I. THE PROPHETS. A. INTRODUCTION. THE HISTORY AND GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PROPHETS. THE moral truths bequeathed to us by the Hebrews are not only embodied in the lives of their great men, or enforced by the doctrines of the Law; but they have been handed down from generation to generation in another, and, if possible, even a more enduring form-by a literature remarkably rich and varied. While seeming to appeal merely to our imagination and our emotions, the Hebrew poets and prophets impress upon our minds with singular distinctness the greatness and mercy of God, and the duties of rectitude and benevolence. Their beautiful and sublime utterances reveal to us the intellectual life of the Israelites, their spiritual aspirations, and their lofty aims. Through them we seem to be carried into a brighter atmosphere, we seem to inhale a purer air. The din and turmoil of the world are heard in distant echoes, and the harmony of peace and truth falls gently and soothingly upon the ear. Hebrew poetry, not coloured by special doctrines, speaks the universal language of human sentiment and passion, and has, therefore, been readily accepted by nations of all climes and of all ages. It glorifies the ruling sovereignty of God; it expresses joy and sorrow, gratitude and supplication, in songs of rich yet measured imagery; it enshrines the moral and practical lessons of the wise and the thoughtful; and it has thus become the solace of the suffering and the guide of the erring. But Hebrew poetry reaches its greatest power and sublimity in the writings of the prophets, of those great men who lived and toiled for the happiness of their people, who exhorted and denounced, reproved and comforted, according to the ever-varying conditions of the times." The influence of the prophets was powerful and commanding; for they addressed themselves to their hearers at once as members of the political and of the religious community. They appealed to men in their various relations of life: by directing the policy of the citizen, they promoted the interests of his faith; and by enlightening his creed, they ensured his safety and prosperity. They were no enthusiasts; although pointing to heaven, they never lost sight of the world and its claims. Hence their productions are of the utmost importance and of singular interest. We may well admire the unequalled grandeur of their style and the lofty strains of their eloquence; but these must not cause us to forget their historical value; for they throw a flood of light upon the contemporary events of the nation. The prophets themselves appear as statesmen and noble patriots, and are the worthiest types of all that was great in their race. It is interesting to examine the origin and growth of their power, and for this purpose it will be necessary to recall to mind a few features of the inner and religious life of the Hebrew people. The basis and guide of the commonwealth was the Law. Upon it all institutions were founded, and it was regarded as the absolute rule of conduct. It was unchangeable in its teaching and final in its directions. was reverenced both as a moral and a civil code, and it was deemed sufficient for individual and for national It |