Chapter II: Part 2

=II. Camp. Conq.= 1. Camp. Eas. Jor. 1.) Gil. Jah. 2) Bash. Ed.
3.) Mid.
2. Camp. Wes. Jor. 1.) Cent. Pal. Jer. Ai. She. 2) Sou. Pal. Beth-hor.
3.) Nor. Pal. L. Mer.
3. Supp. Camp. 1.) Cal. cap. Heb. 2.) Jud. cap. Bez. 3.) Dan. cap.
Lai.

=III. Gen. Asp. Isr. at Clo. Conq.= 1. Nat. rac. sub. 2. Isr. in mtn.
reg. 3. Land. sys. 4. Gov. rep. fam. 5. Rel. sys. 6. Char. peo.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

What was the political system of the Canaanites before the conquest?
How did this condition affect the result of the war?
To what race did the Canaanite tribes belong?
What was their religion?
What was the effect of their worship on their character?
What had taken place shortly before the coming of the Israelites?
What campaigns of conquest were made before the death of Moses?
What battles were fought in these campaigns?
What tribes took possession of this territory?
On which side of the Jordan were Joshua's campaigns?
What traits as a military leader did he show?
What places were captured on the first of Joshua's campaigns?
What was the effect of this campaign on the enemies?
Against what section was Joshua's second campaign?
Where was the great battle fought?
What is said to have taken place at this battle?
What cities were captured at this time?
Where was the third campaign of Joshua directed?
Where was the battle fought in this campaign?
What were the three supplementary campaigns?
What city was conquered by Caleb?
What city was occupied by the tribe of Dan?
What king, long after Joshua, completed the conquest of Canaan?
What was the condition of the native races after the conquest?
What was the result of their continuance in the land?
What portion of the country was occupied by the Israelites?
What modern analogy is given to them?
What was the system of land-tenure among the Israelites?
What were some of its benefits?
What was the form of government?
Wherein was this system defective?
What were its excellences?
What was the religious system of the Israelites?
What was the effect of this system?
What was the religious character of the people?
What was the condition of the mass of the Israelites?

Subjects for Special Papers.

JOSHUA AS A GENERAL.
BETH-HORON AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST BATTLES.
THE MORAL ASPECTS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CANAANITES.
THE RIVER JORDAN.
THE HISTORY OF JERICHO.

FOOTNOTES:

[D] The account of the sun and moon standing still is an extract from an ancient poem, and is so printed in the Revised Version. The subject is discussed in Geikie's _Hours With the Bible_, foot-note with chapter xiii.

[E] With regard to the destruction of the Canaanites: 1. Such destruction was the almost universal custom of the ancient world. 2. It was deserved by the Canaanites, who were among the most wicked of ancient peoples. 3. It was necessary, if Israel was to be kept from the corruption of their morals, and upon Israel's character depended the world in after ages. 4. As a result of failing to extirpate the Canaanites a vastly greater number of the Israelites were destroyed during the succeeding centuries.

FOURTH STUDY.

THE AGE OF THE HEROES.

From the death of Joshua (about B. C. 1426) to the coronation of Saul (B. C. 1095) the twelve tribes of Israel were without a central government, except as from time to time men of ability rose up among them. It was not as some have supposed, "an age of anarchy," for anarchy is confusion; and during most of the three hundred and thirty years there were peace and order in Israel. It was rather an age of heroes, for its rulers were neither hereditary nor elective, but men called forth by the needs of the hour and their own qualities of leadership.

I. =THE CONDITION OF ISRAEL DURING THIS PERIOD.= This was partly favorable, and partly unfavorable. The favorable elements were:

1. =The mountain location= of Israel. The tribes were perched like Switzerland in the Alps. There was a desert on the south and on the east, while on the west lay the plain by the sea, the great route of travel between Egypt and the Euphrates. Great armies passed and repassed over this plain, and great battles were fought by Egyptians, Hittites, and Assyrians, while Israel on her mountain peaks was unmolested. This mountain home left Israel generally unnoticed, and, when attacked, almost inaccessible.

2. =The racial unity= of Israel. The two finest races of the world, the Greek and the Israelite, were both of pure blood. The Israelites were one in origin, in language, in traditions, in aspirations. This national unity often brought the tribes together in times of distress; though not always when their union was needed.

3. =The religious institutions.= In Greece every town had its own god and its own religion; hence the many parties and petty nationalities. But in Israel there was in theory but one altar, one house of God, one system of worship, with its annual pilgrimage to the religious capital (1 Sam. 1. 3). Just to the measure in which these institutions were observed, Israel was strong against all foes, and as they were neglected the land became the prey of oppressors (Judg. 2. 7-14; 1. Sam. 7. 3).

But there were also unfavorable elements in the condition of Israel, which threatened its very existence. These were:

1. =The native races.= These were of two kinds: the subject peoples left on the soil, more or less under the domination of the conquerors, and the surrounding nations, Ammon, Moab, Syria, and the Philistines. There was danger from their enmity, a rebellion of the subject tribes, allied with the enemies around, for the destruction of Israel. And there was far greater danger from their friendship, which would lead to intermarriage, to idolatry, to corruption of morals, and to ruin (Judg. 3. 1-7).

2. =Lack of a central government.= Israel was in the condition of the United States at the close of the Revolution, from 1783 to 1789, a loose confederation with no central authority. There were twelve tribes, but each governed itself. Only under some great chieftain like Gideon or Samuel were all the twelve tribes united. Most of the judges ruled only over their own district of a few adjoining tribes. Often the northern tribes were in peril, but we never read of Judah going to their assistance; and in Judah's wars with the Philistines the northern tribes stood aloof.

3. =Tribal jealousy.= Until the establishment of the American republic the world never saw, for any length of time, a league of states on an equal footing. In Greece the strongest state claimed the _hegemony_, or leadership, and oppressed its allies. In Italy the Romans reduced all their neighbors to subjection. In Europe it now requires an army of more than a million men to maintain the "balance of power." So in Israel there was a constant struggle for the leadership between the two great tribes of Judah and Ephraim. During the period of the judges Ephraim was constantly asserting its right to rule the other tribes (Judg. 8. 1-3; 12. 1-6). We trace this rivalry through all the reign of David; and at last it led to the division of the empire under Rehoboam.

4. =Idolatrous tendencies.= We note constantly "the two Israels"--a spiritual minority and an irreligious, idolatrous mass. For ten centuries the greatest evil of Israelite history was the tendency to the worship of idols. Causes which operated to promote it were: 1.) The natural craving for a visible object of worship, not altogether eradicated from even the Christian heart; for example, Romish images and ritualistic bowing toward the altar. 2.) The association of Israel with idolaters on the soil or as neighbors. 3.) The opportunity which idol-worship gives to gratify lust under the guise of religion. As a result of these forces we find idol-worship the crying sin of the Israelites down to the captivity in Babylon.

II. =THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL.= These were the heroes of that age, the men who in turn led the tribes, freed them from their enemies, and restored them to the service of God.

1. =Their office.= It was not generally to try legal cases between man and man, or between tribe and tribe. It might be regarded as a military dictatorship blended with a religious authority. The judge was a union of the warrior and the religious reformer.

2. =Their appointment=; not by election, nor the votes of the people. The Orientals have never chosen their rulers by suffrage. The judges were men whom the people recognized as called of God to their office (Judg. 2. 16; 3. 9; 6. 11-13).

3. =Their authority= rested not on law, nor on armies, but on the personal elements of integrity and leadership in the men, and on the general belief in their inspiration. They spoke to the people with the authority of a messenger from God. They arose in some hour of great need, and after the immediate danger was over held their power until the end of their lives.

4. =The extent of their rule= was generally local, over a few tribes in one section. Deborah ruled in the north (Judg. 5. 14-18); Jephthah governed the east of the Jordan only (Judg. 11. 29). Often more than one judge was ruling at the same time; probably Samson and Eli were contemporaneous. Gideon and Samuel alone ruled all the twelve tribes.

III. =THE OPPRESSIONS AND DELIVERERS.= During these three centuries the influences already named brought Israel many times under the domination of foreign power. The story was always the same, forsaking God, following idols, subjection, reformation, victory, and temporary prosperity. We notice the seven oppressions. Some of these were undoubtedly contemporaneous.

1. =The Mesopotamian Oppression.= (Judg. 3. 7-11.) Probably this was over the southern portion, and the invaders came by the east and around the Dead Sea, as earlier invaders from the same land had come (Gen. 14. 1-7). The deliverer was Othniel, the first judge, and the only judge of the tribe of Judah.

2. =The Moabite Oppression.= (Judg. 3. 12-30.) Over the eastern and central section, including Ephraim (verse 27); deliverer, Ehud, the second judge; battle fought at the ford of the river Jordan (verse 28).

3. =The Early Philistine Oppression.= (Judg. 3. 31.) Over the south-west, on the frontier of Judah; deliverer, Shamgar.

4. =The Canaanite Oppression.= (Judg. 4.) Over the northern tribes; deliverer, Deborah, the woman judge; battle at Mount Tabor.

5. =The Midianite Oppression.= (Judg. 6. 1-6.) Over the northern center, especially Manasseh-east; the most severe of all; deliverer, Gideon, the greatest of the judges (Judg. 6. 11, 12); battle, on Mount Gilboa (Judg. 7), followed by other victories (Judg. 8).

6. =The Ammonite Oppression.= (Judg. 10. 7-9.) Note an alliance between the Amorites and Philistines, which is suggestive; mainly over the tribes on the east of Jordan; deliverer, Jephthah[F] (Judg. 11); victory at Aroer (verse 33).

7. =The Philistine Oppression.= (Judg. 13) This was the most protracted of all, for it extended, with intervals of freedom, for a hundred years; embraced all the land, but was most heavily felt south of Mounts Carmel and Gilboa. The liberation was begun by Samson (Judg. 13. 5), but he was led astray by sensual lusts and became a failure. Freedom was later won by Samuel at the battle of Ebenezer (1 Sam. 7. 7-14); but the oppression was renewed in the time of Saul, and became heavier than ever (1 Sam. 13. 17-20). Finally the yoke was broken by David, in a succession of victories, ending with the capture of Gath, the Philistine capital (2 Sam. 5. 17-25; 1 Chron. 18. 1).

Note with each oppression: 1.) The oppressor. 2.) The section oppressed. 3.) The deliverer. 4.) The battlefield.

IV. =THE GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE PERIOD.=

1. It was an age of =individuality=. There was no strong government to oppress the people, to concentrate all the life of the nation at the court, and to repress individuality. Contrast Persia with Greece; Rome under the emperors with Rome as a republic. As men were needed they were raised up, for there was opportunity for character. Hence it was an age of heroes--Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Samuel, etc. Free institutions bring strong men to the front.

2. It was an age of =neglect of the law=. During all this period there is no allusion to the law of Moses. Its regulations were ignored, except so far as they belonged to the common law of conscience and right. The laws of Moses were not deliberately disobeyed, but were ignorantly neglected. Even good men, as Gideon and Samuel, built altars and offered sacrifices (Judg. 6. 24; 1 Sam. 7. 9) contrary to the letter of the law of Moses, but obeying its spirit.

3. Nevertheless, it was an age of =progress=. There were alternate advancements and retrogressions; yet we see a people with energy, rising in spite of their hindrances. By degrees government became more settled (1 Sam. 7. 15-17), foreign relations arose (1 Sam. 7. 14; Ruth 1. 1), and the people began to look toward a more stable system (1 Sam. 8. 4-6).

Blackboard Outline.

=I. Cond. Isr.= _Fav._ 1. Mtn. Loc. 2. Rac. Un. 3. Rel. Ins.
_Unfav._ 1. Nat. Rac. 2. Lac. cent. gov. 3. Tri.
jeal. 4. Idol. ten.

=II. Jud. Isr.= 1. Off. 2. App. 3. Auth. 4. Ext. ru.

=III. Opp. and Deliv.=
_Opp._ _Sec._ _Deliv._ _Batt.-fie._
1. Mes. Sou. Oth.
2. Moab. Ea. cen. Ehu. For. Jor.
3. Ea. Phil. So.-wes. Sham.
4. Can. Nor. Deb. Mt. Tab.
5. Mid. Nor. cen. Gid. Mt. Gil.
6. Amm. East. Jeph. Aro.
7. Phil. All. Sams. Saml. Eben.
Dav. Gath.

=IV. Gen. Asp. Per.= 1. Ind. 2. Neg. Law. 3. Prog.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

How long was this period? What were its traits? What were the conditions favorable to Israel during this period? How did their location aid the Israelites? Wherein were the Israelites one people? How did their religious institutions keep them together?

What were the unfavorable and dangerous elements in the condition of Israel? How were they in danger from the native races? What was lacking in the government of Israel? What two tribes were in rivalry? What was the effect of this jealousy? What analogy is found in ancient history? How is the same principle illustrated in modern times? What evil tendency was manifested in Israel through nearly all its history? What causes are assigned for this tendency?

What was the office of a judge in Israel? How were the judges appointed? What was their authority? How widely did their rule extend?

What resulted from these evil tendencies in Israel? How many oppressors were there? Who were the first oppressors? Over what part of the country was the first oppression? Who delivered Israel from it? What was the second oppression? What part of the country suffered from it? Who was the deliverer? Where was the battle fought? What was the third oppression, and where? Who delivered Israel? What was the fourth oppression? Where was it? Who was the deliverer? Where was the victory won? What was the fifth oppression? Over what part of the country was it? Who delivered Israel from it? What was the sixth oppression? Over what part of the land was it? Who delivered from it? What was the last oppression? How did it differ from the others? What three names are associated in the deliverance from its power?

What are the three general aspects of this period?

Subjects for Special Papers.

THE ISRAELITE REPUBLIC.
THE CAREER OF GIDEON.
THE VOW OF JEPHTHAH.
THE FAILURE OF SAMSON.
SHILOH AND THE TABERNACLE.
FAMILY LIFE DURING THE AGE OF THE JUDGES.

FOOTNOTE:

[F] With Jephthah is associated the only instance of human sacrifice offered to Jehovah in all Bible history; and this was by an ignorant freebooter, in a part of the land farthest from the instructions of the tabernacle and the priesthood. When we consider that the practice of human sacrifice was universal in the ancient world, and that not only captives taken in war but also the children of the worshipers were offered (2 Kings 3. 26, 27; Mic. 6. 7), this fact is a remarkable evidence of the elevating power of the Israelite worship.

FIFTH STUDY.

THE RISE OF THE ISRAELITE EMPIRE.

The coronation of Saul (B. C. 1095) marks an epoch in the history of Israel. From that point, for five hundred years, the chosen people were under the rule of kings.

I. =THE CAUSES LEADING TO THE MONARCHY.= The kingdom was not an accidental nor a sudden event. There had been a gradual preparation for it through all the period of the judges.

1. Note the =tendency toward settled government=. In the time of Gideon the people desired him to become a king (Judg. 8. 22, 23). His son attempted to make himself a king, but failed (Judg. 9). We find judges setting up a semi-royal state, and making marriages for their children outside of their tribe (Judg. 12. 9, 13, 14). Judges associating their sons with themselves (Judg. 10. 4; 1 Sam. 8. 1, 2). All these show a monarchical trend in the time.

2. Another cause was the =consolidation of the surrounding nations=. In the days of the conquest there were few kings in the lands neighboring Palestine. We read of "lords" and "elders," but no kings, among the Philistines, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Phenicians (Judg. 3. 3; 1 Sam. 5. 8; Num. 22. 7). But a wave of revolution swept over all those lands, as about the same time over Greece; and very soon we find that every nation around Israel had its king (1 Sam. 21. 10; 11. 1; 22. 3; 2 Sam. 5. 11). The movement of Israel toward monarchy was in accordance with this spirit.

3. There was a =danger of invasion=, which impelled the Israelites to seek for a stronger government (1 Sam. 12. 12). They felt themselves weak, while other nations were organized for conquest, and desired a king for leader in war.

4. Then, too, the =rule of Samuel= led the Israelites to desire a better organization of the government. For twenty years they had enjoyed the benefit of a wise, strong, and steady rule. They felt unwilling to risk the dangers of tribal dissension after the death of Samuel, and therefore they sought for a king.

5. But underlying all was the =worldly ambition= of the people. They were not willing to remain the people of God, and work out a peculiar destiny. They wished to be like the nations around, to establish a secular state, to conquer an empire for themselves (1 Sam. 8. 5-20). It was this worldly spirit, whose results Samuel saw, which made him unwilling to accede to the wish of the Israelites. But the very things against which he warned them (1 Sam. 8. 11-18) were just what they desired.

II. =THE CHARACTER OF THE ISRAELITE KINGDOM.= When men change their plans God changes his. He desired Israel to remain a republic, and not to enter into worldly relations and aims. When, however, the Israelites were determined, God gave them a king (1 Sam. 8. 22); but his rule was not to be like that of the nations around Israel. We ascertain the divine ideal of a kingdom for his chosen people:

1. =It was a theocratic kingdom.= That is, it recognized God as the supreme ruler, and the king as his representative, to rule in accordance with his will, and not by his own right. Only as people and king conformed to this principle could the true aims of the kingdom be accomplished (1 Sam. 12. 13-15). And if the king should deviate from this order, he should lose his throne. Disobedience to the divine will caused the kingdom to pass from the family of Saul to that of David (1 Sam. 13. 13, 14; 15. 26).

2. =It was a constitutional kingdom.= The rights of the people were carefully guaranteed, and there was a written constitution (1 Sam. 10. 25). Nearly all the Oriental countries have always been governed by absolute monarchs; but Israel was an exception to this rule. The people could demand their rights from Rehoboam (1 Kings 12. 3, 4). Ahab could not take away nor even buy Naboth's vineyard against its owner's will (1 Kings 21. 1-3). No doubt the rights of the people were often violated; but the violation was contrary to the spirit of the monarchy.

3. =It was regulated by the prophets.= The order of prophets had a regular standing in the Israelite state. The prophet was a check upon the power of the king, as a representative both of God's will and the people's rights. He spoke not only of his own opinions, but by the authority of God. Notice instances of the boldness of prophets in rebuking kings (1 Sam. 15. 16-23; 2 Sam. 12. 1-7; 1 Kings 13. 1-6; 17. 1; 22. 7-17). The order of prophets was like the House of Commons, between the king and the people.

III. =THE REIGN OF SAUL.= (B. C. 1095-1055.) 1. This may be divided into two parts: 1.) _a period of prosperity_, during which Saul ruled well, and freed Israel from its oppressors on every side (1 Sam. 14. 47, 48); 2.) then a _period of decline_, in which Saul's kingdom seems to be falling in pieces, and only preserved by the prowess and ability of David. After David's exile the Philistines again overran Israel, and Saul's reign ended in defeat and death.

2. We observe that Saul's reign was =a failure=, and left the tribes in worse condition than it found them. 1.) He failed _in uniting the tribes_; for tribal jealousies continued (1 Sam. 10. 27), and at the close of his reign broke out anew in the establishment of rival thrones (2 Sam. 2. 4, 8, 9). 2.) He failed _in making friends_. He alienated Samuel, and with him the order of prophets (1 Sam. 15. 35); he alienated David, the ablest young man of his age, and the rising hope of Israel, and drove him into exile (1 Sam. 21. 10); he alienated the entire order of the priests, and caused many of them to be massacred (1 Sam. 22. 18). 3.) He failed _to advance religion_; left the tabernacle in ruins; left the ark in seclusion; broke up the service; and drove the priests whom he did not murder into exile (1 Sam. 22. 20-23). 4.) He failed _to liberate Israel_; at his death the yoke of the Philistines was more severe than ever before (1 Sam. 31. 1-7). The most charitable view of Saul was that he was insane during the latter years of his life. The cause of his failure was a desire to reign as an absolute monarch, and an unwillingness to submit to the constitution of the realm.

IV. =THE REIGN OF DAVID.= (B. C. 1055-1015.) This was a brilliant period; for it was led by a great man, in nearly every respect the greatest after Moses in Israelite history.

1. Notice the =condition of Israel at his accession=. This will throw into relief the greatness of his character and his achievements.

1.) It was a _subject people_; under Philistine yoke; its warriors slain; many of its cities deserted; David himself probably at first tributary to the King of Gath.

2.) It was a _disorganized people_. The tribes were divided; national unity was lost; and two thrones were set up, one at Hebron, the other at Mahanaim (2 Sam. 2. 4-9).

3.) It was a _people without religion_. The tabernacle was gone; the ark was in neglect; there was no altar and no sacrifice; the priests had been slain.

We can scarcely imagine Israel at a lower ebb than when David was called to the throne.

2. We ascertain =David's achievements=; the results of his reign. 1.) _He united the tribes._ At first crowned king by Judah only, later he was made king over all the tribes, by the desire of all (2 Sam. 5. 1-5). During his reign we find but little trace of the old feud between Ephraim and Judah, though it was not dead, and destined yet to rend the kingdom asunder.

2.) _He subjugated the land._ The conquest of Palestine, left incomplete by Joshua, and delayed for three hundred years, was finished at last by David in the capture of Jebus or Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5. 6, 7), in the overthrow of the Philistines (2 Sam. 5. 17-25), and in the final capture of their capital city (1 Chron. 18. 1). At last Israel was possessor of its own land.

3.) _He organized the government._ He established a capital (2 Sam. 5. 9). He built a palace (2 Sam. 5. 11). Notice that the builders were from Tyre, showing that the Israelites were not advanced in the arts. He established a system of government, with officers in the court and throughout the realm (1 Chron. 27. 25-34). Contrast all this with Saul, who ruled from his tent, like a Bedouin sheik.

4.) _He established an army._ There was a royal body-guard, probably of foreigners, like that of many European kings in modern times (2 Sam. 8. 18; 15. 18). There was a band of heroes, like Arthur's Round Table (2 Sam. 23. 8-39). There was "the host," the available military force, divided into twelve divisions, one on duty each month (1 Chron. 27. 1-15).

5.) _He established religion._ No sooner was David on the throne than he brought the ark out of its hiding-place, and gave it a new home in his capital (1 Chron. 16. 1). The priesthood was organized, and divided into courses for the service of the tabernacle (1 Chron. 23. 27-32; 24. 1-19). He wrote many psalms, and caused others to be written, for the worship of God. Two prophets stood by his throne (1 Chron. 29. 29), and two high-priests stood by the altar (1 Chron. 24. 3). This organization and uplifting of the public worship had a great effect upon the kingdom.

6.) _He conquered all the surrounding nations._ These wars were largely forced upon David by the jealousy of the neighboring kingdoms. In turn his armies conquered and annexed to his dominions the land of the Philistines (1 Chron. 18. 1), Moab (2 Sam. 8. 2), Syria, even to the great river Euphrates (2 Sam. 8. 3-6); Edom (2 Sam. 8. 14), Ammon, and the country east of Palestine (2 Sam. 10. 1-14; 12. 26-31). The empire of David thus extended from the frontier of Egypt to the Euphrates River, fulfilling the promise of Josh 1. 4. It was at least six times the area of the twelve tribes.

7.) We may add that _he reigned as a theocratic king_. He realized more than any other monarch the divine ideal of a ruler, and so was "the man after God's own heart" (1 Sam. 13. 14); if not altogether in personal character, yet in the principles of his government. He respected the rights of his subjects, had a sympathy for all people, obeyed the voice of the prophets, and sought the interests of God's cause.[G]

Blackboard Outline.

=I. Cau. lea. Mon.= 1. Ten. tow. set. gov. 2. Con. sur. nat. 3. Dan.
inv. 4. Ru. Sam. 5. Wor. am. peo.

=II. Char. Isr. Kin.= 1. Theo. kin. 2. Cons. kin. 3. Reg. by pro.

=III. Rei. Sau.= 1. Pros. and Dec. 2. Fai. 1.) Un. tri. 2.) Mak.
fri. 3.) Adv. rel. 4.) Lib. Isr.

=IV. Rei. Dav.= 1. Con. Isr. acc. 1.) Sub. 2.) Dis. 3.) Wit. rel.
2. Dav. Achiev. 1.) Uni. tri. 2.) Sub. la. 3.) Org. gov.
4.) Est. ar. 5.) Est. rel. 6.) Conq. surr. nat. 7.) Rei. theo.
kin.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

What event marks an epoch in Israelite history? What were the causes leading to the monarchy? What events in the period of the judges show a tendency toward settled government? What changes in government in the surrounding nations helped to bring on the monarchy in Israel? From what source did external danger lead the Israelites to desire a king? How had Samuel unconsciously helped to prepare the way for a kingdom? What worldly spirit promoted the same result?

What kind of a kingdom did God intend for Israel? What is a theocratic kingdom? Wherein was Israel an exception among Oriental kingdoms? By what institution was the kingdom regulated? Name some instances of prophets rebuking kings.

Into what two parts may Saul's reign be divided? Wherein was Saul a failure? How did he fail in gaining and holding friends?

What was the condition of Israel when David came to the throne? What were the achievements of David? What great incomplete work did David finish? What did he do in the organization of his kingdom? What was the arrangement of his army? What were his services to the cause of religion? What nations did he conquer? What was the extent of his empire? In what spirit did he rule?

Subjects for Special Papers.

HOW THE REPUBLIC BECAME A MONARCHY.
THE EARLY LIFE OF DAVID.
DAVID AS HERO, STATESMAN, AND POET.
DAVID'S TRAINING FOR THE THRONE.
SAMUEL, THE FOUNDER OF THE PROPHETIC ORDER.
THE CAUSES AND RESULTS OF ABSALOM'S REBELLION.

FOOTNOTE:

[G] With regard to David's crimes against Uriah and his wife, note that no other ancient monarch would have hesitated to commit such an act, or would have cared for it afterward; while David submitted to the prophet's rebuke, publicly confessed his sin, and showed every token of a true repentance.

SIXTH STUDY.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ISRAEL.

The reign of Solomon (B. C. 1015-975) may be regarded as the culminating period in the history of Israel. But, strictly speaking, the latter part of David's reign and only the former part of Solomon's constitute "the golden age of Israel;" for Solomon's later years manifested a decline, which after his death rapidly grew to a fall.

I. =THE REIGN OF SOLOMON.=

1. =His claim to the throne.= He was one of the youngest of David's sons, the second child of Bath-sheba, born during the culmination of David's reign (1 Chron. 22. 7-9). He obtained the throne by the decree of David, by the choice of God, as the one among David's children best fitted to reign (1 Chron. 28. 5, 6). The principle of primogeniture, or the special right of the eldest son, was not fixed in those times.

2. =His accession= was marked by the execution of three men, Adonijah (1 Kings 2. 24, 25), Joab (1 Kings 2. 28-34), and Shimei (1 Kings 2. 36-46). Two of these had conspired against him, and the third was the last survivor of the house of Saul, and a possible rival for the throne. Their death was dictated by policy, and probably by justice. His throne would not be secure while these men lived.

3. =His empire= embraced all the lands from the Red Sea to the Euphrates, and from the Mediterranean to the Syrian desert, except Phenicia, which was isolated by the Lebanon Mountains. 1.) Besides Palestine he ruled over Edom, Moab, Ammon, Syria (here referring to the district having Damascus as its capital), Zobah, and Hamath. 2.) On the Gulf of Akaba, Ezion-geber was his southern port (1 Kings 9. 26); on the Mediterranean, Gaza (Azzah) was his limit; in the extreme north, Tiphsah, by the Euphrates (1 Kings 4. 24); in the desert, Tadmor, afterward Palmyra (1 Kings 9. 18).

4. =His foreign relations= were extensive, for the first and only time in the history of Israel. 1.) His earliest treaty was _with Tyre_ (Phenicia), whose king had been his father's friend (1 Kings 5. 1). What this alliance brought to Solomon (1 Kings 5. 6-10; 2 Chron. 2. 3-14). 2.) His relations _with Egypt_; in commerce (1 Kings 10. 28, 29); in marriage, a bold departure from Israelite customs (1 Kings 3. 1). Probably Psalm 45 was written upon this event. 3.) _With Arabia_, the land bordering on the southern end of the Red Sea (1 Kings 10. 1-10, 14, 15). 4.) _With India_, which is probably referred to in 1 Kings 9. 26-28. 5.) _With Spain_, probably meant in 1 Kings 10. 22.

5. =His buildings.= 1.) Of these the greatest, the most costly, and the most famous was _the temple_ (1 Kings 6. 1). With this building notice: (_a_) The courts and open square, with an inner court inside for the priests only (2 Chron 4. 9). (_b_) The porch (2 Chron 3. 4). (_c_) The holy place (2 Chron. 3. 8; 1 Kings 6. 17). (_d_) The holy of holies (1 Kings 6. 19, 20). (_e_) The chambers for the priests (1 Kings 6. 5, 6). 2.) _His own palace_, situated south of the temple precincts, in the district called Ophel. Its name derived from its columned entrance (1 Kings 7. 1, 2). 3.) _His fortified cities_ (1 Kings 9. 17-19). 4.) _His aqueducts_, some of which may still be seen (Eccl. 2. 4-6). No King of Israel ever built so many public works as did Solomon.

6. But all was not bright in the reign of Solomon. We must notice also =his sins=, for they wrought great results of evil in the after years. 1.) That which led to all his other sins was _foreign marriages_ (1 Kings 11. 1-4). These were the natural and inevitable result of his foreign relations, and were probably effected for political reasons as well as to add to the splendor of his court. 2.) His _toleration of idolatry_, perhaps actual participation in it (1 Kings 11. 5-8). We cannot over-estimate the harm of Solomon's influence in this direction. At once it allied him with the lower and evil elements in the nation, and lost to him the sympathy of all the earnest souls.[H] 3.) Another of Solomon's sins, not named in Scripture, but referred to in many legends of the East, was his _devotion to magical arts_. He appears in Oriental traditions as the great master of forces in the invisible world, engaging in practices forbidden by the law of Moses (Lev. 19. 31; Deut. 18. 10, 11).

II. =GENERAL ASPECTS OF ISRAEL IN THE REIGN OF SOLOMON.=

1. =It was a period of peace.= For sixty years there were no wars. This gave opportunity for development, for wealth, and for culture.

2. =It was a period of strong government.= The age of individual and tribal energy was ended, and now all the life of the nation was gathered around the throne. All the tribes were held under one strong hand; tribal lines were ignored in the government of the empire (1 Kings 4. 7-19); every department was organized.

3. =It was a period of wide empire.= It was Israel's opportunity for power in the East; for the old Chaldean empire had broken up, the new Assyrian empire had not arisen, and Egypt was passing through a change of rulers and was weak. For one generation Israel held the supremacy in the Oriental world.

4. =It was a period of abundant wealth.= (1 Kings 3. 12, 13; 4. 20; 10. 23, 27.) The sources of this wealth were: 1.) The _conquests_ of David, who had plundered many nations and left his accumulated riches to Solomon (1 Chron. 22. 14-16). 2.) The _tribute_ of the subject kingdoms, doubtless heavy (1 Kings 10. 25). 3.) _Commerce_ with foreign countries, Egypt, Arabia, Tarshish, and Ophir, in ancient times was not carried on by private enterprise, but by the government. The _trade_ of the East from Egypt and Tyre passed through Solomon's dominions, enriching the land. 4.) There were also _taxes_ laid upon the people (1 Kings 4. 7; 12. 4). 5.) The erection of _public buildings_ must have enriched many private citizens and made money plenty.

5. =It was a period of literary activity.= The books written during this epoch were Samuel, Psalms (in part), Proverbs (in part), and perhaps Ecclesiastes and Solomon's Song. Not all the writings of Solomon have been preserved (1 Kings 4. 32, 33).

III. =DANGERS OF THE PERIOD.= There was an Arabian tradition that in Solomon's staff, on which he leaned, there was a worm secretly gnawing it asunder. So there were elements of destruction under all the splendor of Solomon's throne.

1. =The absolute power of the king.= David had maintained the theocratic constitution of the state; Solomon set it aside and ruled with absolute power in all departments. He assumed priestly functions (1 Kings 8. 22, 54, 64); he abolished tribal boundaries in his administration (1 Kings 4. 7-19); he ignored both priests and prophets, and concentrated all rule in his own person.

2. =The formal character of the worship.= There was a magnificent temple and a gorgeous ritual, but none of the warmth and personal devotion which characterized the worship of David. The fervor of the Davidic psalms is wanting in the literature of Solomon's age.

3. =Luxury and corruption of morals.= These are the inevitable results of abundant riches and worldly association. We do not need the warnings in Prov. 2. 16-19; 5. 3-6, etc., to know that a flood of immorality swept over Jerusalem and Israel.

4. =The burden of taxation.= With a splendid court, an immense harem, and a wealthy nobility came high prices and high taxes; the rich growing richer rapidly, the poor becoming poorer. The events of the next reign show how heavy and unendurable these burdens grew.

5. =Heathen customs.= With the foreign peoples came the toleration of idolatry, its encouragement, and all the abominations connected with it. Jeroboam could not have established his new religion (1 Kings 12. 28) if Solomon had not already patronized idol-worship.

6. Underlying all was the old =tribal jealousy= of Ephraim and Judah, fostered by an able leader (1 Kings 11. 26), ready to break out in due time, and to destroy the empire.

After all, it is uncertain whether the reign of Solomon was a golden or only a gilded age.

Blackboard Outline.

=I. Rei. Sol.= 1. Cl. thr. 2. Acc. 3. Emp. [Lands. Cities] 4. For.
rel. 1.) Ty. 2.) Eg. 3.) Ar. 4.) Ind. 5.) Sp. 5. Buil. 1.)
Tem. 2.) Pal. 3.) For. cit. 4.) Aque. 6. Sins 1.) For. mar.
2.) Tol. idol. 3.) Mag.

=II. Gen. Asp. Isr.= 1. Pea. 2. Str. gov. 3. Abun. weal. 1.) Conq.
2.) Trib. 3.) Com. 4.) Tax. 5). Pub. build. 5. Lit. art.

=III. Dan. Per.= 1. Abs. pow. 2. For. wor. 3. Lux. cor. mor. 4.
Bur. tax. 5. Hea. cus. 6. Tri. jeal.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

What is meant by the Golden Age of Israel?
Who was Solomon?
How did Solomon obtain the throne?
What events marked his accession?
What lands were included in his empire?
What were the frontier cities of the empire?
With what foreign countries did Solomon have relations?
What resulted from his alliance with Tyre?
What innovation came from Egypt?
Who visited Solomon from Arabia?
What were the early names of Spain and India?
What four classes of buildings were erected by Solomon?
What were the different parts of his temple?
What was the name given to Solomon's palace?
Name some of the cities which he built and fortified.
What other public works did he build?
What three kinds of sin did Solomon commit?
What was his motive in seeking foreign marriages?
Name five general aspects of Israel in Solomon's reign.
What were the benefits of the peace at that time?
What was the characteristic of Solomon's administration?
What opportunity did the age give to a great empire for Israel?
What were the sources of the wealth in Solomon's age?
How was it a period of literary activity?
What ancient legend illustrates the dangers of Solomon's age?
What were some of these dangers?
Wherein did Solomon set aside the Israelite constitution?
What was the defect in the religion of Solomon's time?
What evils resulted from the wealth of that time?
What caused heavy taxation?
What heathen customs were introduced?
What showed that tribal jealousy was still existing?

Subjects for Special Papers.

THE CHARACTER OF SOLOMON.
WAS AN EMPIRE FOR ISRAEL DESIRABLE?
THE WRITINGS OF SOLOMON.
TARSHISH AND OPHIR.
THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON.
SOLOMON IN ORIENTAL LEGENDS.

FOOTNOTE:

[H] Notice that while the prophets had been friendly to David, they were strongly opposed to Solomon, and gave aid to his enemy Jeroboam (1 Kings 11. 29-39).

SEVENTH STUDY.

THE RIVAL THRONES.--ISRAEL.

The splendors of Solomon's reign passed away even more suddenly than they arose. In less than a year after his death his empire was broken up, and two quarreling principalities were all that was left of Israel.

I. Let us ascertain the =CAUSES OF THE DIVISION OF ISRAEL=. These were:

1. =The oppressive government of Solomon.= (1 Kings 12. 3, 4.) How far the complaints of the people were just, and to what degree they were the pretexts of an ambitious demagogue, we have no means of knowing. But it is evident that the government of Solomon, with its court, its palaces, its buildings, and its splendor, must have borne heavily upon the people. Probably, also, the luxury of living among the upper classes, so suddenly introduced, led to financial crises and stringency of money, for which the government was held responsible by the discontented people.

2. =The opposition of the prophets.= (1 Kings 11. 11-13, 29-33.) It is a suggestive fact that the prophets were opposed to Solomon and friendly to Jeroboam. Their reason was a strong resentment to the foreign alliances, foreign customs, and especially to the foreign idolatries which Solomon introduced.

3. =Foreign intrigues=, especially in Egypt. The old kingdoms were not friendly to this Israelite empire, which loomed up so suddenly, and threatened to conquer all the East. Solomon's attempt to win the favor of Egypt by a royal marriage (1 Kings 3. 1) was a failure, for two enemies of Solomon, driven out of his dominions, found refuge in Egypt, were admitted to the court, married relatives of the king, and stirred up conspiracies against Solomon's throne (1 Kings 11. 14-22, 40). Another center of conspiracy was Damascus, where Rezon kept up a semi-independent relation to Solomon's empire (1 Kings 11. 23-25).

4. =Tribal jealousy=; the old sore broken out again. Notice that Jeroboam belonged to the haughty tribe of Ephraim (1 Kings 11. 26), always envious of Judah, and restless under the throne of David. The kingdom of the ten tribes was established mainly through the influence of this tribe.

5. =The ambition of Jeroboam= was another force in the disruption. It was unfortunate for Solomon's kingdom that the ablest young man of that time in Israel, a wily political leader and an unscrupulous partisan, belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, and from his environment was an enemy of the then existing government. The fact that he was sent for from Egypt to the assembly at Shechem showed collusion and preparation of the scheme (1 Kings 12. 2, 3).

6. But even all these causes might have been insufficient but for =the folly of Rehoboam= (1 Kings 12. 13, 14). If David had been on the throne that day an empire might have been saved. But Rehoboam, brought up in the purple, was without sympathy with the people, tried to act the part of a tyrant, and lost his ancestral realm (1 Kings 12. 16).

II. =THE RESULTS OF THE DIVISION.= These were partly political, partly religious, and were neither of unmixed good nor unmixed evil.

1. The =political results= were: 1.) The entire _disruption_ of Solomon's empire. Five kingdoms took the place of one; Syria on the north, Israel in the center, Judah west of the Dead Sea, Moab east of the Dead Sea, and Edom on the extreme south. Moab was nominally subject to Israel, and Edom to Judah; but only strong kings, like Ahab in Israel and Jehoshaphat in Judah, could exact the tribute (2 Kings 3. 4; 1 Kings 22. 47). 2.) With the loss of empire came _rivalry_, and consequent _weakness_. For fifty years Israel and Judah were at war, and spent their strength in civil strife, while Syria was growing powerful, and afar in the north-east Assyria was threatening. 3.) As a natural result came at last _foreign domination_. Both Israel and Judah fell under the power of other nations, and were swept into captivity as the final result of the disruption wrought by Jeroboam.

2. =The religious results= of the division were more favorable. They were: 1.) _Preservation of the true religion._ A great empire would inevitably have been the spiritual ruin of Israel, for it must have been worldly, secular, and, in the end, idolatrous. The disruption broke off relation with the world, put an end to schemes of secular empire, and placed Israel and Judah once more alone among their mountains. In this sense the event was from the Lord, who had higher and more enduring purposes than an earthly empire (1 Kings 12. 15-24). 2.) _Protection of the true religion._ Israel on the north stood as a "buffer," warding off the world from Judah on the south. It was neither wholly idolatrous nor wholly religious, but was a debatable land for centuries. It fell at last, but it saved Judah; and in Judah was the unconscious hope of the world. 3.) _Concentration of the true religion._ The departure of Israel from the true faith led to the gathering of the priests, Levites and worshiping element of the people in Judah (2 Chron. 11. 13-16). Thus the Jewish kingdom was far more devoted to Jehovah than it might otherwise have been.

III. =THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL.= From the division the name _Israel_ was applied to the northern kingdom and _Judah_ to the southern. We notice the general aspects of Israel during its history, from B. C. 975 to 721.

1. =Its extent.= It embraced all the territory of the twelve tribes except Judah and a part of Benjamin (1 Kings 12. 19-21), held a nominal supremacy over Moab east of the Dead Sea, and embraced about 9,375 square miles, while Judah included only 3,435. Israel was about equal in area to Massachusetts and Rhode Island together.

2. =Its capital= was at first _Shechem_, in the center of the land (1 Kings 12. 25); then, during several reigns, at _Tirzah_ (1 Kings 15. 33; 16. 23); then at _Samaria_ (1 Kings 16. 24), where it remained until the end of the kingdom. That city after a time gave its name to the kingdom (1 Kings 21. 1), and after the fall of the kingdom to the province in the center of Palestine (John 4. 3, 4).

3. =Its religion.= 1.) Very soon after the institution of the new kingdom Jeroboam established a national religion, the _worship of the calves_ (1 Kings 12. 26-33). This was not a new form of worship, but had been maintained in Israel ever since the Exodus (Exod. 32. 1-4). In character it was a modified idolatry, half-way between the pure religion and the abominations of the heathen. 2.) Ahab and his house introduced the Phenician _worship of Baal_, an idolatry of the most abominable and immoral sort (1 Kings 16. 30-33), but it never gained control in Israel, and was doubtless one cause of the revolution which placed another family on the throne. 3.) Through the history of Israel there remained a remnant of _worshipers of Jehovah_, who were watched over by a noble array of prophets, and though often persecuted remained faithful (1 Kings 19. 14, 18).

4. =Its rulers.= During two hundred and fifty years Israel was governed by nineteen kings, with intervals of anarchy. Five houses in turn held sway, each established by a usurper, generally a soldier, and each dynasty ending in a murder.

1.) _The House of Jeroboam_ (B. C. 974 to 953), with two kings, followed by a general massacre of Jeroboam's family (1 Kings 15. 29, 30).

2.) _The House of Baasha_ (B. C. 953-929), two kings, followed by a civil war (1 Kings 16. 16-22).

3.) _The House of Omri_ (B. C. 929-884), four kings, of whom Omri and Ahab were the most powerful. This was the age of the prophet Elijah and the great struggle between the worship of Jehovah and of Baal (1 Kings 18. 4-21).

4.) _The House of Jehu_ (B. C. 884-772), five kings, under whom were great changes of fortune. The reign of Jehoahaz saw Israel reduced to a mere province of Syria (2 Kings 13. 1-9). His son Joash threw off the Syrian yoke, and _his_ son, Jeroboam II., raised Israel almost to its condition of empire in the days of Solomon (2 Kings 14. 23-29). His reign is called "the Indian summer of Israel."

5.) _The House of Menahem_ (B. C. 772-759), two reigns. Israel had by this time fallen under the power of Assyria, now dominant over the East, and its history is the story of kings rising and falling in rapid succession, with long intervals of anarchy. From the fall of this dynasty there was only the semblance of a state until the final destruction of Samaria, B. C. 721.

5. =Its foreign relations.= During the period of the Israelite kingdom we see lands struggling for the dominion of the East. The history of Israel is interwoven with that of Syria and Assyria, which may now be read from the monuments.

1.) There was a _Period of Division_ (B. C. 975-929). During the reign of the houses of Jeroboam and Baasha there were constant wars between Israel, Syria, and Judah; and as a result all were kept weak, and "a balance of power" was maintained.

2.) Then followed a _Period of Alliance_ (B. C. 929-884)--that is, between Israel and Judah, during the sway of the House of Omri. The two lands were in friendly relations, and the two thrones were connected by marriages. As a result both Israel and Judah were strong, Moab and Edom were kept under control, and Syria was held in check.

3.) Next came the _Period of Syrian Ascendency_ (B. C. 884-840). During the first two reigns of the House of Jehu Syria rose to great power tinder Hazael, and overran both Israel and Judah. At one time Israel was in danger of utter destruction, but was preserved. Near the close of these periods the dying prophecy of Elisha was uttered (2 Kings 13. 14-25).

4.) _The Period of Israelite Ascendency_ (B. C. 840-772). Israel under Jeroboam II. took its turn of power, and for a brief period was again dominant to the Euphrates, as in the days of Solomon.

5.) _The Period of Assyrian Ascendency_ (B. C. 772-721). But its glory soon faded away before that of Assyria, which was now rapidly becoming the empire of the East. Its rise meant the fall of Israel; and under the unfortunate Hoshea Samaria was taken, what was left of the ten tribes were carried captive, and the kingdom of Israel was extinguished (2 Kings 17. 1-6).

IV. =THE FATE OF THE TEN TRIBES.= There has been much idle discussion over this subject and some absurd claims set up; for example, that the Anglo-Saxon race are descended from the ten lost tribes--a statement opposed to all history, to ethnology, and to every evidence of language.

1. After their deposition nearly all the Israelites, having lost their national religion and having no bond of union, =mingled with the Gentiles= around them and lost their identity, just as hundreds of other races have done. The only bond which will keep a nation long alive is that of religion.

2. Some remained in Palestine, others returned thither and formed the =nucleus of the Samaritan people=, a race of mingled origin (2 Kings 17. 24-29).

3. Some of those who remained in the East retained their religion, or were revived in it, and later became a part of the =Jews of the dispersion=; though "the dispersion" was mainly Jewish, and not Israelite.

4. A few =families united with the Jews= returned with them to Palestine after the exile, yet retained their tribal relationship; for example, Anna (Luke 2. 36).

Blackboard Outline.

=I. Cau. Div.= 1. Opp. gov. 2. Opp. pro. 3. For. int. 4. Tri. jeal.
5. Am. Jer. 6. Fol. Re.

=II. Res. Div.= 1. Pol. res. 1.) Dis. emp. 2.) Riv. and weak.
3.) For. dom.
2. Rel. res. 1.) Pres. rel. 2.) Pro. rel. 3.) Conc. rel.

=III. Kin. Isr.= 1. Ext. 9,375.
2. Cap. 1.) Sh. 2.) Tir. 3.) Sam.
3. Rel. 1.) Wor. cal. 2.) Wor. Ba. 3.) Wor. Jeh.
4. Rul. 1.) Hou. Jer. 2.) Hou. Ra. 3.) Hou. Om. 4.) Hou. Je.
5.) Hou. Men.
5. For. Rel. 1.) Per. Div. 2.) Per. All. 3.) Per. Syr. Asc.
4.) Per. Isr. Asc. 5.) Per. Ass. Asc.

=IV. Fat. Ten. Tri.= 1. Min. Gen. 2. Sam. peo. 3. Disp.
4. Jews.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

What causes may be assigned for the division of Israel? How far was Solomon's government responsible? What was the relation of the prophets to the revolution? What foreign intrigues contributed to break up the kingdom? Who were connected with these intrigues? What ancient jealousy aided, and how? What man led in the breaking up of the kingdom? Whose folly enabled the plot to succeed?

What were the political results of the division? What were its religious results? How was this event from the Lord?