The Indianapolis journal., 1898-11-12
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON.
Nov. 13, 1S0S-II Kings, xix, 2O-22,
2S-37.

Our paragraph is fairly studded with antitheses.
They undersigned, perhaps unnoticed by the
writer. First we have king praying 20 God and
receiving assurance of deiverance, while an
other king is slain at the feet of the idol, he is
worshiping. The omnipotence of Jehovah stands
over against the impotence of Nisroch The char
acter of the two kings is also in contrast.
Hezekiah unique for goodness. After him
was none like him among the kings of Judah!
nor any that were before him.. while Sen
nacherib was boastful cruel, pagan conqueror.
Two nations also stand in opposition. Assyria
six centuries old and stretching from the Caspian
to the MEDITERRANEAN vast and invincible, while
Judah appears toy kingdom in comparison. Two
methods of warfare strangely unlike next attract
attention. One is represented by arrow, shield
good king to the God of nations in behalf of his
imperied capital and kingdom.
History anords no inner example OF lne uthly
of prayer Hezekiahs position was hopeless from
a natural standpoint. His resources were con-
temptble. his allies already defeated The
world-conqueror was only forty miles away ana
already calling for the surrender of his citadel.
1t then that the good king laid hold of the
''trustiest weapon. prayer He welded 1t, how
successfully the sacred narrative shows With
the shattered remnant of the cohorts which once
"geamed in purple and gold" the humiated
monarch withdrew to his capital and later met
with his tragic fate.
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES.
Because thou hast prayed: Because thou hast
come to instead of relying on thine own re-
sources of strength.-Barnes.
The daughter of Zion: In herself weak and
helpless vet held the threat of the Assyran in
scorn and contempt.-Pentecost
Whom hast thou reproached: A direct message
70 the Assyrian in which God rebukes him for
his blasphemes.-lbid
Thine arrogancy has come up into mine ears.
RI " God speaks to Sennacherib as an insulted
master would speak to puffed-up servant
Whittle.
The remnant shall take root: The population
shall increase and the desSlations of the sword
shall be forgotten.-Clarke.
Zeal of the Lord: We think ourselves unworthy
that COD should Go great things for us, but His
/ will defend: Notwithstanding all Hezekiah
had done to put il in a posture of defense,
Jehovah alone could preserve it.-Barnes.
When they arose behold they were all dead:
Those who were spared until morning and then
first became aware of what had taken place.
Bib. Gem
THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
Frst-An ex-rector of an American university
once said: Mature knows difference between
cursing and praying" Had he lived in Hezekiahs
day he would have told the king it would be inn
material whether he went to the wall to curse
his enemy. or to the temple to pray to God But
a diviner wisdom actuated the king The sequel
proved IL better to pray than TO curse
Secoud-There some analOgies TO the deteat
leon in Russia and the wind and wave the Span
ish Armada.
ThrG-The Lord defended Jerusalem for Da-
vids sake. Thus a patriot projects himself into
the future Of his country and continues living
force making for its welfare.