Our Bible Notebook
Walter Biggar Scott
Table of Contents
Introduction
(SECOND EDITION.)
NOTTINGHAM;
WALTER SCOTT, 27 PORTLAND ROAD.
LONDON:
W. BLATCHLEY, S. LANCEFIELD STREET, W
In the preparation of “OUR BIBLE NOTEBOOK” we have considered the interests of the thousands who read and study the English Bible. The notes are numerous, varied, and suggestive. Evangelists, Sunday School Teachers, and others of the Lord’s servants will, we doubt not, find ready help in these Notes. The index of contents will enable anyone, at a glance, to find a note on most of the subjects met with in course of Bible reading. This Second Edition contains additional Notes.
WALTER SCOTT.
Our Bible Notebook
1.—Total number of words in the Bible, about 773,692.
2.—Total number of letters in the Bible, about 3,566,480.
3.—Total number of books in the Old Testament, 39.
4.—Total number of chapters in the Old Testament, 929.
5.—Total number of verses in the Old Testament, about 23,214.
6.—The shortest book in the Old Testament is Obadiah.
7.—The shortest chapter in the Old Testament is Esther 10
8.—The shortest verse in the Old Testament is 1 Chronicles 1:25.
9.—Total number of books in the New Testament, 27.
10.—Total number of chapters in the New Testament, 260.
11.—Total number of verses in the New Testament, about 7,959.
12.—The shortest verse in the New Testament is John 11:35.
13.—The moral condition of Israel on the first coming of the Lord in grace is unfolded in the book of Malachi.
14.—Old Testament history is comprised in sixteen books—from Genesis to Nehemiah—the first and last historical books of the Old Testament.
15.—The priests’ guidebook was Leviticus
16.—The Levites’ guidebook was Numbers.
17.—The peoples’ guidebook was Deuteronomy.
18.—The following prophets prophesied after the restoration from the captivity: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
19.—The following prophets prophesied during the captivity: Daniel in the royal court of the conquerors; Ezekiel amongst the captives at the river of Chebar; and Jeremiah amongst the poor of the people left in the land.
20.—The first mention of believing in the Old Testament is in Genesis 15:6.
21.—The first person in Scripture termed a “Hebrew” is Abram (Gen. 14:13).
22.—The first altar spoken of is Noah’s (Genesis 8:20).
23.—The first polygamist was Lamech (Gen. 4:19).
24.—The first worker for salvation was Cain (Gen. 4)
25.—The first city builder and murderer was Cain (Gen. 4)
26.—The first conqueror and hunter was Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-11).
27.—The first recorded instance of a son dying before his father is noted in Genesis 11:28.
28.—The first recorded instance of a daughter being born is in Genesis 4
29.—The first general confederacy amongst men is recorded in Genesis 11:1-6.
30.—The first time the Hebrews are termed Jews is in 2 Kings 16:6.
31.—The first mention of Assyria after the days of Nimrod is noted in 2 Kings 15:19.
32.—The first, second, and third kings of all Israel each reigned the probationary period of 40 years.
33.—The first notice of the Rainbow-token of Divine goodness—is in Genesis 9; the last mention in Revelation 10:1.
34.—Christ suffered at man’s hands as a martyr for righteousness; hence judgment is the result (Psa. 69). Christ suffered at God’s hands as a victim for sin; hence grace to man is the blessed fruit (Psa. 22)
35.—The last five verses of Psalm 40—the prayer of the suffering Messiah—form Psalm 70, the prayer of the future remnant of Judah.
36.— “There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked,” are the concluding words of Jehovah’s expostulation with His people, because of their idolatry (Isa. 40-48) “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked,” are the concluding words of God’s expostulation with His people, because of their rejection of the Messiah (Isa. 49-57)
37.—Human life has been shortened by about a half several times; thus the longest liver after the flood (except Shem)—Heber—lived 464 years, a little more than half Methuselah’s age, 969 years, the longest liver before or since the flood; the longest liver after the dispersion at Babylon—lived 239 years, a little more than half Heber’s age. In the wilderness, life was again shortened to about half of the age of Abram (Psa. 90:10): the blessed Lord was cut off in the “midst” or half of His days, as a man (Psa. 102:24).
38.—Scripture furnishes no account of the birth or death of any of Cain’s posterity, but simply records their doings (Gen. 4) They were exceedingly clever in patching up a wrecked world. Science, music, and the lusts of the flesh characterized that energetic race.
39.—Seth, third son of Adam, in whom the line of grace flowed, was contemporary with all the antediluvian fathers, except Noah.
40.—Methuselah was contemporary with Adam for more than 200 years, and with Noah for about 600 years.
41.—Enoch, who walked with God, was contemporary with Adam for about 300 years, and with Noah for some time, and thus the truth and revelation of God then revealed, were handed down for 1656 years —from Adam to Noah.
42.—The Cherubim (plural) are always connected with the judicial and governmental authority of God; it is so in the first instance where they are named, as guarding the tree of life (Gen. 3:24). In the tabernacle and temple they signify the moral supports of Jehovah’s throne, as “justice and judgment” (Psa. 89:14); and in Ezekiel 1 and 10. they clearly set forth God acting judicially towards His people, in bringing against them that “bitter nation” —the Chaldeans.
43.—The Seraphim (plural) announce the holiness of Jehovah, the Divine glory being their great care and concern; they are only once named in Scripture (Isa. 6); God’s righteousness is the great care of the Cherubim.
44.—Four cities originally constituted the strength of the Babylonian kingdom (Gen. 10:10), and four cities the strength of the Assyrian kingdom (verses 11-12).
45.—The Patriarchs were called upon to walk before God and be perfect (Gen. 17:1); Israel was to be perfect with the Lord her God (Deut. 18:13); Christians are to be perfect, as their Father in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48).
46.—The Feasts of Jehovah were seven in number (Lev. 23), and are termed in John’s gospel “feasts of the Jews,” because there the moral rejection of the Lord is assumed from the commencement of the gospel (1:10-11).
47.—THE SEVEN FEASTS OF JEHOVAH (Lev. 23).—
(a) The Sabbath—God’s eternal rest for man and creation (Heb. 3; 4)
(b) The Passover—Shelter by blood, the foundation of all blessing and glory (1 Cor. 5:7).
(c) The Feast of Unleavened Bread—Holiness of walk and life (1 Cor. 5:8).
(d) The Feast of Weeks—Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came down and formed the Church (Acts 2).
(e) The Feast of Trumpets—Israel again summoned and gathered to her land and God (Psa. 81)
(f) The Day of Atonement—Israel coming into the blessing of redemption (Zech. 12)
(g) The Feast of Tabernacles—Millennial glory of Israel (Zech. 14:16).
48.—The first four chapters of Lamentations, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 25; 34; 37; 111; 112; 119, and 145. are acrostics founded on the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
49.—Abimelech was a common title of a race of Philistine kings.
50.—Pharaoh was the royal designation of the Egyptian monarchs.
51.—Antiochus was the royal title borne by the kings of the North, or of Syria.
52.—Cæsar was the imperial title of the first Roman Emperors.
53.—Ptolemy was the royal title of the Southern or Egyptian kings.
54.—Raguel, Reuel, Jethro are names given to Moses’ father-in-law.
55.—The following are various names and titles applied to the future Antichrist in the Scriptures:—(a) The King (Dan. 11:36); (b) The Idol Shepherd (Zech. 11:17); (c) Bloody and Deceitful man (Psa. 5:6); (d) Antichrist (1 John 2:22); (e) False Prophet (Rev. 19:20); (f) Another Beast (Rev. 13:11); (g) Man of Sin (2 Thess. 2:3); (h) Son of Perdition (2 Thess. 2:3); (i) Wicked One (2 Thess. 2:8); (j) Come in his own Name (John 5:43).
56.—The seven heathen nations inhabiting the land of Canaan, and which God ordained to be exterminated root and branch, were: (a) the Canaanites, (b) the Perizzites, (c) the Hivites, (d) the Jebusites, (e) the Hittites, (f) the Girgashites, (g) the Amorites. Israel failed in driving out these nations, hence their descendants will once again inhabit the land of Palestine, but will be utterly destroyed by the Lord at His Second Coming; “And in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 14:21).
57.—Interesting details as to the closing days are given us in the book of Zechariah.
58.—A comprehensive outline of the prophetic future is found in the book of Isaiah.
59.—The religious and civil state of Israel during the millennium is given in the prophecy of Ezekiel.
60.—The rise, course and doom of the Gentile powers of the west are unfolded in the prophecy of Daniel.
61.—The feelings, exercises, and sorrows of the Israel God-fearing remnant in the future crisis of her history, are fully detailed in the book of Psalms.
62.—The judgment and ruin of the Edomites were prophetically foretold by Obadiah.
63.—The judgment and ruin of the Assyrians were prophetically foretold by Nahum.
64.—The judgment and ruin of the Chaldeans were prophetically foretold by Habakkuk.
65.—THE TEMPLES.
The following are the temples mentioned in the Word of God:—Solomon’s (1 Kings 8); destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the year 588 B.C. Zerubbabel’s (Ezra 3;6); pillaged and dedicated to the heathen god Jupiter, by Antiochus, Epiphanes, in the years 168 and 170 B.C. Herod’s (John 2:20); reconstructed and almost rebuilt in a style of surpassing magnificence; commenced in the year 17 B.C. Antichrist’s (2 Thess. 2:4) built by the Jews in unbelief when returned to their land (Isa. 18); the “Antichrist,” and the “Beast,” i.e., head of the revived Roman Empire, will establish idolatrous worship in it. Christ’s Millennial Temple (Ezek. 40); entirely new, and not on the site of the old one; it will be grand and capacious, according to Divine plan and measurement, and the glory of Jehovah will fully occupy it.
66.—Both Phineas and Aaron were set in the priesthood; the latter by the choice of Jehovah (Lev. 8), the former by earning his title to it (Num. 25)
67.—We have no mention of rain during the first sixteen and a half centuries of the world’s history (Gen. 7:4); the ground was watered by a mist which went up from the earth (Gen. 2:6).
68.—The first recorded instance of Egypt invading Judah is in the reign of Rehoboam. The temple and palace were plundered of their wealth; but Jerusalem itself and the country were spared (1 Kings 14; 2 Chron. 12)
69.—UNWRITTEN PERIOD OF PROPHECY.
Prophecy as an institution permanently established in Israel dates from the call of Samuel (Acts 3:24). From Israel’s settlement in Canaan under Joshua till the judgeship of Samuel 450 years (Acts 13:20), we have only three direct notices of prophetic ministry (Judg. 6:8; 4:4; 1 Sam. 2:27); again, from Samuel, the first of the long line of prophets which closed with John the Baptist, till the days of Uzziah, period of about 300 years, we have no written prophecy. We would style that era the historical period.
70.—Note three expressions in Hebrews, chapter 9: “The tabernacle,” the “first tabernacle,” the “second tabernacle.” The first expression refers to the whole structure, as in the first clause of verse 2: “for there was a tabernacle made;” the second expression refers to the holy place, and the third to the most holy.
71.—MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE AND THE VESSELS, THE PRIESTS’ HOLY GARMENTS, &c. (Ex. 25).
(a) Gold—Divine glory; Divine righteousness; Divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(b) Silver—Jesus in the value of His work for the redemption of the sinner.
(c) Brass—Christ sustaining the judgment of God against sin.
(d) Blue—Heavenly character of the blessed Lord.
(e) Purple—Sufferings of Christ,
(f) Scarlet—Earthly glories of Christ.
(g) Fine Linen—Spotless purity of the blessed One in His person and ways.
(h) Coats’ Hair —Christ’s absolute separation from all outward evil and sin.
(i) Rams’ Skins Died Red—Life-and-death devotedness of Christ to God.
(j) Badgers’ Skins—Absolute holiness of Jesus, repelling every form of outward evil.
(k) Shittim Wood—The holy humanity of our Lord.
(l) Oil for the Light—The Spirit of God the efficient power of all true testimony.
(m) Spices for Anointing Oil, and for Sweet Incense —The moral graces and perfections of Christ expressed in the energy of the Holy Spirit (the oil), and also in Christ’s intercession for believers (the incense).
(n) Onyx Stones—The variegated glories of Christ.
(o) Stones for the Ephod and Breastplate—Moral glories and beauties of Christ.
72.—THE PROMINENT VESSELS, ETC., OF THE TABERNACLE.—
(a) Ark, made of shittim wood, and covered all over with gold inside and outside, surmounted with a golden crown, and with its rings and staves: Highest type of Christ in the two-fold glory of His person as man (shittim wood), as Divine (gold) and now crowned with glory and honor, and His perfect adaptation to all our wilderness circumstances (the rings and staves).
(b) Altar of Incense, made of shittim wood, and overlaid with pure gold, with its rings and staves, and surrounded with a golden crown: Christ the holy meeting place between God and His saints in respect to worship. By Him we offer the sacrifice of praise to God (Heb. 13:15). Crowned on high (Heb. 2:9) and seated in the highest place (Heb. 8:1), He presents the merits of His own glorious person and the infinite perfection of His own accomplished sacrifice before the face of God, and that too for us, who also act as kings and priests to God (Rev. 1:6). In yonder Man, “Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,” our hearts rest, in Him our affections delight; on Him we feed, and find present, full, and eternal satisfaction. As we gaze on Him, the heart is filled with worship, and we fill the holy place with songs of praise to Him who loves us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
(c) Altar of judgment, made of shittim wood and overlaid with brass (copper) with its rings and staves, grating, etc.: Christ the righteous meeting place between God and the sinner in respect to sin. Christ on the cross measuring the distance and the responsibility of the sinner to God. There our need as sinners is fully met, and our guilty con sciences perfectly satisfied. The golden altar in the holy place is the expression of our nearness to God as saints; the brazen altar in the court is the expression of distance from God and of the judgment due to the sinner.
(d) Breastplate of judgment, made of gold (divine), blue (heavenly), purple (suffering), scarlet (earthly glory), and of fine-twined linen (spotless humanity), with stones engraved (reflections of the glories of Christ) and set in the breastplate in a gold enclosing (Divine securities): Believers ever borne on the heart of Jesus before God in divine love and righteousness, and according to all that Christ is personally and officially.
(e) Cherubim (plural) made out of the same piece of gold as the mercy seat or lid of the ark, one on either side, covering it with outstretched wings: Divine attributes judicially displayed, or the moral supports of Jehovah’s throne, as justice and judgment (Psa. 89:14).
(f) Candlestick, of pure gold, with beautifully carved shaft, and with its branches, bowls, knops and flowers: The Holy Spirit’s perfect display of Christ in the exquisite and variegated glories of His person as the wondrous light of a heavenly people.
(g) Golden bells, and pomegranates, of blue, purple, and scarlet, bung alternately round the hem of the blue robe of the ephod worn by the High Priest in the presence of God: The “golden bells” set forth the testimony of the Holy Ghost to us, as to the acceptance of Christ’s work in all that He is, as now within the veil. The precious pomegranates set forth the fruit as gathered out of this scene, and which He now presents to God in all the glorious efficacy of His person. The “bells” are testimony to us; the “pomegranates” are fruit to God.
(h) Laver, of brass, with its foot also of brass and filled with water: The ability of Christ in meeting His people’s defilement, so as to keep them practically clean for priestly service and priestly worship. The water figures the Word of God (Eph. 5:26) as constantly applied to our walk, ways, words, thoughts, and actions—the whole life.
(i) Mercy Seat, of pure gold; the golden cover of the ark—On this, and between the cherubim, rested the cloud—symbol of Jehovah’s presence. It was on the mercy seat, and thus before the eye of God, that the high priest sprinkled the blood once on the yearly atonement day, and before it seven times, thus giving us a standing in the Divine presence. The mercy seat was also the trysting place between God enthroned in Divine majesty and the people represented by the high priest, who entered with incense and blood. Christ is our mercy seat (Rom. 3:25).
(j) Table of showbread, made of shittim wood, overlaid with pure gold, surrounded with a golden crown, and showbread set before the Lord always: Christ now crowned with glory and honor in the double glory of His person as God and man is the table; and Christ too the food set thereon, and all this He ever is before our God. He is our light—the candlestick; our food—the bread; and our object in worship—the golden altar; all these stood in the holy place is riot Christ everything in these shadows?
(k) Veil, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen, with cherubim: We know from the Hebrews, chap. 10:20, that the veil represents “His flesh.” His varied glories, and all judicial and governmental attributes center in Him, who is the man Christ Jesus.
73.—The glory of Jehovah filled the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:34-38).
The glory of Jehovah filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11).
The glory of Jehovah will occupy the Millennial Temple (Ezek. 43:1-5).
74.—THE IMAGE AND BEASTS (Dan. 2 and 7.).—
The Gold ... Babylon. The Lion ... Babylon.
The Silver ... Persia. The Bear ... Persia.
The Brass ... Greece. The Leopards ... Greece.
The Iron ... Rome. The Dreadful and Terrible Beast ... Rome.
75.—THE OLDEST ALMANAC IN THE WORLD. In the British Museum (London) there is an Almanac 3000 years old. This ancient book was found on the body of an Egyptian; it is written on papyrus and in columns. It establishes the date of the reign of Rameses the Great. It is not complete, nor of real value. Its antiquity lends all its interest to it.
76.—ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE SACRED SCRIPTURES.—
Wycliffe’s—1380. First English Translation of the Bible.
Tyndale’s—1526. First English printed New Testament.
Coverdale’s—1535. First complete English Bible printed.
Matthew’s—1537. Revision merely of Coverdale’s Bible.
Tarerner’s—1539. Revision merely of Matthew’s Bible.
The Great Bible—1539—from its size. A revision of its predecessors.
The Geneva Bible—1560. Not a revision, but a complete translation.
The Bishop’s Bible—1568. A revision of “The Great Bible.”
Rheims New Testament—1582. Roman Catholic.
Douay Bible—1609. Roman Catholic.
Authorized Version, of the Bible—1611. Version and translation.
Revised New Testament—1881. On the basis of the authorized.
Revised Bible 1885. On the basis of the authorized.
77.—FIRST BOOK PUBLISHED IN BRITISH AMERICA was The Psalms in Meter, faithfully translated for the use, edification, and comfort of the Saints in Public and Private, especially in New England. Printed at Cambridge in 1640.
78.—FIRST PRINTED BOOK was the Bible executed in Mentz, Germany, in 1450, by Gutenberg, supposed inventor of the art of printing in Europe.
79.—THE CATACOMBS OF ROME. It has been calculated that these subterranean passages cover an extent of about 900 miles, and may contain about 7,000,000 of graves. They were discovered towards the close of the sixteenth century. In these gloomy abodes of the dead, numerous Christians found a hiding place and a grave during the pagan persecutions of Rome.
80.—CHALDEANS. The character and doom of these destroyers of Judah are eloquently and strikingly descanted upon by Habakkuk.
81.—EDOM is an interesting country of about 100 miles in length, and 20 miles broad. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother, “the people against whom the Lord hath indignation forever” (Mal. 1:1-4). The cry of the exulting Edomite over the downfall of Judah (Psa. 137:7), and the active assistance given to the Chaldeans in the overthrow of Jerusalem and captivity of the people (Obadiah), will be duly answered in the coming crisis. Christ in awful retribution will bathe His sword in the land of Edom, staining His garments with the blood of her people (Isa. 63:1-6); this after the restoration of the Edomites to their now ruined cities and rock-hewn dwellings. But Judah will yet possess that land (Isa. 11:14; Obad. 1:17-21), and the pride, strength, and wisdom of Edom will perish forever.
82.—ISRAEL.—
Leading points in her history. In the loins of Abraham (Rom. 4), as a family under Jacob (Gen. 49), as a nation under Moses (Ex. 12-14), a kingdom under Saul (1 Sam. 10), in captivity (ten tribes) under Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17), in captivity (two tribes) under Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25), as restored (remnants of Judah) under Cyrus (Ezra 2), and now dispersed (Judah) under Titus (Luke 21:24); lastly, “He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather, together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isa. 11:12). The whole nation will be saved, re-united, and blessed under the personal reign of the Messiah (Ezek. 34).
83.—The first nineteen verses of the eleventh chapter of Genesis precede the historical account of the nations as given in chapter 10. The moral reason of the dispersion is stated in chapter 11:19. Further, “Peleg,” division, in whose days the earth was divided (10:25), is named in chronological sequence (11: 19).
84.—The three sons of Noah were Japheth, the eldest, Shen), the second, and Ham, the youngest. When the order of grace is given, Shem is first named (Gen. 9:26); when the order of birth or nature, Japheth comes first (10:2).
85.—DESCENDANTS Of JAPHETH.—
(a) Gomer the eldest son of Japheth, is the father of the ancient Cimmerians, who settled on the northern shore of the Black Sea. The modern and familiar name “Crimea,” and the “Cimbri” of olden times, are derived from the Cimmerians, the immediate descendants of Gomer. The Gauls and Celts of ancient times, and of more modern date the Germans, French, and English or British rather, are descended from Gomer.
(b) Magog refers to the Scythians or Mongolian tribes who settled on the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea.
(c) Madai has been identified as the well-known Medes, who were allied to the Persians in after years (Isa. 13:17).
(d) Javan is the ancient name of Greece (Dan. 8:21).
(e) Tubal is the modern Tobolsk, capital of Asiatic Russia. The people descended from Tubal were located between the Black Sea and the Caspian.
(f) Meshech from its association with Tubal and connection with Gag, or Russia, in Ezekiel 38; 39, we identify as Moscow, not only a large and populous province, but the city of that name, forming, till the beginning of this century, the metropolis of the whole Russian Empire.
(g) Tiras is in all probability the progenitor of the Thracians.
(h) Ashkenaz whose descendants settled in the northern and southern side of the Black Sea.
(i) Riphath the father of the tribes who located themselves on the Rhipean or Carpathian mountains, pretty far north of Tiras or Thrace.
(j) Togarmah better known as Armenia, the people of which assert that they are descended from “Targom,” or the Togarmah of Scripture.
(k) Elishah, a portion of the Greek race inhabiting the isles of the Ægears Sea (Ezek. 27:7).
(l) Tarshish is identified by many as Tuscany, in Italy; it may be so, but the proof is not satisfactory. There was an eastern city and a western one both of that name.
(m) Kittim or Chittim is the ancient name for the now noted island of Cyprus, but we regard it in Scripture as denoting the islands and sea coast of the Mediterranean under the yoke of Rome (Dan. 11:30).
(n) Dodanim believed by many to signify an ancient Greek race, “By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands, everyone after his tongue, after their families in their nations.” It will be observed from the foregoing brief geographical notes, that the “seas round which the descendants of Japheth located, were the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas;” this will help us to understand what is meant by the “isles of the Gentiles.” A similar expression occurs in Zephaniah 2:11, etc.
86.—DESCENDANTS OF HAM.—
(a) Cush, is wrongly translated “Ethiopia” in Isaiah 18:1, and elsewhere. The Cushites settled partly on the Nile and partly on the Euphrates. “Rivers of Ethiopia” or Cush are therefore the rivers Nile and Euphrates.
(b) Mizraim is a plural word denoting both Upper and Lower Egypt.
(c) Phut an African people, known as the Libyans, and from whom the Moors are in turn descended.
(d) Canaan, is the general designation of the nations inhabiting the country from the Mediterranean on the west, to the Jordan on the east, prior to Israel’s occupation.
(e) Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, Sabtechah, Sheba, and Dedan, all these seven names refer to peoples settled at or near the Persian Gulf.
(f) Babel, Erech, Accad, Calneh, these four cities originally formed the strength of the Babylonian kingdom.
(g) Nineveh, Rehoboth, Calah, Resen, these four cities originally constituted the strength of the Assyrian kingdom.
(h) Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim these six, it will be observed, have the Hebrew dual ending, and denominate various African tribes or nations.
(i) Philistim the well-known people who settled within the western borders of Canaan, namely the Philistines.
(j) Caphtorim the original inhabitants of the Isle of Crete, now known as Candia in the Mediterranean, once a mighty kingdom of 100 cities; so sang Homer.
87.—DESCENDANTS OF SHEM.—
(a) Elam is the ancient name for Persia.
(b) Asshur is the country of Assyria.
(c)Arphaxad is the northern portion of Assyria.
(d) Lud refers to a people who settled in Asia Minor.
(e) Aram is the Bible designation of Syria (Num. 23:7). (Here several of the names, as Salah, Peleg, must be read simply as the heads of races or peoples.)
(f) Eber or Heber from whence sprung the Hebrews. The most of the other names refer to tribes inhabiting various parts of Arabia.
88.—Ezra, being a priest and a scribe, unfolds the religious side, or history of returned Judah, and that for about 80 years. This distinguished scribe and ecclesiastical historian is generally regarded as the compiler of the books of the Old Testament, and his memory held in great reverence by Jews, ancient and modern. Work and worship are characteristic features of his book.
From chapter 4, verse 8, to chapter 4, verse 18, and from chapter 7, verse 12, to verse 26 of Ezra, are portions written in the Chaldean or Aramean language—the tongue of the Babylonians and Assyrians.
89.— PALESTINE.
Palestine is protected on the north by the Lebanon range of mountains, the summits of which are almost perpetually capped with snow; on the west it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean; on the south lies Egypt and adjoining desert, the scene of the forty years’ wanderings; while on the east from the Jordan stretches out the great Arabian desert to the Euphrates, a distance of about 300 miles. It is difficult to give the exact length of the country in miles, as geographers considerably differ in defining the limits of the land from north to south, and even from west to east; but it has been computed that its extreme length is from 140 to 150 miles or thereabout, having an average breadth of about 40 miles, but in some parts it is about double that. If the territory east of the Jordan, occupied by the two tribes and a half, be embraced, then the land of Canaan would nearly cover 20,000 square miles. The future size of the land, according to Genesis 15 and Ezekiel 48, has been computed to be about two and a half times as large as Great Britain and Ireland, covering an area of about 300,000 square miles.
The names by which Palestine is spoken of are as follow:—
(a) Canaan (Lev. 14:34); (b) Palestine, so named by the ancients; (c) The Holy Land (Zech. 2:12); (d) The Lord’s Land (Hos. 9:3); (e) Thy Land, O Immanuel (Isa. 8:8) (f) Land of Israel (1 Sam. 13:19); (g) Land of the. Hebrews (Gen. 40:15); (h) Land of Judah (Isa. 26:1); (i) Land of Promise (Heb. 11:9); (j) The Pleasant Land (Dan. 8:9).
90.—JERUSALEM.
Jerusalem, the ancient capital of the kingdom, is named in the Scriptures upwards of 800 times. Some of its names are as follow:
(a) The City of the Great King (Psa. 48:1, 2); (b) The City of God (Psa. 46:4); (c) The City of the Lord (Isa. 60:14); (d) A City of Truth (Zech. 8:3); (e) The City of Righteousness (Isa. 1:26); (f) The Faithful City (Isa. 1:21); (g) The Holy City (Isa. 48:2); (h) The City of Judah (2 Chron. 25:28); (i) The City of David (2 Sam. 5:7); (j) The City of Solemnities (Isa. 33:20); (k) The Throne of the Lord (Jer. 3:17); (l) The Lord is there (Ezek. 48:35); (m) The Zion of the Holy One of Israel (Isa. 40:14); (n) Salem (Gen. 14:18); (o) Jebus (Josh. 15:8).
Described—(a) Its Palaces and Towers (Psa. 48:13); (b) Its Walls, Gates and Bulwarks (Isa. 26:1); (c)Its Wealth, Population, and Industry (Isa. 22:2); (d) Its Idolatry, Wickedness, and Religion (Lam. 2); (e) Its Geographical Situation (Psa. 48:2).
Besieged by Shishak, king of Egypt (2 Chron. 12:14); by Jehoash, king of Israel (2 Kings 14:13, 14); by Rezin and Pekah (2 Kings 16:5); by Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:17); by Pharaoh-Nechoh (2 Kings 23:33-35); by Nebuchadnezzar, once (2 Kings 24:1); by Nebuchadnezzar, a second time (2 Kings 24:10,11); by Nebuchadnezzar, a third time (2 Kings 25); by Titus (Luke 21), etc.
Its Desolation—Trodden down (Luke 21:24); Plowed as a field (Jer. 26:18); Reduced to ruins (Isa. 25:2); Not one stone left upon another (Mark 13:2); A wilderness and desolation (Jer. 25:18); Forsaken and hated (Isa. 60:15); Under Divine judgment (Lam. 1)
91.—RETURN OF THE JEWS.
The Jews in considerable numbers are returning to Palestine, and to England, but not from choice. In certain parts of Russia and Turkey they are barely tolerated, whilst almost every species of insult, contempt and robbery are their unhappy lot. Wealthy Jewish families in the lands of persecution are not so badly treated, as they can afford by a liberal expenditure to purchase a partial exemption from the trials to which their poorer brethren are exposed. Hence the influx of so many poor Jews—in a state of almost utter destitution, is causing serious concern to the Jewish authorities in England and elsewhere. The drain upon the Jewish exchequer is enormous. Need we say that this is not the Jewish restoration foretold in Isaiah 17-18, which will be a national one, and the grave political event of the century.
92.— THE LINKING UP OF THE TESTAMENTS.
The first three chapters of the Bible supply abundant material for the imagery employed in describing the glories and beauties of the New Jerusalem in the last three chapters of the Bible Thus Moses and John bridge the compass of Revelation, and clasp hands—the beginning and the end are linked. But again, in the last book of the Old Testament we have a prophetic announcement of the coming of John the Baptist and also of Elijah—the Baptist to precede the advent of the Lord in grace (Mal. 3); and Elijah the forerunner of the Lord in judgment (chap. iv.). In the first book of the New Testament those two chapters of Malachi are each unmistakably referred to by our Lord (chap. 11.). Thus, again, we have the linking up of the Testaments, and what God hath joined let no man put asunder.
93.— There are about 960 Old Testament passages quoted, cited, or alluded to in the New.
94.— OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS.
In the New Testament oracles we meet with two classifications of the 39 books of the former revelation. (a) Moses and the prophets, or, the law and the prophets (Luke 16:29), etc. (b) The law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms (Luke 24:44). This latter passage is an interesting one. “The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. “The prophets” comprise the historical books, as well as those from Isaiah to Malachi; 29 in all. Prophecy means “forth-telling,” not necessarily “future-telling.” “The Psalms” —this divisional title is applied to the five remaining books of the Old Testament, as Job, Book of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song. “The Book of Psalms” (Acts 1:20)—the second of the five—must not be confounded with the general title, “The Psalms.” They are quite distinct.
95.—The ancient title of the prophets was that of “Seer,” for “he that is now called a prophet was beforetime called a Seer,” (1 Sam. 9:9). Possibly the latter differed from the former in this respect, that visions of God were opened to the gaze of the Seer, while the word of the Lord was as truly characteristic of the prophet (2 Chron. 9:29).
96.— NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS.
The term “New Testament,” borrowed from Matthew 26:28, is the chosen title of the 27 books begun by Matthew a few years after Christ’s death and finished by John ere the first century closed. The following seems a simple and natural arrangement of the New Testament. (a) The Gospels. (b) The Acts (c) The Epistles.
The royalties of Christ are unfolded in the first Gospel. The service of Christ is the subject of the second Gospel. The manhood of Christ is developed in the third Gospel. The Deity of Christ is the happy theme of the fourth Gospel. This is followed by the progress of Christianity on earth for about 34 years, chiefly under the apostolic labors of Peter (Acts 1-12), and of Paul (Acts 13-28). Here, the acts, ways, words, and works of the Holy Ghost through sinners saved, and in answer to the exalted place and heavenly glory of Christ, are unfolded in this the only historical book of the New Testament. Then the teaching, feeding, guiding, and instruction of the saints as in Ephesians, Jude, etc., and of the Church as in Corinthians, Thessalonians, etc., and of servants as in The Revelation, etc., are richly and abundantly provided for in the 22 epistles.
97.— The “heavenly places” is an expression found five times in the Ephesians; (a) The sphere of our blessings (chap. 1:3); (b) Where in the highest seat Christ sits (verse 20); (c) Whereas believers we are seated (chap. 2:6); (d) The present sphere of angelic intelligences (chap. 3:10); (e) The scene of Christian conflict (chap. 5:12).
98.—Blessing prepared “from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34); and that counseled in Him “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), present an interesting distinction; the former is in TIME, the latter in ETERNITY.
99.—Avoid one-sidedness in studying and applying the truth. If we want to be like Christ avoid ranging yourself under Paul to the exclusion of Peter, else you will become sentimental and unpractical; or Peter to the exclusion of Paul, else you will become earthly instead of having heaven’s character and ways imprinted upon you as you pass along serving Christ and waiting for His return from heaven.
100.— The heathen are abruptly informed in their own language, the Chaldee, that their gods are doomed to utter destruction, Jeremiah 10:11; the rest of the book is written in Hebrew.
101.— Idolatry was introduced after the defeat of the Babel attempt to establish a universal independency apart from God (Gen. 11:1-9), and spread rapidly even if the family of Shem, so that Abram’s father was an idolater. Idolatry is first mentioned in Joshua 24:2. It was this awful evil which led to the call of Abram by the Word of Jehovah and the appearing of the God of glory, thus God morally judged the world, and began afresh, depositing promise in Abram (Gal. 3:16) and committing a new testimony to man (Rom. 11) of which the patriarch was the root, i.e., of the olive tree.
102.— THE BOOK OF PSALMS.
The title (Acts 1:20) and numbering (Acts 13:33) of this divine collection of heart utterances are fully owned of God. The headings, many of which are untranslated, are of very ancient date, being found in the Septuagint or Greek version of the Old Testament, commenced nearly 300 years B.C. There are 116 psalms titled or headed, the remaining 34 being strangely enough styled “Orphan Psalms.” The name of David occurs in the headings in more than the half of those titled psalms. Those dedicated to “the sons of Korah” are evidence that God remembered mercy in that awful scene of judgment recorded in Numbers 16, for to them were committed the choral services of worshipping Israel. The psalms historically cover the whole period from Moses (Psa. 90, the first chronologically) to the Judean captivity in Babylon (Psa. 137, the last written), about 1000 years.
103.— DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK OF PSALMS.
There are in all 150 Psalms, not chronologically, but morally divided into five books, thus:
Book One contains Psalms 1:41. Of these Psalms, 37 contain the name of David in the headings; Jehovah is the characteristic Divine title throughout.
Book Two contains Psalms 42.-72. All these Psalms are titled, save three, and 18 liar the name of David; God is the characteristic Divine title.
Book Three contains Psalms 73.-89. All these Psalms are headed and titled. The Divine names God and Jehovah occur in about equal numbers, although God is more prominent in the first 11 Psalms.
Book Four contains Psalms 90.-106. There are only three of these Psalms titled. Jehovah is here the characteristic Divine title.
Book Five contains Psalms 107.-150. Of these Psalms 16 are titled. Jehovah is the Divine name which is here almost exclusively used.
104.— The complete overthrow of the mighty and extensive Persian Empire; its destruction by Alexander the Great, and rapid growth of the Grecian power; its break-up and subsequent four-fold division, are all described with wonderful circumstantiality of detail in the prophet Daniel 7:6; 8:1-8.
105.— The awful condition of the Jews during the great siege of Jerusalem in the year A.D. 70, and the character of the Roman power, are minutely described by Moses more than 1500 years previously (Deut. 28:44-67).
106.—PERSIAN SOVEREIGNS. —
NAME IN HISTORY. NAME IN SCRIPTURE.
Cyrus ... ... ... Cyrus (Ezra 1, etc.)
Cambyses ... ... Ahasuerus (Ezra 4:6).
Smerdis ... ... ... Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:1-23).
Darius Hystaspsis ... ... Darius (Ezra 4:24, etc.)
Xerxes ... ... ... Ahasuerus (Esther 1, etc.)
Artaxerxes Longimanus ... Artaxerxes (Ezra 7; Neh. 2:1).
107.—It will be observed that Israel is spoken of as outcast and Judah as dispersed, (Isa. 11:12). Notice, too, that the first three divisions of the prophecy of Isaiah end with a bright millennial scene, and the last three division with a dark millennial picture.
108.—CORRECTIONS IN THE TEXT OF CHAPTER 53 OF ISAIAH.—
ENGLISH TEXT. CORRECTED TEXT.
Ver. 8. Who shall declare his generation? His manner of life who would declare?
(The question was alone answered by the dying robber, who justified Christ, saying, “This man hath done nothing amiss.”)
Ver. 9. He made his grave with the wicked. His grave was appointed with the wicked.
(Man’s appointment to lay the holy One of God in the same grave with the wicked was divinely overruled, for God had determined otherwise) —John 19:38-42.
Ver. 11.
By His knowledge shall my righteous Servant justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.
By His knowledge shall my righteous Servant instruct many (i.e., in practical righteousness) and He shall bear their iniquities.
(In this verse we have the life-work of the blessed Lord, and also His death-work. He instructed His disciples (Matt. 5-7) during His life. He bore the iniquities of sinners in His death).
109.— BABYLON AND NINEVEH.
In the destruction of Babylon and Nineveh, the respective capitals of the Chaldean and Assyrian kingdoms, there are strong points of resemblance; but there is also marked contrast. The besiegers of Babylon entered the city through the almost dry bed of the river, which had been diverted from its usual course, but in the case of the latter city, the waters of the Tigris overflowed its banks and poured into the doomed city. The proud monarch retired to his palace and set it on fire, and thus perished, after sustaining a siege of about two years. The charcoal and burnt wood were plentifully found by the excavators in the ruins of Nineveh—which will never again rear its head (Nah. 3:19). Assyria, however, but not its capital, will share millennial blessedness (Isa. 19)
110.— Note the distinction in the terms Sacrifice, Oblation, and Offering. Sacrifice involved the shedding of blood, as of bullocks, lambs, etc.; oblation referred to the presentation of fruits, vegetables, where no blood was shed; offering is the more general word, and could apply to either or both of the foregoing.
There were morning (3rd hour), evening (9th hour), weekly, monthly, and yearly sacrifices, besides other national festivals and feasts, all of which will be found specifically mentioned in Leviticus, Numbers, etc. The three national and compulsory feasts were the Passover (shelter), Pentecost (first fruits of the nation to God), and Tabernacles (millennial glory); in other words, shelter by blood, liberty of grace, and glory.
111.— There are nearly 300 plants, flowers, herbs, and trees named in the Scriptures from the tree of life in Genesis to the tree of life in Revelation.
112.— The word Emmanuel (God with us), occurs but once in the New Testament (Matt. 1:23).
113.— The word Eternity occurs but four or five times in the Bible.
114.— BOOKS OF THE JEWISH RESTORATION.—
(a) Ezra unfolds the ecclesiastical state of things.
(b) Nehemiah depicts the civil condition.
(c) Haggai, the book of encouragement
(d) Zechariah, the book of the future.
(e) Malachi, the book of moral condition.
115.— GOG AND MAGOG.
Who is Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38; 39? The reference is to the last prince or autocrat of all the Russias: Magog, or ancient Scythia, is his land. Russia will be the great antagonist and leader of the powers north and east of Palestine in the coming future for Israel. The attack described in these chapters will be after the Lord has come, and at the introduction of the millennial era. The words, “O Gog, the chief prince of Mesech and Tubal,” is rendered in the Septuagint, “O Gog, prince of Rosh,” i.e., Russia. This is confirmed by the naming of the former European and present Asiatic capitals of the empire—Moscow and Tobolsk. Gog and Magog in this book, therefore, refers to the Russian people and land; but in the Apocalypse (chap. 20:8) the expression must be understood symbolically.
116.—PROPHETIC SYMBOLS IN DANIEL.—
Chapter 2—The great image represents Gentile authority or government. The gold, the Babylonian empire. The silver, the Persian Empire. The brass, the Grecian empire. The iron and clay, constitutional governments. The stone cut out of the mountain, Christ in judgment.
Chapter 7—The four beasts represent the four universal empires. The lion, Babylon. The bear, Persia. The leopard, Greece. The four wings, the fourfold partition of Alexander’s empire. The fourth beast, Rome. The ten horns, the ten kings of the Roman empire. The little horn, the personal head of the empire. “Till the thrones were cast down” read, “till the thrones were placed or set up.”
Chapter 8—The ram with two horns represents the Medo-Persian empire. The goat from the west, Alexander the Macedonian. The great horn was broken, Alexander’s empire was broken up on his death. Four notable ones, the fourfold division of the empire. Little horn (verse 9), Antiochus the Syrian king.
Chapter 11—The first 35 verses record past. fulfillment; from verse 36 to the end the application is yet future.
The days of Daniel and the Apocalypse are literal, and apply to the time of the end.
Horns, signify kings; beasts, empires; and heads, the governing powers.
117.— NOTES ON THE KINGS OF ISRAEL.—
None of the kings of Israel, or of the ten-tribed kingdom, were really good; of only one (Jehoahaz) is it said he “besought the Lord,” and that only under deep pressure.
Idolatry from first to last characterized the reigns of the kings of Israel, and it would be well to note carefully that oft-recurring expression “walked in the ways of Jeroboam,” as Israel’s first king really gave character to the Kingdom during its entire history.
The longest reign was that of Jeroboam II., and the shortest reign Zimri’s—the former reigned forty-one years, and the latter seven days.
Observe that there were two kings of the name of “Jeroboam.”
The fifth king of Judah and the ninth king of Israel were both named “Jehoram;” and the sixth king of Judah and the eighth king of Israel were named “Ahaziah;” the seventeenth king of Judah and the eleventh king of Israel were called “Jehoahaz;” while the eighth king of Judah and the twelfth king of Israel were called “Jehoash.”
The books of Kings specially detail the history of the kings of Israel.
There were eight dynasties in the history of this kingdom, the founders of which were Jeroboam, Baasha, Omri, Jehu, Shallum, Menahem, Pekah, Hoshea.
The kingdom of Israel or that of the ten tribes, existed for about 260 years under 19 kings. The kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians about 130 years before the overthrow of Judah (2 Kings 17)
118.—MEANING OF THE DIVINE NAMES AND TITLES.—
(a) God (Elohim). Glory and power connected with creation, and Godhead fullness.
(b) God (Eloah). Only living and true God, object of worship, and subject of testimony.
(c) Lord God. Creature relationships established with the creator.
(d) Lord or Jehovah. Moral relationship established with man and Israel.
(e) Almighty God. Divine sustainment for the saint; Divine wrath on the sinner.
(f) Most High God. Mediatorial power, priesthood, and blessing in the coming kingdom.
(g) Lord of All the Earth. Authority over and proprietorship of the earth.
(h) God of Heaven. Divine government exercised providentially on the earth.
(i) Father. God’s relationship to New Testament believers.
(j) Jesus. Personal name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(k) Christ. In whom we are before God, and the measure too of our new place and blessing.
(l) Jesus Christ. The once humbled, but now exalted one.
(m) Christ Jesus. The now exalted one, once humbled on earth.
(n) Lord Jesus Christ. Authority united to manhood and glory.
(o) Son of God. Divine and personal glory.
(p) Son of Man. Earthly glory and dominion.
(q) Son of David. Judaic glory—co-extensive with Immanuel’s land and people.
119.—TEN IMPORTANT DATES.—
(a) Destruction of the Old World, 2348 B.C. We have no authentic history, or even scrap of information in book or stone of the times preceding this appalling event of universal interest, save what is contained in the first seven chapters of the Bible.
(b) Call of Abraham, 1921 B.C. Within four centuries after the flood the new world founded on sacrifice (Gen. 8:20, 21) had as completely departed from God as had the old world. The race, including the highly favored family of Shem, with open eyes and in deliberate self-will, gave up the knowledge and worship of God for numerous and disgusting forms of satanic worship (Rom. 1:21-23). Man gave up God for Satan, and so God gave him up to the fruits of his own morally degraded nature (verses 24-32). As a testimony against an apostate world God called out of it Abraham, making him the depository of promise (Gal. 3:16) and root of the olive tree (Rom. 11.)—responsibility to God on earth; father, too, of the circumcision (Rom. 4:12) and of all believers (verse 11).
(c) The law given by Moses, 1491 B.C. From Abraham to Moses, or, from promise to law. This period is carefully noted more than once to be 430 years (Ex. 12:40,41; Gal. 3:16,17); only the former Scripture refers to the Exodus, while the latter oracle points to the promulgation of the law. Paul more fully than any of the inspired penmen enters into the doctrinal teaching of the law; showing its object, purpose, and scope, as also its contrast with promise to Abraham, and grace by Christ; see Romans and Galatians.
(d) Commencement of the Hebrew Monarchy, 1095 B.C. The duration of the United Kingdom of Israel was 120 years. Each of the three successive kings reigned 40 years. Saul typifies the future anti-christian king in Palestine. David figures Christ, first nominated for the kingdom, then rejected, afterward setting up the millennial kingdom on the ruin of all opposing authority. Solomon sets forth the regal splendor and magnificence of the coming peaceful reign of Christ.
(e) Capture of Samaria—Overthrow of the Kingdom of Israel, 721 B.C. The origin of this kingdom was marked by disloyalty to the royal house of David (1 Kings 12:16-20), and by open, public apostacy from Jehovah (verses 27-33). It existed about 254 years under 19 bad kings. The evils which characterized its formation were fully displayed throughout its progress and history. The oft-recurring expression “walked in the way of Jeroboam” is a mournful commentary upon this apostate period of Israelitish history.
Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, after a determined and prolonged siege of three years, captured Samaria and carried Israel into captivity.
(f) Nineveh totally destroyed, 625 B.C. “The bloody city” and proud capital of the Assyrian kingdom, after a lengthened siege by the combined forces of the Medes and the Babylonians, was taken and completely destroyed by fire and water. It is remarkable that the rival cities of Babylon and Nineveh, the respective centers of Gentile hatred in the past to Judah and Israel, are doomed to perpetual desolation. Their degradation will continue so long as sun and moon endure. The prophet Nahum gives a wonderfully graphic and interesting account of the siege of Nineveh.
(g) Jerusalem destroyed—Overthrow of the Kingdom, of Judah, 588 B.C. The Hebrew monarchy which had existed for 500 years— from Saul to Zedekiah— was totally subverted by the Chaldean invasion of Judah, the destruction of her capital and temple, and deportation of the king, princes, priests and people. The government of the world was then changed. Babylon, and not Jerusalem, the Gentile, and not the Jew, from the date 588 became the seat, and channel of government. Nebuchadnezzar became “head of gold” and Babylon the first of the four universal monarchies. The siege of Jerusalem lasted for about 18 months (Jer. 39:1, 2). A month after its capture, the temple, palaces, and whole city were totally destroyed. The desolation was complete (2 Kings 25)
(h) Babylon overthrown, 538 B.C. Cyrus the celebrated Persian and Darius the Mede combined their forces and besieged Babylon—the largest and probably the most strongly fortified city in the then known world. The distinguished Persian is named in the Scriptures as the deliverer of Judah from the 70 years’ Chaldean captivity, as also his purpose to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and to destroy the Babylonian empire—the first of the great Gentile monarchies— by the capture of the mighty city, which latter event is not more accurately described in the pages of Herodotus— “the father of history” —than it is in the inspired pages of Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isa. 44; 45) All this and more were foretold in the writings of the Hebrew prophets about 170 years before they took place. Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, conducted the defense of his capital with consummate skill, and fora time successfully defied the utmost strength and stratagem of the besieging host. The walls, upwards of 300 feet in height and more than 80 feet in breadth, flanked with towers, and with her 100 gates of solid brass, with no lack of resources and provisions within the city, seemed to mock the strength and skill of the Persian commander investing the city. But God had decreed the downfall of the Babylonian monarchy, and the triumph of the Persian, who in turn would give place to the third empire, then lastly the Roman. The last night of the Babylonian empire was one of revelry and of daring impiety. During the drunkenness which prevailed, and lulled to a fatal sense of security by the impregnable nature of their defenses, vigilance was relaxed; the gates of the river were carelessly left open. “I (Jehovah) will loose the loins of kings, to open before him (Cyrus) the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut” (Isa. 45:1). Thus the invaders entered the city, massacring all they met, and penetrating to the palace of the monarch slew the guests in the very height of daring impiety. “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.” Babylon’s last night is tersely and fully described by Daniel in chapter v. of his prophecy.
(i) Judea annexed to the Roman Empire, 63 D.C. Rome was founded in the year 753 by Romulus, its first king, and rapidly increased in wealth and extent until it spread its giant arms from the Tiber to the Euphrates. Its direct connection with Palestine dates from 63. Under it our Lord was crucified, the legal sanction of the Roman name being attached to it.
(j) Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans, 70 A.D. The national hopes of unbelieving Israel perished in the awful destruction of the city and temple, and universal scattering of the people after a siege unparalleled in history. God’s historical dealings with Judah were now closed. They had clamored for the death of their Messiah, saying, “His blood be on us,” and the demand was awfully answered in the fiery baptism of judgment under the Romans; “and on our children,” the future most awful tribulation will yet witness to this imprecation. But Judah’s agony will cease, her 2000 years’ degradation will close, and the babe of Bethlehem and Calvary’s victim will come in glory and reinstate His ancient people in their land, made glorious by the touch of His scepter. The people will mourn and be saved, and gaze upon their Messiah, once wounded to death for their sins (Isa. 53) but now all-glorious for evermore.
120.—THE FIVE EPISTOLARY WRITERS.—
Paul writes of and to the Church of God.
Peter in his Epistles feeds the flock of God.
John carefully instructs the family of God.
James comforts and warns Israel—the people of God.
Jude addresses himself to the saints of God.
121.—WHAT WE ARE AND HAVE.—
Our Sinnership. —Romans 3:9-19; Ephesians 2:1-3.
Our Standing.—Romans 3:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Our Salvation.—Ephesians 2:4-9; Titus 2:11.
Our Saintship.—Romans 8:27; Ephesians 1:15.
Our Perfection.—Hebrews 10:11; Colossians 2:10.
Our Portion.—Hebrews 11:40; Ephesians 1:3-14.
Our Rank.—Revelation 1:6; Romans 8:17.
Our Dignity.—1 Corinthians 6:2, 3; Revelation 20:6.
Our Service.—Luke 22:21-27; Romans 12.
Our Worship.—John 4:21-24; Hebrews 13:15-16.
Our Hope.—John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13.
Our Glory.—John 17:22-24; Revelation 21
122.—THE TEN SECTIONS OF GENESIS.—
(a) Chapter 2:4.—Generations of the heavens and of the earth.
(b) Chapter 5:1.—Generations of Adam, in Seth his third son.
(c) Chapter 6:9.—Generations of Noah.
(d) Chapter 10—Generations of Noah’s sons.
(e)Chapter 11:10.—Generations of Shem, Noah’s second son.
(f) Chapter 11:27.—Generations of Terah, Abram’s father.
(g) Chapter 25:12.—Generations of Ishmael, founder of the Arab races.
(h) Chapter 25:19.—Generations of Isaac, the heir, figure of Christ.
(i) Chapter 36:1—Generations of Esau, founder of the Edomites.
(j) Chapter 37:2.—Generations of Jacob, from whence sprung the Jews.
123.—The first date recorded in the Word of God is in the interesting book of Genesis, and in that chronological chapter 5., verse 3: “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and called his name Seth.” This is surely important, as it establishes the point from whence we are to reckon; namely, the creation of man, and not, as is generally done, the making of the world.
124.—THE HEBREW ALPHABET. In the Lamentations of Jeremiah we have a striking example of the use of the Hebrew alphabet. Chapters one, two, and four, consisting of 22 verses each, are arranged in strict alphabetical order, the 22 letters of the alphabet answering to the 22 verses in each chapter, which are found in the opening words of the verses. Our translation, of course, fails to convey this to the English reader; then, in chapter three, we have once more the letters of the Hebrew alphabet enumerated in order, but with three verses to each letter—66 verses in all. Chapter five, although consisting of 22 verses, is not alphabetically arranged. To the Hebrews, who had neither paragraph, chapter, nor other division in their ancient writings, this Divine arrangement must have been extremely useful, and shows the condescending care of our God in thus aiding the memories of His people. Again, in the longest of the Psalms— 119th —consisting of 22 sections of eight verses each, the Hebrew letters in alphabetical sequence head the sections.
125.—The Jewish writers had an exalted idea of their sacred language—perhaps the primitive language of man—and used the letters of their alphabet in many striking combinations; thus they reduced the 39 books of the Old Testament to 22; this they accomplished by coupling certain books and counting them as one. But the reader would do well to turn from the vagaries of man, which, at the most, contain but an element of truth, to the Word itself. Search these imperishable records, they contain the truth they are the living source, the Divine fountain, while all else are but muddled channels.
126.—THE MOABITE STONE.
This interesting relic of antiquity was discovered by the Rev. F. A. Klein, at Dhiban, in the country of Moab, in August, 1868.
It is a large stone about 40 inches in length, 20 inches broad, and the same in thickness. It must be nearly 3000 years old, as it dates from 896 B.C., and records the victories of Mesha, king of Moab, over Israel. There are 34 lines in the old Phoenician characters. Most of the places referred to are found in Jeremiah 48., while the names of the kings of Israel are recorded in the second book of Kings.
127.—Peter commends the writings of his “beloved brother Paul” (2 Peter 3:16). Yet in one of these very writings (Gal. 2:11) Paul had to rebuke Peter rather sharply. Peter, too, lets us into the secret of the much disputed point as to the authorship of the Hebrews; saying of Paul “who hath written unto you” (2 Peter 3:15), i.e., Jewish believers.
128.—THE BLOOD AND THE LAMB.
The first mention of the blood of the Lamb is in Exodus 12:7: on earth the righteous ground of our security; the last reference to the blood of the Lamb is in Revelation 12:11: in heaven the holy ground of our triumph. But how unutterably precious that the Lamb Himself in His love, strength, perfection, and glory will be our Husband and Lover through Eternal Ages! Compare Revelation 19:7 with chap. 21:2, and remember that between the events indicated in these passages 1000 years of glory transpire. Yet Christ and the bride remain unchanged—the love and relationship are eternal.
129.—THE CREATION.
The first 34 verses of the Bible contain a full and orderly account of creation. In the narrative God, the creatorial name, occurs 34 times. There is no date to the first or second verses of Genesis, neither forming part of the creative week. The antiquity of the globe is undetermined in Scripture and hitherto insolvable by science. The primal creation of verse 1 was one of perfection. The subsequent ruin of the earth only, is mentioned in verse 2. How long the perfection lasted (verse 1), or the duration of the ruined state (verse 2), we are not informed. Neither are we told when the angels were created, nor when many of them morally fell (2 Peter 2:4). Matter is not eternal, for “God created;” nor were things produced by evolution, for the various creations were specific, and each after its “kind” —ten times repeated. Creating and making are distinguished, thus “created, to make” (margin of chap. 2:3). “God said” —a simple and majestic expression—occurs ten times; twice on the third day, and four times on the sixth. Man was created in the latter part of the sixth day and as the subject of special Godhead counsel (verse 26). Faith is the grand requisite for creation study (Heb. 11:3).
130.—EGYPT AND ASSYRIA.
The origin of these rival powers, which has baffled the keenest research of ancient and modern historians, is given us by Moses (Gen. 10) Wherever they are referred to in God’s Word, it is always in connection with Israel as a people, and Palestine as the center of God’s government on earth. The second notice of these kingdoms is contained in the second book of Kings, 1500 years after the Mosaic reference. After repeated conflicts with each other, with Israel, and the surrounding nations, Assyria and Egypt, were in turn put down by the then rapidly growing power of Babylon. Consequent upon the breakup of the Grecian empire, on the death of its mighty chief, these kingdoms were again formed, known in prophetic Scripture (Dan. 11) as of the north and south toward Palestine. The geographical position of these kingdoms, and their relationship to Israel in the historic past, and in the prophetic future, are minutely told by Daniel in the eighth and eleventh chapters of his prophecy.
131.—HISTORICAL STATEMENT.
The Persian succeeded the Chaldean in rule over Judea; followed by the Grecian. On the breakup of the Grecian, or third universal Empire, the northern or southern kingdoms, formed shortly after the death of Alexander the Great, strove for possession of Palestine (Dan. 11) The kingdoms established east and west are unnoticed in Scripture as having no direct connection with the Jewish people. Rome, which commenced its history 752 B.C., rapidly came to the front, and ultimately became the mighty colossal power in the world. It will yet be a greater object of admiration to the world than it has ever been in the past (Rev. 13:3)—startling and wonderful as that history has been. In the year 63 B.C. Judea was annexed to the Roman dominions. In 70 A.D. Jerusalem was destroyed and is yet “trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” —this in accordance with the Lord’s prophetic announcement 37 years previously (Luke 21) A few years before the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and dispersion of Judah, Paul definitely announced the judicial judgment of his people uttered by Israel’s favorite prophet, Isaiah (chap. 6.), 825 years before its fulfillment. How patient is the long-suffering of our God! The Roman plowshare has passed over Zion. Jerusalem is now in the possession of the haughty Turk, whose empire— thank God!—is tottering to its utter end. Israel scattered, and Judah dispersed a broken vessel among the Gentiles—proclaim the absolute truth of the prophetic Scriptures.
132.— The tide of Jewish emigration, principally from the persecuting power of Russia, has been steadily flowing on towards Palestine for the last fifteen years. Now there are nearly 50,000 Jews in and about Jerusalem, but that is not the predicted return; the national one, for political reasons, and by a western power, will be in unbelief; a subsequent return will be of individuals and families who will be saved and knowing the Lord (Isa. 27:12, 13; 35:10; 66:19-21; Matt. 24:31). Israelites (Ephraim) as well as Jews (Judah) are noted in these Scriptures.
133.—TURKEY.
Turkey is not once mentioned by name in the Word of God. The Euphrates, which is supposed to point out the decaying Mohammedan power (Rev, 9:14; 16:12), was originally the seat of the first of the Universal Monarchies, Babylon. In John’s day 96 A.D.—the period of the apocalyptic visions—the Euphrates formed the eastern boundary of the Roman conquests; while the prophetic references (Gen. 15:18; Deut. 11:24) mark it as the eastern limit of extended Palestine in the future. The Euphrates is ever a boundary river.
134.—THE CITIES of BABYLON AND NINEVEH.
These cities being the respective capitals of the kingdoms which destroyed Judah and Israel—the centers of hatred to God’s people—are doomed—to perpetual desolation. As cities they shall never again rear their heads. For Babylon, see Jeremiah 51:62-64; for Nineveh, consult Nahum 3:18, 19.
135.— “Clean every whit” (John 13:10), “Perfected forever” (Heb. 10:14), and “Complete in Him” (Col. 2:10), are precious three word sentences. The first refers to the new birth, the second to the result of Christ’s sacrifice, the third to our spiritual completeness. The three are equally true of every believer.
136.—CHINA.
We believe the Celestial Empire is referred to in Isaiah 49:12, when the prophet, referring to the future gathering of Israel, says “these from the land of Sinim” —the ancient Asiatic name for China.
137.—In the year 364 A.D. the division of the Roman Empire into east and west took place—Constantinople and Milan being the respective capitals But this amicable arrangement failed to preserve the integrity of the Empire, which was threatened by numerous and warlike enemies without, while corruption and weakness reigned within. In the year 476 A.D. the Empire ceased to exist. Charlemagne and the first Napoleon each sought to re-establish the fallen Empire and revive its ancient greatness and glory; but in vain.
138. —PERIOD OF UN-WRITTEN REVELATION.
From Adam to Moses is a period of 25 centuries, that is, 2500 years, in which there was no written revelation from God, Hieroglyphic inscriptions on stone, rock, lead, and other hard and imperishable material were the earliest forms of writing. Jehovah wrote the Ten Commandments on tables or slabs of stone; the Peninsula of Sinai is covered with rock inscriptions; the monuments of Egypt, the bricks of Babylon, and the exhumed remains of Nineveh bear witness to that most ancient style of writing; the first mention of a book is in Exodus 17:14. There is no proof, however, that writing was practiced even in its rudest forms prior to Moses, unless we except Job 19:23, 24.
139.—THE INCARNATION.
The Incarnation, or, God manifested in the flesh is a great fact, and is the basis, of Christianity. It is treated of historically only in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospels of Mark and John the fact is, of course, assumed. Matthew records the Incarnation in Jewish connection; whereas Luke relates it in connection with the Human family. As to the vexed question of the different genealogies, it is really very simple. In Matthew, chapter 1, it is the legal line of succession from David, royalty, and Abraham, promise, and down through Joseph, the reputed father of the Lord. In Luke chapter 3, it is the civil genealogical tree, through the mother of the Lord, up to Adam. The two lines meet in David, but in Matthew 1:6 it is traced through Solomon, the royal branch of the family; whereas in Luke 3:31 it is traced through Nathan, the civil branch of the Davidical
140.— “A little leaven (evil) leaveneth the whole lump” is stated as a principle in connection with evil practice (1 Cor. 5:6) and also in connection with evil doctrine (Gal. 5:9).
141.—We would call attention to a curious circumstance, that in the tombs, and papyrus inscriptions, the “blessed west” and the “filthy east” are so spoken of, whereas in the sacred books of the Brahmans the order is reversed. It is with them the “filthy west” and “blessed east.” The respective positions of Egypt and India, as geographically situated west and east from the scene of the dispersion, would account for the difference. From the Euphrates to Egypt the descendants of Ham would go west, while, of course, to occupy India, Burmah, etc., the colonists would proceed eastward.
142.—It has not yet been ascertained with certainty whether the Nile or the Euphrates was the earliest seat of civilization and empire. Both Egypt and Chaldea were colonized after the dispersion at Babel and confusion of tongues, nearly 2500 years before Christ. The regions about the Euphrates and Tigris were certainly more accessible and nearer the scene of the dispersion than the Nile. In that important chapter, Genesis 10, which gives authoritative information upon the origin of nations and kingdoms, we learn by whom, and about the time when, the kingdoms of Chaldea and Egypt were founded.
143.—THE PRESENT SAMARITANS.
The ancient city of Shechem, now Nablous, is the headquarters of the Samaritans, whose existence, at the present day, at the foot of the holy mountain is one of the most astonishing testimonies to the historical accuracy of the Bible. A few years ago this people had colonies in Damascus and other cities of Syria. A few centuries ago they extended into Egypt. Gradually they dwindled in numbers until at length there are but a few families, numbering in all 130 persons left as a testimony. They still cling to the side of their holy mountain, where they continue to eat the “Passover” as they have done for over 2,500 years. Their religion is remarkable for its simplicity, being founded on the five books of Moses, and the book of Joshua. Beyond this they will not go; it is their all. They tare Sadducees, believing in no resurrection. They therefore required no prophets as to the future, no Messiah, no scheme of salvation. It is a code of morality in this world and then it all ends. They are bitter enemies of the Jews.
144. —It is difficult to estimate the number of Jews throughout the world. There are not less than six millions, and certainly not more than ten millions of Hebrews.
145. —The Babylon of the Apocalypse occupies the same relation to the Babylon of the prophets, as does the New Jerusalem to the Jerusalem of the prophets. In the Revelation, both cities are used in a mystical sense; in the prophets, the cities are to be understood in their literal import. The prophets Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ezekiel are remarkably definite in their statements upon Babylon and her relation to Judea.
146.—The repentance of a sinner is shown in Luke 15:17,18; that of an erring saint in Luke 22:61, 62; and of a failed and failing assembly in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.
147.—Body and spirit are distinguished in Ecclesiastes 12:7; soul and spirit are distinguished in Hebrews 4:12; spirit, and soul, and body form the man (1 Thess. 5:23).
148.—ISRAEL ENDER SIX CONDITIONS.—
(a) Promise.—Israel in the loins of Abraham—the father of the nation (Rom. 4:11-13). In the period from Abram to Moses we have the planting, discipline and culture of the fathers of the people.
(b) Law.—Israel grew rapidly from a family (Acts 7:14) into a populous nation—a nation of slaves, yet feared and dreaded by Pharoah (Ex. 1:10). The moral testing of the people was by law,
(c) Royalty.—Israel a kingdom under David. Her kingdom-history and trial lasted for more than 500 years. Assyria and Babylon made her desolate, and destroyed her regal independence.
(d) Captivity.—Israel was sent into captivity because of her idolatry and wickedness—Ephraim to Assyria, and Judah to Babylon.
(e) Dispersed.—Israel is now dispersed amongst the Gentiles. Her political history is sketched in Genesis 49. Her ecclesiastical history is unfolded in Leviticus 23
(f) Restored.—Israel will be nationally restored Judah in one way, Ephraim in another. Both houses of Israel will be saved, blessed, and united in the land (Jer. 31; Ezek. 34:35).
149.— Regeneration occurs but twice in the Scriptures. It is often confounded with the new birth. But both terms are totally distinct. Regeneration is an outward change (Titus 3:5; Matt. 19:28); new birth is an internal state. The former is objective; the latter, subjective.
150.— Priesthood and ministry are distinct truths: the former is towards God; the latter towards man.
151.—Asia is the largest of the continents, being four and a half times the size of Europe. It is nearly 7000 miles from east to west, and about 5000 miles from north to south. Its estimated population is 784,000,000, giving about 40 persons to each square mile.
152.—Asia Minor, the most westerly portion of the continent, is a peninsula of about 900 miles from east to west, and about 400 miles from north to south.
153.—Palestine is about 150 miles in length from north to south; the average width is about 40 miles. It covers an area of about 12,000 square miles. The countries of Holland, Belgium, and Switzerland are about the same size. The prophetically defined limits of the country (Gen. 15:18) are from the Nile to the Euphrates west to east and from Hethlon to Kadesh—north to south (Ezek. 48:1-28). This will give an area of about 300,000 square miles, or nearly twice and a half as large as Great Britain and Ireland together.
154.—The MEDITERRANEAN
(middle of the earth; from medius, middle, and terra, earth) is the largest inland sea in the world, consisting of 977,000 square miles; 2320 miles extreme length, and 1080 miles extreme breadth. In some places it is 6000 feet deep.
The name Mediterranean is not found in Scripture, but it is spoken of as the “Great Sea,” “The Sea of the Philistines,” “The Hinder Sea,” etc.
155.—The RED SEA or EGYPTIAN SEA
(Ex. 23:31) is about 1400 miles long and about 150 miles broad. Its area is about 180,000 square miles. Its western arm, or Gulf of Suez, is about 190 miles long, with an average breadth of 21 miles. Its eastern arm, or Gulf of Akabah, is about 112 miles long, with an average breadth of 15 miles. Within the last eighteen Christian centuries the head of the Gulf of Suez has retired at least 50 miles from its ancient limit, hence the difficulty of fixing the precise spot for the passage of the Red Sea (Ex. 14)
156.—The SEA OF GALILEE, or SEA OF TIBERIAS
(John 21:1), or LAKE OF GENNESARET (Luke 5), is nearly 700 feet below the level of the Mediterranean. It is about 12 miles long, and about 6 miles broad. Unlike the Dead Sea, its waters are pure and abound in fish. The direct distance from the Dead Sea is about 70 miles.
157.—The DEAD SEA, or “SALT SEA” (Gen. 14:3), or “SEA OF THE PLAIN”
(Deut. 3:17), and from its geographical position, according to Hebrew usage, the “East Sea” (Joel 2:20), is the final receptacle of the waters of the Jordan. Its length is about 46 miles, is greatest width is about 9 miles, its greatest depth about 1300 feet, and it is also about 1300 feet below the level of the Mediterranean. Its area of square miles is about 300. The southern part of the Sea for a considerable length is only about 18 feet deep, thus in marked contrast to the northern portion of the sea, which is there at its deepest. The Dead Sea, so called by Jerome, from its character, as life only in its lowest forms can exist in it, is the most depressed sheet of water known, and its shores evidently bear witness to violent disruptions having taken place. It is believed to cover the site of the doomed cities of the Plain, and may have anciently formed a channel between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Although the Jordan discharges into it about 6,000,000 tons of water daily, yet no outlet to the sea has yet been discovered. There is either a subterranean passage, or the waters pass off by evaporation—perhaps both together give the solution.
158.—FINGER-POSTS TO THE SUBJECTS OF THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.—
Matthew reveals Christ in Jewish connection, according to Old Testament Prophecy and prediction.
Mark shows Jesus as His Father’s servant, acting in grace in the midst of human misery.
Luke unfolds Christ’s pathway as a man amongst men—a Perfect Man, full of human sympathy and tenderness.
John—Christ is here revealed as Son and Lamb of God. His moral and divine glories broke through the veil of His perfect humanity and scattered rays of light and love all along His blessed path.
Note.—The four Gospels combined give the Spirit’s perfect revelation of the Christ of God. Behold the King is the testimony of Matthew. Behold the Servant is that of Mark. Behold the Man is that of Luke. Behold the Son and Lamb is that of John. In the four the death and resurrection of our Lord are narrated; in the second and third only is the Ascension recorded. There is no genealogy of the Lord in Mark and John. In Matthew it is the legal genealogy through Joseph; in Luke it is the civil genealogy through Mary.
Acts is the only missionary record of a reliable character extant, as to the progress of Christianity for the first 30 years and more of the Christian era, or from Pentecost—from Jerusalem to Rome.
Romans is the unfolding of the great doctrines of Christianity; as Righteousness, Justification, &c., and the consequences upon the state of soul and practice in daily life.
1 Corinthians rebukes loose walk, low state of morals, and had doctrine. It also unfolds church order, ministry, gift, discipline, &c.
2 Corinthians delineates the feelings, experiences, trials, and circumstances of the Apostle in his life and service for the Lord.
Galatians contrasts Judaism with Christianity, or Moses with Christ.
Ephesians unfolds the fullness of Christian blessing and privilege; also Christian responsibility and conflict.
Philippians delineates Christian experience, which is simply Christ in life and death for the believer.
Colossians discloses the pre-eminent glories of Christ in every sphere and in all things, and this glorious One—the Church’s Head.
1 Thessalonians unfolds the truth of the Lord’s personal return, but in connection with His saints.
2 Thessalonians treats of the Lord’s coming chiefly in relation to the world.
1 Timothy unfolds the ecclesiastical ordering of the Church according to God.
2 Timothy is the last of the Pauline Epistles, and, while treating of the Church as in disorder and ruin, reveals the path of faith for the individual believer.
Titus shows the needed qualifications for office in the Church; and also insists upon godly conduct.
Philemon is the first and finest specimen of private Christian correspondence extant.
Hebrews reveals Christ as the Apostle, Sacrifice, High Priest, Witness, and other official glories and offices, and our association with Him.
James writes to the twelve tribes of Israel, distinguishing also the godly from the nation, insisting upon practical Christianity, and treating of the Synagogue and of their Assemblies.
1 Peter treats of God’s righteous and holy government over His saints.
2 Peter shows God’s righteous and public government over the world and on to eternity.
1 John descants upon Eternal Life, the characteristics of the new nature, and communion with God.
2 John insists upon acknowledgment of Christ and love in the truth as safeguards in the last days.
3 John urges to Christian hospitality, especially to servants of the Lord.
Jude sketches energetically, and in forcible figures and language the apostasy of the public Christian profession, yet future.
Revelation is a marvelous disclosure of the future, and fitly closes the volume of inspiration.
159.—FINGER-POSTS TO THE SUBJECTS OF THE. BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.—
Genesis contains in germ every truth and subject unfolded in the Word of God.
Exodus illustrates in grand and impressive types the great truth of Redemption, and resulting consequences in grace and government.
Leviticus treats of sacrifice and priesthood, the basis and means of drawing nigh to God. Its counterpart in the New Testament is the Hebrews.
Numbers records the trials, service, and wanderings of Israel in the wilderness, and abounds in moral instruction to us.
Deuteronomy reviews the wilderness and instructs us as to Canaan ways and conduct.
Joshua treats of the wars of Canaan and conquest of and partition of the country amongst the tribes.
Judges notes the repeated failures of the people, with Jehovah’s unchangeable faithfulness and grace.
Ruth unfolds in type Israel’s future reception on the ground of sovereign grace alone.
1 Samuel shows governmental power in the hands Of Saul.
2 Samuel shows governmental power in the hands of David.
1 Kings shows governmental power in the hands of Solomon and its subsequent decline.
2 Kings traces the decline of royal power especially in the kingdom of Israel.
1 Chronicles shows royal power and glory in David connected with the Throne and the Temple.
2 Chronicles traces the decline of royal power, especially in the kingdom of Judah.
Ezra unfolds the ecclesiastical condition of the returned Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra was a priest and scribe.
Nehemiah unfolds the civil condition of the returned Jews to Jerusalem. Nehemiah was the civil governor over Jerusalem.
Esther reveals the providential care of Jehovah over the mass of His people, not returned to Judea from the captivity. Contains also the origin of the Jewish feast of Purim, i.e., lots, yet observed.
Job details the process by which the flesh and human righteousness are withered up—all being under the disciplinary hand of God.
The Book of Psalms records the experiences of Christ personally, of Israel, and of the godly in all ages and also shows the Messiah’s connection with Israel and Judah in the past and future. The book is both moral and prophetic.
Proverbs is a divine collection of wise maxims for a righteous walk in the world, ensuring prosperity under the government of God.
Ecclesiastes gives the search of the king for happiness, with the result; “All is vanity” —all under the sun. Our object is above (Phil. 3)
The Song of Solomon unfolds the changing feelings of the bride and the unchanging affections of the bridegroom.
Isaiah is the grandest and most comprehensive of all the prophetic writings.
Jeremiah is both historical and moral in character, and deals with Israel, Judah, and the nations of the past and future.
The Lamentations depict the sorrows of a heart breaking itself over the miseries of God’s people— Israel, and is a supplement to the book of Jeremiah.
Ezekiel unfolds the judgment of Israel by the Chaldeans, and reveals latter-day blessing connected with Israel and her land and temple.
Daniel comprehensively sketches the times of the Gentiles and their latter-day connection with Judah (Luke 21:24).
Hosea points out the sins of Israel and Judah; but also their future blessing.
Joel speaks of the day of the Lord (judgment), afterward, the Spirit poured out upon all flesh—Pentecost being a sample of the blessing (Acts 2)
Amos declares the iniquities of Israel and the nations; at the close, however, glory and blessing break out for all Israel.
Obadiah presents a brief and forcible record of Edom’s ways and doom.
Jonah announces judgment upon Nineveh, and also records its repentance.
Micah, predicts certain judgment upon Jerusalem and Samaria, but announces full blessing for both in the last days.
Nahum is the announcement of final judgment upon haughty Nineveh—capital of the Assyrian kingdom.
Habakkuk abounds in moral reflections and exercises upon Israel’s sorrowful condition and guilty ways.
Zephaniah speaks of unsparing judgment upon Jerusalem and the nations; a remnant, however, preserved and blessed. “The day of the Lord” is the characteristic term of the book, and one which always denotes judgment.
Haggai affords divine encouragement to the people to resume the building of the temple, which had been interrupted for about 14 years.
Zechariah unfolds the scenes of the last days, Jerusalem being the center of them all.
Malachi gives a touching record of Jehovah’s last pleadings with His people. John the Baptist is referred to in chap. 3.; Elijah in chap. 4; Christ’s coming in grace, chap. 3.; Christ’s coming in judgment, chap. 4.
160.—INVENTIONS.
Music, as the harp and organ—, agriculture; and working in metals were known and practiced in the infantile age of the world (Gen. 4) The finest specimens of pottery are of Egyptian manufacture, 2000 B.C. The monumental remains and architecture of ancient Egypt leave that of the moderns far behind. Our English word “paper” is from the Papyrus plant, which anciently grew on the banks of the Nile and Jordan, and was used for writing—numerous specimens having been recovered from Egyptian tombs. Paper from rags was invented by the Chinese 170 B.C., and printing by the same people many centuries before it was known in Europe. Glass was manufactured in Egypt 3000 B.C.
161.—TREES.—
Tree of Life.— The first and last mentioned in Scripture. Expression of God’s sovereign grace (Gen. 2, and Rev. 22)
Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.—Expression of human responsibility (Gen. 2)
The Willow.— Expression of sorrow (Psa. 137:2).
The Palm.—Emblematic of victory (Rev. 7:9).
The Olive.—Testimony (Rom. 11)
The Fig.—National profession (Matt. 24)
The Vine.—Fruitfulness (John. 15)
162.—The subject of 1 Corinthians 12 is that of gift; of chap. 13., love; of chap. 14. ministry. Thus love becomes the connecting link between gift and its exercise alike needed by every servant and saint.
163.—THE CHALDEAN DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM.
The Chaldeans were a “bitter and hasty” people; and Zedekiah—who had sworn by Jehovah to be a true and faithful vassal of the mighty heathen monarch, Nebuchadnezzar certainly stirred up the slumbering passions of the Babylonian. Relying upon Egypt’s help, Zedekiah despised the name of Jehovah by whom he had sworn, and threw off his allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar. The Chaldeans commenced the siege of Jerusalem in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign (2 Kings 25:1). The defense was a bold and protracted one. Egypt, the only hope of the despairing people, marched an army to the relief, which compelled Nebuchadnezzar to raise the siege, but the respite was but of short duration (Jer. 37) and the siege was prosecuted with increased vigor. The city was completely invested on all sides. Even then, had the king and nobles accepted the counsel of Jeremiah and gone out, submitting themselves to the clemency of the Babylonian, the city and people would have been spared (Jer. 38:2); but, alas! the word of Jehovah was set at naught, and the weeping prophet committed to a filthy dungeon in Jerusalem. Soon, however, famine and pestilence desolated the city, and the besiegers making a breach in the walls, poured into the doomed city, wreaking their vengeance on the truly miserable and infatuated people. No mercy was shown. The streets of Jerusalem ran with blood, and her sanctuary courts were polluted with the slain of her people. Neither youth, beauty, age, nor sex moved the heart nor arrested the relentless arm of the Chaldean. The city was taken after a siege of about eighteen months (Jer. 39:1, 2). The king and princes vainly attempted to escape. They were captured, and Zedekiah’s sons cruelly slain before him; and, by a refinement of cruelty, made the last object he ever beheld. His eyes were put out, and he was taken, heavily fettered, to Babylon, where he lingered in prison till his death. Upwards of threescore of the nobles and chief men were cruelly massacred at Riblah. A month after the capture of the city (compare 2 Kings 25:3 with verse 8) the captain of the Chaldean army burned the temple, the palaces, and laid the whole city in ruins. The desolation was complete; hence these mournful elegies, the Lamentations.
164.—THE EPISTLES.
The 22 Epistles of the New Testament are the work of five writers, and their individuality is distinctly and broadly reflected in their writings. What do persons mean when they speak of this or that being the style of the Holy Ghost? The human characteristics of the selected vessel of inspiration give the Spirit’s style for the time being. Of these writings Paul contributed fourteen; John four; Peter two; James, and Jude one each. But how perfect the combination! How necessary for the growth of Christian character! Heaven is the standpoint of Paul; earth the standpoint of John; the wilderness that of Peter; the battlefield that of Jude; and the Assembly and Synagogue that of James. Our heavenly and earthly relationships are unfolded by Paul; our strangership and pilgrimage under the government of God are the truths graven on the epistles of Peter; the manifestation of Eternal Life on earth by the family of God is the great theme of John; a practical walk according to your profession is insisted upon by James; and energy in contending for the faith, i.e., Christianity, is the commanding subject of Jude—the Lord’s brother.
165.—THE TERM HEBREW.
The term “Hebrew” was the Gentile appellation for Abraham and his descendants. It is derived from the word “Eber,” signifying “from the other side;” i.e., the Euphrates on the way to Palestine. Abraham is the first one termed a “Hebrew” (Gen. 14:13). The Hebrews of Acts 6:1 were Jews of Palestine, in distinction to the Hellenists or foreign Jews speaking Greek, the then common language of civilized nations. Thus the term “Hebrews” has a somewhat more restricted bearing in the New Testament than it has in the Old. In the latter all Israel are termed Hebrews; in the former, the Jews only. “Jews,” as a term, first occurs in 2 Kings 16:6, and is applied to the men of Judah, who maintained loyalty to the house of David, and who inhabited Judea, the southern part of Palestine, in contradistinction to the seceding ten tribes known as Israel, or Ephraim. Thus the Jews were Hebrews, but all Hebrews were not Jews.
166. —The names Satan, adversary, and devil, accuser, occur in the Scriptures, the former about 42 times, and the latter about 50 times; they are also found in conjunction in such passages as Matthew 4:10, 11; Revelation 20:2. It seems to us preposterous to deny the personality of Satan, who is a spiritual being, and the leader of the fallen hosts of spiritual beings.
167.—Jewish tradition asserts that the prophet Amos was badly used by the apostate priest Amaziah, on his refusal to leave the land of Israel for Judah, and, further, that the priest’s son completed the work of his father by driving a nail into the prophet’s temple, whose friends then removed him in a dying condition to his native place, where he died, and was buried in the sepulcher of his fathers, but, as we have already observed, this is merely tradition.
168.—THE ANIMAL CREATION.
That interesting department of natural history zoology, thus classifies the animal kingdom; first, land mammalia; second, birds, or all kinds of flying fowl; third, reptiles or creeping things; fourth, fishes; and fifth, invertebrates. These distributions of animal life are most useful when scientific accuracy is required; but to a general reader, and for all practical purposes the scripture classification is amply sufficient as, first, marine creatures; second, winged and flying fowl; and third, land animals. We have the seas, then heaven or the air, and lastly the land respectively stocked with life (Gen. 1:20-25). This is the order, too, observable in modern geological research.
169.—Israel’s first king (Saul) was the man of the people’s choice (1 Sam. 8); Israel’s second king (David) was the man after God’s own heart (Acts 22). The kingly power was continued in the tribe of Judah for 130 years after the destruction of the kingdom of Israel or ten tribes, but was finally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, 588 B.C.
170.—Assyria became the place of captivity to Ephraim—the ten tribes. They have never been restored, and who and where they now are has not been ascertained with certainty. Ezekiel, chapter 20, details their future restoration. The Jews were deported to Babylon, and the government of the earth transferred to the Gentiles (Dan. 2); at this point of the history “the times of the Gentiles” commence.
171.—After a captivity of 70 years, remnants of Judah are permitted to return, first under Cyrus and then under Artaxerxes; they settle again in Palestine but under Gentile subjection, and, after having been ruled over by Persia, Greece, Egypt, and Syria, the Romans, in the year 63 B.C., took Jerusalem, and Judea became a tributary province to the Roman empire.
172.—THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.
The historical circumstances which led to the founding of Assemblies, and to the penning of those inspired Epistles, which were severally addressed to them, are here detailed. Connect chap. 15. with the Epistle to the Galatians; chap. 16. with that to the Philippians; chap. 17. with those to the Thessalonians; chap. 18. with those to the Corinthians; chap. 19. with that to the Ephesians; chap. 21. with that by James, etc.
173.—REFERENCES TO THE PENTATEUCH.
In the historical books of the Old Testament “the Law of the Lord” is mentioned more than 30 times, while 15 times Moses is named as the giver or mediator of it. Again, in the New Testament, Moses is mentioned 80 times; in about 40 of those instances the lawgiver is expressly referred to as the deliverer of it. All the prophets refer to the Pentateuch. In Deuteronomy alone we meet with about 36 express references to the previous books. But the chain of evidence is complete, the Divine legation of Moses proved and vindicated, and the authority of the whole Pentateuch amply vouched for, inasmuch as the Lord before the cross appealed to the writings of Moses as of equal authority with His own words (John 5:46, 47): while after the cross He spake of them as the first great division of the Old Testament books (Luke 24:44); also expounding them and applying them to the hearts of His two fellow-travelers to Emmaus (verse 27).
174.—In John’s first Epistle the children are first seen at home in the presence of the Father (chap. 1.); then at school learning their lessons (chap. 2:13-27); lastly in the world witnessing for the truth (chaps. 3.-5.) “Children” in verses 1, 12, 28 of chap. 2 refer to all believers; but in verses 13 and 18 babes in Christ only, are referred to; the words are different.
175.—THE PHARISEES.
The two most powerful sects in Judea were the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the former being more numerous and influential, while the latter were more intellectual and wealthy. The Pharisees labored with unbounded zeal—worthy of a better cause—to extend their influence and increase their numbers (Matt. 23:15), and to a very large extent they succeeded, being regarded by the great body of the people with peculiar veneration and respect, and being by far the most numerous ecclesiastical party in the country. The Maccabees, in their bold struggle to regain their country’s freedom, received powerful support from two classes of their countrymen, the Chasidim or pious, and the Zadikim or righteous; these ultimately came to be designated under the well-known and familiar names of Pharisees and Sadducees. Pharisee is derived from a word signifying to separate, hence Separatists or Pharisees, who have their counterpart in the Christian profession as pointed out in Jude, verse 19: “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” The Pharisees were a highly religious class, keen observers of the life and ways of Jesus, rigid exactors of the tithes and dues prescribed in their cumbersome ritual, most scrupulous in the observance of the traditions of the elders, to which they attached more authority practically than even to the commandments of the Lord, right, too, as to doctrine in which they bitterly opposed their enemies the Sadducees. Of this strictest of all sects (Acts 26:5) was Paul; but if they were the most religions, they were also the most hypocritical class of persons that ever lived. They were ever the opposers of the Lord in His most holy life and ways, and when baffled by a life which exposed their hollow pretensions they conspired His death. The Lord gives a most withering exposure of pharisaical life and practice, denouncing “woe” upon “woe” on that proud, haughty, and hypocritical people (Matt. 23) “Beware ye of the leaven (evil) of the Pharisees—” i.e., a mere formal life—is a solemn word to all.
176.—THE SADDUCEES.
This smallest of all the Jewish sects derives its name from its founder, Sadoc and Sedoc (justice,) who lived more than 250 years before Christ. The members of this party were chiefly confined to the wealthy and governing classes. They possessed little or no influence amongst the people generally, for they never courted the commonality as did the Pharisees. Caiaphas and others of the priestly party were of this sect, and they seemed on several occasions to have gained the upper hand over their rivals the Pharisees in guiding the ecclesiastical affairs of the nations (Acts 5:17). The opposition of the Pharisees to Christ was mainly directed against His holy, spotless life; while that of the Sadducees attacked His teaching or doctrine. The life of the Lord was the best exposure of pharisaical hypocrisy; while the resurrection of the Lord was equally destructive of the Sadducean system. The Lord again and again confronted the Pharisees; the Apostles repeatedly confronted the Sadducees. The leaven (evil) of the Sadducees was bad doctrine, which is briefly summed up in Acts 23:8: “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit.” The denial of these truths led, as a consequence, to the negation of many others.
177.—THE SCRIBES.
The Scribes were not a sect, but were a distinct class of learned men employed in writing out and in transcribing the Sacred Writings. From their verbal acquaintance with the Scriptures, they also taught the people and expounded the law. But mere intellectual knowledge of Divine truth or a perfect understanding of the letter of Scripture will not avail for God and eternity. The Scribes could accurately inform the king (Matt. 2) from the prophetic writings where Jesus should be born, thus playing into the hands of the most cruel of the Herods in compassing the death of Jesus; “The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life.” The Scribes most thoroughly identified themselves with the Pharisees in their determined opposition to Christ, and hence the Lord, in His truly terrible denunciations of “woe” and withering exposure of the character and practices of the Pharisees, couples the Scribes with them (Matt. 23; Luke 11:44). The term “scribe” is used in 1 Corinthians 1:20 to signify the learning of the world.
178.—THE LAWYERS.
The Lawyers were probably the ablest class of men among the many sects and parties in Judea. Their influence among all classes of the community was very great, as their profession brought them into contact with all grades of society. Their duties were to study and expound the Jewish law and all questions affecting its interpretation; disputed points, too, were generally submitted to their decision. In keeping with their profession they repeatedly sought to entangle the blessed Lord with craftily-put questions, but their subtlety was of no avail against Him whose very name is “Wisdom” (Prov. 8.), and the whole college of the “Doctors of the Law” (Luke 5:17) were baffled and put to shame and silenced by a wisdom which they could neither gainsay nor resist (Luke 10:25, etc.; Matt. 22:35, etc.)
179.—THE PUBLICANS.
The Publicans were a class of men cordially detested by the Jews. They were the appointed farmers of the taxes imposed by the Romans, and as the right to collect these taxes was sold to the highest bidder, great temptation was thereby afforded to men of a cruel and rapacious spirit to exact their dues with rigor. Many of them were exceedingly rich. The Lord often accepted their hospitality (Matt. 9:10; Luke 5:29). As a class and in general the Publicans gladly listened to the Saviour’s teaching, and many entered the kingdom (Matt. 21:31, 32). Heathen, Publicans, sinners, and harlots were regarded as the offscouring of religious Judea, but the most obnoxious of any were the Publicans, who, by their very occupation, continually reminded the nation that they were under Gentile subjection. While but few persons of the religious sects received the Word, it was listened to gladly by numbers of those most despised of their religious neighbors, and who with joy received the tidings of grace from the lips of the blessed Lord. Zacchæus, a chief Publican, seems to have conducted his duties with unexceptionable honesty, but it was not so generally amongst his class (Luke 19)
180.—THE HERODIANS.
The Herodians were those who, through fear or self-interest, allied themselves to Herod, the Idumean King of the Jews. Herod contrived to ingratiate himself with the court at Rome, and thus through influence obtained the royal authority in Judea. Through his craft and policy he succeeded in attaching an influential party to himself and to the Cæsars. Thus the Herodians were purely a political class, and the questions they proposed to the Lord savored of their principles, which were a species of political craft or time-serving (Matt. 22:16 and Mark 12:13). The Pharisees could take counsel with the Herodians, to whom they were strongly opposed, when it suited their purpose—the destruction of Jesus (Mark 3:6). Mere religion without Christ, and the world without God, respectively represent the Pharisee and the Herodian.
181.—THE ELDERS.
The Elders are frequently referred to in the New Testament as a recognized body of men in Judaism and in the Church also. Age and experience, thus carrying moral weight and authority, are denoted by the term “Elder.” As a class in Judea they were associated with the rulers and others in the social and ecclesiastical government of the country. They assisted in all matters affecting the welfare of the people, and were held in great respect and veneration, while their counsels, being regarded as the fruit of old age and matured experience, were highly esteemed. Yet these aged men, whenever mentioned in the Gospels and Acts, are seen as leaders in determined opposition to Christ and His Apostles.
182.—It was not what Christ did only, but the way He did things which elicited the note of admiration, “He hath done all things well.”
183.—The Incense of old (Ex. 30:34) was composed of four valuable ingredients of equal weight, and then tempered together and beat or crushed small. Now the incense represents the personal merits of Christ Himself. The Divine records of Christ as in the four Gospels present Him when thus viewed as the precious incense. The bruising only brought out His perfections for God and man.
184. —THE SEVEN DISTINCTIVE PERIODS OF TIME.—
(a) From Adam fallen to the Judgment of the Flood. During this long period of 162 centuries man was left without law, as the Apostle tells us in Romans 5:12-19. Conscience supplied its place. Man left to the freedom of his own will can only do Satan’s bidding (Eph. 2:2). This period we term the age of Unrestrained Self-Will.
(b) From the Judgment of the Flood to the call of Abram. The institution of civil government; the peopling of the earth; the Judgment at Babel; the introduction of idolatry (Josh. 24:2), and other grave events during this period, would lead us to call it the age of Public, Governmental Dealing.
(c) From the Gracious Call of Abram to Moses, the Lawgiver. The call of Abram, because of widespread idolatry—prevalent even in the family of Shem—is one of the most blessed interventions of grace recorded in Scripture. Man was to be placed on the new ground of promise (Gal. 3:16). Abram also became the root of God’s testimony on earth (Rom. 11) Hence we term this period the age of Promise and Testimony.
(d) From Moses (Law) to Christ (Grace), and Christianity. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). How long the people were to remain under the terms of the Sinaitic covenant we are told in Galatians 3:24. “The law was our schoolmaster unto Christ,” i.e., till His coming in grace (delete the italicized words).
During this period kingly power on the earth was committed to Israel (1 Sam. 8), who in course sinned it away; government was then transferred to the Gentile (Dan. 2), and the people put under Gentile rule till the year 70, when Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Romans. We style this period the age of Law and Monarchial
(e) From Christ to the Translation of the Saints to Heaven. This is the blessed time when a worldwide testimony to the Son of God is being proclaimed. The season, too, when the heirs of God and Christ’s joint-heirs are being gathered by the effectual testimony of God’s Word and Spirit. We are safe therefore in naming this period as the age of God’s long-suffering Grace to a Guilty World.
(f) From the Translation of the Saints (1 Thess. 4) to their descent from Heaven with the Lord (Rev. 19.) The period lying between these events—the rapture of the saints to heaven, and their subsequent descent from heaven—is a solemn and impressive one. Christendom’s apostasy; the satanic revival of the Roman empire; the rise of Antichrist; the great tribulation—these and a host of other events happen during this terrible period, which, blessed be God will be a brief one. This sixth period we name The Coming Crisis and Satan’s rule.
(g) From the Introduction of the Kingdom or Millennium till its Close. Just take a glance over the prophetic Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. As to this blessed era, Christ will reign over the earth, and Satan will be bound for the full period of 1000 years, and say—Is not this time well styled the age of Righteousness, Blessing, and Glory?
Then succeeds the eternal rest of God, into which believers are now called, and into which they will assuredly enter (Heb. 4)
185.—The number of the people who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses, then 80 years of age, and Aaron, 83 years, cannot with certainty be determined. We know, however, that 600,000 men, besides women, children, and a large mixed multitude (Ex. 12:37, 38), took their departure from the land of captivity and cruel bondage, and we cannot be far wrong in estimating the whole number at about two and a half millions of people.
186.—SYNOPSIS OF Hebrews 11—
(a) Verses 1-7. Faith in the great relationships of man with God.
(b) Verses 8-16. Faith patiently waiting for fulfillment of promise.
(c) Verses 17-22. Faith looking alone to the God of Resurrection.
(d) Verses 23-27. Faith overcoming the world in its power and riches.
(e) Verses 28-31. Faith using divinely given means, however insignificant.
(f) Verses 32-35. Faith the root and spring of all energy and service for God.
(g) Verses 35-40. Faith in all ages ever a suffering path.
The word “faith” is used 24 times in the chapter; its properties and powers are noted in verse 1; but the definition of faith is given in John 3:33. This famous and practical treatise on faith for everyday use closes with chapter 12, verse 2 “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (not of our faith, but of His own), who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
187.—ALEXANDRIA.
This famous Egyptian city derives its name from its founder, Alexander the Great. Founded about 332 B.C., it soon became the center of learning and commerce, and upon the death of the renowned soldier and accomplished statesman, and break-up of the Empire he had so rapidly established, Alexandria became the royal residence of the Ptolemies for nearly 300 years. Many of these Egyptian Kings, being men of taste and learning, enlarged, adorned, and beautified the city so that it was justly ranked as unequaled in the world for wealth, commercial importance, and literature. The researches of antiquarians in the ruins of the great city have been richly rewarded in a large accumulation of ancient and interesting relics, while its former grandeur is fully attested by its numerous monumental remains of temples, streets, columns, etc., accessible to all. Here, too, existed the most famous library of the ancient world, consisting of 700,000 volumes or rolls, the fruit of centuries, and embracing the lore of every land and clime. The Saracens true to their faith and traditional policy of extirpating all and everything opposed to Islamism, burned this wondrous and celebrated collection of works in the seventh century. Here, too, the Old Testament was translated into Greek—commenced about 284 B.C., commonly termed “The Septuagint,” and frequently quoted from, and referred to by the Lord, the Apostles, and writers of the New Testament. Here also was born Philo, the learned Jewish author and philosopher, who flourished in the early part of the first Christian century. Clement, Origen, and other distinguished men, maintained for the first half-dozen of the Christian centuries the high reputation of Alexandria. The eloquent Apollos was born here (Acts 18:24). Its shipping supplied a vessel to carry Paul and his companions to Rome (Acts 27:6). The present population of the town is about 40,000; its ancient population probably numbered fully 600,000. Situated on the western side of the Nile on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
188.—THE BIBLE AND THE NEWSPAPER.
The first portion of the Bible is 3330 years old, and the last part of the wonderful book about 1780 years old. Now how old is the newspaper? The word is derived from a practice between the years 1695-1730, in which the initial letters of the compass were put over papers containing general news, thus:-meaning news from all parts of the globe, hence “newspaper.” What is the newspaper but the record of man’s doings?—useful and necessary for commercial and other purposes.
189.—Divine Sovereignty in the bestowal of gift, and according to the natural ability of the recipient, is taught in Matthew 25:14-30. Here the rewards for faithful service are the same. Human responsibility according to what has been given is the main point in Luke 19:12-26. Here the rewards for faithful service are proportioned according to the work done—not as to its amount, but as to its character and quality.
190.—THE SAMARITANS.
In the time of our Lord Canaan was divided into three provinces; Judea the religious being south, Galilee the rational lying north, while Samaria the defiled lay between. Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, completed the overthrow of the kingdom of the ten tribes of Israel, removing the nation into captivity, and occupying the deserted cities of Israel with the heathen from his own kingdom. But the Lord would teach the idolatrous heathen that the land was His, although in judgment He had removed His people. Lions were sent amongst the heathen, many of whom were slain. On their representations to the king that this judgment was in consequence of their not knowing the manner of the God of the land, one of the captivity priests was sent to Bethel for their instruction in Jewish worship. The result was the wicked union of Jehovah and idol worship; “So these nations feared the Lord and served their graven images, both their children and their children’s children; as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.” The seventeenth chapter of the second book of Kings will afford the reader an interesting and divine account of the origin of the people, who were held in such abhorrence by the Jews that the vilest epithets they could apply to the Blessed One, were that He was a Samaritan, and devil (demon) possessed (John 8:48). The Jews refused all social and neighborly intercourse with the Samaritans, hence the surprise of the woman in being accosted so graciously by the Lord (John 4), and the point of the beautiful parable of Luke 10:30-37. The Samaritans alleged that theirs’ was a divine worship and an ancient pedigree as title to share in the work of the returned remnants to Jerusalem (Ezra 4), but Zerubbabel rejected their claims and refused their cooperation in the work of the Lord. The woman in the fourth chapter of John, too, claimed for herself and people a pure descent from Israel’s great progenitor, “our father Jacob,” and also proposed to the Lord the much vexed question between Jew and Samaritan: “Is Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem the place of worship?” The Lord in His reply levels all Samaritan pretension to equal Jewish right and privilege, “Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” Samaria thus rebuked and humbled became the scene of an extensive work of grace; still the Lord is ever true to Himself and to His ways, and so the saved Samaritans were indebted to Jerusalem instrumentally for the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17),
191.—THE TITLE JEHOVAH. God is the name of the Divine Being; Jehovah one of the Divine titles. The signification of LORD or Jehovah is given us in Revelation 1:8— ever is, ever was, ever will be. It occurs about 7000 times in the Sacred Scriptures. It is rendered “God” about 800 times “the Lord” about 6000 times; while “Jehovah” only occurs a very few times in the text.
Jehovah-Ropheca—Exodus 15:26, “healeth.”
Jehovah-Nissi —Exodus 17:15, “banner” (see margin).
Jehovah-Shalom—Judg. 6:24, “peace” (see margin).
Jehovah-Rohi—Psalm 23:1, “shepherd.”
Jehovah-Tsidkenu—Jeremiah 23:6, “righteousness.”
Jehovah-Shammah—Ezekiel 48:35, “there.”
Jehovah-Mekaddesheem—Exodus 31:13, “sanctify.”
Jehovah-Heleyon—Psalm 7:17; 47:2, “most high.”
Jehovah-Jireh—Genesis 22:14, “see or provide.”
Jehovah-Tsebahoth—1 Samuel 1:3, “hosts.”
192.—JAH is another sublime title. It occurs about 50 times, and only in the books of Isaiah, the Psalms, and Exodus; rendered “the Lord” in our English Bible. We wish the various titles of God had been distinguished in our Bibles. They are indifferently translated, and we are the losers, there being so much beauty in the Divine names and titles scattered throughout the sacred pages.
193.—Adam was created in innocence; we are born in sin (Psa. 51); in Christ humanity was holy (Luke 1:35). The period of innocence or sinlessness was a brief one, and in it Adam stood alone, as Christ did before the work of the cross (John 12:24). Adam, as fallen became the head of the race (Rom. 5:15); Christ in victorious power over death is head of His redeemed (1 Cor. 15:45). Innocence and Paradise once forfeited cannot be regained; but Holiness, Heaven and Eternal Life are ours in Christ.
194.—PLACES DISTANT FROM JERUSALEM. “Thus saith the Lord God: This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her” (Ezek. 5:5).
195. —Herod built the temple. Ten thousand laborers were employed for two years, and 1000 priests were empowered to give the necessary directions. The most holy place was finished in a year and a half; but including the courts and other improvements by Herod’s successors, it was forty-six years in building (John 2:20). There are five temples mentioned in the Word of God: first, Solomon’s; second, Zerubbabel’s; third, Herod’s; fourth, Antichrist’s (yet future); fifth, Christ’s millennial temple. Yet in the view of the Spirit there is but one house, as we read, “the latter glory of this house” (Hag. 2:9)—not “the glory of this latter house.”
196.—Herod the Idumean King, Antiochus the Syrian Monarch, Galerius the Roman Emperor, and Philip II. of Spain—all notorious persecutors, were eaten of worms.
197.—In the estimation of statesman, the Jew, if at all thought of in any scheme of state policy, is but an insignificant element in the situation. What is said of the Jews in Constantinople may be said of their position generally in eastern lands. “The Greeks detest them, the Turks loathe them, the Christians abhor them.” (In passing, it may be remarked that the Jew points to Scotland as the only country where he has not been persecuted.) The Jew is the kernel of the whole question, and the key to the world’s blessing in grace now (Rom. 11:11), as also in governmental blessing when restored (verse 12).
198.—The first mention of the Lord’s reign is in Exodus 15:18.
199.—THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB OF GOD.
The Blood of the New Covenant has secured to the believer an immediate, frill, divine, and eternal remission of all his sins.
The Blood of His Cross is the ground on which all things will be reconciled, and also the ground of the present reconciliation of persons (Col. 1:20-21).
The Blood of Christ is God’s answer in grace and righteousness to man’s state of evil in life and practical ungodliness (Rom. 3)
The Blood of Jesus is the title to pass through the rent veil into the untreated light of God, and worship in His holy presence (Heb. 10:19).
The Blood of Christ—the spotless Lamb of God—is the price of our redemption from a mere traditional religious life (1 Peter 1:18-19.)
The Blood of the Lamb is the only and divine ground of safety, as it is written— “When I see the blood I will pass over you” (Ex. 12:13).
The Blood sprinkled ONCE upon the Mercy Seat was the holy and righteous ground on which God could bless a guilty people (Lev. 16:14).
The Blood sprinkled seven times before the Mercy Seat secured a righteous standing for the people in the Divine presence (Lev. 16:14).
The Blood of the everlasting Covenant was the ground and claim on which the God of peace raised up from the dead the “Great Shepherd” of the sheep (Heb. 13:20).
The Blood is the purchase-money of the flock of God (Acts 20:28). By it persons are washed from their sins (Rev. 1:5), and in it their robes are made white (Rev. 7:14), while by it they overcome (Rev. 12:11). By it the conscience is purged (Heb. 9:14), and by it peace is made (Col. 1:20). By it He entered into the holy place (Heb. 9:12), and by it we enter in also (Heb. 10:19). By it we are made nigh (Eph. 2:13), are justified (Rom. 5:9), and have redemption (Eph. 1:7).
200.—Having and knowing are distinct things, yet closely related. In John’s gospel the point is ye “have” (20:31); in his first epistle it is ye “know” (v. 20).
201.—All revealed truth, from the “in” in Genesis to the “Amen” closing the Bible, is intended to act in present, sanctifying power.
202.—Man was formed of the dust of the ground—the only creature so made (Gen. 2:7)—not of rock or stone. His frailty is the point, and this God never forgets, but ever remembers in His providential dealings. “He knoweth our frame: He remembereth that we are dust” (Ps, 103:14).
203.—God has cast all your sins into the depths of the sea where you cannot find them (Mic. 7:19), and behind His back where He cannot see them (Isa. 38:17). He has set you without your sins before His face forever (Psa. 41:12). Thus God is between us and our sins.
204.—The footnotes to Paul’s epistles are destitute of divine authority; they date from the fifth century.
205.—THE VARIOUS COMPANIES NOTED IN THE REVELATION.
“The twenty-four elders” represent the redeemed of past and present ages (chaps. 4.-19). Israel—the twelve tribes—are referred to in chapter 7 as 144,000 who are sealed for millennial blessing. The preserved company of 144,000 spoken of in chapter 14 are of Judah only, and are distinct from the number noted in chapter 7. The harpers of chapter 15 are the company of martyred Judah. The apostate part of Israel is noted in chapter 9:4-6. Two companies of martyrs—Jewish and Gentile—are referred to in chapters 6 and 13, and a special class of Jewish witnesses is the subject of chapters 11:1-12. The general body of Gentiles saved is spoken of in chapter 7:9-17.
206.—Of the Epistles, Paul penned fourteen; the first in historical sequence being that to the Thessalonians, and the last being addressed to his son Timothy. The first, however, in moral order is undoubtedly the Roman Epistle. Paul usually wrote on parchment (2 Tim. 4:13), John on paper (2 John 12). The only Epistle written by the hand of Paul was that to the Galatians (chap. 6:11). He generally employed an amanuensis (Rom. 16:22), while he wrote the salutations with his own hand in token of their Pauline authorship (2 Thess. 3:17).
207.—PAUL’S SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY.
This is the last written of Paul’s 14 Epistles. The martyrdom of the aged Apostle under Nero was an almost immediate and expected event, which with the darkened state of the Church and the increasing power of evil, imparts a solemn character to the Epistle.
Chapter 1, Paul the Lord’s prisoner and Timothy strengthened.
Chapter 2, Paul the Lord’s servant and Timothy encouraged.
Chapter 3, Paul the Lord’s witness and Timothy warned.
Chapter 4, Paul the Lord’s martyr and Timothy charged.
The normal condition of the Church before the world is the great subject of first Timothy; the abnormal condition of things in presence of widespread profession is characteristic of second Timothy.
208.—DESTRUCTION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WRITINGS.
The very copy of the law written by the hand of Moses, and deposited in the Ark, was preserved for about 800 years, being found by Hilkiah, the High Priest, in the days of the godly Josiah (2 Chron. 34) It is likely that the original documents perished in the destruction of the Temple by the Chaldeans, in the year 588 B.C., and about a month after the overthrow of the city (2 Kings 25). The Sacred Books, and other MSS. of value, were carefully deposited in the Temple, regarded by the Jews as a stronghold guaranteeing absolute security, because hedged about by Divine grace and favor. Hence, when the Temple was robbed of its costly vessels, and despoiled of its precious contents, the Sacred Books would he regarded as only fit for the fire by the triumphing heathen. Probably, too, the writings of the prophets shared the same fate during that awful Jewish persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, about 170 B.C.—a man of infamous name and memory by all Jews, ancient and modern.
209. PEACE WITH GOD.—
(a) Christ made it (Eph. 2:13-15).
(b) It was made by blood (Col. 1:20).
(c) It was made on the Cross (Col. 1:20).
(d) It was made 1863 years ago, A.D. 33.
(e) It was made with God (Rom. 5:1).
(f) It was made for the sinner (Eph. 2:15-16)
(g) It was first announced by Christ (John 20:19).
(h) The believer has it (Rom. 5:1).
(i) It cannot be lost, for Christ is it (Eph. 2:14).
210.—UNINSPIRED WRITINGS REFERRED TO IN THE BIBLE.
(a) The Greek heathen poets Aratus and Cleanthes: see Acts 17:28.
(b) The Greek heathen poet. Menander quoted; see 1 Corinthians 15:33.
(c) The Greek heathen poet Epimenides quoted; see Titus 1:12.
(d) The book of the wars of the Lord, Numbers 21:14,
(e) The book of Jasher, Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18.
(f) The book of the acts of Solomon, 1 Kings 11:41.
(g) The book of the chronicles of the Kings of Judah, 1 Kings 15:7.
(h) The book of the chronicles of the Kings of Israel, 1 Kings 15:31.
(i) The book of Samuel the seer, 1 Chronicles 29:29.
(j) The book of Nathan the prophet, 1 Chronicles 29:29.
(k) The hook of Gad the seer, 1 Chronicles 29:29.
(1) The prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, 2 Chronicles 9:29.
(m) The vision of Iddo the seer, 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15.
(n) The book of Shemaiah the prophet, 2 Chronicles 12:15.
(o) The story of the prophet Iddo, 2 Chronicles 13:22.
(p) The book of Jehu, 2 Chronicles 20:34.
(q) The history of Uzziah by Isaiah the prophet, 2 Chronicles 26:22.
(r) The written Lamentations over the godly Josiah, 2 Chronicles 35:25.
(s)The book of the Kings of Israel and of Judah, 2 Chronicles 35:27.
(g, h) There seems to have been a separate account of each monarch’s reign, to which reference could readily be had.
(i) This may refer to the books of Samuel, and which were originally written as one.
(j, k) Jewish tradition is sometimes well founded. We are inclined to receive it in this instance, which attributes the authorship of the first 24 chapters of the first book of Samuel to that prophet, while relegating the remaining seven chapters, along with the second book, to the prophets Gad and Nathan. “And Samuel died” (1 Sam. 25:1) is evidently the historical statement of another, and not the prophetic utterance of the prophet about himself.
(o, p) See the margin of our English Bibles.
(s) This is not exactly the same as f or g.
211.—THE PAPAL SYSTEM.
As showing the weakness of the papal system in Italy—its birthplace, Christian missions are tolerated in Rome itself—the seat of the papacy. The Italian government, one of the most vigorous in Europe, has thrown off the yoke of the Vatican and stripped the Holy See of its temporalities. But the aims and political aspirations of popery are as pretentious as ever, and its rapid increase in England and elsewhere is a remarkable fact. The growth and development of evil, of which the papal system is part, is certainly noted in the prophetic parts of the New Testament as characterizing the last days— already set in (2 Tim. 3; Jude; Rev. 2 and 3.; 2 Peter 2, etc.) Our path is a simple one. Do not become politicians; but trim lamps and go out to meet the coming bridegroom (Matt. 25)
212.—There are two mountain-sermons recorded in Matthew; first in chapters 5-7; second in chapters 24, 25.
213.—The Lord’s Prayer is given in John 17. The disciple’s prayer is noted in Matthew 6 and ends with the word “evil;” the doxology is rejected by the authorities, verse 13; compare with Luke 11:4.
214.—If the Lord’s three special temptations are compared, as recorded in Matthew 4 and Luke 4, an interesting difference in the order is observable.
215.—Atonement and Redemption are distinct truths; the former is the great theme of Leviticus 16; the latter that of Exodus 14. The High Priest to deal with the blood was needed to effect the former; Moses the deliverer was required to accomplish the latter.
216.—Carefully distinguish between Purchase and Redemption. All persons and things are purchased by Christ, this is change of proprietorship (Matt. 13:44; 2 Peter 2:1); but believers only are redeemed (1 Peter 1:18; Rev. 5:9). The connection between purchase, present, and redemption of things, future, is to be noted in Ephesians 1:14.
217.—Both things and persons are estranged from God; but by the blood of the cross believers are now reconciled, and things shall be; the former is present, the latter future; 2 Corinthians 5:18 for persons, Colossians 1:20 for things.
218.—ON PRAYER.—
The Prayer of Agreement (Matt. 18:19).
The Prayer of Faith (Matt. 21:22).
The Prayer of Importunity (Luke 18:7).
The Prayer of Confidence (1 John 5:14).
219.—MISCELLANEOUS NOTES—FIFTY-THREE.
There are more than 40,000,000 Bibles in circulation.
There are about 800,000,000 souls without the Bible.
The Bible is published in more than 400 different languages and dialects.
First English Bible (Wycliffe’s) published in 1380.
First printed of all books was a Latin Bible.
Price of a Bible in 1270 from £30 to £37.
Careful writing of a Bible in the Scriptorium occupied about ten months.
Bible divided into chapters in the 13th century.
Bible divided into verses in the 16th century.
The Septuagint was commenced about 284 B.C.
The Apocrypha was written after the completion of the Old Testament.
Oldest MSS. are those of the New Testament.
The Vatican and Sinaitic are of the fourth century, and the Alexandrian of the fifth.
The three divisions of the old Testament, Luke 24:44.
God acting in government—the Old Testament.
God revealed in grace—the New Testament.
Isaiah is most complete as to prophetic subjects.
Kingdom of Judah; see the books of Chronicles.
Kingdom of Israel; see the books of Kings.
Headings of the Psalms are as ancient as the text.
“Selah,” pause, occurs about 70 times in the book of Psalms.
Historical origin of all nations; see Genesis 10
Chaldean destruction of Jerusalem, 588 B. C.
Roman destruction of Jerusalem, 70 A.D.
Kingdom of Judah existed about 390 years.
Kingdom of Israel existed about 260 years.
There were 20 Sovereigns of Judah—many good,
There were 19 Sovereigns of Israel—all bad.
“The Faith” might charactize Paul’s 14 Epistles.
“God” plural, occurs about 2700 times.
“God” singular, occurs in the Bible about 60 times
“LORD” occurs about 6860 times in the Old Testament.
“Jehovah” —Israel’s title of covenant relationship.
“Father” —God’s title of relationship to Christians.
The Church is first prophetically announced in Matthew; chapters 16 and 18.
The Church is historically given in the Acts.
The Church is doctrinally taught, and only so, in Paul’s Epistles.
The fullness of time (Gal. 4:4). refers to the incarnation; the fullness of times (Eph. 1:10) refers to the millennium.
Christ as the Apostle (Heb. 3:1) came from God to speak to us; Christ as the High Priest (Heb. 8:1) has gone to God to speak for us.
The gift of Jesus was the declaration of God’s love (John 3:16); the death of Jesus was the necessity of God’s righteousness (John 3:14), Aaron is styled “High Priest,” but Jesus “Great High Priest” (Heb. 4:14).
The latter times (1 Tim. 4:1) delineate Papal Apostasy; the last days (2 Tim. 3:1) describe Christendom’s Apostasy.
Christ’s present Priesthood is exercised according to the pattern of Aaron (Heb. 9), but according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7).
Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God (Eph. 1:19, 20) and by the glory of the Father (Rom. 6:4).
God willed our salvation; Christ effected it; the Holy Ghost testifies of it (Heb. 10:7-15).
Christ once appeared to put away sin, and now appears in God’s presence for us, and soon will appear in glory with us (Heb. 9:24-28).
The times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24) refer to rule and government on earth exercised by the Gentiles, having been transferred from Judah at the epoch of the Babylonian captivity. The fullness of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:25) denotes God’s gracious visitation of the Gentiles, and their ingathering in grace consequent upon the present judaical setting aside of Israel.
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). Here the point is the energy of Christian walk and the solemnity of Christian motive. “Redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). Here the exhortation is to embrace every moment and seize every opportunity of commending the truth to those “without,” i.e., the world.
“Kingdom of heaven,” a phrase peculiar to the first Gospel, and of which there are about 30 occurrences, is a dispensational term. “Kingdom of God” is a favorite expression in the third Gospel, occurring also about 30 times, and is of moral, besides of dispensational application.
We are saved (Eph. 2:5); also working out salvation (Phil. 2:12); and our salvation in nearing (Rom. 13:11). Thus salvation is already accomplished as to the soul; yet progressive as to practical life and conduct; while undoubtedly future as to the redemption of the body.
Peace with God is the common blessing of the redeemed (Rom. 5:1); Peace of God is conditional upon the burdened heart emptying itself before God (Phil. 4:7).
Our place of worship is inside the veil, for Christ is there (Heb. 10:19-22); our place of testimony is outside the camp, for Christ was there (Heb. 13:12-13).
Delete the italicized words in Galatians 3:24, which will then read, “the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ,” that is, until His coming in grace.
220.—PROPHETIC NOTES—THIRTY.—
Increase of evil foretold (2 Tim. 3:1-9).
Size of Palestine from west to east (Gen. 15:18).
Future extent of Palestine about 300,000 square miles.
Palestine gifted to the Jews (Gen. 13:14-17).
National restoration of the Jews (Isa. 18)
The Antichrist a Jew (Dan. 11:37).
The Antichrist will reign as king (Dan. 11:36).
“Little horn” of Daniel 7 arises from the west.
“Little horn” of Daniel 8 arises from the east.
King of the south is Egypt (Dan. 11)
“Gog” of Ezekiel 38; 39 is Russia.
Individual return of Israelites (Isa. 27:12-13).
The second beast of Revelation 13:11 is the Antichrist.
Idolatry will be again rampant in Judea (Matt. 12:45).
Satan will revive the fourth Empire (Rev. 17:8).
The revived Empire of Rome a persecuting power (Rev. 13:7).
The Empire a blaspheming power (Rev. 13:6).
The Roman prince and Jews make a seven years’ covenant (Dan. 9:27).
The Weeks of Daniel 9 are weeks of years.
The great Tribulation lasting 32 years (Rev. 12).
King of the North and the Assyrian are identical:
Jerusalem besieged and partly captured (Zech. 14.)
Church saved from the coming Tribulation (Rev. 3:10).
Western Europe espousing the cause of and politically favoring the Jews.
Eastern powers politically hate the Jews (Psa. 83)
The “woman,” or mother, in Revelation 12 is Israel. The “man-child” of Revelation 12 is Christ.
Miracles wrought by satanic power (Rev. 13:12-15).
The gathering together of the long lost ten tribes (Ezek. 34)
221 —MILLENNIAL NOTES—TWENTY-ONE.
The coming of Christ to Mount Olivet (Zech. 14:4).
All Israel saved (Rom. 11:26).
Satan confined in the bottomless pit for 1000 years (Rev. 20:3).
Christ’s reign of 1000 years (Rev. 20:4-6).
Jerusalem rebuilt and adorned (Isa. 60)
A large and costly Temple erected (Ezek. 40)
Israel’s sacrifices commemorative (Ezek. 43-46)
New land-arrangement of the tribes (Ezek. 48)
“The Prince of the House of David” Christ’s vicegerent on the throne of Judah (Ezek. 44-48)
Jerusalem holy forever (Zech. 14:20, 21).
Jerusalem the city of the great king (Psa. 48:2).
Palestine exceedingly fruitful (Psa. 72)
Israel greatly multiplied (Ezek. 36:37, 38).
Waters of the Dead Sea healed (Ezek. 47)
The Egyptians blessed and saved (Isa. 19:18-22.)
No more war (Isa. 2:4).
No more idolatry (Isa. 2:18-20).
Instincts of the animals changed (Isa. 65:25).
Long life on earth (Isa. 65:22).
The Church in glory (Rev. 21)
No tears, no curse, no night (Rev. 21) 222.
222.— THE ROMAN DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM,
A.D. 70. Possibly, nearly 3,000,000 of people were crowded within the city walls of Jerusalem. The houses, public buildings, courts and streets were occupied by worshipping crowds—Jews from all quarters of the Empire having flocked to their distinguished feast. The sword of Judgment hung suspended over the doomed city, while murder and violence triumphed within, and the blood of the citizens was shed as water by the rival sects and contending parties. Jerusalem was as hell let loose. Then the Roman trumpets sounded, the camp at Cesarea was broken up, the clash of arms was heard, and the terrible march of the trained and veteran soldiers of Rome commenced. Jerusalem was quickly encircled by an iron band, and the most memorable siege on record, and most unexampled in the annals of human sorrow, began and lasted for 134 days. The details of the siege have been often told, and many of these are sickening and revolting in the extreme. On the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, it was again totally destroyed by the Romans, and the city leveled to the ground. Titus commissioned Turnus Rufus to inflict the last dregs of wrath upon the guilty city, who performed his work so perfectly that the Roman plow was passed over its ruins; not one stone was left upon another of the magnificent Temple. Literally Zion was plowed as a field, according to the prediction of Micah, chapter 3:12. More than a million of Jews miserably perished either by famine or sword, and 97,000 were taken captive. Those under 17 were sold as slaves, and so glutted were the slave marts in Egypt and elsewhere, that ultimately purchasers could not be found at any price (Deut. 28:68). Many of those spared were thrown amongst the wild beasts, to afford brutal sport to the Roman populace, and others were murdered at the mere will and whim of their savage conquerors. At Cesarea Philippi Titus celebrated the birthday of his brother, the savage Domitian, on which occasion he caused no fewer than 2500 of his captives to be killed, either by fighting with gladiators, or with wild beasts. Vast numbers were sent to labor in the Egyptian mines. Others again were selected to grace the triumphal entry into Rome, and were then, according to custom, severely scourged and killed. Go to Rome, yet to become the capital of the restored Gentile Monarchy before it is finally crushed by the Lord of Glory (Dan. 2), and gaze upon the triumphal and sculptured arch of Titus, and there behold the witness of Jehovah’s vengeance upon Judah! Or look upon those coins struck to commemorate the proud Roman triumph, inscribed with the words Judea Capta, also bearing the emblematic and expressive figure of a woman sitting under a Palm tree, sadly mourning, with a Roman soldier standing by. The very country was publicly sold, and lands gifted to some thousands of soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the war.
223.—CHRONOLOGY OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CENTURY. A.D.
9 Archelaus governs Judea instead of Herod.
12 Jesus in the Temple about His Father’s business.
14 Tiberius ascends the throne of the Cæsars.
30 Jesus is baptized.
33 Jesus is crucified.
36 Paul is converted.
37 Caligula, the wantonly cruel, reigns.
41 James killed.
50 London built by the Romans.
51 The first of the Epistles written—that to the Thessalonians.
55 Nero reigns—a monster of cruelty.
59 Conquest of Great Britain completed.
64 First persecution of the Christians under Nero.
66 Martyrdom of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
69 The Christians in Jerusalem retire to Pella,
70 Jerusalem besieged and taken by Titus.
83 Agricola reduces Britain to a Roman province.
93 John banished to the isle of Patmos.
94 Second persecution of the Christians under Domitian.
99 John dies, urging love in the truth upon the saints.
224.—The divine circles of interest are the Church, the World, and the Family; the first loved by Christ (Eph. 5:25); the second loved by God (John 3:16); and the third loved by the Father (1 John 3:1).
225.— “Covenant” and “Testament” are the same in the original, the former occurring about 12 times in the New Testament, and the latter about 20 times. In all these 32 instances the word “Covenant” should be used, save in Hebrews 9:16-17, where “Testament” is clearly the force and sense of the word there employed.
226.—The judgment from which we are delivered is “eternal” (Heb. 6:2); the salvation in which we rejoice is “eternal” (Heb. 5:9); our redemption too is “eternal” (Heb. 9:12); our inheritance also is “eternal” (Heb. 9:15).
227.— “The heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22) refers to the city which God and the saints will occupy in the coming ages, and must not be confounded with “the holy Jerusalem” (Rev. 21:9, 10), which is itself the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
228.—John speaks of the whole of the present period as “the last time” (see first epistle, chap. 2.), which Paul divides into “the latter times” (1 Tim. 4.), and “last days” (2 Tim. 3)—the former covering the papal Apostasy—the middle ages; while the latter contemplates the setting in of the Apostasy of these days.
229.—James insists upon works as evidencing faith. Peter conducts the flock of God through the wilderness. John treats of life displayed in Christ and then in the believer. Paul sets the believer in a new place before God. Jude would have the saints buckle on their armor and earnestly contend for the faith.
230.—God’s love is omnipotent and is opposed to all creature might (Rom. 8:38-39). Christ’s love is tender and is opposed to all creature difficulty (verses 35-37).
231.—The Church or Assembly is indestructible (Matt. 16:18); is distinguished from the kingdom (verse 19); is the special subject of Christ’s love (Eph. 5:25); and subject too of angelic admiration (Eph. 10). The Church as Christ s bride is the dearest object, while as His body it is the nearest thing to Him. Is first named in the New Testament in Matthew 16:18.
232.—The Holy Ghost has two temples on earth; the Church (1 Cor. 3:16) and the body of the believer (6:19).
233.—The faith of the Jewish believer rested on what God was able to perform (Rom. 4:21); whereas the faith of the Christian believer rests on what He has, done (verses 24-25).
234.—SIGNIFICATION ON THE LEADING DIVINE NAMES AND TITLES.
(a) God (Elohim) a plural word, occurring about 2700 times in the Bible. The expression of creation-power and glory, and Godhead fullness.
(b) God (Eloah) singular. Used about 60 times in the Holy Scriptures, and generally, if not always, in marked contrast with the many gods of the heathen. Distinguishing name for Him who is the only living and true God.
(c) Lord God occurs in the second and third chapters of Genesis 20 times, and denotes Creator-relationships; that is, certain responsibilities and relationships are founded upon our creation and are established with the Creator.
(d) Lord or Jehovah first used in Genesis 4 expressive of moral relationship.
(e) Almighty God occurs twice in Scripture; first in Genesis 17:1, all-sustaining grace to the pilgrim; second in Revelation 19:15, all-consuming wrath to the sinner. “Almighty,” used singly or in conjunction with other divine titles, occurs about 60 times in the Bible. Supreme and unlimited power would give as near as possible the signification of this title.
(f) Most High God occurs four times in Genesis 14:18-24, and several times in the Prophet Daniel. The Genesis-scripture, typical of the Millennial Kingdom, gives the force of the title, which is the union of royalty and priesthood in Christ exercised mediatorially in the millennium.
(g) Lord of all the Earth first used in Joshua 3:11-13; last occurrence of this title in Revelation 11:4 (slightly altered). These instances would significantly express the meaning to be Divine proprietorship of the earth.
(h) God of Heaven, used about 20 times, only two of which are found in the New Testament—the Revelation; as implied in the title, it is God acting from heaven upon earth, hence it may be explained as Divine providential government on earth.
(i) Father. God’s New Testament name to believers. Title of God’s relationship with Christians (John 20:17).
(j) Jesus occurs about 700 times in the New Testament, and in no case is it written with an adjective. “Jesus” needs no qualifying or added word to set His glory forth. Most of those occurrences are in the Gospels. It is the personal name of the Lord on earth and in heaven.
(k) Christ. This is an official and positional title, and is usually written in the Gospels with the article prefixed (see Greek), as “the Christ.”
“Messiah,” which is Hebrew, And “Christ,” which is Greek, both mean the “Anointed,” as in Psalm 2:2. In the Epistles the title is used to express the saint’s place and position before God, whether alive or dead; see 2 Corinthians 12:2, as to the living; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, as to the dead.
(l) Lord. The root idea in this title is that of authority; one who has claims over us. All duties, responsibilities, and relationships of every kind pertaining to the Christian are in reference to Christ as Lord. It expresses also universal and absolute proprietorship (Matt. 13:44; 2 Peter 2; Jude). Power and authority are the cardinal thoughts in this title.
(m) Jesus Christ. This title is found eight times in Peter’s first Epistle. It is one rarely used by Paul. It seems to link up the sufferings of earth with the glories of Heaven. The thought is from what He was to what He is—the humbled and suffering One now exalted and glorified.
(n) Christ Jesus. Paul’s favorite title. John in his Epistles and Revelation and Jude in his brief letter do not once write “Christ Jesus,” but invariably “Jesus Christ.” What He is in glory to what He was on earth seems the thought; hence the signification of this interesting title; the now exalted and glorified Man was once the humbled and suffering One on earth.
(o) Lord Jesus Christ. The full written title of our Lord; is found in the introduction to all the Pauline Epistles, save in the Hebrews and 2 Timothy, but is found in the last verse of the latter Epistle. It is not once used in John’s three Epistles; in fact, the title “Lord” does not once occur in these Letters. By connecting the thoughts given under each name, the scriptural idea of this fullest of the Lord’s titles will be easily seen. It connects power, manhood, and glory.
(p) Son of God. This grand and divine title is neither official nor dispensational; it is one of full personal and moral glory, and is only fully declared and unfolded in John’s writings. Son of God in His dignity; Son of the Father in divine relationship; Only begotten Son in the bosom of the Father—alone in the secrets and love of the divine bosom. Son of God, we regard, as signifying the full personal glory of the Son.
(q) Son of Man. Jesus is not once called the Son of Man in the Gospels; but He used the title of Himself upwards of 60 times—the one He peculiarly delighted in. This title is used of Ezekiel more than 100 times, and in Daniel three times. It occurs but once in the Epistles—the Hebrews, chapter 2:6, as a quotation from Psalm 8 Judgment, and power to execute that judgment, are Son of Man glories (John 5); and, as Son of Man, He will bring in blessing and righteous rule for the earth. Earthly glory and universal sovereignty are the thoughts embodied in this title.
(r) Son of David. This Judaic title is a dispensational one, connecting itself with royalty and blessing, specially within the circumscribed limits of Judea. We therefore regard it as expressing Royalty and Blessing made good in Israel.
{ Almighty to the Patriarchs. GOD as,
GOD as, { Jehovah to Israel.
{ Father to Christians.
235.—Amongst the most ancient forms of commerce was that practiced by Abraham, who bought the field of Ephron, containing the cave of Machpelah, for a burying-place for himself and family, for four hundred shekels of silver, estimated according to weight; not necessarily of one size. Buying and selling by weight, and not by current money, is still extensively practiced in certain parts of the world.
236. — NIGHT. —
First Watch, Evening 6-9 p.m.
Second Watch, Midnight 9 -12 p.m.
Third Watch, Cockcrow 12-3 a.m.
Fourth Watch, Morning 3-6 a.m.
DAY.—
Third Hour 6-9 a.m.
Sixth Hour 9-12 noon.
Ninth Hour 12-3 p.m.
Twelfth Hour 3-6 p.m.
In the Eastern world the evening and the morning constituted the day (Gen. 1) This borne in mind will afford a clue to the solution of many chronological difficulties.
237.—THE PENTATEUCH.
Pentateuch, from the Greek words pente, five, and teuchos, volume or book; thus the Pentateuch or “five books” of Moses. These early books of Scripture were originally written in one scroll, according to Hebrew custom, and are still used as such in Jewish reading, and in all modern synagogues. The distribution of the Pentateuch into separate books can be traced up to the days of Ezra, about 450 B.C.; but their English titles, which are of Greek origin, and which are supposed to denote their contents generally, are borrowed from the Septuagint or Greek version of the Old Testament, about 280 B.C. The Hebrew titles of the books are taken from the opening word or sentence of each, but are not regarded by the Jews as descriptive of their character. Thus the Hebrew Pentateuch, though not arranged in books, has yet 54 pretty lengthy sections, and 669 very short ones; while the English version has its five books and 187 chapters—the latter dating from the 13th century.
It is an interesting circumstance that the Samaritans the religious rivals of the Jews (John 4)—possessed a copy of the Pentateuch written in the ancient Phoenician or Hebrew characters, which they regarded with peculiar veneration, and from which the Woman of Samarian-race gathered that Messiah was to come (John 4:25). There are said to be several complete copies of the Samaritan Pentateuch now in Europe, and one is believed to date from the 8th century—the age of Mohammed. The Pentateuch, as a whole, was from earliest times familiarly spoken of by the Jews as “the law,” or “the law of Moses,” etc. The blessed Lord, and writers of the New Testament, not merely refer to the Pentateuch as a whole, and to its several books repeatedly, but the writings of Moses are held to be of equal authority with the words of the Lord Himself (John 5:45-47), and the testimony of Moses placed on equal par with the voice of resurrection (Luke 16:31).
238.—Revelation 2 and 3.
Ephesus, desire, the ECCLESIASTICAL period. Smyrna, myrrh, the SUFFERING period.
Pergamos, lofty, the WORLDLY period.
Thyatira, dunghill or cesspool, the PAPAL period.
Sardis, the escaped or delivered, the PROTESTANT period.
Philadelphia, brotherly love, the REMNANT period.
Laodicea, justice for the people, the CHRISTLESS period.
239.—Sanctification is viewed absolutely and progressively: absolute as regards the person, progressive as regards the state.
240.—It is a remarkable fact that there is no authentic profane Gentile history previous to the time when the Gentile nations began to be raised up as the scourge of Jerusalem, i.e., about 787 B.C. In the eighth century the Assyrian power began to be consolidated under Pul; the nucleus of the Persian power was formed by the revolt of the Medes; the Grecian era was introduced by the establishment of the Olympiads, and the city of Rome was founded. The migration of the Cimmerian Scythian nations, on which all the arrangements of modern Europe are founded, also commenced in this century.
241.— “Holy and without blame” — “holy,” that is character: “without blame,” conduct.
242.—The word for “Gospel” in the Irish language is a very fine one. It means “The Story of Peace.”
243.—Ancient History covers a period of about 4480 years, down to the fall of the western Roman empire.
244.—Medieval History covers a period of about 1000 years, down to the discovery of America, Printing, and introduction of the Reformation.
245.—Modern History covers a period of about 350 years, from the Reformation to our own times.
246.—There are of known dialects and languages, 2623; of these 587 are European, 396 are Asiatic, 376 African, 1264 American; in all 2623. All these may be reduced to three great families, and these again to one parent source.
247.—To trifle with any of the earthly relationships in which God has placed us, is to trifle with the authority of God and of His Word. We have observed with deepening sorrow that saints are not so careful in maintaining and insisting upon obedience to the laws of the land as formerly; obedience to the constituted authority is really obedience to God’s Word (Rom. 13; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-15).
248.—HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF BABYLON.
Herodotus, the historian, who saw it in its glory, describes it as a most magnificent sight. Situated on the highway of the nations, it covered a space of about 56 miles—the largest city in the world. It stood on both sides of the river Euphrates, and formed an exact square of 14 miles each side. Its walls are said to have been 87 feet thick and about 335 feet high, and so broad that six chariots could ride abreast. There were 25 gates on each side, of solid brass, and enormously strong. Inside, the city was divided into 676 squares, and 15 streets, each 150 feet wide. The hanging gardens, constructed as terraces, were exceedingly grand; and regarded as one of the wonders of the world. The Median Princess—Nebuchadnezzar’s Consort—had them built to remind her of her own country’s magnificent gardens. The two most magnificent buildings were the Temple of Belus and the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar, both built in separate squares, at immense cost, and superbly adorned and finished. Fully allowing for a measure of exaggerated language, it is allowed on all hands that its glory, wealth, and commercial importance fully justify its designation as the “praise of the whole earth,” the “emporium of the world;” styled also “the golden city,” and “the glory of kingdoms” (see also Isa. 43:14; Dan. 4) This as to its worldliness.
As to its idolatry, we read— “It is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols” (Jer. 1. 38). Bel or Baal, the great Babylonian deity, had a magnificent temple erected for his worship, which was pillaged by the famous Xerxes 478 B.C. As to the mystical Babylon (Rev. 17 and 18.) she is seen decked out in the world’s glory, and “become the habitation of devils (demons) and the hold of every foul spirit” (idolatry). Compare as to the destruction of the literal Babylon (Jer. 1. and 51.) with the overthrow of the mystical city (Rev. 17 and 18.) It was besieged and taken by Cyrus, the Persian, 538 B.C. Thus the destruction of Babylon and the deliverance of the Jews were affected at the same time. The historians Herodotus and Xenophon give a circumstantial account of the taking of Babylon, but not more minute than do the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, the former of whom lived and prophesied 160 years before the event occurred (and at a time, moreover, when the Persians were scarcely known), and the latter prophet 60 years before. The conqueror is foretold by name (Isa. 44:28; 45:1). The Persians and Medians are pointed out as the successful besiegers (Isa. 21:2; Jer. 51:11). The duration of the Babylonian dynasty is given (Jer. 25:11-12). Belshazzar’s impious feast to his thousand nobles, with its revelry and drunkenness, is also carefully noted in Scripture (Jer. 51:39-57); the suddenness and unexpected nature of the assault (Jer. 51:41); the drying up of her famous river, the Euphrates—pledge of a future event of similar import (Rev. 16:12; Isa. 44:27; Jer. 36); the carelessness of the besieged in leaving open the two-leaved gates of brass through which the invaders entered (Isa. 45:2); these and other particulars of deep interest are fully given in the Scriptures.
The country of Babylonia lay between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and was about 400 miles in length and 100 in breath. It first bore the name of Shinar, then Babylonia, and latterly Chaldea.
249.— CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF PSALMS.
The Songs and Praises of the Messiah are written in psalms 30., 92., 101., 108., 116., 22:23-31, etc.
The Glories and Exaltation of the Messiah are celebrated in psalms 2., 8., 21., 24., 45., 72., 75., 110., etc.
The Life and Service of the Messiah are rehearsed in psalms 16., 17., 23., 40., 63., etc.
The Sufferings and Death of the Messiah are recorded in psalms 22., 31., 69., 88., 102., etc.
250.—Euthalius of Alexandria, A.D. 458, edited an edition of Paul’s Epistles, and appended those subscriptions transferred to our English New Testaments.
251.—Geology clearly enough establishes the truth of a creation prior to Adam, but no conflict need thereby be apprehended between science and the Mosaic or rather Divine account of creation. The first verse of Genesis refers to the original creation of the heavens and earth, and is an independent statement entirely apart from what follows; the second verse shows the earth in a ruined state, yet at a period prior to man; while from verses 3-31 we have the earth got ready in 6 literal days as a dwelling for man. The terms “creating” and “making” are important in this connection. “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created (verse 1 of the Bible), in the day that the Lord God made (in six days, Ex. 20:11) the earth and the heavens” (Gen. 2:4).
252.—THE LANGUAGES IN WHICH THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN.
These were the Hebrew and the Syriac or Aramean in the Old Testament, and the Greek in the New. The Hebrew of Moses, of Abraham, of Isaiah, was probably the primitive language of man—the language of Adam. The Syriac, is more generally termed the “Aramean,” from Aram, the Bible name of Syria (Gen. 10:22, 23), sometimes also called, but erroneously, “Chaldean,” that being a dialect peculiar to the learned in Babylon (Dan. 1:4). The Syriac was the tongue spoken by the Assyrians who destroyed the kingdom of Israel, and of the Babylonians who destroyed Judah. The several instances in which this language is used in the Old Testament are, first, Jeremiah 10:11, in which the triumphing heathen are abruptly informed that their gods are doomed to utter destruction; second, Ezra 4:8 to 6:18, and 7:12-26, in these portions the haughty Gentile conquerors of Judah are informed in their own language of Jehovah’s abiding interest in His people, although but weak and few in number, having just emerged from their long captivity; third, in Daniel 2:4 to the close of chapter 7, here the rise, progress, and total destruction of Gentile power are divinely sketched, and thus they are left without excuse.
The Hebrew tongue, Acts 26:14, and the various Hebrew words and expressions, such as in Mark 5:41; 7:34; 15:34, spoken by Christ; also John 5:2; Revelation 9:11, must not be understood to mean the original Hebrew language, but simply that then spoken by the Jews. In general, the Lord and the Apostles spoke the common tongue— Greek. The exceptions we have indicated, as also Paul’s address on the Castle stairs at Jerusalem (Acts 22), were in the Syriac tongue. The whole of the New Testament was written in Greek. John, Paul, James, and Luke wrote it.
253.—ISRAEL’S THIRTEEN JUDGES.
The names of the thirteen Judges and the several periods of rest granted to the people consequent on the various deliverances wrought on their behalf, are as follows.
Othniel - 40 years, chap. 3:8-11.
Ehud - 80 years, chap. 3:12-30.
Shamgar - chap. 3:31.
Deborah and Barak - 40 years, chaps. 4., 5.
Gideon - 40 years, chaps. 6.-8.
Abimelech - 3 years, chap. 9.
Tola— 23 years, chap. 10:1-2.
Jair- 22 years, chap. 10:3-5;
Jephthah - 6 years, chaps. 11., 12:7.
Ibzan- 7 years, chap 12:8-10.
Elon- 10 years, chap. 12:11-12.
Abdon - 8 years, chap. 12:13-15.
Samson - 20 years, chaps. 13.-16.
254.—THE BOOK OF JOB.—
God, Satan, and Job- chaps. 1.-3.
The Argument stated.
The address of Eliphaz— chaps. 4., 5.
The answer of Job— chaps. 6., 7.
The address of Bildad— chap. 8.
The answer of Job— chaps. 9., 10.
The address of Zophar— chap. 11.
The answer of Job— chaps. 12.-14.
The Argument continued.
The address of Eliphaz — chap. 15.
The answer of Job — chaps. 16., 17.
The address of Bildad — chap. 18.
The answer of Job — chap. 19.
The address of Zophar — chap. 20.
The answer of Job — chap. 21.
The Argument continued.
The address of Eliphaz — chap. 22.
The answer of Job — chaps. 23., 24.
The address of Bildad — chap. 25.
The answer of Job — chaps. 26.-31.
255.—The sovereignty of God in election cannot be questioned, for the Word of God is full of it from Genesis to Revelation. Jacob instead of Esau, Isaac instead of Ishmael, Shem instead of Japheth, Seth instead of Cain, Arphaxad instead of Elam, Ephraim instead of Manasseh, Joseph instead of Reuben, royalty in the fourth son of Jacob, and priesthood in the third, are all witnesses of the sovereign elective purposes of God.
The Argument continued—
The speeches of Elihu— chaps. 32.-37.
Jehovah addressing His servant— chaps. 38.-49.
Job’s brokenness of Spirit and happy conclusion— chap. 42
256.—The subject of Isaiah 53 commences with verse 13 of chapter 52.
257.—The Jews have been successively ruled over by the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Syrians, and the Romans.
258.—NOTES ON THE JUDEAN KINGS.—
About the half of the Judean sovereigns were good; hence the long continuance of the kingdom over that of Israel.
It will be observed that, as a rule, the mothers of the Judah kings are specially named, but not so in the case of the kings of Israel.
There is only one female sovereign amongst those of Judah, and not one amongst the sovereigns of Israel.
The fathers of the godly kings Hezekiah and Joshua were bad men, thus illustrating the sovereign goodness and choice of God.
It is worthy of careful observation that, according to the personal piety and faithfulness of the monarch, Judah was blessed, and the country enjoyed peace and prosperity.
The longest reign was that of Manasseh’s 55 years; while the shortest was that of Jehoahaz, which lasted only three months.
The books of the Chronicles specially detail the doings of the kings of Judah.
259.—Christ is spoken of as the woman’s seed (Gen. 3:15), and the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16); the former refers to his connection with Man, the latter to His connection with Israel.
260.—For “Who shall declare His generation?” read, “Who shall declare His manner of life?” (Isa. 53:8). Who? asks the prophet, 750 years before Christ came. God answers it. The dying robber in face of assembled priests and people fearlessly asserts the Holy life of Christ, saying, “This man hath done nothing amiss.” Who was there to speak a word for Jesus? Strange advocate at such a moment! Truly God’s ways are not as our ways.
261.—The threatened judgment upon the serpent is only executed 7000 years afterward. How slow, yet how sure the judgment! Compare Genesis 3:15 with Revelation 20:10.
262.—In the book of Daniel it is the “Medes and Persians”; in the book of Esther the order is reversed, it is the “Persians and Medes.” In the time of the former the “Medes” were prominent; in the time of the latter the “Persians” had gained the ascendency.
263.—Thirty pieces of silver, Israel’s. valuation of our blessed Lord (Matt. 26:15), was about three pounds fifteen shillings of our money, as also the money value of a slave in Judea (Ex. 21:32).
264.—Golgotha or Calvary (place of a skull) was the place of execution which was always outside the city, or without the gates (1 Kings 21:13; Acts 7:58; Heb. 13:12).
265.—THE ORIGINAL HEBREW AND GREEK MSS.
We are thankful that the original MSS.—Hebrew and Greek—which proceeded from the inspired penmen are not in existence. Men would worship them, as Israel did the brazen serpent type of salvation by Christ (2 Kings 18:4), and as the devil sought possession of the body of Moses (Jude 9), no doubt for a similar purpose. The original Pentateuch was in existence about 800 years after Moses (2 Chron. 34:14). Probably the early books of the Old Testament perished in the Chaldean destruction of Jerusalem and of the temple (in which the sacred records were preserved) 588 B.C. The later books were most likely destroyed during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, of infamous memory. Under the reign of Diocletian numerous MSS. of rare value, and probably the original books of the New Testament, were committed to the flames; this, the hottest and last of the imperial persecutions, lasted just ten years, from A.D. 303-312. The oldest existing Greek MSS. date from the era of Constantine the successor of Diocletian.
266.—The following days of the week are set apart for the public observance of religion in different nations: Sunday by the Christians; Monday by the Grecians; Tuesday by the Persians; Wednesday by the Assyrians; Thursday by the Egyptians; Friday by the Turks; Saturday by the Jews.
267.—The manna and the water—Christ and the Spirit—were given to Israel in the wilderness, not to take them out of trouble, but to sustain them in it, and to impart strength and joy in the way. Exodus 16 and John 6 show Christ as the manna; while Exodus 17 and John 7 give the Spirit as the water.
268.— “Dead with Christ”; therefore necessarily dead to all He died to; “risen with Christ”; therefore risen to all He rose to as man. God deals with the roots of what we were and are—Dead to sin and alive to God.
269.—The first seven chapters of the book of Leviticus contain a mine of spiritual wealth. We dig because we know Christ the treasure is embedded there. The Jew attempted to grope his way through the shadows on to the substance. The Christian, on the contrary, has grasped the substance and hence he can with certainty interpret the shadows of the past. These chapters are replete with interest; they abound in precious detail of Christ and of His finished work. They naturally divide into two parts: (a) The offerings in all their typical value as estimated by God—His acceptance of and part in Christ’s infinitely precious work (chaps. 1:6, 7); (b) “The law of the offerings” in which our part and communion in the person, work, and affections of Christ are unfolded (chaps. 6:8, -7.)
270.—The personal recognition of friends in Heaven is unquestionable from Luke 9:30-33. How did Peter know Moses and Elias?—the former had been in Heaven for about 1500 years and the latter 900 years. “Then shall I know” (1 Cor. 13:12) explains it.
271.—The frequent use of the word “Selah” in the book of Psalms—about 70 times (see also Hab. 3, where the word occurs three times)—is to be carefully noted. You naturally pause where the word occurs, as in Psalms 3 and 4; and this, we believe, is the force of the word, whatever it signifies critically, and that the ripest scholarship has not yet definitely settled.
272.—THE FIFTEEN SONGS OF DEGREES.—
Psalm 120, First song of degrees. Deliverance from deceit and falsehood.
Psalm 121, Second song of degrees. Jehovah helps, keeps, and preserves.
Psalm 122, Third song of degrees. Jerusalem built; its peace sought.
Psalm 123, Fourth song of degrees. Jehovah-God alone looked to.
Psalm 124, Fifth song of degrees. Jehovah on Israel’s side.
Psalm 125, Sixth song of degrees. Jehovah His people’s protection.
Psalm 126, Seventh song of degrees. Redemption from the captivity celebrated.
Psalm 127, Eighth song of degrees. Jehovah keeps and watches.
Psalm 128, Ninth song of degrees. Jehovah blessing out of Zion.
Psalm 129, Tenth song of degrees. Haters of Zion confounded.
Psalm 130, Eleventh song of degrees. Jehovah known in His grace and mercy.
Psalm 131, Twelfth song of degrees. Quietness in presence of Jehovah.
Psalm 132, Thirteenth song of degrees. Davidical grace and blessing.
Psalm 133, Fourteenth song of degrees. Unity of Israel in blessing.
Psalm 131, Fifteenth song of degrees. Jehovah’s servants in unceasing praise.
These songs were sung on successive stages of the journey to Jerusalem in returning from the captivity.
273.— THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
Chapter 1—We have Christ the Christian’s life.
Chapter 2—We have Christ the Christian’s pattern.
Chapter 3—We have Christ the Christian’s object.
Chapter 4—We have Christ the Christian’s strength.
This Epistle delineates Christian experience as witnessed in Christ, Paul and others. The word “Apostle” does not occur at all. Apostolic experience as such is delineated in 2 Corinthians
274.—JUSTIFICATION. —
We are justified by God, the SOURCE of it (Rom. 3:26).
We are justified by grace, the SPRING of it (Rom. 3:24).
We are justified by blood, the GROUND of it (Rom. 5:9).
We are justified by resurrection, the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of it (Rom. 4:25).
We are justified by faith, the PRINCIPLE of it (Rom. 5:1).
Justification is a judicial term and thus connected with God’s throne or seat of government, before which believers stand cleared from every charge by the blood of Christ.
275.—THE DEAD SEA,
so called because life only in its lowest forms can exist in its waters, comes in for special blessing. It will be healed and filled with fish equal to any found in the Great Sea or Mediterranean; its banks will be covered with trees yielding fruit and medicine—to sustain and to restore. This celebrated sea is about 50 miles in length, and its greatest breadth about 10 miles; its utmost depth is 1300 feet. The Jordan flows into it, as well as other rivers and streams. It has no visible outlet. The surface of the Dead Sea is about 1300 feet below the level of the Mediterranean, and is the most depressed sheet of water in the world. The past, present, and future of the Dead Sea is a story of interest. The future of the earth is grandly foretold in Psalm 72; Amos 9:13, etc. Does not Zechariah 14:6-7 teach that there will be no darkness on the earth during the millennial era, as Revelation 21:25 undoubtedly shows that night will be banished from the higher region of that blessed period?
276.—ELECTION IN THE CALLING OF PERSONS.—
Seth, Adam’s third son.
Shem, Noah’s second son.
Arphaxad, Shem’s third son.
Sarai, not Hagar.
Isaac, not Ishmael.
Jacob, not Esau.
Joseph, not Reuben.
Ephraim, not Manasseh.
277.—THE AGES.—
(a) Innocence—connect with Adam (Gen. 2.)
(b) Lawlessness—connect with Cain (Gen. 4)
(c) Governmental Dealing—connect with Noah (Gen. 8; 9)
(d) Promise—connect with Abram (Gen. 12.)
(e) Law—connect with Moses (Ex. 19)
(f) Grace—connect with the Cross—Christ (1 Cor. 1: 23).
(g) Glory—connect with the Throne—Christ (Matt. 25:31).
(h) Rest—connect with God (Heb. 4)
278.—The governmental judgment on the Serpent (Gen. 3:14-15)
The governmental judgment on the Woman (Gen. 3:16).
The governmental judgment on the Man (Gen. 17-19).
279.—TEN DISTINCT TITLES APPLIED TO SATAN.—
(a) Serpent— seducer.
(b) Deed —tempter.
(c) Satan—adversary.
(d) Great Dragon—cruelty.
(e) God of this world—bead of its religion.
(f) Prince of this world—head of its power.
(g) Prince of the power of the air—head of the wicked spiritual world.
(h) King of the bottomless pit—commands the power of darkness.
(i) Roaring lion (to the careless) —seeking his prey.
(j) Angel of light (to the watchful) —seeking to deceive the saints.
280.—Jehoiakim was the first person who burnt the written Word of God (Jer. 36:28).
281.— EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.
Paul was the writer, so Peter informs us (2 Peter 3:15). Its subjects are: First, the person of the Lord, as Divine (chap. 1.), and as man (chap. 2.); second, the rest of God—the eternal state, chaps. 3, 4; third, the priesthood of the Lord, chaps. 5-7; fourth, the two covenants both made with Israel—the one past, the other future, chap. 8; fifth, the sacrifice of Christ contrasted with Jewish sacrifice and its present and eternal application to believers, chaps. 9, 10; sixth, the walk of faith and divine exhortations and encouragements, chaps. 11-13.
282.—FOURFOLD VIEW OF CHRIST.—
Behold the King! —Matthew.
Behold the Servant! —Mark.
Behold the Man! —Luke.
Behold the Son! —John.
In the four Gospels the death and resurrection of the Lord are presented as forming the solid basis of the believing sinner’s salvation; but in two of then only is the Ascension narrated, viz., Mark and Luke in two of them only, the genealogy, viz., Matthew and Luke.
283.—NUMERALS OF SCRIPTURE.
One, unity (Mark 12:32; 1 Cor. 12:13); two, fullness of testimony (John 8:17); three, divine testimony and manifestation (Matt. 28:19); four, universality (Rev. 7:1; Dan. 7:17); five, human responsibility (Ex. 27); six, non-completeness (John 2:6); seven, completion, perfection (Rev. 6;8 Matt. 13); eight, new commencement (Lev. 14:23); nine, an intensely solemn hoar (Mark 15:33-34; Acts 3:1); ten, testimony from God, or towards Him by man (Ex. 19; Matt. 25); twelve, administrative government (John 6:13; Rev. 21:21); forty, probationary period (1 Kings 19)
284.—SCRIPTURAL TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS.—
“Dead to sin” (Rom. 6:2) and “dead to sins” (1 Peter 2:24)—evil in principle and practice—are said of believers only, whereas “dead in sins” (Eph. 2:5) is alone true of the unbeliever.
“Old man crucified” (Rom. 6:6) is judicial dealing “Body of sin” (Rom. 6:6) is sin in its totality.
“The new man” (Eph. 4:24) is not the same as “one new man” (Eph. 2:15); the former is the new nature in each of us, the latter is the mystical body of Christ.
“The body of His flesh” (Col. 1:22), i.e., Christ’s, which is holy; “the body of the flesh” (Col. 2:11), i.e., ours, which is corrupt.
“Dead with Christ;” “risen with Christ” is scriptural thought and language. Dead in Him, risen in Him, is unscriptural. It is the ascension of the Lord which gives the further thought of being “in Him.” Distinguish between being united to Him and being in Him; the former connects us with Christ as members of His body: the latter is connected with our place as of the new race of which He is Head.
285.—OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT CONNECTIONS.—
Serpent of brass (Num. 21:8) with Son of Man lifted up (John 3:14).
The manna (Ex. 16) with Christ Incarnate (John 6).
The water (Ex. 17) with the Holy Ghost given (John 7:39).
The Laver (Ex. 30:18) with the basin (John 13:5).
The temple (1 Kings 6:5) with the Father’s House (John 14:2).
Canaan (Josh. 5) with heavenly places (Eph. 6:12).
286.—The correspondence between the facts of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New forms an interesting subject of study. The two Testaments are linked and gripped by these facts and doctrines, which are of unquestionable strength: What God hath joined, let not man put asunder.
287.—CONTRASTS.—
The two natures in the believer (Rom. 7) are contrasted in character and results.
The flesh and the Spirit are contrasted in Galatians 5
The two Adams are contrasted in Romans 5
The Father and the World are opposed in 1 John Christ and the devil are opposed in John 8
The children of the devil and the children of God are contrasted in 1 John 3
The works of the flesh as opposed to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5
The mind of the flesh is opposed to the mind of the Spirit in Romans 8
Full growth in contrast to babyhood in Ephesians 4:13, 14.
Earthy and heavenly are contrasted in 1 Corinthians 15:49.
Natural and spiritual are contrasted in 1 Corinthians 15:44.
The sacrifices, priests, sanctuaries, mediators, and covenants are contrasted in the epistle to the Hebrews.
288.— “Without form and void” (Gen. 1:2) are the same in the original as “confusion” and “emptiness” (Isa. 34:11.)
289.—We learn alone from Hebrews 9:4 that a “golden censer” was in use in the yearly Atonement. The other censers were of brass.
290.—The word “girl” occurs but once in the Bible (Joel 3:3).
291.—THE REVELATION—
Signifying “the Veil rolled aside.” These visions were seen and the prophecy written by John in the Roman convict establishment of Patmos, an Island of about twenty-five miles in circumference, and about the year A.D. 96.
Its Subjects and Character.—The history of the professing Church; the revival by satanic agency of the ancient universal Empire of Rome in blasphemy against God and persecution of the saints—Jewish and Gentile, and its connection with Apostate Judah then returned to her land; Satan’s future plans and eternal ruin with his confederates in evil; the judgment of the wicked—living and dead; the blessing and glory of the Saints in association with Christ in the Millennium and Eternal State, are the main subjects of the book. Its general character is one of Judgment.
Its Parts.—From verse one of chapter 1 to verse eighteen of chapter 11, the general condition of things is prophetically sketched from the close of the first Christian century to the commencement of the Eternal State. From verse nineteen of chapter 11 till chapter 22, details are furnished connected with Israel and the world in the future awful crisis.
Its Divisions.—The threefold division of this prophecy is noted in verse nineteen of chapter 1, “The things which thou hast seen,” being contained in chapter 1:12-16. “The things which are,” written in chapters 2 and 3. “The things which shall be hereafter” or “after these” are fully narrated in chapters 4.-22.
Its Sections.—First, The introduction, chap. 1:1-11. Second, Christ’s inspection of and judgment of the Church as the house of God, chap 1:12-20. Third, The Church’s history on earth as God’s public witness therein, chapters 2, 3. Fourth, The Saints of this and previous ages in presence of the Throne (chap. 4.) and of the Lamb of God (chap. 5.) Fifth, The opening of the seven seals successively by the Lamb, chapters 6.-8. 1. Sixth, The seven trumpets successively blown by the Angels, chapters 8:2-11:18. Seventh, The chief actors, sources of evil, and results in grace and judgment in the future crisis, chapters 11:19; 14. Eighth, The seven vials of God’s wrath, successively poured out upon the prophetic earth, chapters 15, 16. Ninth, Babylon in her political and ecclesiastical associations, chapters 17, 18. Tenth, Chronological order of events from the fall of Babylon till the Eternal State, chapters 19-21:8. Eleventh, The Church as the bride and wife of the Lamb in millennial glory and her relation to Israel and the world, chapters 21:9, 22:5. Twelfth, Warnings and encouragements, chapter 22:6-21.
Its Parentheses.—Chapter 7 between the sixth and seventh Seals. Chapters 10, 11:13, between the sixth and seventh Trumpets. Chapter 16 verse 15 between the sixth and seventh Vials.
Its Symbols.—The Candlesticks, the Church. The Stars, the moral representatives of the Church. The Woman of chapter 12. is Israel; the Man-Child is Christ; the Dragon, Satan’s power through Rome. The beasts of chapter 13. are the heads of the Civil (verse 1-10) and Ecclesiastical Apostasies (verse 11-18). The Twenty-four Elders represent the redeemed of present and past dispensations and worshipping in heaven. The beasts or living creatures (chap. 4.) set forth the Judicial Government of God. Sun, Moon, and Stars, supreme, derived, and all subordinate authorities. Lion, majesty. Calf or Ox, endurance. Man’s face, intelligence. Horse, conquest. Sword, slaughter. Bow and Arrow, distant warfare. Earthquake, disruption of society. Third part, the Roman earth. The Fourth part, a circumscribed sphere. Grass, general prosperity. Trees, eminent political persons. Trees and river of life, what sustains and gladdens. Gates, government. Horns, kings. Gold, divine righteousness. White raiment, righteousness of Saints. Harvest, separating judgment. Vintage, unsparing judgment upon the wicked. Earth, settled government. Sea, unsettled condition of things. Jasper and sapphire, symbols of God’s glory. Babylon, the corrupt Church. New Jerusalem, the Church in glory.
292.—NOTES ON THE REVELATION.
The strictly prophetic part of The Revelation commences with chap. 6. and concludes with verse 8 of chapter 21.
The Seal Judgments are widespread and comparatively light compared to the Trumpet and Vial series of Judgments. The first four trumpets (chap. 8.) specially concern the Roman world. The “woe” trumpets announce Judgment respectively upon Apostate Israel, Apostate Christendom, and upon the Guilty World. The Trumpets succeed the Seals. The Vial Judgments are the full expression of God’s wrath upon the prophetic earth.
The book is specially addressed to the Saints in their Servant character, chapter 1:1. The reader, hearers, and doers of this prophecy are pronounced blessed, while those who tamper with it, bring themselves under its judgments and plagues.
The martyred company of Judah, harping and singing are noted in chapter 14:2-3; 15:2-4.
The preserved company of Judah on earth learn the song of their brethren in heaven, chapter 14:1-5.
The sealed company of Israel (chap. 7.) are not said to emerge out of the Tribulation, and are a totally different class from the one hundred and forty-four thousand of chapter 14.
In chapter 6:1, 3, 5, 7, the words “and see” should be omitted. The call “come” is addressed to the minister of judgment, not to the seer.
293.—THE SEPTUAGINT.—
About 280 years B.C. the Old Testament was commenced to be translated into Greek, and was completed a century at least before Christ. This was the first of all translations. This important work was begun under the orders of Ptolemy Philadelphus, the learned King of Egypt who was desirous, not only of enriching the great Alexandrian library with a copy of the Sacred Scriptures, but also on behalf of the many thousands of Alexandrian Jews who knew nothing of Hebrew. The Alexandrian version of the Old Testament, or Septuagint, as it is generally termed, was in general use in Palestine during the time of Our Lord, and from which, He and the writers of the New Testament repeatedly quoted. The Hebrew text, however, is paramount as an authority, for the chief advantage of the Jews over all others consisted in this, “that to them were committed the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2), and these written oracles were penned in Hebrew.
294.—THE INSCRIPTION OVER THE CROSS. (John 19:19-20).—
It was written in Hebrew, the ecclesiastical and sacred language of the Jews; in Greek, the language of the people; and in Latin, the official language of the then Imperial power. The very title thus pointed to the general guilt in the crucifixion of Our Lord.
295.—The ecclesiastical calendar of Israel is given in Leviticus 23. Her prophetic future is recorded in Genesis 49. Her governmental history in the past is written in Deuteronomy 33.
296.—God loved the world (John 3:16). Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). The Father loves the children (1 John 3)
297.—A TRINITY OF EVIL.—
The devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan, the beast, and the false prophet.
298.—EUTHEOS.
This word occurs in the New Testament Greek Scriptures about 80 times, and about half of these occurrences of the word is in the shortest of the Gospels, St. Mark. It is variously translated, “immediately,” “anon,” “forthwith” servant language and fittingly characteristic therefore of that Gospel which specially unfolds the ministry of Our Lord.
299. RIGHTEOUSNESS.—
The theological expression “the righteousness of Christ” is not found in scripture, nor is it said to be imputed. “The righteousness of God” is the Biblical phrase and that being the Manifestation of His nature cannot be imputed. Righteousness simply as such is imputed (Rom. 4) In chapter 3 of the Romans the righteousness of God in justifying believing sinners is the great subject, but with no thought of imputation. How could God impute His own righteousness to another? In chapter 4, however, the subject is imputation, hence righteousness simply is spoken of, but “of God” is omitted. “The righteousness of God” in chapter 3. “Righteousness” in chapter 4. In Philippians 3:9 “righteousness which is of God,” or, “from God,” used in the sense of Romans 4.
300.—GOD’S THREEFOLD CHARACTER OF LOVE.—
God’s love toward us for life and propitiation (1 John 4:9, 10.) God’s love in us for love and communion (1 John 4:12). God’s love with us for blessing in the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:17).
301.—ROBBERS OF CHURCHES (Acts 19:37), i.e., of heathen temples.
302.—CHRIST’S HEADSHIPS.—
He heads creation in virtue of His person as Divine (Col. 1:15-17; 2: 10.)
He is head of every man in virtue of His Incarnation (1 Cor. 11:3). He is head of the body as ascended (Col. 1:18). He is head of the race in heaven (1 Cor. 15:22-23). “In Christ” gives headship of the race in contrast to being “in Adam.” United to Christ gives the thought of the body.
303.—CHURCH.—
Church in a house of which there are four (Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15; Philem. 1:2; 1 Cor. 16:19). Church of, or at a city, as Jerusalem (Acts 11:22), Corinth (1 Cor. 1:2), Ephesus (Rev. 2:1). Churches of a province or country, as of Asia (Rom. 16:19), of Galatia (1 Cor. 16:2), of Judea Gal. 1:22), of Macedonia (2 Cor. 8:8). We read, too, of the Churches of the Saints, because composed of such (1 Cor. 14:33), of the Churches of Christ, because they are the fruit of His love (Rom. 16:16), of the Churches of the Gentiles, because planted in, and composed of those outside Judaism (Rom. 16:4). Church and its plural occurs about 115 times in the New Testament.
304.—Chemarims (Zeph. 1:4) is translated “idolatrous priests” in 2 Kings 23:5.
305.—SEALED AND BAPTIZED.—
Believers are sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21-22) with the Spirit (Eph. 1:13). The indwelling Holy Ghost is the seal or divine mark that one belongs to God. Believers have been baptized by the Lord on high (John 1:33); as the effect, one body has been formed (1 Cor. 12:13). God seals. Christ baptizes. The sealing is individual. The baptism is a corporate act and never repeated.
306 —Cloven tongues like as of fire (Acts 2:3). “Cloven” —Jew and Gentile were to be addressed. “Fire” expresses the energy of the testimony.
307.—The first mention of the Spirit is in Genesis 1:2 seen brooding over the scene of ruin; the last mention of the Spirit is in Revelation 22:16 joining in the invitation to Christ to come.
Now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.—Acts 20:32.