The people turned upon the priests of Baal and killed them all.  Later the wicked queen, Jezebel, coveted a vineyard for Ahab, and she caused Naboth, the owner of the vineyard, to be placed in front of the battle.  When he was slain Ahab took the vineyard.

[Illustration:  Denounced Ahab and Jezebel]

Once more Elijah came and denounced Ahab and Jezebel, telling them that they had done wickedly, and that the Lord would punish them.

[Illustration:  Made king when he was only seven years old]

In a little while the prophet’s words came true, for Ahab was slain in battle and Jezebel was put to death by order of King Jehu.  Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire.

There was another prophet, a companion of Elijah, whose name was Elisha, a brave and courageous man who did not fail to deliver God’s message.

It happened that when Elisha was an old man there can to him King Joash, who had been made king when he was only seven years old.  Joash was now a young man and was trying to do right in the sight of the Lord.  But he felt the need of the prophet’s aid, and he came to Elisha and said: 

“My father, my father, you are more to Israel than its chariots and horsemen.”

[Illustration:  "This is the arrow of victory"]

Elisha, though weak in body, was yet strong in soul.  He told Joash to bring him a bow and arrows, and to open the window to the east, looking toward the land of Syria.  Then Elisha caused the king to draw the bow; and he placed his hands on the king’s hands.  And as the king shot an arrow, Elisha said: 

“This is the arrow of victory; of victory over Syria; for you shall smite the Syrians in Aphek and shall destroy them.”

It happened as Elisha had foretold and the Syrians were defeated and their cities taken.

THE STORY OF JONAH AND THE WHALE

At this time another prophet, named Jonah, was giving the word of the Lord to the Israelites.  To Jonah the Lord spoke, saying: 

“Go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it; for its wickedness rises up before me.”

But Jonah did not wish to preach to the people of Nineveh; for they were the enemies of his land, the land of Israel.  He wished Nineveh to die in its sins, and not to turn to God and live.  So Jonah tried to go away from the city where God had sent him.  He went down to Joppa and took a ship for Tarshish.

But the Lord saw Jonah on the ship; and the Lord sent a great storm upon the sea, so that the ship seemed as though it would go to pieces.  The sailors threw overboard everything on the ship; and when they could do no more, every man prayed to his god to save the ship and themselves.  Jonah was now lying fast asleep, and the ship’s captain came to him, and said: 

“What do you mean by sleeping in such a time as this?  Awake, rise up, and call upon your God.  Perhaps He will hear you and save our lives.”