B.C. 590. Zedekiah a Eze. xxiv. 1. b Jer. lii, 4-6. CHAPTER THE TWENTY-FIFTH. 1-7. (1) ninth, etc., "the day was revealed to Ezekiel in exile." a forts, or movable towers. (2) eleventh year, so lasted one year and a half." (3) famine, occasioned by the siege being turned into blockade. (4) broken up, or into, a breach was made, this was plainly the beginning of the end. way.. garden, comp. Je. xxxix. 2-5, lii. 4-8. the plain, or Arabah, lower valley of the Jordan. (5) scattered, by effort not by any of the to secure their own safety. (6) Riblah, Nu. xxxiv. 11; a city regular gates, but on N.E. frontier of Palestine, in territory of Hamath, on the by a passage broken through great road bet. Bab. and Judæa. (7) before his eyes, this a narrow alley, barbarity was specially noticed. fetters, lit. two chains of confined bet. two brass, the one securing the hands, the other the feet. walls, at the "They escaped south-eastern The blind king (v. 7).—Trace his history and character (see last corner of Jeru-homily). Note-I. He did not make good use of sight when he salem, wh. the had it. II. He was then morally blind. III. Had often looked Chald. army had on the misery of others, now beholds that of those dear to him. not been able' IV. He is deprived of sight. The last thing he saw would ever completely to in- ! vest."-Stanley. after be seen with the eye of memory. There is also a judicial blindness for those who will not see their own sinfulness, and the love of God. d Ayre. e Je. xxxix. 6, lii. 10. "This was the third and last ininvasion of Ne buch.; he con ducted it in person, at the head of an im mmense army, levied out of all the tributary nations under bis sway." son. 11 Jamie Putting out the eyes (v. 7).-This was probably done with the intention of rendering the king incapable of ever reascending the throne. Thus it was a law in Persia down to the latest time, that no blind person could mount the throne. Hence the barbarous custom, common at the time of Chardin, and even since, of depriving the sons and male relations of a Persian king, who are not to be allowed to attain the government, of their sight. Down to the time of Abbas, who reigned in 1642, this was done, according to Chardin, only by passing a red-hot copper plate before the eyes. "But the power of vision was not so entirely destroyed, but that the person blinded still retained a glimmering; and the operation was frequently performed in so favourable a manner, that still some sight remained. During the reign "Escaping appa- of Abbas II., one of the brothers of that prince once visited his rently thro' some vaults that led aunt and his nephew, whose palace joins the residence of the into the king's Dutch: as he expressed a wish to visit these strangers, they were garden, aided by informed of this, and they were invited to spend an afternoon, the relaxed viglance which the and take supper with them. The brother of the king brought excitement of several other blinded princes with him, and when candles were success produced introduced, it was observed that they were aware of it. They were asked if they saw anything. The king's brother answered in the affirmative, and added, that he could see enough to walk without a stick. This was unfortunately heard by one of the "Man is a dupe-court spies, who were employed to watch all the motions of the Quacks in medi- great people. According to the custom of these people, he recine, quacks in lated it to the king in a malicious manner, and so that he could religion, and not avoid being uneasy. 'How!' cried he, these blind people quacks in politics know this, and boast they can see? I shall prevent that;' and immediately he upon that ordered their eyes to be put out in the manner before described. knowledge: This is performed by entirely putting out the eyes with the point of there is scarcely any one who may a dagger. The Persians," continues Chardin, "consider their not, like a trout, policy towards the children of the royal family, as humane and in the Cha dean host."-Kitto. Ne. iii. 15. able animal. act 6 B.C. 590. laudable; since they only deprive them of their sight, and do not put them to death, as the Turks do. They say that it is allowbe taken by able to deprive these princes of their sight, to secure the tran- tickling." quillity of the state; but they dare not put them to death for Southey. two reasons; the first is, because the law forbids to spill innocent blood; secondly, because it might be possible that those who remained alive should die without children and if there were no other relations, the whole legitimate family would become extinct. f Rosenmuller. and taken 8-12. (8) captain," or chief commander. (9) burnt,' that Jerusalem so they might be completely destroyed. house of the Lord, besieged Josephus says the burning by the Rom. took place on the same day of the month. (10) brake.. walls, wh. they could not burn. (11) fugitives, persons who, foreseeing the end, had previously gone over to Nebuch. (12) poor, mostly people of the district, not inhabitants of the city. Jerusalem and its sieges.-Probably no capital city of equal consequence and antiquity was ever taken and retaken so many a Lit., "chief of the execution ers." Je. xxi. 10. xxiv. 2; xxviii. 18, 23. Disc. Hist. vi. 275. deathbed what of his long and times as Jerusalem. We have no record of the date of its foundation; yet its subsequent history is one of continual contests and 9. J. Saurin, continual restorations; and it is no doubt owing to these changes that the ground of the modern city is in many places thirty feet Gonsalvo, surabove the level of the old, and that the valleys which formerly named the Great intersected its divisions are now filled to their summits with soil Captain, being and débris. The following are the principal sieges and conquests asked upon his which the metropolis of Palestine has undergone, not including gave him the however various brief capitulations during the Maccabean and most satisfaction later Syrian disturbances :-Joshua (1425 B.C.), David (1048 B.C.), during the course Shishak (974 B.C.), Joash (839 B C.), Assyrians (771 B.C.), Pharaoh-glorious life, reNecho (610 B.C.), Nebuchadnezzar (587 B.C.), Ptolemy Soter plied, "that it (320 B.C.), Antiochus Epiphanes (170 B.C.), Pompey (63 B.C.), was the consideration that he Crassus (54 B.C.), Herod (37 B.C.), Titus Vespasian (70 A.D.), never drew his Adrian (135 A.D.), Chosroes (614 A.D.), Heraclius (628 A.D.), sword but in the Omar (Saracens) (637 A.D.), Seljouk Turks (Tutush) (1078 A.D.), service of his Godfrey of Bouillon (1099 A.D.), Salah-ed-din (1187 A.D.), Turks God and of his (1217 A.D.), Crusaders (1229 A.D.), Turks (1244 A.D.), Selim (1517 A.D.), Bonaparte (1799 A.D.), Mahomet Ali (1832 a.d.), Turks (1840 A.D.). As there is much dispute respecting the earlier dates, they are given approximately.c Je. lii. 21-23. sovereign. c Bibl. Treas. the temple bases, etc., shows 13-17. (13) pillars of brass, 1 Ki. vii. 15--22. bases, is pillaged 1 Ki. vii. 27-37. brazen sea, 1 Ki. vii. 23-26. brass, better read bronze." (14) pots, etc., some of these had been originally a "The breaking of gold, others of bright brass. The gold ones had prob. been up of the pillars, taken away when the city was first captured. (15) firepans, that it was for snuff-dishes. (16) without weight, so much that they ceased the material, and from weighing it. (17) height, etc., comp. 1 Ki. vii. 15-20; not for the workmanship, that they were Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.—We may gather illustrations of valued." the siege of Jerusalem from Ninevitish sculptures, Babylonish Com. coins, and Egyptian monuments, in which we have abundantly 61 Ki. vii. 45, 50. represented the common Oriental methods of fortification and modes of attack prevalent in those days. We see battlemented "Men might be walls and towers, with parapets, crowded with men, bow, and better if we betspear, and shield in hand, while a banner crowns the lofty keep. them. The worst We have barred gates, and fosses both without and within the way to improve ter deemed Spk. of B.C. 590. the world is to c Bibl. Treas. the captivity of Judah a So Sept., Syr., Arab., etc. "A priest of the second order, i.e. walls, filled with water and crossed by bridges. Then we notice the assailants placing their scaling ladders against the fortifications, and some swimming over the ditch, to be met by a party sallying from the gates. The besiegers are provided with large shields to ward off the missiles shot from the walls. There are also testudos-large frames to cover and protect the advancing soldiers. Battering-rams are also employed. Men may be seen climbing up rocks by the aid of metal spikes; doors are being hewn down with axes; while heralds are seen coming out to treat with the enemy." 18-21. (18) Seraiah, 1 Chr. vi. 13, 14; Ezr. vii. 1. second priest, the Sagan, or deputy of the high priest." keepers, etc., temple Levites. (19) an officer, the commandant of the city. king's presence, as members of his council. the principal scribe, secretary, or adjutant of the host. people of the land, representatives of the people. (20) Riblah, v. 6. (21) smote them, these being treated as representatives of the conquered an ordinary people. carried away, and their kingdom finally broken up. priest." "-Keil. The captivities.-First captivity: Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. 605) 6" Prob. instiga- took Jerusalem (Dan. i. 1), dethroned Jehoiachim, and having tors of the people directed that a number of royal and noble Hebrew youths should to rebellion be trained in learning of Chaldees, Daniel and "the three chilagainst the Chaldren" dæans."-Wordswere among those selected. Second captivity: Jerusalem again surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar (B.C. 598) 10,000 captives, among whom are Ezekiel, and grandfather of Mordecai (J., Ant. x. 6, 3; Est. ii. 56). Third captivity: Those now carried away were the gleanings of those led off with Jehoiachim. In Jeremiah (lii. 28, 30) they are called Jews, to distinguish from foreigners, us when etc., who shared their captivity. The difference in numbers of first captivity, and 10,000 of 2 Ki. xxiv. 14, results probably from Jeremiah not counting soldiers. The great difference between the total and those who returned may show how large were Topics for accessions from previous caps., and especially from the ten worth. "The things of this world, like Absalom's 'mule, run away and leave we have most need of them."Venning. Teachers. Gedaliah made governor of Judah a Je. xxxix. 10, lii. 16. b He had saved Jeremiah's life, e Ezr. ii. 22; Ne. f Comp. Je. xli.— xliii. power that fills tribes.c a 22–26. (22) people that remained, v. 12. Gedaliah, prob. recommended to Nebuch. by Jeremiah. Ahikam, 2 Ki. xxii. 12. Shaphan, Josiah's scribe. (23) captains, etc., mentioned as scattered, v. 5. Mizpah,d now Nebi Samwil. Ishmael, a man of royal birth, v. 25. Johanan, comp. Je. xl. 13-16. Seraiah, etc., comp. the more perfect passage. Je. xl. 8. Netophathite, inhabitant of Netophah, a place connected with Bethlehem. Maachathite, De. iii. 14; Ĵos. xii. 5. (24) sware, this assurance was necessary bec. these parties had not hitherto given in their submission. (25) smote, etc., narrated in Je. xli. 1-3. (26) came to Egypt, against earnest advice of Jeremiah.f The captivities (continued).-B.C. 586-536 the Jews were cap tives in Babylon. This interval is marked by the history of Daniel and his companions (see Nebuchadnezzar); the founding "Were half the of the Persian Empire by Cyrus; the siege and capture of Babylon. the world with From B.C. 536-400 (i.e. from decree of Cyrus to close of Oldterror, were half Testament canon) is marked by the first return (42,360 and the wealth be: 7,367 servants, Ezra i. 5), the founding of the temple, elevation stow'd on camps of Mordecai, appearance of Ezra (q.v.); second return (6,000, end to redeem the of March, B.C. 458), reformation of religion, commission of and courts, given B.C. 590. human mind from error, there were no need of arsenals nor forts." Long Nehemiah (q.v.), completion of wall, Nehemiah's return and second commission, followed by his second reformation. "While the restored Jews were thus completing the fabric of their religion, the irregular worship of the Samaritans assumed the form of an organised schism, by the erection of a rival temple on Mount Gerizim." The precise date of its erection is doubtful, fellow. but "this much is certain, that such a temple was built as an assertion of the religious independence of the Samaritans, and that this act of schism formed the climax to the hostility between g Topics for them and the Jews. The temple was destroyed by John Hyrcanus Teachers. (cir. B.C. 109). "It was to this sanctuary that the woman of Sychar referred" (Jo. iv. 20). 9 seven the last 27-30. (27) seven and thirtieth, B.C. 562-1. and twentieth, comp. Je. lii. 31. Evil-Merodach, so of days of Jehoiachin Nebuchadnezzar. lift up, etc., Ge. xl. 13, 20. (28) kings, captive kings; or vassel kings. (29) changed, etc., for robes a "This slight becoming to his royalty. (30) allowance, enabling him to keep up some degree of royal state.d it. shows variety the evidence of two independent witnesses of the same event." Wordsworth, calls China are re pre sent themselves at court, with presents, once in 3 years."-Huc. d Je. lii. 31-34. Ps. lxxviii. 38, 39, cvi. 46; Da. xi. 34. Jehoiachin's daily allowance (v. 30).—We are all a little like this king of the olden time. We live on the daily portion that the great King of kings allows us. Foolish for us to be dissatisfied. Consider-I. The fact that we have a daily portion. Nature b Berosus hints that this is all. Only enough produced to supply men's him Eveil-maradaily wants from harvest to harvest. Providence confirms the duchus; and says hint. Most men have to work for their living, and very few can he provoked his fate by lawless earn more than enough for the day. A daily portion-1. Is all government and that any one really needs. The thirst of next June does not need intemperance. to be quenched this January. To be anxious about the morrow "The soveinvolves us in double toil, and care in the present; and lays up reigns of the disappointment for the future. Illustrates Israelites and the dependencies of manna; 2. Is all that we can enjoy. We can only eat and drink quired to one day's food in a day; and wear one suit at a time. He who is content, relieved from toil of storing and care of watching. A king once asked a poor boy what he did, and what he got for "I help in the stable, and get nothing but victuals and clothes." "Be content," said the king, "I have no more;" 3. It is all we should expect. Nature, providence, promises of God, prayer Jesus taught us (daily bread), teach us this. To expect more is unreasonable and ungrateful. II. Let us look at the portion itself. 1. It is our Father's allowance. He knows what ly feeling is said we need; and what is best. His children have different portions to have origisuited to them. Some more, some less than others. We give our nated in a famichildren different sized suits of clothes to fit them. Our heavenly formed in prison, liar acquaintance Father knows what will fit our spiritual needs, better than we in which Evilknow the bodily needs of our little ones; 2. It is a King's allow-merodach had lain till his faance. Nay, "the King of kings." It is therefore sure. Consider ther's death, on the great King's dominion, resources, power, etc. His word is account of some His bond. Some one blamed Alexander for giving so much to fault while actone who was unworthy. He said, “When I give, I must remember ing regent during his 7 yrs. not only his deserts but my rank, and give like Alexander." A illness. (Da. iv. poor woman was asked if she was not surprised that God should 32, 33). give her so much, "No," said she, "because it's just like Him!" Those who have 3. It is a perpetually renewed portion. All the days of his life," resources within many or few days, each one is provided for. Learn-1. "Man themselves, who doth not live by bread alone." This portion is the provision of alone, want providence. Divine grace has provided another portion. Daily friends the least, v. 27. This kind as can dare to live B.C. 590. but, at the same time, best know how to prize them the most. e Hive. f Morier. A tree was fered it to men grace, help, blessing. This too may be ours. He will withhold no good thing, etc. Have you this portion? Martha was careful about one, Mary had chosen the other, and Jesus called it the good part; 2. If you have the portion of providence, and nothing more, you will have all your "good things in this life." He who has made provision for the less has also made provision for the greater. He who blesses the body with health, food, raiment; is willing to bless the soul with pardon, peace, holiness, heaven. A daily allowance.-The other guests were arranged round the room, according to their respective ranks: among whom was an laden with fruit old man, a lineal descendant of the Seffi family, whom they called that it bent its Nawab, and who took his seat next to the Ameen-ad-Dowlah. branches to the Although needy and without power, he is always treated with ground, and of the greatest respect (2 Sam. ix. 1, 7). He receives a daily sursat, in handfuls. or allowance, from the king, which makes his case resemble that Gotthold beheld of Jehoiachin, for his allowance was a continual allowance given it with pleasure, him of the king, a daily rate, all the days of his life (2 Ki. xxv. praised God for the blessing, and 30). Giving to the Nawab a high rank in society, is illustrative approached to of the precedence given to Jehoiachin, by setting his throne take some. The above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon.— used shook the Mercies remembered. - Bishop was once travelling slender bough, between Wensleydale and Ingleton, when he suddenly disand the conse-mounted, delivered his horse to the care of one of his servants, quence was that and retired to a particular spot at some distance from the highseveral dropped! at his feet. way, where he knelt down, and continued for some time in "Fair tree," he prayer. On his return one of his attendants took the liberty of exclaimed, "how inquiring his reason for this singular act; when the bishop art! Thou givest informed him that, when he was a poor boy, he travelled over me more than I that cold and bleak mountain without shoes or stockings, and desire, remind that he remembered disturbing in his extremity a cow on the ing me thereby identical spot where he had just prayed, that he might obtain a hensible and un- little warmth from the place where the animal had lain. His merited goodness feelings of gratitude to God for all that He had done for him of God, which would not allow him to pass the spot without presenting his presents its blessings upon loaded branches." force which he generous thou of the incompre The Hutton 66 thanksgivings for all His mercies. Be ye merciful.-When Edward the Confessor had landed in England from Normandy to recover the kingdom, and was ready to give the Danes battle, one remem- of his captains assured him of victory, adding, We will not brance of former leave one Dane alive." To which Edward replied, "God forbid that the kingdom should be recovered for me, who am but one mouth of prayer, man, by the death of thousands. No, I will rather live a private a glass to the eye life, unstained by the blood of my fellow-men, than be a king by of faith, and a such a sacrifice." Upon which he broke up his camp, and again of thankful-retired to Normandy, until he was restored to his throne without mercies puts an argument in the harp in the hand ness. blood. |