FOOTNOTES:

Subjects for Special Papers.

The Pyramids.The City of Babylon.The Great Races.Traditions of the Deluge.The Character of Abraham.Egypt in the Time of Joseph.

FOOTNOTES:[A]See Geikie'sHours with the Bible, vol. 1, chap. xiii;Bible Commentary, note at the end of Gen. 8.[B]From the fact that in several genealogies four generations are given to the sojourn in Egypt, the shorter period, from 1706 to 1491, has been generally assumed. But it is almost impossible that seventy people could become two million in four generations by natural increase alone. Moreover, the genealogy of Joshua (1 Chron. 7. 22-27) gives either ten or eleven generations to this period. It is probable that the other tables name only sufficient links to show the line, and omit many of the generations. This was frequently the case with Jewish records. (See the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matt. 1, where several names are omitted.) We conclude that the sojourn began about 1900 B. C., and the call of Abraham was about 2100 B. C., or earlier; but we give in the text the usual chronology.

[A]See Geikie'sHours with the Bible, vol. 1, chap. xiii;Bible Commentary, note at the end of Gen. 8.

[B]From the fact that in several genealogies four generations are given to the sojourn in Egypt, the shorter period, from 1706 to 1491, has been generally assumed. But it is almost impossible that seventy people could become two million in four generations by natural increase alone. Moreover, the genealogy of Joshua (1 Chron. 7. 22-27) gives either ten or eleven generations to this period. It is probable that the other tables name only sufficient links to show the line, and omit many of the generations. This was frequently the case with Jewish records. (See the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matt. 1, where several names are omitted.) We conclude that the sojourn began about 1900 B. C., and the call of Abraham was about 2100 B. C., or earlier; but we give in the text the usual chronology.

THE WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS.

I. Let us notice briefly theEVENTS LEADING TO THE WANDERING.

1.The Oppression of the Israelites.(B. C. 1635.) (Exod. 1. 8-13.) This was an important link in the chain of events. If the Israelites had been prosperous and happy in Egypt they would have remained there, and the destiny of the chosen people would have been forgotten. Therefore, when Egypt had given to Israel all that it could, the wrath of man was made to praise God; and by suffering the Israelites were made willing to leave the land of their sojourn and seek the land of promise. The nest was stirred up, and the young eaglet was compelled to fly (Deut. 32. 11, 12).

2.The Training of Moses.(Born B. C. 1571.) There was another element of preparation. No common man could have wrought the great work of liberation, of legislation, and of training which Israel needed. Notice, 1.) Moses was anIsraelite in birth, of the consecrated tribe of Levi (Exod. 2. 1, 2). 2.) But he waseducated in the palace, and in the highest culture, as a prince in Egypt (Exod. 2. 10). If he had been doomed to a slave's life he could never have accomplished his mission. 3.) At full age Moses madechoice of his people, because they were the people of God (Heb. 11. 24-26). 4.) Then came thetraining of forty yearsin the desert, giving him knowledge of the land, experience of hardships, and maturity of thought. 5.) Lastly, there was thecall of God(Exod. 3. 2), with its revelation of God's name and power, imparting strength for his work.

3.The Ten Plagues.There was a special significance in these plagues, for each was a blow at some form of idol-worship among the Egyptians. They were: 1.) The river turned to blood (Exod. 7. 20, 21). 2.) Frogs (Exod. 8. 6).3.) Lice (Exod. 8. 17). 4.) Flies, probably including beetles and other winged pests (Exod. 8. 24). 5.) Murrain, or pestilence among domestic animals (Exod. 9. 3, 4). 6.) Boils (Exod. 9. 10). 7.) Hail (Exod. 9. 23). 8.) Locusts (Exod. 10. 14, 15). 9.) Darkness (Exod. 10. 22, 23). 10.) Death of the first-born (Exod. 12. 29).

4.The Passover.(Exod. 12. 21-28.) This service represented three ideas. 1.) It was the spring-tide festival. 2.) It commemorated the sudden departure from Egypt, when there was not even time to "raise the bread" before leaving (Exod. 12. 34-39). 3.) It was an impressive prophecy of Christ, the slain Lamb of God (Exod. 12. 21, 22).

JOURNEYS OF THE ISRAELITES

5.The Exodus.(B. C. 1491.) (Exod. 12. 40, 41.) The word means "going out." This was the birthday of a nation, the hour when the Israelites rose from being merely a mass of men to become a people.

II.THE WILDERNESS OF THE WANDERING.Let the student note carefully upon a good map the following locations, and then draw a map containing them:

1. Draw the coast-lines and notethree Seas. 1.) The "great sea," orMediterranean(Josh. 1. 4). 2.) TheRed Sea(Exod. 13. 18), (Gulfs of Suez and Akaba). 3.) TheDead Sea.

2. Draw the mountain ranges, and notefive Deserts. 1.) TheDesert of Shur(Exod. 15. 22), between Goshen and Canaan. 2.) TheDesert of Paran, in the center of the Sinaitic triangle (Num. 10. 12). This is the wilderness in which thirty-eight of the forty years were passed (Deut. 1. 19). 3.) TheDesert of E'ham(Num. 33. 8), on the shore of the Gulf of Suez. 4.) TheDesert of Sin, near Mount Sinai (Exod. 16. 1). 5.) TheDesert of Zin, the desolate valley between the Gulf of Akaba and the Dead Sea, now called the Arabah (Num. 13. 21).

3. Locate also thefive Landsof this region. 1.)Goshen, the land of the sojourn (Exod. 9. 26). 2.)Midian, the land of Moses's shepherd life (Exod. 2. 15), on both sides of the Gulf of Akaba. 3.)Edom, the land of Esau's descendants, south of the Dead Sea (Num. 21. 4). 4.)Moab, the land of Lot's descendants, east of the Dead Sea (Num. 21. 13). 5.)Canaan, the land of promise (Gen. 12. 7).

4. Fix also the location ofthree Mountains. 1.)Mount Sinai, where the law was given (Exod. 19. 20). 2.)Mount Hor, where Aaron died (Num. 20. 23-28). 3.)Mount Nebo(Pisgah), where Moses died (Deut. 34. 1).

5. Notice alsoseven Places, some of which are clearly, others not so definitely, identified. 1.)Rameses, the starting-point of the Israelites (Exod. 12. 37). 2.)Baal-zephon, the place of crossing the Red Sea (Exod. 14. 2). 3.)Marah, where the bitter waters were sweetened (Exod. 15. 22-25). 4.)Elim, the place of rest (Exod. 15. 27). 5.)Rephidim, the place of the first battle, near Mount Sinai (Exod. 17. 8-16). 6.)Kadesh-barnea,[C]whence the spies were sent forth (Num. 13. 26).7.)Jahaz, in the land of Moab, south of the brook Arnon, the place of a victory over the Amorites (Num. 21. 23, 24).

III.THE JOURNEYS OF THE WANDERING.These, with theEVENTSconnected with them, may be arranged in order as follows:

1. From Rameses to the Red Sea (Exod. 12. 37; 14. 9). With this note: 1.)The crossing of the Red Sea.

VICINITY OF MT. SINAI

2. From the Red Sea to Mount Sinai. Events: 2.)The Waters of Marah.3.)The repulse of the Amalekites.4.)The giving of the law.5.)The worship of the golden calf.At Mount Sinai the camp was kept for nearly a year, and the organization of the people was effected.

3. From Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea (B. C. 1490). At the latter place occurred, 6.)The sending out of the spies(Num. 13. 1-26). 7.)The defeat at Hormah(Num. 14. 40-45). It was the purpose of Moses to lead the people at once from Kadesh up to Canaan. But their fear of the Canaanite and Amorite inhabitants made them weak; they were defeated and driven back into the desert of Paran, where they wandered thirty-eight years, until the generation of slavish souls should die off, and a newIsrael, the young people, trained in the spirit of Moses and Aaron, and fitted for conquest, should arise in their places.

4. From Kadesh-barnea through the desert of Paran and return. This was the long wandering of thirty-eight years. We trace the route from Kadesh, around the desert of Paran, to Mount Hor, to Ezion-geber at the head of the Gulf of Akaba, and at last to Kadesh once more (Num. 20. 1). There occurred, 8.)The water from the rock at Kadesh, and Moses's disobedience (Num. 20. 10-12). 9.)The repulse of Arad(Num. 21. 1). It would seem that the Israelites made a second attempt to enter Canaan on the south, and were again defeated, though not so severely as before.

5. From Kadesh-barnea around Edom to the river Jordan. After this second defeat Moses desired to lead the people through the land of the Edomites, and to enter Canaan by crossing the Jordan (Num. 20. 14). But the Edomites refused to permit such an army to pass through their land (Num. 20. 18-21). Hence the Israelites were compelled to go down the desert of Zin, past Edom, as far as the Red Sea, then east of Edom, a very long and toilsome journey (Num. 21. 4). Note with this journey: 10.)The brazen serpent(Num. 21. 6-9; John 3. 14, 15). 11.)The victory over the Amorites(Num. 21. 23, 24). This victory gave to the Israelites control of the country from Amon to Jabbok, and was the first campaign of the conquest. The long journey was now ended in the encampment of the Israelites at the foot of Mount Nebo, on the eastern bank of the Jordan, near the head of the Dead Sea. 12.) The last event of the period wasthe death of Moses(Deut. 34. 5-8) (B. C. 1451).

IV.THE RESULTS OF THE WANDERING.These forty years of wilderness life made a deep impress upon the Israelite people, and wrought great changes in their character.

1. It gave them certainInstitutions. From the wilderness they brought their tabernacle and all its rites and services,out of which grew the magnificent ritual of the temple. The Feast of Passover commemorated the Exodus, the Feast of Pentecost, the giving of the law; the Feast of Tabernacles (during which for a week the people lived in huts and booths), the outdoor life in the desert.

2. Another result wasNational Unity. When the Israelites left Egypt they were twelve unorganized tribes, without a distinct national life. Forty years in the wilderness, meeting adversities together, fighting enemies, marching as one host, made them a nation. They emerged from the wilderness a distinct people, with one hope and aim, with patriotic self-respect, ready to take their place among the nations of the earth.

3.Individual Liberty.They had just been set free from the tyranny of the most complete governmental machine on the face of the earth. In Egypt the man was nothing, the state was every thing. The Israelite system was an absolute contrast to the Egyptian. For four centuries after the Exodus the Israelites lived with almost no government, each man doing what was right in his own eyes. They were the freest people on earth, far more so than the Greeks or the Romans during their republican epochs. Moses trained them not to look to the government for their care, but to be a self-reliant people, able to take care of themselves. If they had passed this initial stage of their history surrounded by kingdoms they would have become a kingdom. But they learned their first lessons of national life in the wilderness, untrammeled by environment and under a wise leader, who sought to train up a nation of kings instead of a kingdom.

4.Military Training.We trace in the history of those forty years a great advance in military discipline. After crossing the Red Sea Moses did not care to lead them by the direct route to Canaan, lest they should "see war" (Exod. 13. 17, 18). Attacked by the Amalekites soon after the Exodus, the Israelites were almost helpless (Exod. 17. 8-16;Deut. 25. 17-19). A year later they were the easy prey of the Canaanites at Hormah (Num. 14. 40-45). Forty years after they crossed the Jordan and entered Canaan, a drilled and trained host, a conquering army. This discipline and spirit of conquest they gained under Moses and Joshua in the wilderness.

5.Religious Education.This was the greatest of all the benefits gained in the wilderness. They were brought back from the idolatries of Egypt to the faith of their fathers. They received God's law, the system of worship, and the ritual which brought them by its services into a knowledge of God. Moreover, their experience of God's care taught them to trust in Jehovah, who had chosen them for his own people. Even though the mass of the people might worship idols, there was always from this time an Israel of the heart that sought and obeyed God.

Blackboard Outline.

I. Eve. le. Wan.1. Opp. Isr.2. Tra. Mos. 1.) Bir. 2.) Edu. 3.) Cho. 4.) Tra. 5.) Cal.3. Ten Pla. 1.) Bl. 2.) Fr. 3.) Li. 4.) Fl. 5.) Mur. 6.) Boi. 7.) Hai. 8.) Loc. 9.) Dar. 10.) Dea. fir. bo.4. Pass.5. Exod.II. Wil. Wan.1. Seas. 1.) M. S. 2.) R. S. [G, S., G. A.] 3.) D. S.2. Des. 1.) D. Sh. 2.) D. Par. 3.) D. Eth. 4.) D. Si. 5.) D. Zi.3. Lan. 1.) Gos. 2.) Mid. 3.) Ed. 4.) Mo. 5.) Can.4. Mts. 1.) Mt. Sin. 2.) Mt. H. 3.) Mt. Neb.5. Pla. 1.) Ram. 2.) B.-zep. 3.) Mar. 4.) El. 5.) Rep. 6.) Kad.-bar 7.) Jah.III. Jour. and Even.Jour. 1. Ram.—R. S., Ev. 1.) Cr. R. S.Jour. 2. R. S.—Mt. Sin. 2.) Wat. Mar. 3.) Rep. Am. 4.) Giv. L. 5.) Wor. gol. cal.Jour. 3. Mt. Sin.—Kad.-bar. 6.) Sen. Sp. 7.) Del. Hor.Jour. 4. Kad.-bar.—Des. Par.—Ret. 8.) Wat. roc. Kad. 9.) Rep. Ar.Jour. 5. Kad.-bar.—Ed.—Riv. Jor. 10.) Bra. Ser. 11.) Vic. ov. Amo. 12.) Dea. Mos.IV. Res. Wan.1. Ins. 2. Nat. Un. 3. Ind. Lib. 4. Mil. Tra. 5. Rel. Ed.

QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW.

Name five events which were preparatory to the wandering.What made the Israelites willing to leave Egypt?How was their leader trained for his mission?What were the ten plagues upon the Egyptians?What three ideas were connected with the Passover?What is meant by the Exodus?What are the three seas of the map illustrating the wandering?Name five deserts of this region.In which desert were the most years passed?What were the two deserts on the shore of the Red Sea?Where was the desert of Zin?Which desert was between Egypt and Palestine?Name and locate five lands of this region.Which land was nearest to Egypt?Which land was on the eastern arm of the Red Sea?Which land lay east of the Dead Sea?Which land was south of the Dead Sea?Name three mountains in this region.What event look place on each of these mountains?Name two places between Egypt and the Red Sea.Name three places on the route between the Red Sea, and an event at each place.What place was south of Canaan and near it?What events occurred at this place?What two places were battlefields?State the route of the first journey.What was the great event of this journey?What was the second journey?What four events are named with this journey?What was the third journey?What two events took place with this journey?What was the longest journey?Name four places of this journey.Name two events near its close.What was the last journey?What events took place at this time?Where was the last encampment of the Israelites?What institutions originated during this period?What was the political effect of this epoch upon the people?How did it give them liberty?What was the influence in military affairs?What were its results upon the religion of the people?

Subjects for Special Papers.

The Pharaoh of the Oppression.Mount Sinai.The Greatness of Moses.The Mosaic Legislation.The Site of Kadesh-barnea.The Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

FOOTNOTE:[C]The location of Kadesh-barnea is one of the great questions of the Bible geography. Robinson places it at´Ain el-Weibeh, north-west of Petra. Rowlands, and lately Trumbull, locates it atAin Gadis, forty-five miles south of Beersheba. I think the latter is the true place, though the authorities are not agreed.

[C]The location of Kadesh-barnea is one of the great questions of the Bible geography. Robinson places it at´Ain el-Weibeh, north-west of Petra. Rowlands, and lately Trumbull, locates it atAin Gadis, forty-five miles south of Beersheba. I think the latter is the true place, though the authorities are not agreed.

THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN.

I. Let us notice theCANAANITESbefore the conquest.

1. They were avaried people. There were from seven to ten different nations in Palestine when the Israelites entered it (Exod. 3. 17; Deut. 7. 1). Each tribe, often each city, had its own government. There was no unity of government, no combined action to resist the invasion of Israel. This made the conquest easy. If one king had ruled a united people the result might have been different.

2. These peoples were, however, ofone stock. They belonged to the Hamite race, and were all descended from the family of Canaan (Gen. 10. 15-19). There was no reason, except the tribal spirit, for their separation into small clans and nationalities.

3. They wereidolatrousand, as a result, grosslyimmoral. Idolatry is always associated with immorality; for the worship of idols is a deification of sensuality. Baal and Asherah (plural Ashtoreth) were the male and female divinities worshiped by most of these races (Judg. 2. 13).

4. They had beenweakenedbefore the coming of the Israelites either by war or by pestilence. The allusions in Exod. 23. 28; Deut. 7. 20; and Josh. 7. 12, have been referred to an invasion before that of Israel, or to some plague, which destroyed the native races.

II.THE CAMPAIGNS OF THE CONQUEST.These may be divided as follows:

1.The campaigns east of the Jordan.(B. C. 1451.) These were during the life-time of Moses, and gained for Israel all the territory between the brook Arnon and Mount Hermon.

1.) The conquest of Gilead was made at the battle ofJahaz, near the brook Arnon (Num. 21. 21-31). In one battle the Israelites gained the land of Gilead from the Arnon to the Hieromax.

2.) The conquest of Bashan was completed at the battle of Edrei, in the mountainous region.

3.) The conquest of Midian (Num. 31. 1-8) was led by the warrior-priest Phinehas, and by smiting the tribes on the east protected the frontier toward the desert. The land won by these three campaigns became the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deut. 32).

JOURNEYS OF THE CONQUEST

2.The campaigns west of the Jordan(B. C. 1451) were led by Joshua, and showed great tactical skill and resistless energy of action. Joshua led his people across the Jordan and established a fortified camp, the center of operations during all his campaigns, at Gilgal (Josh. 4. 19).

1.) The first invasion was ofcentral Palestine, beginning with Jericho (Josh. 6), taking Ai on the way (Josh. 8), andending with Shechem, which apparently fell without resistance (Josh. 8. 30-33). This campaign gave to Israel the center of the land and divided their enemies into two sections.

2.) Next came the campaign againstsouthern Palestine. At this time was fought the battle of Beth-horon (Josh. 10. 10), the most momentous in its results in all history, and one over which, if ever, the sun and moon might well stand still (Josh. 10. 12, 13).[D]After this great victory Joshua pursued his enemies and took the towns as far south as Hebron and Debir (Josh. 10. 29-39).

JOSHUA'S VICTORY AT BETH-HORON.

3.) Lastly, Joshua conquerednorthern Palestine(Josh. 11). The battle in this campaign was near Lake Merom (Josh. 11. 7), and, as before, it was followed by the capture of many cities in the north. Thus, in those marches Joshua won all the mountain region of western Palestine.

3. There were certainsupplementary campaigns, partly in Joshua's time, partly afterward.

1.) Caleb's rapture of Hebron, which had been re-occupied by the Amorites (Josh. 14; Judg. 1. 10-15).

2.) The Judahites' capture of Bezek, an unknown place between Jerusalem and the Philistine plain (Judg. 1. 1-8).

3.) The Danites' capture of Laish, in the extreme north, which afterward bore the name of Dan (Judg. 18).

But, after all these campaigns, a large part of the land was still unsubdued, and the war of the conquest did not end until the days of David, by whom every foe was finally placed under foot.

III.GENERAL ASPECTS OF ISRAEL AT THE CLOSE OF THE CONQUEST.

1. With regard tothe native races. They were not destroyed nor driven away, as had been commanded.[E]They remained as subject people in some places, as the ruling race on the sea-coast and in the Jordan valley. We see their influence, always injurious, throughout all Israel's history (Exod. 23. 31-33; Deut. 7. 1-5); and some think that the present inhabitants of the country belong to the original Canaanite stock.

2.The Israelitesdid not occupy all the country. They possessed most of the mountain region, but none of the sea-coast plain on the Jordan valley. They were like the Swiss in modern times, living among the mountains. Even in the New Testament period the lowlands were occupied mainly by Gentiles.

3.The landed systemwas peculiar. Estates were inalienable. They might be leased, but not sold; and on theyear of Jubilee (every fiftieth year) all land reverted to the family originally owning it. Thus every family had its ancestral home, the poor were protected, and riches were kept within bounds.

4.The governmentwas a republic of families without an executive head, except when a judge was raised up to meet special needs. Each tribe had its own rulers, but there was no central authority after Joshua (Judg. 21. 25). This had its evils, for it led to national weakness; but it had its benefits: 1.) It kept Israel from becoming a great worldly kingdom like Egypt and Assyria, which would have thwarted the divine purpose. 2.) It promoted individuality and personal energy of character. There would have been no "age of heroes" if Israel had been a kingdom like Egypt.

5. Thereligious systemwas simple. There was but one altar at Shiloh for all the land and for all the tribes, and the people were required to visit it for the three great feasts (Deut. 12. 11, 14; Josh. 18. 1). This was the religious bond which united the people. If it had been maintained they would have needed no other constitution, and even its partial observance kept the people one nation.

6. Thecharacterof the people was diverse. Throughout the history we trace the working of two distinct elements. There was the true Israel—the earnest, religious, God-worshiping section, the Israel of Joshua and Gideon and Samuel. Then there was the underlying mass of the people—secular, ignorant, prone to idolatry, the Israel that worshiped Baal and Ashtoreth, and sought alliance with the heathen. One element was the hope of the nation, the other was its bane.

Blackboard Outline.

I. Canaanites.1. Var. 2. Ham. rac. 3. Idol. 4. Weak.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.

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'sHours 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.

[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'sHours 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.

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 locationof 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 unityof 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 butone 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 thehegemony, 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 theleadership 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 authorityrested 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 fromGod. 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 rulewas 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 ofindividuality. 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 ofneglect 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 ofprogress. 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.

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.

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?

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.

[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.

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