save them is given special emphasis. (2) The building of the temple is given much prominence. (3) The kings who served G.o.d and destroyed idols are given the most conspicuous place. (4) He follows the line of Judah. only mentioning Israel where it seemed necessary.

In this way he was following the Messianic line through David. (5) The priestly spirit permeates these books instead of the prophetic elements as in the earlier historical books. The aim, therefore, seems to be to teach rather than to narrate. He seems to teach that virtue and vice, in private or in national affairs, will surely receive their dues-that G.o.d must be taken into account in the life of individuals and of nations.

a.n.a.lysis of First Chronicles.

I. The Genealogies, Chs. 1-9.

II. The Reign of David, Chs. 10-29.

1. Accession and great men, Chs.10-12.

2. Zeal for Jehovah's house, Chs. 13-17.

3. His victories, Chs. 18-20.

4. The numbering of the people, Chs. 21.

5. Provision for the temple, Chs. 22-29.

a.n.a.lysis of Second Chronicles.

I. The Reign of Solomon, Chs. 1-9.

1. Building of the temple, Cha. 1-4.

2. Dedication of the temple, Chs. 5-7.