Evening star., 1905-10-21

of Israel. the northern kingdom. affected
B. G. 12f. had been more complete than
was that of Judah The Assyrians had not
only deported the larger part of the in
habftants, leaving only a poor remnant.
but they had returned many to the land
from other portions of the empire. so that
the country might not become the mere
haptation OF wild beasts. In the course OF
century and half that followed to the
time OF our lesson these two races, the
israelites and the Assyrians. had intermar-
ried, producing mongrel race inferior TO
DOTH On learning that the building of the
temple had begun these people came to
Zerubbabel and proposed to unite in the
work. declaring they had adopted the re-
hgion OF the Jews, and that they wor-
SHIPPED the God OF the Jews. The offer
was not wholly unlike that of the Gideon-
ties Josh. ix:6) In the days of the conquest
refusing tverse D-The proposal was re-
1ected as II ought to have been, for the
Following reasons; "a Zerubbabel Joshua
and their associates. and they only had
received the permission from Cyrus 10 build
the temple. They had no authority 10
transfer any part OF that task to another
or TO associate others with themselves CD
These northern neighbors could not become
part of the Jewish household without i'm
periling all the interests of the society to
be formed. There would be with this infu-
sion of mixed blood much danger OF lower
Ing the standards of morals and piety CD
The kingdom of Israel was completely de-
stroyed by the judgments of God who did
not intend ever to restore that people
(Acts. viii:2l) Had they been brought n
Gods purpose would have been frustrated
For these reasons Zerubbabel acted wisely
declaring that he and the people with him
could accept no outside assistance.
Hindering oversees and 5)-The Assyrio-
lsraelitish people resented the refusal of
Zerubbabel They may have felt that by
reason of their long residence in the land
they had greater rights than any new COM
ers, and that on the score of religion their
rights were equal. They could not he sup
10 AnIy ,..feI s.,Is =
establishment of religious services and a
community gathered about those services
from which they should be excluded. Such
action would be standing reproach to
them and to their children. Hence they
opposed what before they had offered TO as
sist. Their opposition took two forms. II
was directed against the Jews themselves,
by laying difficulties before them for their
encouragement, and IT was also employed
at the kings court through hired coun-
sellors ezra, iv:12-6). who sought to re-
verse the decree concerning the building OF
the temple. This continued all through the
reign of Cyrus. 1t is probable that this
hostility was the secret cause OF that an
imosity which afterward existed between
the Jews and the Samaritans John, iv:9)
Refiections-Every work Is related to the
past and to the future. II gathers up and
conserves the results of the struggles of
bygone centuries, and It makes possible the
achievements OF the coming time. Mem
ory and hope stand to view the laying of
the foundation stones, shedding tears or
offering praise. 1t Is a great honor to be-
gin a good enterprise, to take those first
steps which involve the interests OF human
ity but II Is also a most solemn RESPONSE
bility, requiring wisdom and courage. At
such time one is llable to mistakes and
decisions made in reference to proposals
may cause much anxiety and trouble. 1t
usually occurs that every good work meets
opposition. Some who selfishly seek to CO.
operate afterward hinder. Many good en-
terprises have been delayed through the
sinister motives and evil deeds of enemies
And yet this opposition Is only for a time.
Zerubbabel's temple. though delayed was
built So every good work that has Gods
approval however numerous the foes shall
succeed. (Acts v:39).