What remarkable visitant came up from Gilgal to where the people were assembled ? N. B. It is probable that the nation were now convened at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was stationed, but the name Bochim, or the Weepers, was given to the spot from the bitter penitent weepings, which took place among the people.
Why is the angel represented as coming up from Gilgal? Josh. 5. 9. 13, 14.
What did he say to the people, and whom does his language prove him to have been?
What impression did this rebuke make upon the people, and what did it prompt them to do?
Ought divine admonition always to produce similar effects?
Was this reformation lasting?
What facts are mentioned v. 6—10, and with what design are they introduced here ? Ans. To show the reason for the severe reproof just before given.
What was the general character of the people of Israel during the days of Joshua, and of the Elders that survived him?
What was Joshua's age when he died, and where was he buried?
In what peculiar manner did the children of Israel do evil in the sight of the Lord? v. 11.12.
Of what are Baalim and Ashtaroth the names? N. B. These terms, the one masculine and the other feminine, appear to be employed as the general names of the Gods and Goddesses of the surrounding heathen nations.
In what method did the Lord see fit to punish their idolatry? v, 14, 15.
Did he, notwithstanding, interpose from time to time, for their deliverance, and how ?
By what was he moved to afford them relief? v. 18.
Did they groan mainly under the burden of sin, or under that of affliction?
Did their deliverance restrain the people from their wickedness, or did they after a temporary amendment again relapse into idolatry and rebellion? v. 17—19.
What sentence was God at length provoked to pronounce against them? v. 20—22.
How do we find this feature of the Divine government expressed by the Prophet? Is. 66. 4,
Was the threatened purpose accordingly executed? N. B. From Hos. 2. 16, 17. it seems probable that the idolatry of the children of Israel did not altogether consist in formally denying the being, or renouncing the worship of the true God. It was rather practical, than verbal; and lay in a great measure in the course of their conduct, in backsliding from God, neglecting their duty, and falling in with the iniquities of the Canaanites. Thus viewed, their idolatry forms not merely a type, but a correct specimen of that into which the Lord's professed people in all ages are liable to fall, by relaxing the strictness of their walk, and becoming conformed to this present evil world.
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