infidelity: and the horrors of the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman captivities. Deut. xxviii.

293. The Law, and the Song of Moses. -Moses also delivered the 'Book of the Law' he had written to the Levites, commanding them to place it in the side of the Ark of the Covenant, and that it should be publicly read every seventh, or Sabbatical Year, at the Feast of Tabernacles: after which, he wrote the memorable Song, composing the xxxii. chapter, which he directed to 'be taught to all Israel.'

294. Death of Moses.-MOSES now delivered a farewell address, and, after blessing the people, was permitted by God to take a view of the Land of Canaan from Mount Nebo, even the top of Pisgah (Deut. xxxii. 52.); this was denied to Aaron on account of his seconding the rebellion of Miriam. Here Moses soon after died, at the age of 120 years; and the children of Israel mourned for him thirty days; (Deut. xxxiv. 7, 8. 10.)—1451. B. C. 2553. a. M. 'And God buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Deut. xxxiv. 6.

295. Type.-MOSES in some measure was a type of the Redeemer. As a leader, he delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, as Christ delivers his people from the bondage of Satan: as a legislator he gave them laws for their comfort and well-being, as the Gospel is for our eternal happiness; and as a prophet, he foreshadowed the Promised land, as our Lord points out the Heavenly Canaan.

The Bistorical Books.

296. THE Historical Books are twelve in number, extending from Joshua to Esther inclusive, and comprise a period of 1031 years, viz.-from the death of Moses 1451. B. C. to the reformation effected

293. Where did Moses deposit the 'Law?' and what did he command respecting it? 294. Where, and when, and at what age, did Moses die? From what point did he see the Promised land? why was this denied to Aaron? In what way is Moses typical of our Lord?

296.

295.

What

B. C. 1451.]

HISTORICAL BOOKS.

by Nehemiah, after the return from Babylon; 420. B. C.

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about

297. Their contents.-They give a history of the Israelites under JUDGES; under KINGS as an united nation; under KINGS as a divided nation, 2 tribes forming the kingdom of Judah, and 10 tribes, that of Israel; and likewise, the Captivity of Babylon; and their subsequent restoration.

298. The Judges.-There were 14 Judges, who were raised up under extraordinary circumstances to govern the Israelites, after the death of Joshua, 1443. B. C.

Of these Judges, the chief were:

1. OTHNIEL, who delivered the Israelites from their Servitude under Cushan.

2. EHUD, who delivered them from the Moabites.

3. SHAMGAR, who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.

4. DEBORAH, and BARAK, who conquered Sisera, and the Canaanites.

5. GIDEON, who slew the Midianites.

6. JEPHTHAH, who conquered the Ammonites, and made the rash vow.

7. SAMSON, distinguished for his strength, and his victories over the Philistines.

8.

9.

ELI, who was punished for the wickedness of his sons.

SAMUEL, who was the last and most upright of the judges.

299. Kings. After the Judges, the nation

period do the Historical Books comprise? 297. What varied circumstances of the Israelites are detailed in the Historical Books? 298. How many Judges were there? Who were the most distinguished Judges; and on what account? 299. Under what kings did the nation remain undivided? What was the duration of each reign?

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300. Kingdom Divided.-After the death of SOLOMON, ten tribes revolted, and formed the Kingdom of Israel, which had 19 kings, and the two remaining tribes formed the Kingdom of Judah, which had 20 kings. Israel lasted 254 years, from 975. B. C. to 721. B. C.; and Judah lasted 388 years, from 975. B. C. to 588. B. C.

301.

THE Book of 'Joshua' is so called, because it narrates the acts of JOSHUA, the successor of Moses: it comprises a period of about 20, or 30 years.

302. This Book describes the occupation of Canaan by the Israelites; the division of the conquered land; and Joshua's death, and burial.

303. Joshua was the son of Nun, and of the tribe of Ephraim, born about B. C. 1536.; his name originally was Hosea or Oshea, a saviour', which Moses changed to Jehoshuah, the 'salvation of God,' hence Joshua, and Jesus.' When in the wilderness, he routed the army of the Amalekites (Exod. xvii. 9.); and was one of the Deputies sent to view the Promised Land: his and Caleb's confidence in the promises of God permitted them alone to outlive the 40

300. After the death of Solomon how was the kingdom divided? How long did the kingdoms of Judah, and Israel last? 301. Why is the book of Joshua so called? What period is included in the book of Joshua? 302. What is described in the book of Joshua? 303. What is known of the early life of the successor of Moses?

years wanderings, and enter Canaan. At the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed by Divine direction his successor. (Numb. xxvii. 18.); Josh. i. 5.

304. Jericho espied.-Joshua began by leading the Israelites to the shores of the Jordan, on the eastern side of Canaan; where God promised him that in three days he should pass the river. He sent two spies into Jericho to ascertain the strength of the city; but they were discovered, and escaped only by Rahab concealing them on the roof of her house and covering them with the stalks of flax, and afterwards letting them down from a window over the city walls; in return for the woman's kindness, they directed her 'to bind a line of scarlet thread in the window' that they might recognize the house, and protect her and her family. Josh. ii. 18; Jas. ii. 25.

305. Passage of the Jordan.—Joshua now commanded the Priests bearing the 'Ark of the Covenant” to go in advance of the whole body, and the people to follow at about 1000 yards distance: as soon as the feet of the Priests bearing the Ark touched the water, the Jordan separated, and left a dry passage for the people to pass. The Priests remained with the Ark in the middle of the river, till all had gone over; a man from each tribe then took a stone from the place where the Priests' feet stood, and set it up at Gilgal, where they lodged that night,' as a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.' JOSHUA also set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, where the feet of the Priests stood; and they are there unto this day. The 'Ark of the Lord' was the last to pass over: and immediately afterwards the waters of the river rolled on in their usual course. The Israelites encamped in Gilgal, opposite Jericho. This event occurred 1451. B. c. 2553. A. M. Josh. iv. 19.

306. While at Gilgal, God commanded the rite of Circumcision to be renewed; the Passover also, which had been omitted from the day when it was performed the second time at Sinai, was likewise kept. On the following

304. On what side of Canaan did the Israelites enter? Who led them? Through what river, and opposite to what city did the Israelites enter Canaan? Who concealed the spies sent by Joshua, where were they hidden, and by what token was the house to be known when the city was taken? 305. Describe the passage of the Israelites over Jordan. When was it effected? 306. What did the Israelites at Gilgal? and what supply ceased?

day, the supply of Manna ceased, and the people obtained food from the ordinary sources. Shortly after, the Divine Being in the form of an Angel appeared to Joshua, declaring himself 'Captain of the Host of the Lord;' and after reassuring him of the protection of God, directed him in what way the city of Jericho was to be assaulted. (ib. v. 13.).

307. Jericho taken.—The first city attacked by

JOSHUA was Jericho, situated about 20 miles N. E. from Jerusalem, and 6 from the Jordan (Josh. xviii. 21.); it was taken by the intervention of God, who commanded them once a day for six days to march with the Ark completely round the city, preceded by seven Priests, bearing seven trumpets of rams' horns; and on the seventh day, to march round seven times, blowing the trumpets. While the trumpets were sounding, and the people shouting, the walls fell flat down, and every man entered the city 'straight before him.' Josh. vi. 20.

308. Jericho destroyed. The city with its inhabitants and treasures (except the gold, silver, iron, and brass, which were to be consecrated to the Lord), were utterly destroyed; Rahab, and her family, were excepted, because she had at the hazard of her life, protected the messengers sent by Joshua to view the city. (Josh. vi. 21-26.). 1451. B. C.

309. The Curse.-Jericho was forbidden to be rebuilt, for Joshua said, 'Cursed be the man before the 'Lord that raiseth up, and buildeth this city Jericho: he 'shall lay the foundation thereof in his first-born, and in 'his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.' (Josh. vi. 26). This denunciation was fulfilled in the reign of Ahab, (about 900. B. c.) upon Hiel, the Bethel-ite, who ventured to rebuild it. (1 Kings xvi. 34.). He lost his first-born, Abiram, at the beginning of the work, the rest of the children during the progress of it, and the youngest, Segub, when he had finished it.

310. Achan.-The Israelites next marched against Ai, a city near Bethel. JOSHUA sent 3000 men;

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307. What city was taken first by the Israelites on their entrance into Canaan, and by what means? and where was it situated? 308. What befel the city, and its inhabitants? 309. When, and in whom, was the curse pronounced on him who should rebuild Jericho fulfilled? 310. Account for the reverses Israel met with at the siege of Ai?