For Study and Discussion. (1) Study each of the teachings of the prophets given above:  (a) Try to find scripture basis for it; (b) Discuss it as a universal principle. (2) Study each of the scriptures referred to in the discussion above on false prophets:  (a) From references collect other passages on the subject; (b) Make a list of their prophecies and tell how to determine whether a prophet is false. (3) From the scriptures given above on wealth and luxury and from others to be pointed out:  (a) List the evidences of wealth; (b) Compare the conditions then and now. (4) Following the instructions for study in the paragraph above on contemporaneous nations prepare a list of facts concerning each, especially of matters that affected Judah. (5) Name the kings of this period.  Tell (a) how each came into office, (b) how long he reigned, (c) how his career ended, (d) what prophet preached to each and the nature of the prophecy. (6) Hezekiah’s sickness, 2 King 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32;24-26; (7) His song of thanksgiving, Is. 38:10-20.  Carefully analyze it. (8) Sennacherib’s invasion, 2 K. 18:14-19 end; Is. 14:24-27; 36:1-37:10; 2 Chron. 32:1-23. (a) The object of the expedition; (b) The conference with Hezekiah; (c) The outcome. (9) Josiah’s reformations. (10) The three invasions of Nebuchadnezzar.

Chapter XV.

The Captivity of Judah.

Eze., Dan., Lam.

The Ten Tribes Lost.  After the fall of Samaria we hear but little of the ten tribes.  They were carried off into the regions of Ninevah by the Assyrians.  All effort to locate them has failed and no doubt will fail.  Sargon, in an inscription found at Ninevah, said that he carried away into captivity 27,290.  These were perhaps leaders of Israel whom he thought might lead a revolt.  He sent others back to take their place and the Israelites seemed to have mingled with the races about them and to have lost their identity.  No doubt some of them as individuals were faithful to the worship of Jehovah and may have found their way back to Palestine under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah.  But it was different with Judah who all the time kept true to her ideals and looked for the return that had been prophesied.  This hope was realized through the work of Ezra and Nehemiah following the decree of Cyrus.

Judah Led into Captivity.  The captivity of Judah was accomplished by three distinct invasions of the Babylonians and covered a period of twenty years. (1) The first invasion and captivity.  This was in 607 B.C., at which time Daniel and his friends along with others were carried into captivity, 2 K. 24:1, Jer. 25:1, Dan. 1:1-7. (2) The second invasion and captivity.  This was 597 B.C., at which time king Jehoiakim and 10.000 of the people were carried into captivity.  Among these were Ezekiel and one of the ancestors of Mordicai, the cousin of Esther, 2 K. 24:10-16; Eze. 1:1-2; Est. 2:5-6. (3) The third invasion and captivity.  In 587 B.C.  Jerusalem was conquered and its walls and palaces as well as the temple were destroyed and the inhabitants carried away into exile, 2 K. 24:18; 24:1-27; 2 Chron. 36:11-21; Jer. 52:1-11.  This is the end of the southern kingdom.