CHAPTER II.

THE RELIGION OF THE HEBREWS IN THE WILDERNESS.

The Object of the Chapter-Religion of Jacob and his Sons when they entered Egypt-

Of the Israelites at the Time of the Exodus-Their Idolatry in Egypt partial and secret

-CHARACTER AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF DIVINE WORSHIP AT THIS TIME-Priests-Place

of Worship-RELIGIOUS REVELATIONS MADE TO THE HEBREWS IN THE WILDERNESS—

The Divine Author of these, the sacred WORD-The Decalogue-Effects produced by its

Revelation-The Tabernacle-Altar-Laver-The Holy, and the Most Holy Place, with

their sacred Furniture-THE PRIESTHOOD-The sacred Vestments-Urim and Thummim

-RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS-Day of Atonement-Feast of Tabernacles-Of Trumpets-New

Moons-Sabbatical Year-The Sabbath-THE CHARACTER OF THIS RELIGIOUS SYSTEM-

National and Theocratic-Object and Sanctions of the Theocracy-Future Rewards and

Punishments known-The Theocracy national and general-The typical Character of the

Mosaic Economy was to some extent understood by the ancient Hebrews...... Page 89

CHAPTER III.

THE HISTORY OF THE ISRAELITES UNDER JOSHUA AND THE JUDGES.

PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE HEBREWS WHEN JOSHUA WAS CALLED TO BE THEIR

LEADER.-The Passage of the Jordan foretold-Spies sent to Jericho-The Crossing of

Jordan miraculously effected-The Passover celebrated-The angel Jehovah appears to

Joshua-Jericho taken and destroyed-Defeat of Israel at Ai-The Cause discovered-

Sin and Punishment of Achan-Confederation of the Canaanites-Guile of the Gibeon-

ites, and their Doom-The combined Army of Canaan attack Gibeon-Joshua marches

to its Relief-Obtains a great Victory-Miraculous Fall of Hail-The Sun and Moon

stand still-The five Kings put to Death-A second Combination of Canaanitish Kings

-Joshua renews the War-Completely vanquishes the Enemy in a great Battle-The

War continued until thirty-one Kingdoms were subdued-The Divine Interposition under

which this Conquest was effected specially attested by Expulsion of some Tribes by

Means of the Hornet-The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh retire to

their Portion on the east side of Jordan-The altar ED-The Portion of Caleb assigned

-The Land divided-The pious Exhortations and Death of Joshua-IMPORTANT Change

IN HEBREW POLITY CONSEQUENT on the Death OF JOSHUA-The Purpose of God in the

Theocracy-Renewal of the War by Judah and Simeon-The partial Success of the He-

brews the Result of imperfect Faith in God-The Remissness of Israel reproved by the

Angel of the Lord-They continue disobedient, and fall into Idolatry-The Case of Micah

and the Danites-The Outrage at Gibeah, and terrible Consequences to the Tribe of

Benjamin. FIRST SERVITUDE under Chushan-rishathaim-Israel delivered by Othniel-

The Character of the Authority exercised by the Judges. SECOND SERVITUDE under the

Moabites-Ehud and Shamgar Judges. THIRD SERVITUDE under the Canaanites-Debo-

rah and Barak deliver Israel-The Song of Deborah. FOURTH SERVITUDE under the

Midianites-Story of Ruth-Heroism of Gideon-Abimelech, Tola, and Jair successively

follow each other as Judges. FIFTH SERVITUDE under the Ammonites-Jephthah, Ib-

zan, Elon, Abdon, Judges. SIXTH SERVITUDE of Israel under the Philistines-Samson,

Eli, and Samuel, Judges-The Unfaithfulness of Israel renders a pure Theocracy im-

practicable-Chronological Arrangement of the Events of this Period.......

CHAPTER IV.

125

THE HISTORY OF THE HEBREW PEOPLE FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MON-

ARCHY TO THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM.

SAMUEL RECOGNIZED AS A PROPHET-His Administration and Efforts to instruct and im-

prove the People-The miraculous Rout of the Philistines-Samuel in his old Age as-

sisted by his Sons-Their Sin-THE ELDERS ASK A KING-The Causes of this Applica-

tion-The Request is granted, and Saul anointed-Jabesh-Gilead delivered-Saul con-

firmed in the Kingdom-War with the Philistines-Saul's Impatience and Transgres-

sion-He is threatened-Heroism and Success of Jonathan-The King again acts un-

wisely-Saul commanded to destroy the Amalekites-He is victorious, but again trans-

gresses, and is assured that he shall be deprived of the Kingdom-David privately

anointed-Saul's mental Malady-He is relieved by David's Music-David made the

King's Armor-bearer-War with the Philistines renewed-Goliath's Defiance-David

kills the Giant-Saul, jealous of David's Fame, persecutes him-The Friendship of

David and Jonathan-David flies to the Philistines-The increasing Distress of Saul-

His Death-THE Return and ACCESSION OF DAVID-David anointed King of Judah in

Hebron-Death of Ishbosheth-David anointed King over all Israel-Jerusalem taken

and made the Capital-Great Success of David in all his military Enterprises-The

Kingdom delivered from all internal Enemies-And the neighboring States subdued—

David's Sin in the Case of Bathsheba and Uriah-His Punishment denounced-The

Wickedness of Amnon-He is slain-Absalom banished-But afterward pardoned-His

Conspiracy-David flies-Absalom obtains the Capital-His Conduct-He is slain-The

Return of the King-Rebellion of Sheba-The Kingdom saved by Joab-The People

numbered―The consequent Pestilence—The last Days of David-His Death—THE STATE

OF THE HEBREW KINGDOM AT THE CLOSE OF DAVID'S REIGN-ACCESSION OF SOLOMON

-Piety and Wisdom-He begins to build the Temple-The Greatness of the Work-Its

Enormous expense-The Fabric completed and dedicated-SOLOMON'S COMMERCIAL

POLICY-Palmyra-Baalbec-Extensive inland Trade-Maritime Commerce-Ophir-

The Queen of Sheba's Visit-Solomon's Riches--His unbounded Luxury and State-His

numerous Wives and Concubines-His Apostasy-The awful Extent of his Idolatries—

Jeroboam informed by a Prophet that he shall reign over ten Tribes-The Death of

Solomon-And Accession of Rehoboam-His Folly-THE DIVISION OF THE Kingdom-

Brief Review of the Reign of Solomon-National Consequences of his Sin.... Page 166

CHAPTER V.

THE RELIGION OF THE HEBREWS FROM THEIR ENTRANCE INTO CANAAN TO

THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM.

THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM COMMUNICATED TO THE HEBREWS IN THE WILDERNESS, di-

vinely attested, and the People trained to its Observance-Specially enforced by Divine

Interposition when the Israelites entered Canaan-The Fidelity of the Hebrews during

the Government of Joshua, and the Elders who were contemporary with him-Religious

Corruption introduced by Micah-The Evil extended by the Danites-and continued by

Gideon-at length issues in open and avowed Idolatry-The Nature of this Evil, and

its fearful Consequences-The Conduct of Jephthah-Low State of Religion in Israel at

the time of Eli-Samuel, his Piety, and prophetic Inspiration-Labors to reform the

People, and restore the Worship of Jehovah-RELIGIOUS WORSHip during this PE-

RIOD-The Tabernacle set up in Shiloh-The Ark, taken by the Philistines, when re-

stored, not returned to the Tabernacle, but deposited in a Tabernacle built for the

purpose by David on Mount Zion-The Worship established there a remarkable Innova-

tion in the ceremonial Law-Its several Parts, and spiritual Character-THE TEMPLE

BUILT, its Dedication, Manifestation of Divine Glory, and Descent of Fire on the Al-

tar-Effects of these Events on the public Mind-Did the Worship in David's Taber-

nacle continue after the Temple was dedicated?-And was this extended and conti-

nued?-PERSONAL RELIGION-Samuel-David, his early Piety, Conduct in Persecution

and Danger-Falls into Sin, his Penitence and Pardon-Reality of his spiritual Restora-

tion-His Piety specially honored by the Inspiration of the Psalms-Solomon, his

youthful Godliness, Views of the Messiah, Wisdom and Zeal-The Book of Ecclesias-

tes-Falls into Sin, establishes Idolatry-No Evidence of his Repentance-DOCTRINAL

OPINIONS-Nature and Extent of the Efficacy of Sacrifice-Expiatory, vicarious, and

propitiatory-Views of God-Immortality of the Soul-Separate Existence and Influ-

ence of Satan.

227

CHAPTER VI.

THE HISTORY AND RELIGION OF THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE DIVISION OF THE HEBREWS INTO TWO independent KINGDOMS-

Jeroboam, the first King of Israel, selects Shechem for his Capital-Establishes the Wor-

ship of golden Calves at Bethel and Dan-The Consequences of this Conduct-Jeroboam

rebuked by a Prophet-Miraculously punished and restored-The Death of the King's

Son, and the total Ruin of the royal House, predicted by Ahijah-War with Judah—

Israel defeated-Nadab reigns-Is slain, and succeeded by Baasha, who prosecutes the

War with Judah successfully-Israel invaded by the Syrians-Jehu the Prophet pre-

dicts the ruin of the House of Baasha-Elah succeeds his Father, and is slain-A civil

War between two rival Factions, headed by Omri and Tibni-The Death of Tibni

-Omri reigns-Ahab succeeds his Father-Marries Jezebel-Introduces Phenician Idol-

atry-And persecutes the Worshipers of Jehovah-Jericho rebuilt, and Joshua's Male-

diction verified-The Prophet Elijah-The Three Years of Drought and Famine-

Ruinous Condition of the Kingdom-Elijah meets Ahab-The Miracle of Carmel-The

Prophets of Baal slain-Rain given-Elijah threatened with Death-Escapes-Is sent

to anoint Hazael King of Syria, Jehu King of Israel, and Elisha to be Prophet-Israel

invaded by Benhadad-Delivered according to the Word of a Prophet-The Invasion

repeated the next Year-And again repulsed-The Death of Naboth-Prophecy of Eli-

jah-Fearful Doom of the House of Ahab-Jehoshaphat unites with Ahab to war

against Ramoth-Prophecy of Micaiah-Death of Ahab-Ahaziah reigns-Fails in his

Attempt to restore the maritime Commerce with Ophir-Jehoram reigns-Elijah trans-

lated, and succeeded by Elisha, who works Miracles-Makes known the Counsels of

Benhadad-And defeats the Designs of the Syrians-Samaria besieged-Suffers from a

terrible Famine-Is divinely delivered-Hazael succeeds to the Throne of Syria-Jehu

anointed King-Kills Jehoram, Jezebel, and all the Children of Ahab-Destroys the

Prophets of Baal, and prohibits that Idolatry-Jehoahaz succeeds to the Throne-Israel

suffers from the Syrians under Hazael-Joash reigns-Prospers in his War with Syria-

Triumphs over Judah-Jeroboam II. reigns, and greatly increases the Power of Israel

-Hosea and Amos prophesy-Zechariah reigns-Is killed by Shallum, who is destroyed

by Manahem-In his Reign Assyria invades Israel-Pekahiah reigns-Is slain by Pe-

kah, who succeeds, and forms an Alliance with Syria-Vanquishes Judah-Hoshea

reigns-Is dethroned, and the Kingdom destroyed by the Assyrians....

CHAPTER VII.

THE HISTORY AND RELIGION OF THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH.

.Page 270

REHOBOAM, preparing to subdue the revolted Tribes, is forbidden by a prophet-Relative

Position of the Kingdoms-Judah degenerates into Idolatry-Invaded, and Jerusalem

plundered, by Shishak-Abijam succeeds to the Throne-He invades Israel-Asa made

King-Prohibits Idolatry-Repels the Ethiopian Invasion-Is harassed by the King of

Israel-Obtains Deliverance by a League with Syria-This Conduct condemned-The

Prophet persecuted-JEHOSHAPHAT REIGNS-He prohibits Idolatry—And issues a Com-

mission for the Instruction of the People-Marries his Son to the Daughter of Ahab-

Judah invaded by Moab and Ammon-Jehoshaphat seeks Refuge in Jehovah-Is glo-

riously delivered-He attempts the Revival of the Trade with Ophir, but fails-Jehoram

succeeds his Father-He massacres all his Brethren-HE RESTORES THE Groves and

HIGH PLACES Introduces the Sidonian Idolatry, and enforces its Observance-Inva-

sion of the Kingdom by a combined Army of Philistines and Arabians-Who carry off

the royal Family, and spoil the Palace of the King-Jehoram dies miserably, and is

succeeded by Ahaziah--He begins to reign wickedly, and is slain by Jehu-Athaliah

usurps the Government-Destroys all the Seed Royal except one Child-And reigns six

Years-Athaliah slain-And Joash placed on the Throne when seven Years old-He

repairs the Temple-And reigns wisely until the Death of Jehoiada-He then falls into

Idolatry-Being reproved by Zechariah for his Impiety, he commands the Prophet to

be put to Death-Jerusalem spoiled by Hazael of Syria-Joash is murdered in his Bed,

and succeeded by Amaziah-He begins to reign well-Invades Edom-Is victorious—

Worships the Deities of Seir-Is rebuked by a Prophet-Whom he threatens-He pro-

vokes a War with Israel-Is defeated, and taken Prisoner-Uzziah succeeds to the

Throne-He reigns well-Humbles the Philistines, Ammonites, and Arabians-Strength-

ens the Army-Invents important military Engines-HE INVADES THE PRIEST'S OFFICE,

and, attempting to offer Incense, is smitten with Leprosy-The Nature and Influence of

the prophetic Office-Jotham reigns piously-Micah prophesies-Ahaz reigns wickedly

-Judah defeated by Israel with great Loss-Isaiah divinely commissioned to Ahaz-The

King trusts in Assyria, and is disappointed-Hezekiah reigns-He reforms Abuses-

Destroys Idolatry-And restores the Worship of Jehovah-Ceases to pay Tribute to the

King of Assyria-Is threatened by him-Hezekiah's Sickness and Recovery-The De-

struction of the Assyrian Army-Nahum prophesies-Conduct of the King to the Baby-

lonish Ambassadors condemned-He is threatened-Manasseh succeeds to the Throne

-He restores Idolatry-And persecutes unto Death the Worshipers of Jehovah-Sub-

dued by the King of Assyria, and carried away Captive-He humbles himself, repents,

is restored to his Kingdom, and reigns piously-He dies, and is succeeded by Amon

-Judah invaded by Assyria-Delivered by Judith-Josiah reigns well-A Book of the

Law found in the Temple-Josiah opposes the King of Egypt-Is slain-Jeremiah raised

up to prophesy-Jehoahaz reigns wickedly-Is deposed by the King of Egypt, who

places Jehoiakim on the Throne-He also reigns wickedly, and is succeeded by Jehoia-

chin, who is deposed by Nebuchadnezzar, who appoints Zedekiah King-He also does

Evil-He is finally deposed, and Jerusalem destroyed.-Chronological Table..Page 301

CHAPTER VIII.

THE HISTORY OF THE HEBREWS DURING THE CAPTIVITY.

PECULIAR CONDITION OF THE HEBREWS AT THIS PERIOD-The several Deportations of

Hebrews to the East-Gedaliah appointed Governor-He is slain, and the Remnant of

Hebrews emigrate to Egypt-The Prophecies and Death of Jeremiah-Nebuchadnezzar's

first Dream, declared and interpreted by Daniel-The Prophet is promoted to be Chief

of the Wise Men-The Hebrews in their Captivity were treated with Tolerance and

Liberality-The golden Image-The Deliverance of the three Hebrews-Nebuchadnez-

zar's Dream of the Tree-The Dream explained-And fulfilled-The Insanity of the

King-His Death-Evil-Merodach succeeds to the Throne of Babylon-He delivers Je-

hoiachin from Prison, and honors him-Belshazzar succeeds to the Throne-His Feast

-The Handwriting on the Wall-Explained by Daniel-Belshazzar's Death-A Re-

markable Fulfillment of Prophecy-Accession of Darius to the Throne of Babylon—

Daniel his Minister-The Edict forbidding Prayer to God-Daniel in the Den of Lions

-Is delivered-His deep Interest in the Religion of his People-Receives special Reve-

lations from Heaven-Preparation of the People for Restoration-The Accession of Cy-

rus-His Decree-First Caravan of Hebrews return to Judea-The Altar of Burnt-offer-

ing restored-Foundation of the Temple laid-Opposition of the Samaritans-The Pro-

gress of the Building forbidden-Darius Hystaspes reigns-The Building resumed-

The Temple finished-Ezra sent to Jerusalem-His Labors and Reforms-Nehemiah

appointed Governor of Jerusalem-The Walls of the City built-Several religious and

social Reforms effected-Nehemiah goes to Babylon-And returns to Jerusalem-He

again removes Disorder, and effects a social and religious Reformation-The History of

Esther Her Influence upon the Welfare of the Jews-Chronological Table...... 348

CHAPTER IX.

THE RELIGION OF THE HEBREWS DURING THE CAPTIVITY.

THE FALL OF THE HEBREW NATION A DIVINE INFLICTION on Account of general Trans-

gression-Idolatry introduced by Jehoram-Fostered by succeeding Kings-And, not-

withstanding the Efforts of some pious Princes, becomes paramount in Influence-The

Extent of this Apostasy shown by Jeremiah-And more fully detailed by Ezekiel→→

Those who continued to worship Jehovah generally formal and insincere-The Preva-

lence of Vice and Violence-THE PRESENCE of Jehovah wITHDRAWN FROM THE TEMPLE

-Lingers over the City-And finally departs from the Mount of Olives-The idolatrous

and wicked Hebrews destroyed in the national Ruin-The Pious preserved, and carried

into Captivity-Effects of this national Ruin upon the religious Opinions and Hopes of

the Hebrews-It did not destroy their Confidence in God's covenant Mercy-Advan-

tageous Position of the Hebrews at this Time for acquiring just Views of their covenant

Relation to Jehovah, and of the Scheme of Redemption-MESSIANIC PROPHECIES of Isaiah

-Hosea Joel-And Micah-These Prophecies were designed to support the Hebrews

in their Affliction-Check the pride of their Enemies-And uphold the Honor of Jehovah

-The Prophecies of Jeremiah-And Ezekiel-Nebuchadnezzar's profane Assumption

and Intolerance-The Prophecies of Daniel-The Hebrews acquire a clear Knowledge

of the Doctrine of Satan..

CHAPTER X.

.Page 378

THE HISTORY OF THE HEBREWS FROM THE RESTORATION TO THE ESTABLISH-

MENT OF INDEPENDENCE.

JUDEA, after the Restoration of the Hebrews, a Province of the Persian Empire, and sub-

ject to Syria-After Nehemiah; the High Priest is invested with the civil Government—

Joiada High Priest-Succeeded by his Son Jonathan-Whose Brother, endeavoring to

supplant him, is killed in the Temple-Bagoses profanes the Sanctuary, and levies a

Tax upon Sacrifices-Jaddua High Priest-Refuses to supply Food to the Army of Alex-

ander-Who threatens Jerusalem-The City wonderfully saved from his Anger-And

favored by him-On the Partition of the Macedonian Monarchy, Judea assigned to Lao-

medon-Taken from him by Ptolemy-From whom it is wrested by Antigonus Judea

restored to Ptolemy, and attached to Egypt-Simon the Just, High Priest-Succeeded

by Eleazar-Antigonus of Soccho President of the great Synagogue-Manasses, Son of

Jaddua, High Priest-Onias, the Son of Simon the Just, succeeds to the High Priest-

hood-His Covetousness perils the State-Which is saved by the Address of his Nephew

Joseph-Simon II. High Priest-The profane Attempt of Philopater-Defeated-His Per-

secution of the Jews Judea conquered by Antiochus, and again united to the Kingdom

of Syria-Onias III. High Priest-Factious Conduct of Simon, Governor of the Temple-

Jason, by Treachery, obtains the Deposition of his Brother, and is appointed High Priest

-He introduces Grecian Manners, and corrupts the People-Is supplanted by Menelaus

-Onias III. murdered-Jerusalem stormed by Antiochus, and the Temple spoiled-The

Jewish Religion proscribed-And a bloody Persecution begun-Mattathias and his Sons

resist this Tyranny-Mattathias, dying, is succeeded by Judas-Who, after long and

desperate Efforts, obtains Possession of Jerusalem-Purifies the Temple, and restores

holy Worship-Alcimus High Priest-Judas slain-His Brother John cut off-Jonathan

Maccabeus conducts the War-He is seduced by Treachery, and made captive-Simon

Maccabeus succeeds as Captain-General-He obtains the Independence of his Country-

Chronological Table...

CHAPTER XI.

405

THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THEIR INDEPEN-

DENCE TO THE TIME OF CHRIST.

THE CONDITION OF THE HEBREWS ON THEIR ATTAINING INDEPENDENCE-Simon, Prince

and High Priest, exercises the Attributes of Sovereignty, and coins Money-Simon,

with his two Sons, barbarously murdered by his Son-in-law-John Hyrcanus succeeds

as Prince and High Priest-His Rupture with the Pharisees-Unites politically with the

Sadducees-Aristobulus follows his Father in the Sovereignty and High Priesthood—

Death of his Brother Antigonus-Alexander Janneus reigns-Prosecutes several Wars

--Insurrection of the Pharisees-Civil War-The King triumphs-His Widow succeeds