The Penn's Grove record., 1891-04-03
LESSON

INTERVENING EvENTs.-The story OF
the siege of Samaria closes with an &C.
count of the death of the captain who
doubted Elisha's prediction q Kings
|7:l7.20). The property Of the Shun-
smmite woman was restored to her
| after her return from the land OF the
Philist:nes, where she had taken refuge
! during a seven years famine e Kings
8 l.6,. The mention Of Gehazi makes
it probable that this incident preceded
the healing of Naaman. Elisha visits
| Damascus during the sickness OF Ben
badad. Hazael Is sent 10y the king to
inquire about his recovery the prophet
predicts Hazael's cruelty to Israel; the
latter returns and murder his lord.
I The reign OF Jehoram OF Judah is
described, including the revolt OF
| Edom. AhaZiah succeeds him, and
joins Joram (of Israeli in q war against
Hazael, who had become king of Syria.
| Joram is wounded at Ramoth-G ilead,
and returns to Jezreel, Ahaziah going
to see him. Elisha sends n OF the
IONS of the prophets to Ramoth-G ilesd
to secretly anoint Jehu, one OF the
captains. as king Of Israel This is
done, and Q full prediction made to
Jehu Of the destruction Of Ahab's
family. The other officers inquire
about the young mans errand. When
| Jehu at length reveals 1t, they all pro-
| claim him as king. Jehu drives to
JezreeI, having prevented any news Of
| revolt from reaching the CITY before
him. As he Ia seen approaching the
| city, messengers are sent by Joram to
meet him, but are detained by Jehu.
At length, Jehu being recognized by
| the watchman, the two kings drive out
to meet him, Joram ia shot by Jehu,
and his body cast into the held OF
Naboth. Ahaziah tees, but is wounded
in the chariot, aud dies during his
further flight. Jehu comes to JeLreel,
and, beng tainted by Jezebel, bids
her attendants throw her down from
the window; she is trampled to death,
and her body eaten by the dog.
Jehu then sends to Samaria, bidding
them choose u son of Ahab anu
contend for the kingdom; but they
submit to Jehu, who bids them
slay the sons of Ahab. This is
done, and their heads are sent to
Jehu. Further executions take place
in Jezresl, ald even the brethren OF
Ahaziah, king Of Judah, r put to
death by Jehu on his way to Samaria.
The meeting with Jehonadab is de-
scribed. On reaching Samaria, the
work OF destroying Ahab's family and
adherents goes on. The lesson fol-
lows.
PLAor.-Samaria, the cspitsl of Israel;
IN particular, ''the house Of Baal,"
the temple, or collection of buildings.
devoted to the worship of this heather
deity. 1t had been erected by Ahab i
Kings 1882 about twenty-six years
before thi. The 8 to 10 unknown.
Understanding to tbs usual chro-
nology, Jehu seized the crown in b. G.
SS4. Davis dates the beginning OF his
reign In B. G. s42. The lesson prob
ably belongs to the first year of Jehu.
PERsoss.-ehu, the new king; the
people Of Isiael,~ especially the worship
ers OF Baal; Jehonadsb, the son OF Re-
chab; the keeper OF the ''vestments,'
fourscore men, apparently of the Kings
guard.
INoIpENTs--Jehu gatherstie people.
and processes q desire to serve Baal
more than Ahib did. he appoints a
great festival, bidding all the worship
ers OF Basl assemble, on penalty Of
death. Accordingly they come and ill
the temple OF idolatry in Samaria.
Jehu bids the keeper bring forth vest
ments, and institute q search for any
servants, Of Jehovah in the crowd. s4he
fourscore men without are hidden to
let no one escape; and, when the burnt
offering is endsd, the armed men are
commanded to enter the temple and
slay all within. This they do, penetrat-
ing to the citadel of the temple, aud kill
ing all as they go. All the outward
signs Of idolatry are destroyed, and the
site OF the temple converted into q cess
pool. Bnt Jebu does not destroy the
golden calves OF Dan and Bethel, nor
does he heartily follow the law OF Je-
hovah, Accordingly he is commended
for what good he has done, but the
promise to his family is extended only
to the fourth generation.
The reward of one duty done Is tie
DOW Or TO iul6l another.