What nation, formerly subdued by David, rebelled after the death of Ahab? 2 Sam. 8. 2.
What accident befel Ahaziah,and to whom did he send a message of enquiry?
In what respects was his conduct faulty in this matter? Ps. 76.1.
In what other instances do we find men more solicitous to know the event of their sickness, than the means of recovery? 1 Kings 14.3, 1 Kings 7.7—9.
What is meant by the name Baal-zebub, and what mention is made of it in the New Testament? Mat. 12. 24. Mark 3. 22. N. B. The name means, Lord of flies.
By whom were the messengers met on the way, and how addressed ? v. 3, 4.
What enquiries did the king make of the messengers on their return, and what did they answer him?
Whom did Elijah resemble in his personal appearance? Mat. 3. 4. N. B. Elijah was a type of John the Baptist.
What measures did the king take for the apprehension of the prophet, and what became of the first companies?
On what occasion did Christ forbid his disciples making this a precedent for themselves? Luke 9. 51—56.
Did the third captain act a wiser part, and what was the result?
What did Elijah say when brought into the presence of the king, and was his word fulfilled accordingly ?
Who succeeded him in the kingdom?
What case had there been previous to Elijah, of one being taken to heaven without tasting death? Gen. 5.24.
What did Elijah do previous to his translation? N, B. This journey was no doubt undertaken for the purpose of visiting the schools of the prophets, to instruct, encourage, and bless them.
What do we learn from this as to the duty of good men when they are about to leave the world? 2Pet. 1.12—15.
What did Elisha say when Elijah was disposed to put his affection to the test?
What have we formerly met with similar to this? Ruth 1. 15—18.
What did the sons of the prophets say to Elisha, and how did he answer them? N. B. The phrase, " Take away thy master from thy head," has reference to the manner in which the Jewish teachers sat in the midst of their pupils, it being on an elevated seat or platform, so that their feet were on a level with the heads of their disciples. Hence it is said of Paul, that he was "brought up at the feet of Gamaliel."
What did Elijah still urge without effect upon Elisha, and whither did they come together while the sons of the prophets beheld them from a distance?
How did they cross the river, and what conversation then ensued?
Ought we highly to prize the society of aged and dying saints, and to endeavor to have their gifts perpetuated in us?
What were the circumstances of the translation, and what immediately followed? 11—14.
How was he received by the sons of the prophets, to what proposal of theirs did he at last consent, and what was the result? v. 15—18.
What miracle did he perform for the benefit of the men of Jericho? v. 19—22.
How was he treated by a number of little children at Bethel, and what awful judgment fell upon them?
Was Elisha's curse the effect of personal resentment, or of a divine impulse?
Would it seem that they had heard of Elijah's "going up," or ascension, and thus expressed a wish to be rid of Elisha also?
What rendered the sin of the children peculiarly heinous? Lev. 19. 32.
Were the parents of those children chargeable in great measure with the guilt and the destruction of their offspring?
Who succeeded Ahaziah in Israel, and what is the character given of him-? v. 1-3
What tribute had the king of Moab paid to the king of Israel, and what emboldened him to rebel?
What measures did Jehoram take to reduce him to subjection, and what was Jehosaphat's answer? v. 6, 7.
What route did they take in going against Moab, who joined them, and what privations did they meet with? v. 8—10.
What was Jehosaphat's resort in this extremity, what prophet did they find, and what did he say to the king of Israel? v. 11—14.
What directions did he give, and what assurances, preparatory to procuring a miraculous supply of water? v. 15—19.
When and how was his word accomplished in regard to the water, and what was the issue of the engagement?
How did they proceed to mar the country, and what was the desperate conduct of the king of Moab?
How did this horrid deed affect the spectators, and what were they induced to do? N.B. By this is implied, either that the subjects of the king of Moab were hereby bitterly enraged and exasperated against Israel for driving their master to this extremity, or, that a great spirit of indignation against Mesha fell upon the Israelites in view of such a shocking spectacle. It may be, that both ideas were intended to be conveyed.
Can any bounds be set to the possible wickedness of men?
What is related of the complaint of a poor prophet's widow, and of the manner in which her debt was paid? v. 1—7.
Is the payment of just debts a duty of paramount obligation in our dealings with men?
Does a man's taking the benefit of bankrupt or relief laws free him from the moral obligation to use his utmost exertions to pay all his debts?
Is it becoming a Christian to contract heavy debts, or to engage in precarious speculations ?
May we infer from this incident that the widows and families of pious and useful servants of God have a special ground of encouragement to trust in Providence for a support?
Was the miracle in this case similar to that of Christ in multiplying the loaves and fishes?
By whom, and in what manner, was Elisha hospitably entertained?
How did he evince his gratitude for this kindness, and how did he reward it? v. 12—17.
What befel the child afterwards, and what did the mother do on the occasion? v. 18—24.
What conversation ensued, and how was her child restored to her? v. 25—37.
In what particular did Christ's miracles differ, as to manner, from those of Elisha and other prophets? Luke 1. 11—17. John 11. 41—46.
Whither did Elisha return, and what did he order to be done in view of the dearth that prevailed? v. 38.
What accident happened, and how were the effects of it prevented?
What additional fact is here related, and where do we find a parallel of it? Mat, 14. 15—21.
What is here said of Naaman the Syrian, and what do we learn from it of the real source of political blessings?
Is the hand of Providence to be acknowledged in the events of profane history, as well as of sacred?
What diminution was there to Naaman's happiness ? N. B. " Every man has some but or other in his character or condition, to allay to his grandeur, or damp his joy." HENRY.
By what means was he informed of one who could probably effect a cure for him?
Ought little children to be made early acquainted with the characters and deeds of good men, and inspired with veneration for them?
Can persons often find opportunities to be useful even in the lowest condition of life?
How was the matter arranged between Naaman and the king, and what was the purport of the letter?
Does he seem to have thought that the prophet was entirely at the command of the king?
What was the effect of the letter upon the king of Israel, and did his excitement arise from a misconception of Benhadad's meaning?
What said Elisha when the circumstance came to his ear?
What was the manner of Naaman's application to Elisha, and how did he receive the prophet's directions?
Was his language on this occasion a fair specimen of the objections of sinners to God's appointed means of salvation?
How was he prevented from turning away, and going home without receiving any benefit from the journey?
Does it appear that persons in humble life have often far more true wisdom, and correct views of the dealings of God's Providence, than their superiors?
What was the effect of his washing both upon his body and his mind?
Did Elisha consent to take his presents, and what request did Naaman make of him?
Did it indicate extreme superstition in Naaman to suppose there was such virtue in the earth of Israel, that no other would answer to make an altar of?
Does the veneration in the Roman church for sacred relics flow from the same principle?
In what particular did the Naaman beg a dispensation at the hands of the prophet, and does this fact lead to a suspicion that his convictions were not sound?
What is to be thought of those who make reservations at this day, in their duty to God?
Are persons in public and political life under great temptations to this sin?
What is related of the depraved conduct of Gehazi on this occasion? v. 20—24. N.B. Gehazi is supposed to have been one of the "sons of the prophets" acting as a constant attendant on Elisha, or one who, as the proverbial expression went, "poured water on his hands."
How was his vile covetousness detected, rebuked, and punished?
What lesson do we learn from his fate? 1 Tim. 6.9,10.
What proposition was made to Elisha, and to what miracle did the affair give occasion? v. 1—7.
What do we learn from this passage respecting the personal accommodations and the habits of these sons of the prophets?
What useful information did Elisha give to the king in the Syrian war, and what suspicions were hereby excited in the mind of Benhadad? V.8—11.
How was the matter explained to him, and what was he thereupon induced to do? v. 12—14.
How was Elisha'a servant affected by the sight of the armed host, and how were his fears relieved?
What may we learn from this?
In what singular manner were his enemies defeated of their aim, and returned in safety to their master? v. 18—23.
Although the Syrians came no more into the land of Israel by bands, or detached parties, who collected the whole host and led them thither?
What was the consequence of the siege to Samaria, and what horrid transaction came to the ears of the king?
Was this the fulfilment of an ancient prophecy and what? Lev. 26. 29.
How was the king affected by the circumstance, and how did he vent his indignation?
How was Elisha employed when the messenger came to take his life, and how was that step prevented?
What was the king's desponding and unbelieving speech to Elisha and the elders? N. B. The king seems to have repented of his rash and bloody order, and to have come in haste to prevent the execution of it.
What prediction did Elisha utter, and how did he reply to the unbelieving lord?
What account is given of the four leprous men, and of the consequences of their singular resolve? v.3-1.
For whom may this resolution very properly serve as a model?
To what was the flight of the Syrian army owing?
What did they do after having entered the deserted camp, feasted themselves, and secured a portion of the prey? v. 8—11.
What is the duty of those who have found the unsearchable riches of Christ, while they know that others are perishing for the want of them?
What were Jehoram's suspicions on this occasion, and how did he become satisfied as to the fact? V. 12—15.
What did the people do with the tents of the enemy, how was Elisha's prediction fulfilled, and what became of the unbelieving lord? N. B, He was probably stationed at the gate to prevent the disorderly rush of the hungry multitude to the camp ; but proving unequal to the task, the crowd pressed upon him and trampled him to death.
Do we learn from his fate that it is dangerous to question the divine declarations?
What counsel did Elisha give to his benefactress, the Shunamite, and why?
Did she comply with this advice, and what is related of her after the term had expired? V. 2, 3.
What were the peculiar circumstances and the result of her introduction to the king? V.4—6.
Whither did Elisha go up from Samaria, what message was sent to him, and what answer did he return to it? N. B. This is an instance of that strange sentiment of fatality which paralysed the use of all rational means of recovery. Some abuse the doctrine of the divine decrees in the same manner.
What took place between the prophet and Hazael the messenger? v. 11—13.
Should we be equally astonished and incredulous were we told the real wickedness of our hearts?
What false report did he bring to the king, and how did he hasten his death? v. 14, 15.
Who began to reign with Jehosaphat, whom did he marry, and what was his character?
How did he deal with his brothers? 2 Chron. 21.4.
What considerations stayed the divine judgments?
What nation revolted from Judah, and how did Joram succeed in his attempts to reduce them to submission?
What is related of the manner of his death? Chron. 21. 12—20.
Who succeeded him, what was the name and family of his mother, and what his character?
What circumstances are mentioned respecting him and Joram the son of Ahab?
Did Ahaziah's visit cost him dear? 2 Chron 22.7.
What command did Elisha give to one of the sons of the prophets? v. 1—3.
How did the young man execute this commission? V. 4—10.
Was there any injustice towards Ahab's house in this proceeding?
What took place when Jehu returned to his servants? v. 11—15.
What happened as he drew near to Jezreel in order to fall upon Joram?
What preparations did Joram make to meet him, and what was the issue of the interview? V. 21—24.
What was done with Joram's dead body, and why? V. 25, 26.
What was the fate of Ahaziah, and why was peculiar respect shewn to his remains? 2 Chron. 22.9.
What was the tragical end of Jezebel, and how was Jehu disappointed in his design of burying her? V. 30—35.
Of what was he reminded by this circumstance? v. 36, 37.
Do we elsewhere find that the house of Jehu was punished for the blood shed at Jezreel? Hos. 1. 4.
What remarkable allusion do we elsewhere find to Jezebel? Rev. 2. 20—23. N. B. We conceive that Jezebel in this passage of the Revelations is brought in as a type of that corrupt and apostate church which is called afterwards "The mother of harlots and abominations of the earth." Consequently if we suppose, as we may do with great probability, that the seven epistles to the Asiatic churches are prophetical of the state of religion among its true disciples in seven different periods of the church, reaching to the millennium, that to Thyatira, containing the mention of Jezebel, must be referred to the period when the pretended adulterous spouse of Christ was at her height, or when the woman sat upon the scarlet colored beast drunk with the blood of the saints, (Rev. 17. 1—7); a state of things which would naturally tend to corrupt in a measure the true church.
What was the purport of Jehu's first letter to the elders of Samaria, and how did they answer him?
What were the contents of the second letter, and what effect had it?
What was done with the heads of Ahab's sons when brought to Jezreel, and what did Jehu take occasion to say to the people?
How did he proceed in executing the bloody work assigned him?
What other persons, falling within his instructions, were slain at the pit of the shearing house? v.12—14.
Do these tremendous judgments shew the consequences of being connected with wicked men, as well as the danger of apostacy and idolatry?
What good man did he meet with and take into his carriage on the way, and what conversation ensued between them?
What have we elsewhere said of this Jehonadab? Jer. 35.6—10.
Are good men often liable to be imposed upon by the shew of great zeal?
Is a real concern for the glory of God, of an ostentatious nature? Prov. 27.2.
What did Jehu do on his arrival at Samaria? V. 17—25.
Is his stratagem to be justified? Rom. 3. 8.
Does Jehonadab appear to have been too hasty in his concurrence?
What was done with the images and the house of Baal?
Were Jehu's motives in these transactions pure and upright?
What was his subsequent conduct?
Is it a common character of hypocrites to be very earnest about one part of religion and very negligent about others?
What disasters began to happen to Israel in these days and who were the principal sufferers?
Did these tribes now smart for the choice their ancestors had made of an inheritance on the other side of the river?
Do we find that Damascus notwithstanding was afterwards reckoned with for this invasion? Amos 1.3,4.
To what act of barbarity was Athaliah instigated when she saw that her son was dead, and by what means did Joash escape?
Have some of the most awful deeds of revenge ever recorded been perpetrated by women?
Whose daughter was Athaliah?
What transpired after Joash had been concealed six years, and whence did Jehoiada collect his abettors on this occasion ? 2 Chron. 23.1. 2.
What measures did he adopt in order to secure the coronation of the young king? v. 5—12.
To what was Athaliah excited by the noise and tumult of the people, what took place in her presence, and how did the affair terminate? V.13—16.
Was this a criminal rebellion against the government, or a just judgment of heaven?
What further steps did Jehoiada and the people take towards a general reformation in church and state?
Do the calamities of the house of Jehosaphat mentioned in this chapter appear to have been principally occasioned by his connecting himself with the house of Ahab?
How old was Joash or Jehoash when he began to reign, and what was bis character in the outset?
What public work did he cause to be undertaken, and how were the expenses to be defrayed? v. 4. 5.
Do his orders appear to have been long neglected, what became of the money, and what new plan was hit upon? v. 6—9, 2 Chron. 25.5,7.
Is it a bad sign when people are backward in such cases?
According to what former example did they make the collection? 2 Chron. 24.9.
To whom and for what special purposes was the money appropriated?
Did they at all break in on the stated maintenance of the priests?
What did they do with the surplus? 2 Chron. 24.14.
How old was Jehoiada when he died ? 2 Chron. 24.15.
What disgraced the subsequent character of Joash? 2 Chron. 24. 15—22.
What foreign power now came against Israel, and how were they turned back? v. 17, 18.
Does this appear from Chronicles to have been a far more distressing event than would be inferred from the present account? 2 Chron. 24.23,24.
What was the unhappy end of Joash? 2 Chron. 24.25.
Are apostates apt to meet with severer judgments than other men?
Who succeeded Jehu in Israel, what was his conduct, and the effect of it?
To what had Jehohaz recourse in this extremity, and with what effect?
Who was the " Saviour" here promised? Compare v.22. with v.25.
What was probably the reason that the Most High did not send them immediate deliverance? v.6.
To what mere remnant of military force were they reduced at this time?
Who succeeded Jehoahaz, and what is said of him?
What prophet fell sick during Joash's reign, and in what words did he lament over him? ch.8. 12. N. B. Elisha prophesied at least sixty years.
What directions did the dying prophet give to the king, and what was signified thereby? v.15—17.
What farther command did the prophet give, how did the king fail of compliance, and what was the consequence? N.B. The smiting of the arrows against the floor was to be an emblem of the manner in which Joash should improve his victory when he had his enemy at his feet. It became him therefore to have been earnest and thorough in it, and to have repeated the strokes a number of times, and to have manifested a spirit like David's, to beat his enemies small as the dust before the wind," but instead of this, he went about it coldly and heartlessly, as though the act was childish and unreasonable, and thereby both displeased the Prophet, and greatly marred his own success.
What remarkable circumstance occurred at the sepulchre of Elisha not long after he was buried?
How long a time did Hazael oppress Israel, to what was their relief owing, and by whom effected?
Who was the successor of Joash king of Judah and what is the account given of him?
What was one of the first acts of his reign, and by what was he regulated in the execution of it? Deut. 24. 16.
Although men may not visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, yet may not God do it, or order others to do it, without any impeachment of his justice?
What victory did he achieve over his enemies?
What additional particulars respecting his expedition are mentioned in Chronicles? 2 Chron. 25. 5—16.
What appears to have been his fault in hiring these men of Israel?
Do we learn from this transaction that when men are engaged in a bad cause it is better, whatever it may cost them, to desist from it, than to go on in it?
Was his son Jotham repaid the hundred talents with a liberal interest? 2 Chron. 27.5
Are multitudes in every age stumbled at the idea of incurring losses in the way of duty, and ready to make the plea of Amaziah? N.B. "Many are ready to say, What shall we do if, by hallowing the Sabbath, we lose so many good customers? What shall we do if we renounce this illegal traffic and exorbitant profit, to compensate so important a loss? What shall we do, if we affront our friends, obstruct our preferment, or lose the friendship of the world? How shall we maintain our families? "What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or where withal shall be clothed?" Penury and distress face us in the way you point out to us ; We are almost persuaded it is the road to heaven ; but what shall we do about the expenses of the journey?" —Scott.
What challenge did Amaziah send to Jehoash, or Joash king of Israel, and what may have been the ground of his resentment against him? 2Chron. 25. 13.
What cutting rebuke did he receive from Johoahaz?
Had this any effect upon Amaziah, and what was the consequence? v. 11—14.
How long did Ahaziah survive Joash, and what was his end at last?
Who succeeded him in Judah, who succeeded Joash in Israel, and what is said of the latter? V.23—27.
Is the book of Jonah therefore in point of time to be ranked before those of any of the other prophets?
Who came to the throne of Judah while Jeroboam reigned in Israel, and what was his character?
What prophet lived in his reign whose counsels he enjoyed? 2 Chron. 25. 5.
By what other name is he called? 2 Chron. 26. 1.
To what was it owing that he was incapacitated for public business, and how happened he to fall under this judgment? v. 5. 2 Chron. 26. 16—21.
By what law was he required to dwell in a "several" or separate "house?" Lev. 13,46,
Who managed the government in his stead?
Who succeeded Jeroboam in Israel, and how came he to his end?
What promise, formerly made to Jehu, was now fulfilled? ch. 10.30.
What was the fate of Shallum, and how long and in what manner did his successor reign? V. 13—18.
What foreign king came against Israel at this time, and how was he induced to return back? V. 19—21.
From what does it appear that Nineveh the capital of Syria had at this time become a large and powerful city ? Jonah, 3. 3.
Who succeeded Menahem, what was his character, and how was he cut off ? v. 23—26 N.B. The nation were now fast ripening to ruin.
What says Solomon of the cause of the rapid succession of rulers? Prov. 28. 2.
What wicked king succeeded Pekahian, and what destructive invasion of Israel took place under his reign? v. 27—29.
How did Pekah come to his death, and what prophecy was accomplished in that event? Is. 8.4. N.B. He appears to have been a formidable enemy to the kingdom of Judah in the early part of the reign of Ahaz.
What noted prophets flourished in the times we are now considering? Is. 1. 1. Hos. 1.1. Amos 1. 1. Micah 1. 1.
Is it necessary to compare very attentively their prophecies with the history in order to a proper understanding of both?
What must we infer, from the general strain of their writings, to have been the state of religion during these reigns, and for a long time before?
Who succeeded Uzziah or Azariah in Jerusalem, and what was his character and principal acts?
What powers began now to confederate against Jerusalem, and how were the king and people, in the next reign, affected by the invasion? Is. 7.
Who succeeded Jotham, and what is said of his abominations? v. 1—4.
What distinguished prophet lived and prophesied in this reign?
By whom, and with what wasting calamities, was the country invaded? 2 Chron. 28.
What additional circumstances are mentioned in Chronicles respecting those taken captive?
To what is it owing that they did not entirely overcome the nation? Ans. To the promises made to the house of David.
What took place in Isaiah's interview with Ahaz relative to this invasion? Is. 7. 1—15.
What depredations were committed by Rezin, king of Syria, and how was he repulsed and slain? v. 5—9.
What were the sad consequences arising from Ahaz' journey to Damascus? v. 10—15.
What other gross acts of sacrilege and impiety was he guilty of, and by whom was he succeeded? v. 17—20.
Did any of the kings of Judah attain to David's age of seventy years ?
Who began in the 12th year of Ahaz to reign over Samaria, what was his character, and the fortunes of his reign? v. 1—3.
For what reason was he imprisoned, and what befel the country thereupon?
What were the procuring causes of these distresses? V. 7—18.
What was the character of Judah during the same period, and what was the punishment inflicted on him? v. 19—23.
Whom did the king of Assyria put in possession of the deserted country of Israel, and what was the consequence?
What representation did they make to the king, what plan did he adopt for their relief, and with what effect? v. 25—29.
Would it seem that those pagan colonists had more fear of the wrath of the Lord than his own covenant people?
What character does our Saviour give even in his day of the Samaritan worship? John 4.22.
With what solemn charges and reproofs does this chapter close? v. 34—41.
Who succeeded Ahaz, what was his character, and some of his principal exploits?
Does his case display, in a remarkable manner the distinguishing grace of God?
Have some who were called Christians exhibited a degree of superstition nearly, or equal to this?
What were some of the points in which he effected a wonderful reformation ? Consult 2 Chron. from ch. 29th to 31st inclusive.
Though it is said he rebelled against the king of Assyria, does it appear that he violated any treaty?
What invasion of Samaria took place in the fourth year of his reign, and what was the consequence? v. 9—12
Who succeeded Salmaneser, what timorous message did he receire from Hezekiah, and what terms did he impose upon him? v. 13 —16.
How does the prophet Isaiah speak of the Assyrian in this expedition? Is. 10. 5—15
Docs it appear plain from this that men may be at the same time carrying into execution the counsels of the Most High, and also accomplishing their own wicked purposes?
Is it not arrogant in the extreme to say that these things are inconsistent and irreconcilable, when we have so much evidence from facts of the truth of each separate position?
What new and unprovoked attack did the king of Assyria make soon after, and what message was sent to Hezekiah? v.17—25,
Did Rabshakeh yield to the reasonable and respectful request of the embassadors, and what did he continue to say?
How were these insolent railings received, and how conveyed to Hezekiah?
How was Hezekiah affected by the intelligence, and to what had he recourse in this extremity? v. 1—4.
Does it appear that the people were not duly affected on this occasion, and that this Shebna was not an upright man? Is. 22. 12—25.
What encouraging answer did he receive from the prophet?
How was the king of Assyria employed when Rabshakeh returned, and what made him anxious to complete the conquest of Jerusalem at once?
In what haughty style did he write to Hezekiah? v. 10—18.
What did Hezekiah do with the letter, and what was the substance of his prayer?
What are we taught by Hezekiah's conduct on this occasion?
What answer did he receive from the Lord, and by what medium? v. 20—36.
What desolating judgment fell that night upon the army of Sennacherib, and what was finally his own fate?
What prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in his death? Is. 31.8.
What psalm is supposed to have been written in reference to this event? Ans. The seventy sixth.
Of what signal future defeat of God's enemies may this be considered as the type? Rev.19. 17—21.
In what year of Hezekiah's reign does it appear, from a comparison of dates, that his sickness occurred? See ch. 18. 2 and 20.6. It was consequently during Sennacherib's first invasion.
What message came to him on this occasion, and in what manner did he receive and improve it?
Does it appear that his unwillingness to die arose from the fear of death?
From what motives is it proper for us to pray that our lives may be prolonged?
Is it to be supposed that Hezekiah actually founded his dependence on his own good works?
Ought not Christians at this day to be able on their dying beds to use the same language? 2 Cor. 1.12.
What was the Lord's answer to his prayer, and how was he informed of it?
Were means to be employed notwithstanding, and what do we learn from this fact?
What sign was given to Hezekiah to confirm his faith in the divine promise? N. B. "Dr. Lightfoot suggests that the fifteen songs of degrees Ps. 128.—134. might perhaps be so called, because selected by Hezekiah to be sung to his stringed instruments, Is. 38. 20. in remembrance of the degrees on the dial which the sun went back, and the fifteen years added to his life; and he observes how much of the Psalms is applicable to Jerusalem's distress and deliverance, and to Hezekiah's sickness and recovery." — Henry.
How did the pious king celebrate the Lord's goodness in his recovery? Is. 38. 9—20.
Of what sinful infirmity was he guilty shortly after this, and how was he reproved for it? v. 12—18.
Ought we to be particularly reserved in making a display, whether to friends or strangers, of the riches or good things in our possession?
How did he receive the prophet's denunciation, and how is the account of him closed?
Are the three preceding chapters to be found any where else in the Bible? Is. ch. 36—39.
By whom was Hezekiah succeeded, and how long did he reign?
What was his mother's name, what does it mean, and what other application is there of it? Is. 62. 4. N. B. The name signifies "My delight is in her."
What was the character of Manasseh, and how did his iniquity show itself? v. 2—9.
What threatening message did God deliver by his prophets to Jerusalem and Judah? v. 10—15.
How is the account of Manasseh closed?
Have we any where a more pleasing account of his latter days? 2 Chron.33.11—17. N.B. Manasseh, we believe, is the only instance on record of the conversion, of an old man.
What was the name, character, and end of his successor? v. 19—26. N.B. "Those who set bad examples, though they may repent themselves,yet they cannot be sure that those whom they have drawn into sin by their example will repent; it is often otherwise." -Henry.
Does it now appear still more evident that the ruin of the nation is impending?
At what age was Josiah seated on the throne, how long did he reign, and in what manner?
What ancient prophecy was fulfilled in his birth? 1 Kings 14. 2.
What is elsewhere said of his early piety? 2 Chron. 34.3.
What good work did he cause to be undertaken in the 18th year of his reign, and what is mentioned to the praise of the workman ?
What remarkable discovery was made during the progress of this work, and how is the fact to be accounted for? N.B. It cannot be supposed that all knowledge of the sacred writings had at this time ceased among the people or the rulers. But in the idolatry and iniquity of the preceding reigns we may well believe that a principal part of the law, especially those portions which condemned their practices, had gradually gone out of use, while only certain detached passages and sections were retained. By means of these partial extracts, aided by tradition; Hezekiah no doubt conducted his reformation. The copy now discovered was probably that written by Moses' own hand, which had been secreted, amidst the distractions of the former wicked reigns, for fear of its being destroyed.
Is it very natural for men to overlook, or cast aside those parts of the word of God which are opposed to their principles or conduct?
What class of men were noted for this in our Savior's time?
Was it probably owing to this cause that, in the times of popish darkness, the light of the Scriptures was almost totally extinguished?
How was Josiah affected by the contents of the book, and to whom had he recourse for counsel and instruction?
Will a similar effect usually be produced when men come to find the word of God denouncing wrath upon them for their sins?
What answer did Josiah receive from the prophetess? v.15—20.
Has the spirit of prophecy in any age been confined exclusively to one sex? Ex. 15. 20. Jud. 4. 4. Joel 3. 29.
What method did Josiah adopt to bring the people acquainted with the contents of the sacred Volume?
What did he do to engage both himself and his subjects in a thorough reformation, and what was the first step? v. 3, 4.
What did he do with the idolatrous priests, the groves, and the houses of the Sodomites?
For what had the valley of Topheth been distinguished, and from what did it derive its name? N.B. Topheth signifies a drum, and was applied to this place because it was with this and other sounding instruments that they used to drown the cries of little children, whom they here made to pass between two rows of burning fires from which few escaped alive.
What allusion is elsewhere made to this act? Jer. 7. 30-32.
What abomination was stationed at the entrance of the Temple which he had removed? v. 11.
Would it not seem incredible that such enormous wickedness could have been perpetrated in the very precincts of God's house?
What did he do with Jeroboam's altar and high place at Bethel, and what remarkable circumstances are mentioned in connection with it? v. 15—18.
To what other parts of the country did the king extend the reformation?
To what did he next lead the attention of the people, and by what was this followed up? v. 21—24.
What high commendation is bestowed upon Josiah, and what is nevertheless said respecting the effect of former transgressions? N.B. It should appear surprising, as no doubt it does, that such a promising reformation should be so soon followed by the destruction of the nation, we can only conclude that the mass of the people were not really sincere and cordial in the work—that they entered into it hypocritically—and did still in fact retain in great measure, their affection for their idols.
What was finally the end of pious Josiah, and what impression did it make on the nation? 2 Chron.35. 25.
What other circumstances are related of this affair in Chronicles?
Did the manner of his death contradict the previous promise of God that he should come to his death in peace? N.B. He no doubt died in peace with God and with his own conscience, and found the sting of death taken away; yet, as it does not appear that he had any distinct call of Providence to engage in this war, it is probable he was removed in this manner as a rebuke for his ill-advised rashness.
Who succeeded Josiah, and what shortly after happened to him?
What is said of him and his brother by Ezekiel? Ezek. 19.1—9.
To what was the land subjected, and what arrangement did the Egyptian king make in the government?
How did he obtain the means of paying the tribute, and what was the general character of his reign?
Who came up against Jehoiakim, and what is said in Chronicles respecting this event which is omitted here? 2 Chron. 36.6,7.
How long did he continue his allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar? What nations were then sent to harrass the land, and for what cause? v.2—4.
When were Daniel and his companions carried captive to Babylon? Dan. 1.1.
Is it implied that the Lord would not pardon the sins of Manasseh personally, or does this apply to those of the people at large who had connived at them?
Who succeeded Jehoiakim, and by what means was he freed from the oppressions of the king of Egypt?
How long did Jehoiachin reign in Jerusalem what was his character and to whom did he offer terms of submission?
What spoil and what captives did Nebuchadnezzar carry away to Babylon N. B. Ezekiel, the prophet, and Mordecai were among the number.
What was the purport of Jeremiah's letter to the captives? Jer. 29. 1—23.
Who was made king of Judah in the place of Jehoiachin, and what account is given of him?
To what was Nebuchadnezzar provoked by the revolt of Zedekiah, land how long was the city besieged?
Were the distresses of famine added to their other troubles? Ezek, 4.16. Sam. 4.4.
What was Jeremiah's advice to Zedekiah in this emergency? Jer. 33. 17.
What other special message did Jeremiah deliver to him on this occasion ? Jer. 34. 1—7.
What solemn covenant did Zedekiah and the people enter into while the danger was impending which they violated as soon as the enemy withdrew? Jer. 34. 8—11. N.B. It appears that Nebuchadnezzar's army raised the siege for a short time to go against the king of Egypt, and Zedekiah and his people repenting of their repentance, took advantage of this respite to bring back their liberated servants a second time under the yoke.
Is this a striking representation of the common conduct of men under transient convictions?
What denunciation was hereupon uttered against them? Jer. 34. 12—22.
What message did Zedekiah send to the prophet notwithstanding he did not hearken to his words? Jer. 37.2.3.
Is it usual for men in their distress to seek the prayers of those whose counsels and warnings they have before despised? 1 Sam. 28.11.
What is to be thought of those who ask the prayers of pious ministers and others in time of sickness, and yet do not pray for themselves?
What unavailing attempt did Zedekiah make to escape, and what was done with him when apprehended?
What two prophecies, apparently contradictory, were both fulfilled in this event? Jer. 34. 3. Ezek. 12. 13.
What devastations did the Chaldean army, about a month later, commit upon the city, and what did they do with the remnant of the people?
What other afflicting account do we find of the desolations of Jerusalem at this time, and of the causes of them? 2 Chron. 36. 14—21.
What were the principal articles of the sacred furniture taken to Babylon?
What was done with Seraiah and several other distinguished men, who were probably accessories to Zedekiah's rebellion?
Whom did Nebuchadnezzar set over the few vinedressers and husbandmen that remained in the land, and by what means was this officer cast out of his place and slain?
Whither did the people then resort, and why ?
Was this directly contrary to the word of Jeremiah? Jer. 42.7—22.
What prediction of Moses was fulfilled in their persisting in this infatuated determination? Deut. 28. 03.
What favor was shown by Evil-Merodach the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, to Jehoiachin? N. B. "The Jews say that this Evil-Merodach had been himself imprisoned by his own father when he returned from his madness, for some mismanagement at that time, and that in prison he contracted a friendship with Jehoiachin, in consequence of which, as soon as he had it in his power, he showed him this kindness as a fellow sufferer." — Henry.
How long was it predicted that the captivity of Judah should continue? Jer. 25. 11.
From which of the several captivities is this period most properly to be dated ? N.B. Probably from that mentioned 2 Kings, 24.1—4, which was the fourth year of Jehoiakim.
At what time did this period expire ? 2 Chron. 36. 22.
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