,libr>ies7 ,,! ,,expositor',s ,,bible ,,edit$ ,,by ,,! ,,rev4 ,w4 ,,rob]tson ,,nicoll1 ,m4,a41 ,,ll4,d4 ,editor ( ,! ,expositor ,,au?oriz$ ,,edition1 ,,complete ,,& ,,unabridg$ ,,b\nd ,,9 ,,tw5ty-,,five ,,volumes ,,new ,,york ,,funk ,,wagnalls ,,company ,,lafayette ,,place #aijj ,,ezra1 ,,nehemiah1 ,,& ,,e/h] ,,by ,,walt] ,f4 ,,ad5ey1 ,m4,a4 ,,pr(essor ,,( ,,new ,,te/am5t ,,exegesis ,,& ,,*ur* ,,hi/ory1 ,,new ,,college1 ,,london ,,new ,,york ,,funk ,,wagnalls ,,company ,,lafayette ,,place #aijj ,,cont5ts4 ,,*apt] ,i4 ,,page ,,introductory3 ,,ezra ,,& ,,nehemiah #a ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,,cyrus #ab ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,,! ,,royal ,,edict #bd ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,,! ,,second ,,exodus #cf ,,*apt] ,v4 ,,! ,,new ,,temple #dh ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,,! ,,limits ,,( ,,compreh5sion #fj ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,,! ,,mission ,,( ,,prophecy #gb ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,,new ,,difficulties ,,met ,,9 ,a ,,new ,,_s #hc ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,,! ,,d$ication ,,( ,,! ,,temple #ie ,,*apt] ,x4 ,,ezra ,,! ,,scribe #ajg ,,*apt] ,,xi4 ,,ezra',s ,,exp$ition #aai ,,*apt] ,,xii4 ,,=eign ,,m>riages #aca ,,*apt] ,,xiii4 ,,! ,,home ,,sacrific$ ,,to ,,! ,,*ur* #adb ,,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,,! ,,co/ ,,( ,,an ,,ideali/',s ,,success #aec ,,*apt] ,,xv4 ,,nehemiah ,,! ,,patriot #afc ,,*apt] ,,xvi4 ,,nehemiah',s ,,pray] #agd ,,*apt] ,,xvii4 ,,! ,,pray] ,,answ]$ #ahf ,,*apt] ,,xviii4 ,,! ,,midnight ,,ride #aih ,,*apt] ,,xix4 ,,build+ ,,! ,,walls #baj ,,*apt] ,,xx4 ,,m>k ,,ye ,,well ,,h] ,,bulw>ks #bbc ,,*apt] ,,xxi4 ,,on ,,gu>d #bce ,,*apt] ,,xxii4 ,,usury #bdg ,,*apt] ,,xxiii4 ,,wise ,,z ,,s]p5ts #bei ,,*apt] ,,xxiv4 ,,! ,,law #bga ,,*apt] ,,xxv4 ,,! ,,joy ,,( ,,! ,,"l #bhd ,,*apt] ,,xxvi4 ,,! ,,religion ,,( ,,hi/ory #bie ,,*apt] ,,xxvii4 ,,! ,,cov5ant #cjg ,,*apt] ,,xxviii4 ,,! ,,holy ,,city #cag ,,*apt] ,,xxix4 ,,beg9n+s #cbh ,,*apt] ,,xxx4 ,,! ,,rig\r ,,( ,,! ,,re=m] #cci ,,*apt] ,,xxxi4 ,,! ,,book ,,( ,,e/h]3 ,,introductory #cea ,,*apt] ,,xxxii4 ,,ahasu]us ,,& ,,va%ti #cfa ,,*apt] ,,xxxiii4 ,,haman #cga ,,*apt] ,,xxxiv4 ,,que5 ,,e/h] #chb ,,*apt] ,,xxxv4 ,,mordecai #cib ,,*apt] ,i4 ,,introductory3 ,,ezra ,,& ,,nehemiah4 ,?\gh 9 close contact ) ! mo/ p]plex+ problems ( ,old ,te/am5t lit]ature1 ! ma9 hi/ory record$ 9 ! books ( ',ezra' & ',nehemiah' is fix$ securely above ! rea* ( adv]se criticism4 ,"h ! mo/ cauti\s read] may take 8 /& ) ! utmo/ confid5ce1 kn[+ t 8 feet re/ on a solid rock4 ,! curi\sly in>ti/ic process adopt$ by ! writ] is 9 itself "s gu>antee ( au!nticity4 ,ambiti\s au?ors :o set out ) ! design ( creat+ lit]ature--& p]haps build+ up a reputation = !mselves by ! way--may be v consci5ti\s 9 _! se>* = tru?2 b we _c help suspect+ t ! me?od ( melt+ d[n _! mat]ials & reca/+ !m 9 ! m\ld ( _! own /yle :i* !y usually adopt mu/ gravely endang] _! accuracy4 ,no?+ ( ! k9d is attempt$ 9 ?is n>rative4 ,9 consid]able portions ( x ! primitive records are simply copi$ ^w = ^w1 )\t ! lea/ pret5ce at orig9al writ+ on ! "p ( ! hi/orian4 ,else:]e he has evid5tly kept z ne> z possible to ! =m ( 8 mat]ials1 ev5 :5 ! plan ( 8 "w has necessitat$ "s cond5sation or readju/m5t4 ,! crudity ( ?is proc$ure mu/ be annoy+ to lit]>y epicures :o pref] flav\r to sub/ance1 b x %\ld be an occasion ( ?ankfulness on ! "p ( ^? ( u :o wi% to trace ! revelation ( ,god 9 ! life ( ,israel1 because x %[s t we are br\ght z ne>ly z possible face to face ) ! facts 9 :i* t revelation 0 clo!d4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 we h "s ( ! v writ+s ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah1 ! lead+ actors 9 ! great drama ( real life t is "h set =?4 ,we _c d\bt ! g5u95ess ( ^! writ+s4 ,!y are ea* ( !m compos$ 9 ! fir/ p]son s+ul>1 & !y may be %>ply di/+ui%$ f ! rema9d] ( ! n>rative1 inasmu* z t is 9 ! ?ird p]son--n to m5tion o!r & f9] m>ks ( diff]5ce4 ,( c\rse ?is implies t ! :ole ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah %\ld n be ascrib$ to ! two m5 ^: names ! books be> 9 our ,engli% ,bibles4 ,! books !mselves d n make any claim to be writt5 ?r\gh\t by ^! great m54 ,on ! contr>y1 !y cle>ly h9t ! opposite1 by ! transition to ! ?ird p]son 9 ^? sections :i* are n extract$ v]batim f "o or o!r ( ! two au?orities4 ,x is mo/ probable t ! ,scripture books n[ kn[n z ,ezra & ,nehemiah 7 compil$ by "o & ! same p]son1 t1 9 fact1 !y orig9ally con/itut$ a s+le "w4 ,?is view 0 held by ! scribes :o arrang$ ! ,hebrew ,canon1 = !re !y appe> z "o book4 ,9 ! ,talmud !y are treat$ z "o4 ,s !y are among ! e>ly ,*ri/ian writ]s4 ,z late z ! fif? c5tury ( our era ,j]ome gives ! "n ( ,esdras to bo?1 describ+ ,nehemiah z ,! ,second ,book ( ,esdras4 ,fur!r1 !re seem to be good reasons = believ+ t ! compil] ( our ,ezra-,nehemiah 0 no o!r ?an ! au?or ( ,*ronicles4 ,! repetition ( ! conclud+ passage ( #b ,*ronicles z ! introduction to ,ezra is an indication t ! latt] 0 int5d$ to be a cont9uation ( ! ,*ronicl]'s v]sion ( ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,:5 we comp>e ! two works toge!r1 we come across _m indications ( _! agreem5t 9 _s & /yle4 ,9 bo? we discov] a disposition to hurry ov] secul> affairs 9 ord] to dilate on ! religi\s aspects ( hi/ory4 ,9 bo? we meet ) ! same exalt$ e/imation ( ,! ,law1 ! same unwe>i$ int]e/ 9 ! details ( temple ritual & especially 9 ! musical arrangem5ts ( ! ,levites1 & ! same s+ul> fasc9ation = long li/s ( names1 :i* are ins]t$ :]ev] an opportunity = lett+ !m 9 c be f\nd4 ,n[1 !re are sev]al ?+s 9 our n>rative t t5d to %[ t ! ,*ronicl] belongs to a comp>atively late p]iod4 ,?us 9 ,nehemiah xii4 #bb he m5tions ! succession ( prie/s d[n to ! reign ( ,d>ius ! ,p]sian4 ,! position ( ?is phrase 9 connection ) ! previ\s li/s ( names makes x cle> t ! sov]eign "h ref]r$ to mu/ be ,d>ius ,,iii41 surnam$ ,codommanus1 ! la/ k+ ( ,p]sia1 :o reign$ f ,b4,c4 #ccf to ,b4,c4 #ccb4 ,!n ! title ! ,p]sian sugge/s ! conclusion t ! dyna/y ( ,p]sia _h pass$ away2 s does ! phrase k+ ( ,p]sia1 :i* we meet ) 9 ! ,*ronicl]'s portion ( ! n>rative4 ,! simple expression ! k+1 )\t any descriptive addition1 w\ld be suffici5t on ! lips ( a contempor>y4 ,accord+ly we f9d t x is us$ 9 ! fir/-p]son sections ( ,ezra-,nehemiah1 & 9 ^? royal edicts t are cit$ 9 full4 ,aga91 ,nehemiah xii4 #aa & #bb give u ! "n ( ,jaddua 9 ! s]ies ( high-prie/s4 ,b ,jaddua liv$ z late z ! "t ( ,alex&]2 8 date mu/ be ab\t ,b4,c4 #cca4a ,?is l&s u 9 ! ,grecian p]iod4 ,la/ly1 ! ref]5ces to ! days ( ,nehemiah#b cle>ly po9t to a writ] 9 "s subsequ5t age4 ,?\gh x is ju/ly urg$ t x 0 q 9 accordance ) cu/om = lat] scribes to "w ov] an old book1 ins]t+ a phrase "h & !re to br+ x up to date1 ! indications ( ! lat] date are too closely int]wov5 ) ! ma9 /ructure ( ! composition to admit ?is hypo!sis "h4 #a ,josephus1 ,ant41 ,,xi4 viii4 #g4 #b ,neh4 xii4 #bf & #dg4 ,nev]!less1 ?\gh we seem to be %ut up to ! view t ! ,grecian era _h be5 rea*$ be=e our book 0 put toge!r1 ?is is really only a matt] ( lit]>y int]e/1 see+ t x is agre$ on all sides t ! hi/ory is au!ntic1 & t ! con/itu5t p>ts ( x are contempor>y ) ! ev5ts !y record4 ,! function ( ! compil] ( su* a book z ?is is n mu* m ?an t ( an editor4 ,x mu/ be admitt$ t ! date ( ! f9al editor is z late z ! ,mac$onian ,empire4 ,! only "q is :e!r ?is man 0 ! sole editor & compil] ( ! n>rative4 ,we may let t po9t ( purely lit]>y criticism be settl$ 9 fav\r ( ! lat] date = ! orig9al compilation1 & yet re/ satisfi$ t we h all we want--a ?or\ghly g5u9e hi/ory 9 :i* to /udy ! ways ( ,god ) man dur+ ! days ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,?is n>rative is occupi$ ) ! ,p]sian p]iod ( ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,x %[s u po9ts ( contact betwe5 ! ,jews & a great ,ori5tal ,empire2 b1 unlike ! hi/ory 9 ! dismal ,babylonian age1 ! c\rse ( ev5ts n[ moves =w>d among sc5es ( hopeful progress4 ,! new dom9ion is ( an ,aryan /ock--intellig5t1 appreciative1 g5]\s4 ,l ! ,*ri/ians 9 ! "t ( ! ,apo/les1 ! ,jews n[ f9d ! supreme gov]nm5t fri5dly to !m1 ev5 ready to protect !m f ! assaults ( _! ho/ile neighb\rs4 ,x is 9 ?is political relation%ip1 & sc>cely1 if at all1 by means ( ! int]communication ( ideas affect+ religion1 t ! ,p]sians take an important place 9 ! /ory ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,we %all see mu* ( _! (ficial action2 we c b grope ab\t vaguely 9 se>* ( ! few h9ts ( _! influ5ce on ! !ology ( ,israel t may be look$ = on ! pages ( ! sacr$ n>rative4 ,/ill a rem>kable *>act]i/ic ( ! lead+ religi\s movem5t ( ?is "t is ! ,ori5tal & =eign locality ( its s\rce4 ,x spr+s up 9 ! brea/s ( ,jews :o are mo/ /]n 9 _! racial exclusiv5ess1 mo/ rel5tless 9 _! scornful rejection ( any ,g5tile alliance4 ,b ?is is on a =eign soil4 ,x comes f ,babylon1 n ,j]usalem4 ,aga9 & aga9 fre% impulses & new res\rces are br\ght up to ! sacr$ city1 & always f ! f>-(f colony 9 ! l& ( exile4 ,"h ! money = ! co/ ( ! rebuild+ ( ! temple 0 collect$2 "h ,! ,law 0 /udi$ & edit$2 "h means 7 f\nd = re/or+ ! =tifications ( ,j]usalem4 ,n only did ! fir/ company ( pilgrims g up f ,babylon to beg9 a new life among ! tombs ( _! fa!rs2 b "o aft] ano!r fre% b&s ( emigrants1 borne on new waves ( en?usiasm1 swept up f ! app>5tly inexhau/ible c5tres ( ,judaism 9 ! ,ea/ to rally ! flagg+ en]gies ( ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem4 ,= a long :ile ?is city 0 only ma9ta9$ ) ! greate/ difficulty z a sort ( outpo/ f ,babylon3 x 0 little bett] ?an a pilgrim's camp2 (t5 x 0 9 dang] ( de/ruction f ! uncong5ial "* ( its surr\nd+s4 ,!re=e x is ,babylonian ,judaism t "h claims our att5tion4 ,! mission ( ?is great religi\s movem5t is to f\nd & cultivate an (f%oot ( itself 9 ! old c\ntry4 ,its beg9n+ is at ,babylon2 its end is to %ape ! de/9ies ( ,j]usalem4 ,?ree successive embassies f ! liv+ he>t ( ,judaism 9 ,babylon g up to ,j]usalem1 ea* ) its own di/9ctive function 9 ! promotion ( ! purposes ( ! mission4 ,! fir/ is l$ by ,z]ubbabel & ,je%ua 9 ! ye> ,b4,c4 #ecg4c ,! second is conduct$ by ,ezra eighty ye>s lat]4 ,! ?ird foll[s %ortly aft] ?is ) ,nehemiah z its c5tral figure4 ,ea* ( ! two fir/-nam$ exp$itions is a great popul> migration ( m51 wom51 & *ildr5 return+ home f exile2 ,nehemiah's j\rney is m p]sonal--! travell+ ( an (fic] ( /ate ) 8 escort4 ,! pr9cipal ev5ts ( ! hi/ory spr+ out ( ^! ?ree exp$itions4 ,z]ubbabel & ,je%ua are commission$ to re/ore ! sacrifices & rebuild ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,ezra sets =? ) ! visible object ( fur!r m9i/]+ to ! res\rces ( ! sacr$ %r9e2 b ! real end t he is inw>dly aim+ at is ! introduction ( ,! ,law to ! p ( ,j]usalem4 ,nehemiah's ma9 purpose is to rebuild ! city walls1 & s re/ore ! civic "* ( ,j]usalem & enable h] to ma9ta9 h] indep5d5ce 9 spite ( ! opposition ( neighb\r+ foes4 ,9 all ?ree cases a /rong religi\s motive lies at ! root ( ! public action4 ,to ,ezra ! prie/ & scribe religion 0 ev]y?+4 ,he might almo/ h tak5 z 8 motto1 ,p]i% ! ,/ate1 if ! ,*ur* may be sav$4 ,he desir$ to absorb ! ,/ate into ! ,*ur*3 he w\ld p]mit ! =m] to exi/1 inde$1 z ! visible vehicle ( ! religi\s life ( ! community2 b to sacrifice ! religi\s ideal 9 def]5ce to political exig5cies 0 a policy aga9/ :i* he set 8 face l fl9t :5 x 0 advocat$ by a latitud9>ian p>ty among ! prie/s4 ,! conflict :i* 0 br\ght ab\t by ?is cla% ( oppos+ pr9ciples 0 ! great battle ( 8 life4 ,nehemiah 0 a /atesman1 a practical man1 a c\rti] :o knew ! _w4 ,outw>dly 8 aims & me?ods 7 v diff]5t f ^? ( ! unpractical s*ol>4 ,yet ! two m5 ?or\ghly und]/ood "o ano!r4 ,nehemiah caught ! _s ( ,ezra's ideas2 & ,ezra1 ^: "w came to a /&/ill :ile he 0 left to 8 own res\rces1 0 aft]w>ds able to c>ry ?r\gh 8 great religi\s re=mation on ! basis ( ! y\ng] man's milit>y & political r5ovation ( ,j]usalem4 #c ,all[+ "s mon?s = ! prep>ation ( ! exp$ition--& ?is we mu/ d--we may safely say t x />t$ 9 ! ye> aft] ! decree ( ,cyrus1 :i* 0 issu$ 9 ,b4,c4 #ech4 ,9 all ?is ! c5tral figure is ,ezra4 ,we are able to see ! mo/ m>k$ results 9 ! improv$ condition ( ! city aft] 8 capable & vigor\s colleague has tak5 up ! re9s ( gov]nm5t4 ,b ?\gh ! h& is !n ! h& ( ,nehemiah1 ! voice is /ill ! voice ( ,ezra4 ,lat] times h exalt$ ! figure ( ! fam\s scribe into gigantic proportions4 ,ev5 z he appe>s on ! page ( hi/ory he is suffici5tly great to /& out z ! mak] ( 8 age4 ,= ! ,jews 9 all ages1 & = ! _w at l>ge1 ! great ev5t ( ?is p]iod is ! adoption ( ,! ,law by ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem4 ,rec5t inve/igations & discussions h direct$ r5ew$ att5tion to ! publication ( ,! ,law by ,ezra1 & ! acceptance ( x on ! "p ( ,israel4 ,x w be especially important1 !re=e1 = u to /udy ^! ?+s 9 ! calm & +5u\s record ( ! anci5t hi/orian1 :]e !y are treat$ )\t ! slighte/ anticipation ( mod]n controv]sies4 ,we %all h to see :at h9ts ?is record af=ds conc]n+ ! hi/ory ( ,! ,law 9 ! days ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,"o broad fact w gr[ ^u u ) increas+ cle>ness z we proce$4 ,evid5tly we h "h come to ! wat]%$ ( ,hebrew ,hi/ory4 ,up to ?is po9t all ! bett] tea*]s ( ,israel _h be5 toil+ pa9fully 9 _! almo/ hopeless ef=ts to induce ! ,jews to accept ! unique fai? ( ,jehovah1 ) its l(ty claims & its rigor\s re/ra9ts4 ,t fai? itself h[ev] _h appe>$ 9 ?ree =ms1--z a popul> cult1 (t5 degrad$ to ! level ( ! local religion ( hea!n neighb\rs2 z a prie/ly tradition1 exact & m9ute 9 its p]=mances1 b ! secret ( a ca/e2 & z a subject ( prophetic in/ruction1 in/9ct ) moral pr9ciples ( righte\sness & spiritual conceptions ( ,god1 b too l>ge & free to be rea*$ by a p ( n>r[ views & l[ atta9m5ts4 ,) ! publication ( ,! ,law by ,ezra ! ?reefold condition ceas$1 & h5ce=? !re 0 b "o type ( religion = ! ,jews4 ,! "q :5 ,! ,law 0 m\ld$ into its pres5t %ape introduces a delicate po9t ( criticism4 ,b ! consid]ation ( its popul> reception is m )9 ! rea* ( obs]vation4 ,9 ! solemn seal+ ( ! cov5ant ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem--laity z well z prie/s--m51 wom51 & *ildr5--all delib]ately pl$g$ !mselves to wor%ip ,jehovah accord+ to ,! ,law4 ,!re is no evid5ce to %[ t !y _h ev] done s be=e4 ,! n>rative be>s e indication ( novelty4 ,! ,law is receiv$ ) curiosity2 x is only und]/ood aft] be+ c>efully expla9$ by exp]ts2 :5 its mean+ is tak5 91 ! effect is a %ock ( amazem5t bord]+ on despair4 ,cle>ly ?is is no collection ( trite precepts kn[n & practis$ by ! p f antiquity4 ,x mu/ be rememb]$1 on ! o!r h&1 t an analog\s effect 0 produc$ by ! spread ( ! ,scriptures at ! ,re=mation4 ,x does n fall )9 ! scope ( our pres5t task to pursue ! inquiry :e!r1 l ! ,bible 9 ,*ri/5dom1 ! entire law _h be5 9 exi/5ce 9 an e>li] age1 ?\gh !n neglect$ & =gott54 ,yet ev5 our limit$ p]iod conta9s evid5ce t ,! ,law _h its roots 9 ! pa/4 ,! v5]at$ "n ( ,moses is repeat$ly appeal$ to :5 ,! ,law is to be en=c$4 ,ezra nev] appe>s z a ,solon legislat+ = 8 p4 ,/ill nei!r is he a ,ju/9ian codify+ a sy/em ( legislation already recognis$ & adopt$4 ,he /&s betwe5 ! two1 z ! introduc] ( a law hi!rto unpractis$ & ev5 unkn[n4 ,^! facts w come be=e u m 9 detail z we proce$4 ,! p]iod n[ br\ght be=e our notice is to "s ext5t "o ( national revival2 b x is mu* m important z an age ( religi\s con/ruction4 ,! ,jews n[ con/itute !mselves into a ,*ur*2 ! *ief conc]n ( _! lead]s is to develop _! religi\s life & "*4 ,! *>m ( ^! times is to be f\nd 9 ! great spiritual awak5+ t inspires & %apes _! hi/ory4 ,"h we approa* v ne> to ! ,holy ,pres5ce ( ! ,_s ( ,god 9 ,8 glori\s activity z ! ,"l & ,giv] ( ,life4 ,?is epo* 0 to ,israel :at ,p5teco/ became to ! ,*ri/ians4 ,p5teco/6--,we h only to face ! comp>ison to see h[ f> ! lat] cov5ant exce$$ ! e>li] cov5ant 9 glory4 ,to u ,*ri/ians !re is a h>dness1 a n>r[ness1 a pa9ful ext]nalism 9 ! :ole ( ?is religi\s movem5t4 ,we _c say t x lacks s\l2 b we feel t x has n ! lib]ty ( ! highe/ spiritual vitality4 ,x is cramp$ 9 ! fett]s ( legal ord9ances4 ,we %all come across evid5ces ( ! exi/5ce ( a lib]al p>ty t %rank f ! rig\r ( ,! ,law4 ,b ?is p>ty gave no signs ( religi\s life2 ! fre$om x claim$ 0 n ! glori\s lib]ty ( ! sons ( ,god4 ,!re is no reason to believe t ! m dev\t p anticipat$ ! /&po9t ( ,/4 ,paul & saw any imp]fection 9 _! law4 ,to !m x pres5t$ a l(ty s*eme ( life1 wor?y ( ! highe/ aspiration4 ,& !re is mu* 9 _! _s t comm&s our admiration & ev5 our emulation4 ,! mo/ obnoxi\s feature ( _! zeal is its pitiless exclusiv5ess4 ,b )\t ?is quality ,judaism w\ld h be5 lo/ 9 ! cross curr5ts ( life among ! mix$ populations ( ,pale/9e4 ,! policy ( exclusiv5ess sav$ ,judaism4 ,at he>t ?is is j an application--?\gh a v h>% & =mal application--( ! pr9ciple ( sep>ation f ! _w :i* ,*ri/ & ,8 ,apo/les enjo9$ on ! ,*ur*1 & ! neglect ( :i* has sometimes ne>ly result$ 9 ! disappe>ance ( any di/9ctive ,*ri/ian tru? & life1 l ! disappe>ance ( a riv] t break+ ?r\gh its banks spreads itself out 9 lagoons & morasses1 & ends by be+ swall[$ up 9 ! s&s ( ! des]t4 ,! ext]ior aspect ( ! /]n1 /rict ,judaism ( ^! days is by no means attractive4 ,b ! int]ior life ( x is simply sup]b4 ,x recognises ! absolute supremacy ( ,god4 ,9 ! w ( ,god x ackn[l$ges ! "o unque/ionable au?ority be=e :i* all :o accept ,8 cov5ant mu/ b[2 9 ! reveal$ tru? ( ,god x p]ceives an inflexible rule = ! conduct ( ,8 p4 ,to be pl$g$ to allegiance to ! w & law ( ,god is to be truly consecrat$ to ,god4 ,t is ! condition volunt>ily ent]$ into by ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem 9 ?is epo* ( religi\s awak5+4 ,a few c5turies lat] _! example 0 foll[$ by ! primitive ,*ri/ians1 :o1 accord+ to ! te/imony ( ! two ,bi?ynian h&maid5s tortur$ by ,pl9y1 solemnly pl$g$ !mselves to lives ( purity & righte\sness2 aga91 x 0 imitat$1 ?\gh 9 /rangely p]v]t$ guise1 by an*orites & monks1 by ! great f\nd]s ( mona/ic ord]s & _! loyal disciples1 & by m$ival re=m]s ( ,*ur* discipl9e su* z ,/4 ,b]n>d2 /ill lat] x 0 foll[$ m closely by ! ,prote/ant inhabitants ( ,swiss cities at ! ,re=mation1 by ! e>ly ,indep5d5ts at home & ! ,pilgrim ,fa!rs 9 ,new ,engl&1 by ! ,cov5ant]s 9 ,scotl&1 by ! fir/ ,me?odi/s4 ,x is ! model ( ,*ur* ord]1 & ! ideal ( ! religi\s organisation ( civic life4 ,b x awaits ! adequate fulfilm5t ( its promise 9 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,heav5ly ,city1 ! ,new ,j]usalem4 ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,,cyrus4 ,,ezra i4 ,i4 ,! rem>kable words ) :i* ! ,second ,book ( ,*ronicles closes1 & :i* are repeat$ 9 ! op5+ v]ses ( ! ,book ( ,ezra1 af=d ! mo/ /rik+ in/ance on record ( t peculi> connection betwe5 ! de/9ies ( ! little ,hebrew nation & ! movem5ts ( great ,_w ,empires :i* frequ5tly em]ges 9 hi/ory4 ,we _c altoge!r set x d[n to ! vanity ( _! writ]s1 or to ! lack ( p]spective accompany+ a contract$1 prov9cial education1 t ! ,jews are repres5t$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t z play+ a m prom95t "p on ! _w's /age ?an "o to :i* ! size ( _! t]ritory--little bigg] ?an ,wales--or _! milit>y pr[ess w\ld entitle !m4 ,! fact is indisputable4 ,no d\bt x is to be attribut$ 9 "p to ! geographical position ( ,pale/9e on ! highway ( ! m>* ( armies to & fro betwe5 ,asia & ,africa2 b x mu/ spr+ also 9 "s measure f ! unique qualities ( ! /range p :o h giv5 _! religion to ! mo/ civilis$ societies ( mank9d4 ,9 ! case be=e u ! greate/ man ( 8 age1 "o ( ! half-doz5 ,f\nd]s ( ,empires1 :o con/itute a l(ty ari/ocracy ev5 among sov]eigns1 is manife/ly conc]n+ himself v specially ) ! re/oration ( "o ( ! smalle/ ( ! _m subject races t fell into 8 h&s :5 he seiz$ ! g>n]$ spoils ( previ\s conqu]ors4 ,:atev] we may ?9k ( ! precise words ( 8 decree z ?is is n[ report$ to u by a ,hebrew scribe1 x is unque/ionable t he issu$ "s su* ord]s z are conta9$ 9 x4 ,cyrus1 z x n[ appe>s1 0 orig9ally k+ ( ,elam1 ! mod]n ,khuzi/an1 n ( ,p]sia1 al?\gh ! royal family f :i* he sprang 0 ( ,p]sian extraction4 ,aft] mak+ himself ma/] ( ,p]sia & build+ up an empire 9 ,asia ,m9or & ! nor?1 he swept d[n on to ! pla9s ( ,*alda & captur$ ,babylon 9 ! ye> ,b4,c4 #ech4 ,to ! ,jews ?is w\ld be ! fir/ ye> ( 8 reign1 because x 0 ! fir/ ye> ( 8 rule ov] !m1 j z ! ye> ,a4,d4 #afjc is reckon$ by ,engli%m5 z ! fir/ ye> ( ,james ,i41 because ! k+ ( ,scotl& !n inh]it$ ! ,engli% ?rone4 ,9 ?is ye> ! new sov]eign1 ( 8 own initiative1 releas$ ! ,hebrew exiles1 & ev5 assi/$ !m to return to ,j]usalem & rebuild _! ru9$ temple4 ,su* an a/\nd+ act ( g5]osity 0 contr>y to ! prec$5t ( o!r conqu]ors1 :o accept$ z a matt] ( c\rse ! arrangem5t ( subject races left by _! pr$ecessors2 & we are naturally curi\s to discov] ! motives t prompt$ x4 ,l our my?ical ,k+ ,ar?ur1 ! ,cyrus ( leg5d is cr$it$ ) a s+ul>ly attractive disposition4 ,h]odotus says ! ,p]sians reg>d$ him z _! fa!r & _! %eph]d4 ,9 ,x5ophon's romance he appe>s z a v k9dly "*4 ,cic]o calls him ! mo/ j1 wise1 & amiable ( rul]s4 ,al?\gh x _c be dignifi$ ) ! "n ( hi/ory1 ?is univ]sally accept$ tradition seems to po9t to "s f\ndation 9 fact4 ,x is entirely 9 accord ) ! ,jewi% picture ( ! ,great ,k+4 ,!re is "s reason = believ+ t ! privilege ,cyrus (f]$ to ! ,jews 0 "o 9 :i* o!r nations %>$4 ,on a small1 brok51 clay cyl9d]1 "s f\r in*es 9 diamet]1 discov]$ q rec5tly & n[ deposit$ 9 ! ,briti% ,museum1 ,cyrus is repres5t$ z say+1 ,i assembl$ all ^? nations1 & ,i caus$ !m to g back to _! c\ntries4 ,?us ! return ( ! ,jews may be reg>d$ z a "p ( a g5]al c5trifugal movem5t 9 ! new ,empire4 ,nev]!less1 ! peculi> fav\r indicat$ by ! decree issu$ to ! ,jews sugge/s some?+ special 9 _! case1 & ?is mu/ be acc\nt$ = be=e ! action ( ,cyrus c be well und]/ood4 ,little or no weight c be atta*$ to ! /atem5t ( ,josephus1 :o ins]ts 9 ! v language ( ! decree a ref]5ce to ! =etell+ ( ! "n ( ,cyrus by ! prophets1 z a prime motive = issu+ x1 & adds t ?is 0 kn[n to ,cyrus by 8 read+ ! book ( ,isaiah4#d ,always m or less untru/wor?y :5ev] he t\*es ! relations betwe5 8 p & =eign]s1 ! ,jewi% hi/orian is ev5 exceptionally unsatisfactory 9 8 treatm5t ( ! ,p]sian ,p]iod4 ,x may be1 z ,ewald ass]ts1 t ,josephus is "h foll[+ "s ,hell5i/ic writ]2 b we "k no?+ ( 8 au?ority4 ,!re is no ref]5ce to ?is 9 our "o au?ority1 ! ,book ( ,ezra2 & if x _h be5 true !re w\ld h be5 e reason to publi% x4 ,"s ,jews at c\rt may h %[n ,cyrus ! prophecies 9 "q inde$ x is mo/ probable t m5 :o wi%$ to please him w\ld h done s4 ,plato 9 ! ,laws repres5ts ,cyrus z hon\r+ ^? :o knew h[ to give good advice4 ,b x is sc>cely reasonable to suppose1 )\t a p>ticle ( evid5ce1 t a great mon>* flu%$ ) victory w\ld set himself to c>ry out a pr$iction purport+ to emanate f ! ,deity ( "o ( ! conqu]$ peoples1 :5 t pr$iction 0 di/9ctly 9 _! int]e/1 unless he 0 fir/ actuat$ by "s o!r consid]ations4 #d ,ant41 ,,xi4 i4 #a1 #b4 ,until a few ye>s ago x 0 commonly suppos$ t ,cyrus 0 a ,zoroa/rian1 :o 0 disgu/$ at ! cruel & lu/ful idolatry ( ! ,babylonians1 & t :5 he discov]$ a mono!i/ic p oppress$ by vici\s hea!n poly!i/s1 he claim$ religi\s bro!rhood ) !m1 & s came to %[ !m s+ul> fav\r4 ,un=tunately = 8 fame1 ?is fasc9at+ !ory has be5 rec5tly %att]$ by ! discov]y ( ! little cyl9d] already ref]r$ to4 ,"h ,cyrus is repres5t$ z say+ t ! gods h des]t$ ,nabonidas--! la/ k+ ( ,babylon--because he has neglect$ _! s]vice2 & t ,m]oda*1 ! national div9ity ( ,babylon1 has transf]r$ 8 fav\r to ,cyrus2 :o n[ hon\rs him ) _m praises4 ,an attempt has be5 made to refute ! evid5ce ( ?is anci5t record by attribut+ ! cyl9d] to "s prie/ ( ,bel1 :o1 x is said1 may h drawn up ! inscription )\t ! k ( ! k+1 & ev5 9 direct opposition to 8 religi\s views4 ,a mo/ improbable hypo!sis6 especially z we h absolutely no gr\nds = ! op9ion t ,cyrus 0 a ,zoroa/rian4 ,! ,ave/a1 ! sacr$ collection ( hymns :i* =ms ! basis ( ! ,p>see scriptures1 came f ! f> ,ea/1 close to ,india1 & x 0 writt5 9 a language almo/ id5tical ) ,sanscrit & q diff]5t f ! ,old ,p]sian ( ,we/]n ,p]sia4 ,we h no gr\nd = suppos+ t z yet x _h be5 adopt$ 9 ! remote s\?-we/]n region ( ,elam1 :]e ,cyrus 0 br\ght up4 ,t mon>*1 x w\ld seem1 0 a lib]al-m9d$ syncreti/1 z ready to make himself at home ) ! gods ( ! peoples he conqu]$ z ) _! t]ritories4 ,su* a man w\ld be a/ute en\gh to repres5t ! indig5\s div9ities z div]t+ _! fav\r f ! fall5 & !re=e discr$it$ k+s he _h ov]?r[n1 & transf]r+ x to ! new victor4 ,we mu/ !re=e desc5d f ! highl&s ( !ology 9 our se>* = an explanation ( ! conduct ( ,cyrus4 ,c we f9d ?is 9 "s dep>tm5t ( /ate policy8 ,we le>n f ! latt] portion ( our ,book ( ,isaiah t ! ,jewi% captives suff]$ p]secution "u ,nabonidas4 ,x is n difficult to guess ! cause ( ! embitt]m5t ( ?is k+ aga9/ !m aft] !y _h be5 all[$ to live 9 peace & prosp]ity "u 8 pr$ecessors4 ,evid5tly ! policy ( ,nebu*adnezz>1 :i* may h succe$$ ) "s o!r races1 _h brok5 d[n 9 its application to a p ) su* t\gh national vitality z t ( ! ,jews4 ,x 0 f\nd to be impossible to eradicate _! patriotism--or r ! patriotism ( ! fai?ful nucleus ( ! nation1 impossible to make ,j]usalem =gott5 by ! wat]s ( ,babylon4 ,?is anci5t ,semitic "q 0 ! v rev]se ( t :i* n[ vexes ,ea/]n ,europe1 because 9 ! case ( ! ,jews at ,babylon ! tr\blesome ali5s 7 only desir\s ( lib]ty to dep>t2 b x sprang f ! same ess5tial cause--! sep>at5ess ( ! ,hebrew race4 ,n[ ?+s (t5 pres5t !mselves 9 a true light to a new-com] :o approa*es !m ) a c]ta9 m5tal deta*m5t1 al?\gh !y may h be5 griev\sly misappreh5d$ by ^? p among :om !y h sl[ly %ap$ !mselves4 ,cyrus 0 a man ( real g5ius2 & imm$iately he came ^u ! sc5e he mu/ h p]ceiv$ ! mi/ake ( reta9+ a re/less1 disaffect$ population1 l a =eign body rankl+ 9 ! v he>t ( 8 empire4 ,moreov]1 to all[ ! ,jews to return home w\ld s]ve a d\ble purpose4 ,:ile x w\ld free ! ,euphrates ,valley f a con/ant s\rce ( di/ress1 x w\ld plant a grateful1 & !re=e loyal1 p on ! we/]n conf9es ( ! empire--p]haps1 z "s h ?\ght1 to be us$ z outworks & a basis ( op]ations 9 a project$ campaign aga9/ ,egypt4 ,?us a f>-sight$ /atesman might reg>d ! lib]ation ( ! ,jews z a /roke ( wise policy4 ,b we mu/ n make too mu* ( ?is4 ,! re/or$ ,jews 7 a m]e h&ful ( religi\s devotees1 sc>cely able to hold _! own aga9/ ! attacks ( neighb\r+ villages2 & :ile !y 7 p]mitt$ to build _! temple1 no?+ 0 said 9 ! royal rescript ab\t =tify+ _! city4 ,s feeble a colony c\ld n h be5 acc\nt$ ( mu* /rategic importance by su* a ma/] ( armies z ,cyrus4 ,aga91 we "k f ! ,second ,isaiah t1 :5 ! ,p]sian w>-cl\d 0 hov]+ on ! horizon1 ! ,jewi% exiles hail$ x z ! sign ( deliv]ance f p]secution4 ,! invad] :o br\ght de/ruction to ,babylon promis$ relief to h] victims2 & ! l(ty /ra9s ( ! prophet bespeak an inspir$ p]ception ( ! situation :i* enc\rag$ high] hopes4 ,a second discov]y 9 ! buri$ libr>y ( bricks is t ( a small flat tablet1 also rec5tly une>!d l ! cyl9d] ( ,cyrus1 :i* records ?is v section ( ! hi/ory ( ,babylon4 ,"h x is /at$ t ,cyrus intrigu$ ) a disaffect$ p>ty )9 ! city4 ,:o w\ld be s likely z ! p]secut$ ,jews to play ?is "p8 ,fur!r1 ! newly f\nd ,babylonian record makes x cle> t ,h]odotus 0 mi/ak5 9 8 fam\s acc\nt ( ! siege ( ,babylon :]e he connect$ x ) ! com+ ( ,cyrus4 ,he mu/ h misappreh5d$ a report ( "o ( ! two sieges "u ,d>ius1 :5 ! city _h revolt$ & 0 recaptur$ by =ce1 = we n[ "k t aft] a battle f\ght 9 ! op5 c\ntry ,cyrus 0 receiv$ into ! city )\t /rik+ ano!r bl[4 ,he w\ld be likely to be 9 a graci\s mood !n1 & if he knew !re 7 exiles1 langui%+ 9 captivity1 :o hail$ 8 adv5t z t ( a deliv]]1 ev5 ap>t f ! "q :e!r !y _h previ\sly op5$ up negotiations ) him1 he c\ld n b look fav\rably ^u !m2 s t g5]osity & p]haps gratitude comb9$ ) good policy to gov]n 8 conduct4 ,la/ly1 al?\gh he 0 n a !ological re=m]1 he seems to h be5 ( a religi\s "*1 accord+ to 8 light1 & !re=e x is n unnatural to suppose t he may h he>tily ?r[n himself into a movem5t ( :i* 8 wisdom approv$1 & ) :i* all 8 g5]\s in/9cts sympa?is$4 ,?us1 aft] all1 !re may be some?+ 9 ! old view1 if only we comb9e x ) our new] in=mation4 ,"u ! peculi> political circum/ances ( 8 day1 ,cyrus may h be5 prep>$ to welcome ! prophetic assurance t he 0 a heav5-s5t %eph]d1 if "s ( ! ,jews _h %[n x him4 ,ev5 )\t any su* assurance1 o!r conqu]ors h be5 only too ready to flatt] !mselves t !y 7 execut+ a sacr$ mission4 ,^! consid]ations d n 9 ! lea/ degree limit ! ,div9e elem5t ( ! n>rative z t is br\ght =w>d by ! ,hebrew hi/orian4 ,on ! contr>y1 !y give additional importance to x4 ,! *ronicl] sees 9 ! decree ( ,cyrus & its issues an accompli%m5t ( ! ^w ( ! ,"l by ! m\? ( ,j]emiah4 ,lit]ally he says t :at happ5s is 9 ord] t ! ^w ( ! ,"l may be br\ght to an end4 ,x is 9 ! fulness ( ! "t1 z ! adv5t ( ,*ri/ 0 lat] 9 ano!r relation4#e ,! writ] seems to h 9 m9d ! passage--,& ?is :ole l& %all be a desolation1 & an a/oni%m5t2 & ^! nations %all s]ve ! k+ ( ,babylon sev5ty ye>s4 ,& x %all come to pass1 :5 sev5ty ye>s are accompli%$1 t ,i w puni% ! k+ ( ,babylon1 & t nation1 sai? ! ,"l1 = _! iniquity1 & ! l& ( ! ,*aldeans2 & ,i w make x desolate = ev]2#f z well z ano!r prophecy--,= ?us sai? ! ,"l1 ,aft] sev5ty ye>s be accompli%$ = ,babylon1 ,i w visit y1 & p]=m ,my good ^w t[>d y1 9 caus+ y to return to ?is place4#g ,n[ if we d n accept ! notion ( ,josephus t ,cyrus 0 consci\sly & purposely fulfill+ ^! pr$ictions1 we d n 9 any way dim9i% ! fact t ! deliv]ance came f ,god4 ,if we are driv5 to ! conclusion t ,cyrus 0 n solely or *iefly actuat$ by religi\s motives1 or ev5 if we take 8 action to be purely "o ( /ate policy1 ! ascription ( ?is inf]ior position to ,cyrus only height5s ! wond]ful glory ( ,god's ov]rul+ provid5ce4 ,nebu*adnezz> 0 describ$ z ,god's s]vant#h because1 al?\gh he 0 a bad man1 only pursu+ 8 own wick$ way1 yet1 all unkn[n to him1 t way 0 made to s]ve ,god's purposes4 ,simil>ly ,cyrus1 :o is n a bad man1 is ,god's ,%eph]d1 :5 he deliv]s ! suff]+ flock f ! wolf & s5ds x back to ! fold1 :e!r he aims at obey+ ! w ( ,god or n4 ,x is "p ( ! great revelation ( ,god 9 hi/ory1 t ,he is se5 work+ out ,8 supreme purposes 9 spite ( ! ignorance & sometimes ev5 by means ( ! malice ( m54 ,0 n ?is ! case 9 ! supreme ev5t ( hi/ory1 ! crucifixion ( our ,"l8 ,if ! cruelty ( ,nebu*adnezz> & ! feebl5ess ( ,pilate c\ld s]ve ,god1 s c\ld ! g5]osity ( ,cyrus4 #e ,gal4 iv4 #d4 #f ,j]4 xxv4 #aa1 #ab4 #g ,j]4 xxix4 #aj4 #h ,j]4 xxvii4 #f4 ,! "q ( ! *ronological exactness ( ?is fulfilm5t ( prophecy tr\bles "s m9ds t are anxi\s ab\t ,biblical ari?metic4 ,! difficulty is to arrive at ! p]iod ( sev5ty ye>s4 ,x w\ld seem t ?is c\ld only be done by "s /ret*+ at bo? ends ( ! exile4 ,we mu/ beg9 ) ,nebu*adnezz>'s fir/ capture ( ,j]usalem & ! fir/ c>ry+ away ( a small body ( royal ho/ages to ,babylon 9 ! ye> ,b4,c4 #fjf4 ,ev5 !n we h only sixty-eight ye>s to ! capture ( ,babylon by ,cyrus1 :i* happ5$ 9 ,b4,c4 #ech4 ,!re=e to get ! full sev5ty ye>s x is propos$ to ext5d ! exile till ! ye> ,b4,c4 #ecf1 :i* is ! date ( ! comm5cem5t ( ,cyrus's sole rule4 ,b !re are s]i\s difficulties 9 ^! sugge/ions4 ,9 8 pr$iction ( ! sev5ty ye>s ,j]emiah pla9ly ref]s to ! complete ov]?r[ ( ! nation ) ! /rong words1 ,?is :ole l& %all be a desolation & an a/oni%m5t4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ! exile only began 9 e>ne/ ) ! f9al siege ( ,j]usalem1 :i* took place 9 ,b4,c4 #ehh4 ,!n ,cyrus actually began 8 reign ov] ! ,jews 9 ,b4,c4 #ech1 :5 he took ,babylon1 & he issu$ 8 edict 9 8 fir/ ye>4 ,?us ! real exile z a national tr\ble seems to h occupi$ fifty ye>s1 or1 reckon+ a ye> = ! issu+ & execution ( ! edict1 fifty-"o ye>s4 ,in/ead ( /ra9+ at dates1 is x n m simple & natural to suppose t ,j]emiah gave a r\nd figure to signify a p]iod :i* w\ld cov] ! lifetime ( 8 contempor>ies1 at all ev5ts8 ,h[ev] ?is may be1 nobody c make a grievance out ( ! fact t ! captivity may n h be5 q s l5g?y z ! previ\s w>n+s ( x =e%ad[$4 ,tillotson wisely rem>k$ t !re is ?is diff]5ce betwe5 ! ,div9e promises & ! ,div9e ?reat5+s1 t :ile ,god pl$ges ,8 fai?fulness to ! full ext5t ( ! =m]1 ,he is n equally b\nd to ! p]fect accompli%m5t ( ! latt]4 ,if ! "q ( dates %[s a little discrepancy1 :at does ?is mean b t ,god is s m]ciful z n always to exact ! la/ f>?+8 ,moreov] x %\ld be rem>k$ t ! po9t ( ,j]emiah's prophecy is n ! exact l5g? ( ! captivity1 b ! c]ta9 t]m9ation ( x aft] a long :ile4 ,! "t is fulfill$ :5 ! end has come4 ,b ! action ( ,cyrus is n only reg>d$ z ! accompli%m5t ( prophecy2 x is also attribut$ to ! direct influ5ce ( ,god ex]cis$ on ! ,great ,k+1 = we read ! ,"l /irr$ up ! _s ( ,cyrus k+ ( ,p]sia1 etc4 ,x w\ld indicate ! radical scepticism :i* is too (t5 hidd5 "u ! guise ( a rigor\s reg>d = correct belief1 to ma9ta9 t because we n[ "k ,cyrus to h be5 a poly!i/ 8 _s c\ld n h be5 /irr$ up by ! true ,god4 ,x is n ! tea*+ ( ! ,bible t ,god conf9es ,8 influ5ce on ! he>ts ( m5 to ,jews & ,*ri/ians4 ,surely we _c suppose t ! ,fa!r ( all mank9d rigidly refuses to hold any int]c\rse ) ! great majority ( ,8 *ildr5--nev] :isp]s !m a guid+ ^w 9 _! anxiety & p]plexity1 nev] brea!s into !m a helpful impulse1 ev5 9 _! be/ mom5ts1 :5 !y are e>ne/ly /riv+ to d "r4 ,9 writ+ to ! ,romans ,/4 ,paul di/9ctly argues on ! gr\nd t ,god has reveal$ ,himself to ! hea!n _w1#i & 9 ! pres5ce ( ,cornelius ,/4 ,pet] z di/9ctly ass]ts t ,god accepts ! dev\t & upright ( all nations4#aj ,"h ev5 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t x is recognis$ t ,god moves ! k+ ( ,p]sia4 ,?is af=ds a s+ul> enc\ragem5t = pray]1 because x sugge/s t ,god has access to ^? :o are f> out ( our rea*2 t ,he q sets aside ! ob/ruction ( int]m$i>ies--secret>ies1 *amb]la9s1 gr&-vizi]s1 & all ! ent\rage ( a c\rt2 t ,he goes /raight into ! audi5ce *amb]1 mak+ direct = ! inmo/ ?\ghts & feel+s ( ! man :om ,he w\ld influ5ce4 ,! wond] ( x is t ,god condesc5ds to d ?is ev5 ) m5 :o "k little ( ,him2 b x %\ld be rememb]$ t ?\gh ,he is /range to _m m51 none ( !m are /range to ,him4 ,! ,fa!r kn[s ! *ildr5 :o d n "k ,him4 ,x may be rem>k$1 f9ally1 on ?is po9t1 t ! special ,div9e influ5ce n[ ref]r$ to is dynamic r ?an illum9at+4 ,to /ir up ! _s is to move to activity4 ,god n only tea*es2 ,he quick5s4 ,9 ! case ( ,cyrus1 ! k+ us$ 8 own judgm5t & act$ on 8 own op9ions2 yet ! impulse :i* drove him 0 f ,god4 ,t 0 ev]y?+4 ,we live 9 a ,god-haunt$ _w3 :y !n are we sl[ to take ! fir/ article ( our cre$ 9 its full mean+8 ,is x s difficult to believe 9 ,god :5 all hi/ory is alive ) ,8 pres5ce8 #i ,rom4 i4 #ai4 #aj ,acts x4 #cd1 #ce4 ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,,! ,,royal ,,edict4 ,,ezra i4 #b-d1 #g-aa4 ,x has be5 ass]t$ t ! ,scripture v]sion ( ! edict ( ,cyrus _c be an exact r5d]+ ( ! orig9al1 because x ascribes to ! ,great ,k+ "s k ( ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 & ev5 "s fai? 9 ,him4 ,= ?is reason x has be5 sugge/$ t ei!r ! *ronicl] or "s previ\s writ] :o translat$ ! decree out ( ! ,p]sian language1 9 :i* ( c\rse x mu/ h be5 fir/ issu$1 ins]t$ ! ^w ,jehovah 9 place ( ! "n ( ,ormazd or "s o!r god wor%ipp$ by ,cyrus1 & %ap$ ! phrases g5]ally s z to comm5d !m to ,jewi% sympa?ies4 ,are we driv5 to ?is position8 ,we h se5 t :5 ,cyrus got possession ( ,babylon he _h no scruple 9 claim+ ! indig5\s div9ity ,m]oda* z 8 god4 ,is x n !n entirely 9 accordance ) 8 eclectic habit ( m9d--n to m5tion 8 diplomatic art 9 hum\r+ ! prejudices ( 8 subjects--t he %\ld draw up a decree 9 :i* he design$ to %[ fav\r to an exceptionally religi\s p 9 language t w\ld be cong5ial to !m8 ,l mo/ m5 ( high] intellig5ce ev5 among poly!i/ic races1 ,cyrus may h believ$ 9 "o supreme ,deity1 :o1 he may h suppos$1 0 wor%ipp$ "u diff]5t names by diff]5t nations4 ,! f9al clause ( ,ezra i4 #c is mislead+1 z x /&s 9 ! ,au?oris$ ,v]sion2 & ! ,revis]s1 ) _! habitual caution1 h only s f> improv$ ^u x z to p]mit ! pref]able r5d]+ to appe> 9 ! m>g91 :]e we h g5]ally to look = ! op9ions ( ! m s*ol>ly z well z ! m c\rage\s critics4 ,yet ev5 ! ,au?oris$ ,v]sion r5d]s ! same words correctly 9 ! v next v]se4 ,!re is no occasion to pr9t ! clause1 ,he is ! ,god1 z a p>5!sis1 s z to make ,cyrus in=m ! _w t ,jehovah is ! "o real div9ity4 ,! m probable r5d]+ 9 idea is also ! m simple "o 9 con/ruction4 ,remov+ ! sup]flu\s brackets1 we read "r on3 ,he is ! ,god :i* is 9 ,j]usalem--i4e41 we h an indication :o ,jehovah is = ! in=mation ( /rang]s to ! ,jews :o may read ! edict4 ,) ?is und]/&+ let u exam9e ! lead+ items ( ! decree4 ,x 0 proclaim$ by ! m\? ( k+'s mess5g]s1 & x 0 also pres]v$ 9 writ+1 s t possibly ! orig9al inscription may be recov]$ f among ! burnt clay records t lie buri$ 9 ! ru9s ( ,p]sian cities4 ,! edict is address$ to ! :ole empire4 ,cyrus ann\nces to all 8 subjects 8 int5tion to rebuild ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,!n he specialises ! aim ( ! decree by grant+ a lic5ce to ! ,jews to g up to ,j]usalem & und]take ?is "w4 ,x is a p]fectly free (f] to all ,jews 9 exile )\t exception4 ,:o is !re among y--i4e41 among all ! subjects ( ! empire--( all ,8 7,jehovah's7 p1 8 ,god be ) him1 & let him g up to ,j]usalem1 etc4 ,9 p>ticul> we may obs]ve ! foll[+ po9ts3-- ,fir/1 ,cyrus beg9s by ackn[l$g+ t ! ,god ( ,heav5--:om he id5tifies ) ! ,hebrew ,jehovah1 9 our v]sion ( ! edict--has giv5 him 8 dom9ions4 ,x is possible to treat ?is introductory s5t5ce z a sup]ficial =mula2 b !re is no reason = s ung5]\s an e/imate ( x4 ,if we accept ! words 9 _! hone/ int5tion1 we mu/ see 9 !m a recognition ( ! h& ( ,god 9 ! sett+ up ( k+doms4 ,two opposite k9ds ( exp]i5ce awak5 9 m5 a conviction ( ,god's pres5ce 9 _! lives--great calamities & great successes4 ,! influ5ce ( ! latt] exp]i5ce is n s (t5 ackn[l$g$ z t ( ! =m]1 b probably x is equally effective1 at lea/ 9 extreme in/ances4 ,!re is some?+ awful 9 ! success ( a _w-conqu]or4 ,:5 ! man is a de/roy]1 spread+ havoc & mis]y1 l ,attila1 he reg>ds himself z a ,sc\rge ( ,god2 & :5 he is a vulg> imp]sonation ( selfi% gre$ l ,napoleon1 he ?9ks he is swept on by a mighty tide ( de/9y4 ,9 bo? in/ances ! results are too /up5d\s to be attribut$ to purely human en]gy4 ,b 9 ! case ( ,cyrus1 an enlight5$ & noble-m9d$ h]o is br++ lib]ty & fav\r to ! victims ( a degrad$ tyranny1 s t he is hail$ by "s ( !m z ! ,ano9t$ ,k+ rais$ up by _! ,god1 & !re=e x is n unnatural t he %\ld ascribe 8 brilliant de/9y to a ,div9e influ5ce4 ,secondly1 ,cyrus actually ass]ts t ,god has *>g$ him to build ,him a temple at ,j]usalem4 ,aga91 ?is may be ! language ( pr9cely c\rtesy2 b ! noble _s :i* brea!s ?r\gh ! decree enc\rages u to take a high] view ( x1 & to refra9 f read+ m9imis+ comm5ts betwe5 ! l9es4 ,x is probable t ^? eag]1 patriotic ,jews :o _h got ! e> ( ,cyrus--or he w\ld nev] h issu$ su* a decree z ?is--may h urg$ _! suit by %[+ him pr$ictions l t ( ,isaiah xliv4 #bh1 9 :i* ,god describes ,himself z ,"o t sai? ( ,cyrus1 ,he is ,my %eph]d1 & %all p]=m all my pleasure3 ev5 say+ ( ,j]usalem1 ,let h] be built2 &1 ,let ! f\ndations ( ! temple be laid4 ,possibly ,cyrus is "h allud+ to t v utt]ance1 al?\gh1 z we h se51 ,josephus is incorrect 9 ins]t+ a ref]5ce to ,hebrew prophecy 9 ! v words ( ! decree1 & 9 sugge/+ t ! fulfilm5t ( prophecy 0 ! *ief end ,cyrus _h 9 view4 ,x is a hi/orical fact t ,cyrus did help to build ! temple2 he suppli$ funds f ! public treasury = t object4 ,we c und]/& 8 motives = do+ s4 ,if he desir$ ! fav\r ( ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 he w\ld naturally aid 9 re/or+ ,8 %r9e4 ,nabonidas _h fall51 x 0 ?\ght1 ?r\gh neglect+ ! wor%ip ( ! gods4 ,cyrus seems to h be5 anxi\s to avoid ?is mi/ake1 & to h giv5 att5tion to ! cultivation ( _! fav\r4 ,if1 z seems likely1 "s ( ! ,jews _h impress$ 8 m9d ) ! greatness ( ,jehovah1 he might h desir$ to promote ! build+ ( ! temple at ,j]usalem ) exceptional assiduity4 ,9 ! next place1 ,cyrus gives ! captive ,jews leave to g up to ,j]usalem4 ,! edict is purely p]missive4 ,!re is to be no expulsion ( ,jews f ,babylon4 ,^? exiles :o did n *oose to avail !mselves ( ! boon s eag]ly covet$ by ! patriotic few 7 all[$ to rema9 unmole/$ 9 peace & prosp]ity4 ,! re/oration 0 volunt>y4 ,?is free "* ( ! movem5t w\ld give x a vig\r q out ( proportion to ! numb]s ( ^? :o took "p 9 x1 & w\ld1 at ! same "t1 ensure a c]ta9 elevation ( tone & _s4 ,x is an image ( ! ,div9e re/oration ( s\ls1 :i* is conf9$ to ^? :o accept x ( _! own free w4 ,fur!r1 ! object ( ! return1 z x is di/9ctly specifi$1 is simply to rebuild ! temple1 n--at all ev5ts 9 ! fir/ in/ance--to build up & =tify a city on ! ru9s ( ,j]usalem2 mu* less does x imply a complete re/oration ( ,pale/9e to ! ,jews1 ) a :olesale expulsion ( its pres5t inhabitants f _! f>ms & v9ey>ds4 ,cyrus does n seem to h contemplat$ any su* revolution4 ,! end 9 view 0 nei!r social nor political1 b purely religi\s4 ,t m w\ld come out ( x1 t ! return+ exiles mu/ h h\ses to live 9 & mu/ protect ^? h\ses f ! brig&age ( ! ,b$\91 & t !y mu/ h fields produc+ food to support !m & _! families1 are inevitable consequ5ces4 ,"h is ! g]m & nucleus ( a national re/oration4 ,/ill x rema9s true t ! imm$iate object--! only object nam$ 9 ! decree--is ! rebuild+ ( ! temple4 ,?us we see f ! fir/ t ! idea :i* *>act]ises ! re/oration is religi\s4 ,! exiles return z a ,*ur*4 ,! goal ( _! pilgrimage is a holy site4 ,! "o "w !y are to aim at a*iev+ is to fur!r ! wor%ip ( _! ,god4 ,la/ly1 ! inhabitants ( ! t[ns 9 :i* ! ,jews h be5 settl$ are direct$ to make contributions t[>ds ! "w4 ,x is n q cle> :e!r ^! ,b5evol5ces are to be entirely volunt>y4 ,a royal exhortation g5]ally assumes some?+ ( ! "* ( a comm&4 ,probably ri* m5 7 requisition$ to assi/ 9 provid+ ! gold & silv] & o!r /ores1 toge!r ) ! bea/s ( burd5 :i* w\ld be ne$$ = ! great exp$ition4 ,?is 0 to supplem5t :at ,cyrus calls ! free-w (f]+ = ! h\se ( ,god t is 9 ,j]usalem--i4e41 ei!r ! gifts ( ! ,jews :o rema9$ 9 ,babylon1 or possibly 8 own contribution f ! funds ( ! /ate4 ,we are rem9d$ ( ! ,hebrews spoil+ ! ,egyptians at ! ,exodus4 ,! prophet ,haggai saw 9 ?is a promise ( fur!r supplies1 :5 ! weal? ( =eign nations w\ld be p\r$ into ! temple treasury 9 donations ( l>g] dim5sions f ! hea!n4 ,= ?us sai? ! ,"l ( ho/s1 he writes1 ,yet once1 x is a little :ile1 & ,i w %ake ! heav5s1 & ! e>?1 & ! sea1 & ! dry l&2 444 & ! desirable ?+s ( all nations %all come1 & ,i w fill ?is h\se ) glory1 sai? ! ,"l ( ho/s4 ,! silv] is m9e1 & ! gold is m9e1 sai? ! ,"l ( ho/s4#aa #aa ,hag4 ii4 #f-h4 ,! assum$ will+ness ( _! neighb\rs to contribute at a h9t f ! k+ sugge/s t ! exiles 7 n altoge!r unpopul>4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x is q possible t1 "u ! oppression ( ,nabonidas1 !y _h suff]$ mu* wrong f ^! neighb\rs4 ,a public p]secution always entails a l>ge am\nt ( private cruelty1 because ! victims are n protect$ by ! law f ! gre$ & petty spite ( ^? :o are mean en\gh to take advantage ( _! helpless condition4 ,?us x may be t ,cyrus 0 aim+ at a j return 9 8 recomm5dation to 8 subjects to aid ! ,jews4 ,su* 0 ! decree4 ,n[ let u look at ! execution ( x4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 !re 0 a ready response on ! "p ( "s ( ! ,jews1 se5 especially 9 ! conduct ( _! lead]s1 :o rose up1 be/irr+ !mselves to prep>e = ! exp$ition1 l expectant wat*]s releas$ f _! we>y wait+ & set free = action4 ,! social lead]s are m5tion$ fir/1 :i* is a cle> indication t ! !ocracy1 s *>act]i/ic ( ! com+ age1 0 n yet ! recognis$ ord]4 ,a little lat] ! cl]gy w be plac$ be=e ! laity1 b at pres5t ! laity are /ill nam$ be=e ! cl]gy4 ,! ord] is dome/ic4 ,! lead]s are ! heads ( great families--! *ief ( ! fa!rs4 ,= su* p to be nam$ fir/ is also an indication t ! movem5t did n orig9ate 9 ! humbl] classes4 ,evid5tly a c]ta9 ari/ocratic _s p]meat$ x4 ,! weal?y m]*ants may h be5 loa? to leave _! c5tres ( comm]ce1 b ! nobility ( blood & family 7 at ! head ( ! crusade4 ,we h n yet rea*$ ! age ( ! democracy4 ,x is cle>1 fur!r1 t !re 0 "s organisation among ! exiles4 ,!y 7 n a m]e cr[d ( refugees4 ,! lead]s 7 ( ! tribes ( ,judah & ,b5jam94 ,we %all h to consid] ! relation ( ! ,t5 ,tribes to ! re/oration lat] on2 "h x may be en\gh to obs]ve 9 pass+ t repres5tatives ( ! ,s\!rn ,k+dom take ! lead 9 a return to ,j]usalem1 ! capital ( t k+dom4 ,next come ! ecclesia/ical lead]s1 ! prie/s & ,levites4 ,already we f9d ^! two ord]s nam$ sep>ately--an important fact 9 relation to ! developm5t ( ,judaism t w meet u aga91 ) "s h9ts "h & !re to ?r[ light ^u ! mean+ ( x4 ,!re is ano!r side to ?is response4 ,x 0 by no means ! case t ! :ole ( ! exiles rose up 9 answ] to ! edict ( ,cyrus2 only ^? lead]s & only ^? p respond$ ^: _s ,god _h rais$4 ,! privilege 0 (f]$ to all ! ,jews1 b x 0 n accept$ by all4 ,we _c b be impress$ by ! religi\s fai? & ! inspir$ insight ( our hi/orian 9 ?is matt]4 ,he saw t ,cyrus issu$ 8 edict because ! ,"l _h /irr$ up 8 _s2 n[ he attributes ! prompt+ to make use ( ! pr(f]$ lib]ty to a simil> ,div9e influ5ce4 ,?us ! return 0 a movem5t ( heav5-s5t impulses ?r\gh\t4 ,ezekiel's vision ( ! dry bones %[$ ! deplorable condition ( ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom 9 8 day--/ripp$ b>e1 %att]$ to fragm5ts1 scatt]$ abroad4 ,! condition ( ,judah 0 only second to ?is gha/ly national ru94 ,b n[ to ,judah !re _h come ! brea? ( ! ,div9e ,_s :i* ,ezekiel saw promis$ = ,israel1 & a liv+ army 0 ris+ up 9 new en]gy4 ,"h we may discov] ! deep]1 ! m vital s\rce ( ! return4 ,)\t ?is ! edict ( ,cyrus w\ld h p]i%$ z a dead lett]4 ,ev5 z x 01 only ^? p :o felt ! brea? ( ! ,div9e afflatus rose up = ! ardu\s und]tak+4 ,s to-day !re is no return to ! heav5ly ,j]usalem & no rebuild+ ! fall5 temple ( human nature except 9 ! p[] ( ! ,_s ( ,god4 ,reg5]ation always goes h& 9 h& ) r$emption--! "w ( ! ,_s ) ! "w ( ! ,*ri/4 ,9 ! p>ticul> case be=e u1 ! special effect ( ! ,div9e influ5ce is to raise ! _s--i4e41 to infuse life1 to r\se to activity & hope & high endeav\r4 ,a p ?us equipp$ is fit = any exp$ition ( toil or p]il4 ,l ,gideon's little1 sift$ army1 ! small b& ( inspir$ m5 :o rose up to accept ! decree ( ,cyrus c>ri$ )9 _! brea/s a sup]human p[]1 & !re=e a promise ( ultimate success4 ,! aim ) :i* !y set out confirm$ ! religi\s "* ( ! :ole ent]prise4 ,!y accept$ ! limitations & !y gladly adopt$ ! "o def9ite purpose sugge/$ 9 ! edict ( ,cyrus4 ,!y proce$$ to build ! h\se ( ! ,"l :i* is 9 ,j]usalem4 ,?is 0 _! only confess$ aim4 ,x w\ld h be5 impossible = patriots su* z ^! ,jews 7 n to feel "s national hopes & dreams /irr+ )9 !m2 /ill we h no reason to believe t ! return+ exiles 7 n loyal to ! _s ( ! decree ( ! ,great ,k+4 ,! religi\s aim 0 ! real occasion ( ! exp$ition4 ,s mu* ! m ne$ 0 !re to g 9 ! ,_s & /r5g? ( ,god4 ,only !y ^: _s ,god has rais$ are fit to build ,god's temple1 because "w = ,god mu/ be done 9 ! ,_s ( ,god4 ,secondly1 ! resid5t neighb\rs fell 9 ) ! recomm5dation ( ! k+ ungrudg+ly1 & gave ri* contributions = ! exp$ition4 ,!y c\ld n g !mselves1 b !y c\ld h a %>e 9 ! "w by means ( _! gifts--z ! home ,*ur* c %>e 9 ! =eign mission %e supports4 ,! acceptance ( ^! b\nties by ! ,jews does n well accord ) _! subsequ5t conduct :5 !y refus$ ! aid ( _! ,sam>itan neighb\rs 9 ! actual "w ( build+ ! temple4 ,x has an ugly look1 z ?\gh !y 7 will+ to take help f all s\rces except+ :]e any concessions 9 return w\ld be expect$ on ! "p ( ^? :o 7 befri5d+ !m4 ,h[ev]1 x is j to rememb] t ! aid 0 invit$ & (f]$ by ,cyrus1 n solicit$ by ! ,jews4 ,?irdly1 ! execution ( ! decree appe>s to h be5 hone/ly & effectively promot$ by its au?or4 ,9 accordance ) 8 g5]\s enc\ragem5t ( ! ,jews to rebuild _! temple1 ,cyrus re/or$ ! sacr$ vessels t _h be5 c>ri$ (f by ,nebu*adnezz> on ! occasion ( ! fir/ ,*aldan raid on ,j]usalem1 & deposit$ 9 a temple at ,babylon ne>ly sev5ty ye>s be=e ! "t ( ! return4 ,no d\bt ^! ?+s 7 reg>d$ z ( m importance ?an o!r spoils ( w>4 ,x w\ld be suppos$ t ! patron god ( ! conqu]$ p 0 humiliat$ :5 ! in/rum5ts ( 8 wor%ip 7 (f]$ to ,bel or ,nebo4 ,p]haps x 0 ?\ght t "s *>m atta*+ to !m w\ld br+ luck to ! city 9 :i* !y 7 gu>d$4 ,:5 ,nabonidas 0 seiz$ ) frantic t]ror at ! approa* ( ! ,p]sian ho/s1 he br\ght ! idols ( ! surr\nd+ nations to ,babylon = 8 protection4 ,! ref]5ce to ! temple vessels1 & ! c>eful & detail$ enum]ation ( !m1 )\t ! m5tion ( any image1 is a cle> pro( t1 al?\gh be=e ! captivity ! majority ( ! ,jews may h consi/$ ( idolat]s1 !re 0 no idol 9 ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,_h !re be5 "o !re ,nebu*adnezz> w\ld mo/ c]ta9ly h c>ri$ x (f z ! greate/ trophy ( victory4 ,9 default ( images1 he _h to make ! mo/ ( ! gold & silv] plate us$ 9 ! sacrificial c]emonies4 ,view$ 9 ?is connection1 ! re/itution ( ! /ol5 vessels by ,cyrus appe>s to be m ?an an act ( g5]osity or ju/ice4 ,a c]ta9 religi\s import belongs to x4 ,x put an end to an anci5t insult (f]$ by ,babylon to ! ,god ( ,israel2 & x might be tak5 z an act ( homage (f]$ to ,jehovah by ,cyrus4 ,yet x 0 only a re/itution1 a return ( :at 0 ,god's be=e1 & s a type ( e gift man makes to ,god4 ,x has be5 notic$ t ! total numb] ( ! vessels re/or$ does n agree ) ! sum ( ! numb]s ( ! sev]al k9ds ( vessels4 ,! total is #edjj2 b an addition ( ! li/ ( ! vessels only am\nts to #bdii4 ,p]haps ! less valuable articles are omitt$ f ! detail$ acc\nt2 or possibly !re is "s error ( transcription1 & if s ! "q is1 9 :i* direction %all we f9d x8 ,x may be t ! total 0 too l>ge4 ,on ! o!r h&1 9 #a ,esdras ne>ly ! same high total is giv5--viz41 #edfi--;& !re ! details are made to agree ) x by an evid5tly artificial manipulation ( ! numb]s4#ab ,?is gives "s probability to ! view t ! total is correct1 & t ! error mu/ be 9 ! numb]s ( ! sev]al items4 ,! practical importance ( ^! consid]ations is t !y lead u to a high e/imate ( ! imm5se weal? ( ! ,old ,temple treasures4 ,?us !y sugge/ ! reflection t mu* devotion & g5]osity _h be5 %[n 9 collect+ su* /ores ( gold & silv] 9 previ\s ages4 ,!y help u to picture ! sumptu\s ritual ( ! fir/ temple1 ) ! b>b>ic spl5d\r ( a ri* display ( ! preci\s metals4 ,!re=e !y %[ t ! g5]osity ( ,cyrus 9 re/or+ s great a ho>d 0 g5u9e & consid]able4 ,x might h be5 urg$ t aft] ! treasures _h be5 ly+ = two g5]ations 9 a hea!n temple ! orig9al own]s _h lo/ all claim ^u !m4 ,x might h be5 said t !y _h be5 contam9at$ by ?is long resid5ce among ! abom9ations ( ,babylonian idolatry4 ,! re/oration ( !m swept away all su* ideas4 ,:at 0 once ,god's belongs to ,him by "r = ev]4 ,8 prop]ty is inali5able2 ,8 claims nev] lapse ) "t1 nev] fail ?r\gh *ange4 #ab #a ,esdras ii4 #ad4 ,x is n )\t significance t ! treasur] :o h&$ ov] _! temple-prop]ty to ! ,jews 0 nam$ ,mi?r$a?--a ^w t means giv5 by ,mi?ra1 or devot$ to ,mi?ra4 ,?is sugge/s t ! ,p]sian sun-god 0 hon\r$ among ! s]vants ( ,cyrus1 & yet t "o :o by "n at lea/ 0 especially associat$ ) ?is div9ity 0 con/ra9$ to hon\r ! ,god ( ,israel4 ,next to ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity1 ! wor%ip ( ,mi?ra %[$ ! greate/ vitality ( all religions 9 ,we/]n ,asia1 & lat] ev5 9 ,europe4 ,s vigor\s 0 x z rec5tly z ! comm5cem5t ( ! ,*ri/ian era1 t ,m4 ,r5an has rem>k$1 t if ! ,roman _w _h n become ,*ri/ian x w\ld h become ,mi?ra/ic4 ,9 ^? regions :]e ! dazzl+ radiance & burn+ heat ( ! sun are felt z !y are n ev5 imag9$ 9 our *ill1 gloomy climate1 x 0 naturally suppos$ t if any visible ,god exi/$ ,he mu/ be f\nd 9 ! great fi]y c5tre ( ! _w's light & life4 ,our own day has se5 ! sci5tific developm5t ( ! idea t ! sun's =ce is ! s\rce ( all ! en]gy ( nature4 ,9 ! homage paid by "o ( ! anci5t foll[]s ( ,mi?ra1 ! sun-god1 to ! ,god ( ,israel1 may we n see an image ( ! recognition ( ! claims ( ! ,supreme by our prie/s ( ! sun--,kepl]1 ,newton1 ,f>aday8 ,m5 mu/ be m bl9d ?an ! slaves ( ,mi?ra if !y _c recognise an awful1 invisible en]gy beh9d & above ! =ces ( ! sol> sy/em--nay m1 a liv+ ,_s--,god6 ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,,! ,,second ,,exodus4 ,ezra ii4 #a-fg4 ,! j\rney ( ! return+ exiles f ,babylon has "s po9ts ( resemblance to ! exodus ( _! fa!rs f ,egypt4 ,on bo? occasions ! ,israelites _h be5 suff]+ oppression 9 a =eign l&4 ,deliv]ance _h come to ! anci5t ,hebrews 9 s wond]ful a way t x c\ld only be describ$ z a miracle ( ,god3 no mat]ial miracle 0 record$ ( ! lat] movem5t2 & yet x 0 s m>vell\sly provid5tial t ! ,jews 7 con/ra9$ to ackn[l$ge t ! h& ( ,god 0 n less conc]n$ 9 x4 ,b !re 7 great diff]5ces betwe5 ! two ev5ts4 ,9 ! orig9al ,hegira ( ! ,hebrews a horde ( slaves 0 flee+ f ! l& ( _! brutal ma/]s2 9 ! solemn pilgrimage ( ! second exodus ! ,jews 7 able to set out ) e enc\ragem5t f ! conqu]or ( _! national enemy4 ,on ! o!r h&1 :ile ! flight f ,egypt l$ to lib]ty1 ! exp$ition f ,babylon did n include an escape f ! =eign yoke4 ,! return+ exiles 7 describ$ z *ildr5 ( ! prov9ce#ac--;i4e41 ( ! ,p]sian prov9ce ( ,juda--& _! lead] bore ! title ( a ,p]sian gov]nor4#ad ,z]ubbabel 0 no new ,moses4 ,! fir/ exodus witness$ ! bir? ( a nation2 ! second saw only a migration )9 ! b\nd>ies ( an empire1 sanction$ by ! rul] because x did n include ! deliv]ance ( ! subject p f s]vitude4 #ac ,ezra ii4 #a4 #ad ,tir%a?a4 ,ezra ii4 #fc4 ,9 o!r respects ! condition ( ! ,israelites :o took "p 9 ! lat] exp$ition contra/s fav\rably ) t ( _! ance/ors "u ,moses4 ,9 ! arts ( civilisation1 ( c\rse1 !y 7 f> sup]ior to ! cru%$ ,egyptian bondm54 ,b ! *ief di/9ction lay 9 ! matt] ( religion4 ,at l5g?1 9 ^! days ( ,cyrus1 ! p 7 ripe to accept ! fai? ( ! great tea*]s :o hi!rto _h be5 z voices cry+ 9 ! wild]ness4 ,?is fact signalises ! imm5se diff]5ce betwe5 ! ,jews 9 e age previ\s to ! exile1 & ! ,jews ( ! return4 ,9 e>li] p]iods !y appe> z a k+dom1 b n z a ,*ur*2 9 ! lat] age !y are no long] a k+dom1 b !y h become a ,*ur*4 ,! k+dom _h be5 ma9ly hea!ni% & idolatr\s 9 its religion1 & mo/ abom9ably corrupt 9 its morals1 ) only a ?9 /reak ( pur] fai? & conduct runn+ ?r\gh ! c\rse ( its hi/ory4 ,b ! new ,*ur*1 =m$ out ( captives purifi$ 9 ! fires ( p]secution1 consi/$ ( a body ( m5 & wom5 :o he>tily embrac$ ! religion to :i* b few ( _! =efa!rs _h atta9$1 & :o 7 ev5 ready to welcome a m rigor\s developm5t ( its cult4 ,?us !y became a highly develop$ ,*ur*4 ,!y 7 consolidat$ into a ,puritan ,*ur* 9 discipl9e1 & a ,high ,*ur* 9 ritual4 ,x mu/ be borne 9 m9d t only a fraction ( ! ,jews 9 ! ,ea/ w5t back to ,pale/9e4 ,nor 7 !y :o t>ri$1 9 all cases1 ! m worldly1 enam\r$ ( ! fle%pots4 ,9 ! ,talmud x is said t only ! *aff return$1 :ile ! :eat rema9$ beh9d4 ,bo? ,ezra & ,nehemiah sprang f families /ill resid+ 9 ! ,ea/ long aft] ! return "u ,z]ubbabel4 ,x is 9 accordance ) ^! conditions t we come across "o ( ! mo/ curi\s *>act]i/ics ( ! ,books ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah--a *>act]i/ic :i* !y %>e ) ,*ronicles1 viz41 ! frequ5t ins]tion ( long li/s ( names4 ,?us ! second *apt] ( ,ezra conta9s a li/ ( ! families :o w5t up to ,j]usalem 9 response to ! edict ( ,cyrus4 ,"o or two g5]al consid]ations arise "h4 ,s9ce x 0 n a :ole nation t migrat$ f ! pla9s ( ,babylon across ! great ,syrian des]t1 b only "s fragm5ts ( a nation1 we %all n h to consid] ! =tunes & de/9ies ( a composite unity1 su* z is repres5t$ by a k+dom4 ,! p ( ,god mu/ n[ be reg>d$ disjunctively4 ,x is n ! bless+ ( ,israel1 or ! bless+ ( ,judah1 t fai? n[ anticipates2 b ! bless+ ( ^? m51 wom51 & *ildr5 :o fe> ,god & walk 9 ,8 ways1 ?\gh1 ( c\rse1 = ! pres5t !y are all conf9$ to ! limits ( ! ,jewi% race4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x is to be obs]v$ t ?is individualism 0 n absolute4 ,! p 7 arrang$ accord+ to _! families1 & ! names t di/+ui%$ ! families 7 n ^? ( ! pres5t heads ( h\ses1 b ! names ( ance/ors1 possibly ( captives tak5 d[n to ,babylon by ,nebu*adnezz>4 ,z "s ( ^! names occur 9 lat] exp$itions1 x is pla9 t ! :ole ( ! families !y repres5t$ 7 n f\nd 9 ! fir/ body ( pilgrims4 ,/ill ! p 7 gr\p$ 9 family ord]4 ,! ,jews anticipat$ ! mod]n v]dict ( sociology1 t ! social unit is ! family1 n ! individual4 ,judaism 01 ?r\gh & ?r\gh1 a dome/ic religion4 ,fur!r1 x is to be not$ t a sort ( ca/e feel+ 0 eng5d]$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! dome/ic arrangem5t ( ! p4 ,x em]ges already 9 ! second *apt] ( ,ezra 9 ! cases ( families t c\ld n trace _! g5ealogy1 & x be>s bitt] fruit 9 "s pitiable sc5es 9 ! lat] hi/ory ( ! return$ p4 ,n only national rights1 b also religi\s privileges1 come m & m to dep5d on purity ( bir? & desc5t4 ,religion is view$ z a "q ( blood relation%ip4 ,?us ev5 ) ! v appe>ance ( t new-born individualism :i* might be expect$ to c\nt]act x1 ev5 :5 ! recov]$ p is compos$ entirely ( volunte]s1 a /rong racial curr5t sets 91 :i* gr[s 9 volume until 9 ! days ( our ,"l ! fact ( a man's be+ a ,jew is ?\ght a suffici5t gu>antee ( 8 enjoy+ ! fav\r ( ,heav51 until 9 our own day su* a book z ,daniel ,d]onda portrays ! race-en?usiasm ( ! ,israelite z ! v he>t & ess5ce ( 8 religion4 ,we h ?ree copies ( ! li/ ( ! return+ exiles--"o 9 ,ezra ii41 ! second 9 ,nehemiah vii41 & ! ?ird 9 #a ,esdras v4 ,!y are evid5tly all ( !m transcripts ( ! same orig9al regi/]2 b ?\gh !y agree 9 ! ma91 !y diff] 9 details1 giv+ "s v>iation 9 ! names & consid]able div]sity 9 ! numb]s--,esdras com+ ne>] to ,ezra ?an to ,nehemiah1 z we might expect4 ,! total1 h[ev]1 is ! same 9 e case1 viz41 #db1cfj 7besides #gccg s]vants7--a l>ge numb]1 :i* %[s h[ important ! exp$ition 0 consid]$ to be4 ,! "n ( ,z]ubbabel appe>s fir/4 ,he 0 ! l9eal desc5dant ( ! royal h\se1 ! heir to ! ?rone ( ,david4 ,?is is a mo/ significant fact4 ,x %[s t ! exiles _h reta9$ "s lat5t national organisation1 & x gives a fa9t political "* to ! return1 al?\gh1 z we h already obs]v$1 ! ma9 object ( x 0 religi\s4 ,to f]v5t read]s ( old prophecies /range hopes w\ld dawn1 hopes ( ! ,messiah ^: adv5t ,isaiah1 9 p>ticul>1 _h pr$ict$4 ,0 ?is new %oot f ! /ock ( ,david inde$ ! ,"l's ,ano9t$8 ,^? :o secretly answ]$ ! "q to !mselves 9 ! affirmative 7 doom$ to mu* p]plexity & n a little disappo9tm5t4 ,nev]!less ,z]ubbabel 0 a l[]1 a provisional1 a tempor>y ,messiah4 ,god 0 educat+ ,8 p ?r\gh _! illusions4 ,z "o by "o ! national h]oes fail$ to satisfy ! l>ge hopes ( ! prophets1 !y 7 left beh9d1 b ! hopes /ill ma9ta9$ _! une>?ly vitality4 ,hezekiah1 ,josiah1 ,z]ubbabel1 ! ,maccabees all pass$1 & 9 pass+ !y all help$ to prep>e = ,"o :o alone c\ld realise ! dreams ( se]s & s+]s 9 all ! be/ ages ( ,hebrew ?\ght & life4 ,/ill ! bulk ( ! p d n seem to h be5 dom9at$ by ! ,messianic conception4 ,x is "o *>act]i/ic ( ! return t ! idea ( ! p]sonal1 ,god-s5t1 b human ,messiah rec$es2 & ano!r1 old]1 & m p]si/5t ,jewi% hope comes to ! front--viz41 ! hope 9 ,god ,himself z ! ,savi\r ( ,8 p & _! ,v9dicator4 ,cyrus c\ld n h suspect$ any political designs1 or he w\ld n h made ,z]ubbabel ! head ( ! exp$ition4 ,evid5tly ,%e%bazz>1 ! pr9ce ( ,judah1 to :om ,cyrus h&$ ov] ! sacr$ vessels ( ! temple1 is ! same man z ,z]ubbabel1 because 9 v4 #af we read t ,%e%bazz> laid ! f\ndation ( ! temple1 :ile 9 iii4 #h ?is "w is ascrib$ to ,z]ubbabel1 ) :om ! orig9 ( ! "w is aga9 connect$ 9 v4 #b4 ,! second "n is ,je%ua4#ae ,! man :o be>s x 0 aft]w>ds ! high-prie/ at ,j]usalem4 ,x is impossible to say :e!r he _h ex]cis$ any sac]dotal functions dur+ ! exile2 b 8 prom95t place %[s t hon\r 0 n[ (f]$ to 8 prie/hood4 ,/ill he comes aft] ! royal pr9ce4 #ae ,?is "n is a lat] =m ( ,jo%ua2 ! old] =m ( ! "n is us$ = ! same p]son 9 ,hag4 i4 #a1 #ad1 & ,ze*4 iii4 #a4 ,!n foll[ n9e names )\t any description4#af ,nehemiah's li/ includes ano!r "n1 :i* seems to h dropp$ out ( ! li/ 9 ,ezra4 ,^!1 toge!r ) ! two already m5tion$1 make an exact doz54 ,x _c be an accid5t t twelve names /& at ! head ( ! li/2 !y mu/ be meant to repres5t ! twelve tribes--l ! twelve apo/les 9 ! ,gospels1 & ! twelve gates ( ! ,new ,j]usalem 9 ! ,apocalypse4 ,?us x is indicat$ t ! return is = all ,israel1 n exclusively = ! ,judan ,hebrews4 ,und\bt$ly ! bulk ( ! pilgrims 7 desc5dants ( captives f ! ,s\!rn ,k+dom4#ag ,! disp]sion ( ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom _h begun two c5turies e>li] ?an ,nebu*adnezz>'s invasion ( ,juda2 x _h be5 c>ri$ on by successive removals ( ! p 9 successive w>s4 ,probably mo/ ( ^! e>ly exiles _h be5 driv5 f>!r nor? ?an ^? di/ricts :i* 7 assign$ to ! ,judan captives2 probably1 too2 !y _h be5 scatt]$ f> & wide2 la/ly1 we "k t !y _h be5 sunk5 9 an idolatr\s imitation ( ! mann]s & cu/oms ( _! hea!n neighb\rs1 s t !re 0 little to diff]5tiate !m f ! p among :om !y 7 domicil$4 ,"u all ^! circum/ances1 is x rem>kable t ! t5 tribes h disappe>$ f ! obs]vation ( ! _w8 ,!y h vani%$1 b only z ! ,go?s h vani%$ 9 ,italy1 z ! ,hugu5ot refugees h vani%$ 9 ,engl&--by m+l+ ) ! resid5t population4 ,we h n to se>* = !m 9 ,t>t>y1 or ,s\? ,am]ica1 or any o!r remote region ( ! f\r cont95ts1 because we h no reason to believe t !y are n[ a sep>ate p4 #af ,( c\rse ! ,nehemiah & ,mordecai 9 ?is li/ are diff]5t p]sons f ^? :o be> ! same names 9 ! ,books ( ,nehemiah & ,e/h] & belong to lat] dates4 #ag ,see ,ezra i4 #e4 ,/ill a v small ,remnant 0 fai?ful4 ,?is ,remnant 0 welcome to f9d its way back to ,pale/9e ) ! return+ ,judans4 ,z ! imm$iate object ( ! exp$ition 0 to rebuild ! temple at ! rival capital ( ,j]usalem1 x 0 n to be expect$ t patriots ( ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom w\ld be v eag] to jo9 x4 ,yet "s desc5dants ( ! t5 tribes made _! way back4 ,ev5 9 ,new ,te/am5t times ! g5ealogy ( ! prophetess ,anna 0 reckon$ f ! tribe ( ,a%]4#ah ,x is mo/ improbable t ! twelve lead]s 7 actually desc5dants ( ! twelve tribes4 ,b j z 9 ! case ( ! apo/les1 :om we _c reg>d z ?us desc5d$1 !y repres5t$ all ,israel4 ,_! position at ! head ( ! exp$ition proclaim$ t ! middle wall ( p>tition 0 brok5 d[n4 ,?us we see t r$emption t5ds to lib]alise ! r$eem$1 t ^? :o are re/or$ to ,god are also br\ght back to ! love ( _! bre?r54 #ah ,luke ii4 #cf4 ,! li/ t foll[s ! twelve is divisible into two sections4 ,fir/1 we h a numb] ( families2 !n !re is a *ange 9 ! tabulation1 & ! re/ ( ! p are arrang$ accord+ to _! cities4 ,! mo/ simple explanation ( ?is d\ble me?od is t ! families con/itute ! ,j]usalem citiz5s4 ,! t[ns nam$ 9 ! second division are all situat$ 9 ! neighb\rhood ( ,j]usalem4 ,! only "p ( ,pale/9e z yet re/or$ to ! ,jews 0 ,j]usalem1 ) ! t[ns 9 its vic9ity4 ,! s\!rn half ( ,juda rema9$ 9 ! h&s ( ! ,edomites1 :o begrudg$ to ! ,jews ev5 ! resumption ( ! nor!rn portion--& v naturally1 see+ t ! ,edomites _h held x = half a c5tury1 a "t :i* gives "s assurance ( p]man5t possession4 ,?is mu/ be borne 9 m9d :5 we come across ! tr\bles betwe5 ! return$ exiles & _! neighb\rs 9 ,pale/9e4 ,we c nev] und]/& a qu>rel until we h he>d bo? sides4 ,!re is no ,edomite hi/ory ( ! w>s ( ,israel4 ,no d\bt su* a hi/ory w\ld put ano!r face on ! ev5ts--j z a ,*9ese hi/ory ( ! ,engli% w>s 9 ! ,ea/ w\ld d1 to ! %ame ( ! ,*ri/ian nation4 ,aft] ! lead]s & ! p g5]ally come ! successive ord]s ( ! temple m9i/ry4 ,we beg9 ) ! prie/s1 & among ^! a front rank is giv5 to ! h\se ( ,je%ua4 ,! high-prie/ himself _h be5 nam$ e>li]1 next to ,z]ubbabel1 among ! lead]s ( ! nation1 s di/9ct 0 8 position f t ( ! ord9>y prie/hood4 ,next to ! prie/s we h ! ,levites1 :o are n[ %>ply sep>at$ f ! fir/ ord] ( ! m9i/ry4 ,! v small numb] ( ,levites 9 comp>ison ) ! l>ge numb] ( prie/s is />tl+--ov] f\r ?\s& prie/s & only sev5ty-f\r ,levites6 ,! explanation ( ?is anomaly may be f\nd 9 :at _h be5 occurr+ 9 ,*alda4 ,ezekiel decl>$ t ! ,levites 7 to be degrad$ because ( _! s9ful conduct4#ai ,we see f ! arrangem5t 9 ,ezra t ! prophet's message 0 obey$4 ,! ,levites 7 n[ sep>at$ f ! prie/s1 & set d[n to a l[] function4 ,?is c\ld n h be5 acceptable to !m4 ,!re=e x is n at all surpris+ t ! majority ( !m held alo( f ! exp$ition = rebuild+ ! temple 9 sull5 res5tm5t1 or at be/ 9 cool indiff]5ce1 refus+ to take "p 9 a "w ! issue ( :i* w\ld exhibit _! humiliation to m5ial s]vice4 ,b ! sev5ty-f\r _h grace to accept _! l[ly lot4 #ai ,ezek4 xliv4 #i-af4 ,! ,levites are n set 9 ! l[e/ place4 ,!y are di/+ui%$ f sev]al succe$+ ord]s4 ,! s+]s1 ! *ildr5 ( ,asaph1 7 really ,levites2 b !y =m a sep>ate & important class1 = ! temple s]vice 0 to be *oral--ri* & gladsome4 ,! door-keep]s are a di/9ct ord]1 l[ly b hon\rable1 = !y are devot$ to ! s]vice ( ,god1 = :om all "w is glori\s4 ,!y also s]ve :o only /& & wait4 ,next come ! ,ne?9ims1 or temple-helots4 ,^! seem to h be5 aborig9es ( ,canaan :o _h be5 press$ into ! s]vice ( ! old ,j]usalem temple1 l ! ,gibeonites1 ! hew]s ( wood & draw]s ( wat]4 ,aft] ! ,ne?9ims come ! *ildr5 ( ,solomon's s]vants1 ano!r ord] ( slaves1 app>5tly ! desc5dants ( ! w> captives :om ,solomon _h assign$ to ! "w ( build+ ! temple4 ,x %[s :at ?or\gh organisation 0 pres]v$ among ! captives t ^! bondsm5 7 reta9$ 9 _! orig9al position & br\ght back to ,j]usalem4 ,to u ?is is n altoge!r admirable4 ,we may be griev$ to see slav]y ?us enli/$ 9 ! wor%ip ( ,god4 ,b we mu/ recollect t ev5 ) ! ,*ri/ian gospel 9 h] h&1 = c5turies1 ! ,*ur* _h h] slaves1 ! mona/]ies _! s]fs4 ,no idea is ( sl[] gr[? ?an ! idea ( ! bro!rhood ( man4 ,s f> all 0 9 ord]2 b !re 7 exceptional cases4 ,"s ( ! p c\ld n prove _! ,israelite desc5t1 & accord+ly !y 7 set aside f _! bre?r54 ,"s ( ! prie/s ev5 c\ld n trace _! g5ealogy4 ,_! condition 0 reg>d$ z m s]i\s1 = ! "r ( (fice 0 purely h]$it>y4 ,! dilemma br\ght to light a sad s5se ( loss4 ,if only !re 7 a prie/ ) ! ,urim & ,?ummim1 ?is antique augury ( fla%+ gems might settle ! difficulty6 ,b su* a man 0 n to be f\nd4 ,! ,urim & ,?ummim1 toge!r ) ! ,ark & ! ,%ek9ah1 are nam$ by ! rabbis among ! preci\s ?+s t 7 nev] recov]$4 ,! ,jews look$ back ) regret to ! wond]ful "t :5 ! privilege ( consult+ an oracle _h be5 )9 ! rea* ( _! ance/ors4 ,?us !y %>$ ! univ]sal in/9ct ( mank9d t turns fondly to ! pa/ = memories ( a gold5 age1 ! glories ( :i* h fad$ & left u only ! d+y sc5es ( e-day life4 ,9 ?is in/9ct we may detect a transf]5ce to ! race ( ! vaguely p]ceiv$ p]sonal loss ( ea* man z he reflects on ^? f>-(f1 dream-l *ild-days1 :5 ev5 he 0 a mighty prophet1 a se] ble/1 "o :o _h come into ! _w trail+ cl\ds ( glory4 ,alas6 he p]ceives t ! my/ic spl5d\rs h fad$ into ! light ( common day1 if !y h n ev5 giv5 place to ! gloom ( d\bt1 or ! black night ( s94 ,!n1 tak+ himself z a microcosm1 he ascribes a simil> fate to ! race4 ,no?+ is m inspirit+ 9 ! gospel ( our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/ ?an its complete rev]sal ( ?is dismal process ( reflection1 & its promise ( ! ,gold5 ,age 9 ! future4 ,! mo/ exalt$ ,hebrew prophecy anticipat$ some?+ ( ! k9d2 "h & !re x lit up its sombre pages ) ! hope ( a brilliant future4 ,! attitude ( ! ,jews 9 ! pres5t in/ance1 :5 !y simply set a "q on "o side1 wait+ till a prie/ ) ,urim & ,?ummim %\ld appe>1 sugge/s too fa9t a belief 9 ! future to be prophetic4 ,b l ,socrates' h9t at ! possibility ( "o aris+ :o %\ld solve ! problems :i* 7 inscrutable to ! ,a!nians ( 8 day1 x po9ts to a s5se ( ne$4 ,:5 at l5g? ,*ri/ came z ! ,light ( ! ,_w1 x 0 to supply a widely felt want4 ,x is true ,he br\ght no ,urim & ,?ummim4 ,! supreme motive = ?ankfulness 9 ?is connection is t ,8 revelation is s mu* m ample ?an ! wiz>d guidance m5 _h =m]ly clung to1 z to be l ! broad sun%9e 9 comp>ison ) ! %ift+ lights ( magic gems4 ,?\gh ,he gave no =mal answ]s to petty que/ions su* z ^? = :i* ! ,jews w\ld resort to a prie/1 z _! hea!n neighb\rs resort$ to a soo?say]1 ,he %$ a :olesome radiance on ! pa? ( life1 s t ,8 foll[]s h come to reg>d ! provid+ ( a prie/ ) ,urim & ,?ummim z at be/ an exp$i5t adapt$ to ! requirem5ts ( an age ( sup]/ition4 ,if ! c>avan lack$ ! privilege ( an oracle1 c>e 0 tak5 to equip x z well z ! available means w\ld all[4 ,^! 7 n abundant4 ,!re 7 s]vants1 x is true4 ,!re 7 bea/s ( burd5 too--camels1 horses1 asses2 b ^! 7 few 9 comp>ison to ! numb]s ( ! ho/--only at ! rate ( "o animal to a family ( f\r p]sons4 ,yet ! exp$ition set out 9 a semi-royal "*1 = x 0 protect$ by a gu>d ( a ?\s& horsem5 s5t by ,cyrus4 ,bett] ?an ?is1 x possess$ a _s ( en?usiasm :i* triumph$ ov] pov]ty & h>d%ip1 & spread a great gladness ?r\gh ! p4 ,n[ at l5g? x 0 possible to take d[n ! h>ps f ! will[s4 ,besides ! temple *ori/]s1 two hundr$ s++ m5 & wom5 accompani$ ! pilgrims to help to give expression to ! exub]ant joy\sness ( ! ho/4 ,! _s ( ! :ole company 0 express$ 9 a noble lyric t has become famili> to u3-- ,:5 ! ,"l turn$ aga9 ! captivity ( ,zion1 ,we 7 l unto !m t dream4 ,!n 0 our m\? fill$ ) laught]1 ,& our tongue ) s++3 ,!n said !y among ! nations1 ,! ,"l ha? done great ?+s = !m4 ,! ,"l ha? done great ?+s = u2 ,:]e( we are glad4#bj #bj ,psalm cxxvi4 #a-c4 ,,*apt] ,v4 ,,! ,,new ,,temple4 ,,ezra ii4 #fh-;iii4 ,unlike ! hi/orian ( ! exodus f ,egypt1 our *ronicl] gives no acc\nt ( adv5tures ( ! pilgrims on ! road to ,pale/9e1 al?\gh mu* ( _! way l$ !m ?r\gh a wild & difficult c\ntry4 ,s huge a c>avan z t :i* accompani$ ,z]ubbabel mu/ h tak5 sev]al mon?s to cov] ! eight hundr$ miles betwe5 ,babylon & ,j]usalem2#ba = ev5 ,ezra ) 8 small] company sp5t f\r mon?s on _! j\rney4#bb ,a dre>y des]t /ret*$ ov] ! va/ space betwe5 ! l& ( exile & ! old home ( ! ,jews among ! m\nta9s ( ! ,we/2 & "h ! commiss>iat w\ld tax ! res\rces ( ! able/ organis]s4 ,x is possible t ! difficulties ( ! des]t 7 circumv5t$ 9 ! mo/ prosaic mann]--by simply avoid+ ?is b>r51 wat]less region1 & tak+ a long sweep r\nd by ! nor? ( ,syria4 ,pass+ ov] ! pilgrimage1 :i* af=d$ him no topics ( int]e/1 )\t a ^w ( comm5t1 ! *ronicl] plants u at once 9 ! mid/ ( ! busy sc5es at ,j]usalem1 :]e we see ! return$ exiles1 at l5g? arriv$ at ! end ( _! t$i\s j\rney1 prep>+ to accompli% ! "o purpose ( _! exp$ition4 #ba ,i4e41 if ! r\te 0 ! usual "o1 by ,tadmor 7,palmyra74 ,! easi] b r\ndab\t way by ,aleppo w\ld h occupi$ a /ill long] "t4 #bb ,ezra vii4 #h1 #i4 ,! fir/ /ep 0 to provide ! means = build+ ! temple1 & contributions 7 made = ?is object by all classes ( ! community--z we ga!r f ! m complete acc\nt 9 ,nehemiah#bc--;f ! pr9ce & ! ari/ocracy to ! g5]al public1 = x 0 to be a unit$ "w4 ,& yet x is impli$ by ! n>rative t _m _h no %>e 9 x4 ,^! p may h be5 poor orig9ally or impov]i%$ by _! j\rney1 & n at all defici5t 9 g5]osity or lack+ 9 fai?4 ,/ill we (t5 meet ) ^? :o h en\gh en?usiasm to applaud a good "w & yet n en\gh to make any sacrifice 9 promot+ x4 ,x is expressly /at$ t ! gifts 7 (f]$ freely4 ,no tax 0 impos$ by ! au?orities2 b !re 0 no backw>dness on ! "p ( ! actual donors1 :o 7 impell$ by a gl[+ devotion to op5 _! purses )\t /9t4 ,la/ly1 ^? :o contribut$ did s aft] _! ability4 ,?is is ! true proportionate giv+4 ,= all to give an equal sum is impossible unless ! poll-tax is to be fix$ at a mis]able m9imum4 ,ev5 = all to give ! same proportion is unju/4 ,!re are poor m5 :o ought n to sacrifice a t5? ( :at !y receive2 !re are ri* m5 :o w be guilty ( unfai?fulness to _! /ew>d%ip if !y d n devote f> m ?an ?is fraction ( _! va/ rev5ues to ! s]vice ( ,god & _! fell[-m54 ,x w\ld be reasonable = "s ( ! latt] only to res]ve ! ti! = _! own use & to give away n9e-t5?s ( _! income1 = ev5 !n !y w\ld n be giv+ aft] _! ability4 #bc ,neh4 vii4 #gj-gb4 ,aft] ! prelim9>y /ep ( collect+ ! contributions1 ! pilgrims proce$ to ! actual "w !y h 9 h&4 ,9 ?is !y are he>tily unit$2 !y ga!r !mselves toge!r z "o man 9 a great assembly1 :i*1 if we may tru/ ! acc\nt 9 ,esdras1 is held 9 an op5 space by ! fir/ gate t[>ds ! ea/1#bd & !re=e close to ! site ( ! old temple1 almo/ among its v ru9s4 ,! unity ( _s & ! h>mony ( action :i* *>act]ise ! comm5cem5t ( ! "w are good auguries ( its success4 ,?is is to be a popul> und]tak+4 ,sanction$ by ,cyrus1 promot$ by ! ari/ocracy1 x is to be c>ri$ out ) ! full co-op]ation ( ! multitude4 ,! fir/ temple _h be5 ! "w ( a k+2 ! second is to be ! "w ( a p4 ,! nation _h be5 dazzl$ by ! spl5d\r ( ,solomon's c\rt1 & _h bask$ 9 its rays s t ! aft]-gl[ ( !m l+]$ 9 ! memories ( ages ev5 d[n to ! "t ( our ,"l4#be ,b !re 0 a heal?i] _s 9 ! humbl] "w ( ! return$ exiles1 :51 =c$ to disp5se ) ! k+ !y w\ld gladly h accept$1 !y und]took ! task ( build+ ! new temple !mselves4 #bd #a ,esdras v4 #dg4 #be ,matt4 vi4 #bi4 ,9 ! c5tre ( ! mosque kn[n z ! ,dome ( ! ,rock !re is a crag ) ! well-worn rema9s ( /eps lead+ up to ! top ( x1 & ) *annels cut 9 its surface4 ,?is has be5 id5tifi$ by rec5t explor]s z ! site ( ! great ,alt> ( ,burnt-(f]+s4 ,x is on ! v cre/ ( ,m\nt ,moriah4 ,=m]ly x 0 ?\ght t x 0 ! site ( ! inmo/ %r9e ( ! temple1 kn[n z ,! ,holy ( ,holies1 b ! new view1 :i* seems to be fairly e/abli%$1 gives an unexpect$ prom95ce to ! alt>4 ,?is rude squ>e /ructure ( unhewn /one 0 ! mo/ elevat$ & conspicu\s object 9 temple4 ,! alt> 0 to ,judaism :at ! cross is to ,*ri/ianity4 ,bo? = u & = ! ,jews :at is mo/ vital & preci\s 9 religion is ! d>k my/]y ( a sacrifice4 ,! fir/ "w ( ! temple build]s 0 to set up ! alt> aga9 on its old f\ndation4 ,be=e a /one ( ! temple 0 laid1 ! smoke ( sacrificial fires might be se5 asc5d+ to heav5 f ! highe/ crag ( ,moriah4 ,= fifty ye>s all sacrifices _h ceas$4 ,n[ ) ha/e1 9 fe> ( h9drance f jeal\s neighb\rs1 means 7 provid$ to re-e/abli% !m be=e any attempt 0 made to rebuild ! temple4 ,x is n q easy to see :at ! writ] means :51 aft] say+ ,& !y set ! alt> ^u 8 bases1 he adds1 = fe> 0 ^u !m because ( ! p ( ^? c\ntries4 ,! sugge/ion t ! phrase may be v>i$ s z to mean t ! awe :i* ?is religi\s "w inspir$ 9 ! hea!n neighb\rs prev5t$ !m f mole/+ x is f>-fet*$ & improbable4 ,nor is x likely t ! writ] int5ds to convey ! idea t ! ,jews ha/5$ ! build+ ( ! alt> z a sort ( ,palladium1 tru/+ t its sacrifices w\ld protect !m 9 case ( invasion1 = ?is is to attribute too l[ & mat]iali/ic a "* to _! religion4 ,m reasonable is ! explanation t !y ha/5$ ! "w because !y fe>$ t _! neighb\rs might ei!r h9d] x or wi% to h a %>e 9 x--an equally objectionable ?+1 z subsequ5t ev5ts %[$4 ,! *ronicl] di/9ctly /ates t ! sacrifices :i* 7 n[ (f]$1 z well z ! fe/ivals :i* 7 e/abli%$ lat]1 7 all design$ to meet ! requirem5ts ( ! law ( ,moses--t ev]y?+ might be done z x is writt5 9 ! law ( ,moses ! man ( ,god4 ,?is /atem5t does n ?r[ mu* light on ! hi/ory ( ! ,p5tateu*4 ,we "k t t "w 0 n yet 9 ! h&s ( ! ,jews at ,j]usalem1 because ?is 0 ne>ly eighty ye>s be=e ,ezra introduc$ x4 ,! s5t5ce sugge/s t accord+ to ! *ronicl] "s law be>+ ! "n ( ,moses 0 kn[n to ! fir/ body ( return$ exiles4 ,we ne$ n reg>d t sugge/ion z a reflection f lat] ye>s4 ,deut]onomy may h be5 ! law ref]r$ to2 or x may h be5 "s rubric ( traditional usages 9 ! possession ( ! prie/s4 ,mean:ile two facts ( importance come out "h--fir/1 t ! me?od ( wor%ip adopt$ by ! return$ exiles 0 a revival ( anci5t cu/oms1 a return to ! old ways1 n an innovation ( _! own1 & second1 t ?is re/oration 0 9 c>eful ob$i5ce to ! kn[n w ( ,god4 ,"h we h ! root idea ( ! ,torah4 ,x ann\nces t ,god has reveal$ ,8 w1 & x implies t ! s]vice ( ,god c only be acceptable :5 x is 9 h>mony ) ! w ( ,god4 ,! prophets taught t ob$i5ce 0 bett] ?an sacrifice4 ,! prie/s held t sacrifice itself 0 a "p ( ob$i5ce4 ,) bo? ! prim>y requisite 0 ob$i5ce--z x is ! prim>y requisite 9 all religion4 ,! p>ticul> k9d ( sacrifice (f]$ on ! great alt> 0 ! burnt-(f]+4 ,n[ we d occasionally meet ) expiatory ideas 9 connection ) ?is sacrifice2 b unque/ionably ! pr9cipal conception atta*$ to ! burnt-(f]+1 9 di/9ction f ! s9-(f]+1 0 ! idea ( self-d$ication on ! "p ( ! wor%ipp]4 ,?us ! ,jews re-consecrat$ !mselves to ,god by ! solemn c]emony ( sacrifice1 & !y kept up ! ?\ght ( r5ew$ consecration by ! regul> repetition ( ! burnt-(f]+4 ,x is difficult = u to ent] into ! feel+s ( ! p :o practis$ s antique a cult1 ev5 to !m ar*aic 9 its c]emonies1 & dimly sugge/ive ( primitive rites t _h _! orig9 9 f>-(f b>b>ic times4 ,b "o ?+ is cle>1 %9+ z ) lett]s ( awful fire aga9/ ! black cl\ds ( smoke t hang ov] ! alt>4 ,?is sacrifice 0 always a :ole (f]+4 ,z x 0 be+ completely consum$ 9 ! flames be=e _! v eyes1 ! wor%ipp]s w\ld see a vivid repres5tation ( ! trem5d\s tru? t ! mo/ p]fect sacrifice is dea?--nay1 t x is ev5 m ?an dea?1 t x is absolute self-effacem5t 9 total & unres]v$ surr5d] to ,god4 ,v>i\s rites foll[ ! great c5tral sacrifice ( ! burnt-(f]+1 u%]$ 9 by ! mo/ joy\s fe/ival ( ! ye>1 ! ,fea/ ( ,tab]nacles1 :5 ! p scatt] !mselves ov] ! hills r\nd ,j]usalem "u ! %ade ( extemporis$ b[]s made out ( ! leafy b\ghs ( trees1 & celebrate ! goodness ( ,god 9 ! f9al & ri*e/ h>ve/1 ! v9tage4 ,!n come ,new ,moon & ! o!r fe/ivals t /ud ! cal5d> ) sacr$ dates & make ! ,jewi% ye> a r\nd ( glad fe/ivities4 ,?us1 we see1 ! full e/abli%m5t ( religi\s s]vices prec$es ! build+ ( ! temple4 ,a weighty tru? is en%r9$ 9 ?is app>5tly incongru\s fact4 ,! wor%ip itself is felt to be m important ?an ! h\se 9 :i* x is to be celebrat$4 ,t tru? %\ld be ev5 m app>5t to u :o h read ! great words ( ,jesus utt]$ by ,jacob's well1 ,! h\r come? :5 nei!r 9 ?is m\nta91 nor 9 ,j]usalem1 %all ye wor%ip ! ,fa!r1 444 :5 ! true wor%ipp]s %all wor%ip ! ,fa!r 9 _s & tru?4#bf ,h[ va9 !n is x to treat ! erection ( *ur*es z ?\gh x 7 ! promotion ( a revival ( religion6 ,z surely z ! empty sea-%ell toss$ up on ! bea* c nev] secrete a liv+ organism to inhabit x1 a m]e build+--:e!r x be ! mo/ gorge\s ca!dral or ! pla9e/ village meet+-h\se--w nev] induce a liv+ _s ( wor%ip to dwell 9 its cold desolation4 ,e true religi\s revival beg9s 9 ! spiritual sph]e & f9ds its place ( wor%ip :]e x may--9 ! ru/ic b>n or on ! hill-side--if no m seemly home c be provid$ = x1 because its real temple is ! humble & contrite he>t4 #bf ,john iv4 #ba1 #bc4 ,/ill ! design ( build+ ! temple at ,j]usalem 0 kept con/antly 9 view by ! pilgrims4 ,accord+ly x 0 necess>y to pur*ase mat]ials1 & 9 p>ticul> ! fragrant c$> wood f ! di/ant =e/s ( ,lebanon4 ,^! fam\s =e/s 7 /ill 9 ! possession ( ! ,pho5icians1 = ,cyrus _h all[$ a local autonomy to ! busy trad+ p on ! nor!rn sea-bo>d4 ,s 9 spite ( ! k+'s fav\r x 0 requisite = ! ,jews to pay ! full price = ! co/ly timb]4 ,n[1 9 disburs+ ! orig9al funds br\ght up f ,babylon1 x w\ld seem t ! :ole ( ?is money 0 exp5d$ 9 lab\r1 9 pay+ ! wages ( masons & c>p5t]s4 ,!re=e ! ,jews _h to export agricultural products--su* z corn1 w9e1 & olive oil--9 ex*ange = ! imports ( timb] !y receiv$ f ! ,pho5icians4 ,! "q at once arises1 h[ did !y come to be possess$ ( ^! fruits ( ! soil8 ,! answ] is suppli$ by a *ronological rem>k 9 our n>rative4 ,x 0 9 ! second ye> ( _! resid5ce 9 ,j]usalem & its neighb\rhood t ! ,jews comm5c$ ! actual build+ ( _! temple4 ,!y _h fir/ pati5tly cle>$1 pl\gh$1 & s[n ! neglect$ fields1 trimm$ & tra9$ ! v9es1 & t5d$ ! olive g>d5s1 s t !y 7 able to reap a h>ve/1 & to give ! surplus products = ! pur*ase ( ! timb] requir$ 9 build+ ! temple4 ,z ! f\ndation 0 laid 9 ! spr+1 ! ord] = ! c$> wood mu/ h be5 s5t be=e ! h>ve/ 0 reap$--pl$g+ x 9 advance ) fai? 9 ! ,god :o gives ! increase4 ,! ,pho5ician woodm5 fell _! trees 9 ! di/ant =e/s ( ,lebanon2 & ! massive trunks are dragg$ d[n to ! coa/1 & float$ along ! ,m$it]ranean to ,joppa1 & !n c>ri$ on ! backs ( camels or sl[ly drawn up ! heights ( ,judah 9 ox-waggons1 :ile ! crops t are to pay = !m are /ill gre5 9 ! fields4 ,"h !n is a fur!r pro( ( devotion on ! "p ( ! ,jews f ,babylon--?\gh x is sc>cely h9t$ at 9 ! n>rative1 ?\gh we c only discov] x by a c>eful comp>ison ( facts & dates4 ,lab\r is exp5d$ on ! fields2 long we>y mon?s ( wait+ are endur$2 :5 ! fruits ( toil are obta9$1 ^! h>d-e>n$ /ores are n ho>d$ by _! own]s3 !y too1 l ! gold & silv] ( ! weal?i] ,jews1 are gladly surr5d]$ = ! "o object :i* k9dles ! en?usiasm ( e class ( ! community4 ,at l5g? all is ready4 ,je%ua ! prie/ n[ prec$es ,z]ubbabel1 z well z ! re/ ( ! twelve lead]s1 9 inaugurat+ ! great "w4 ,on ! ,levites is laid ! imm$iate responsibility ( c>ry+ x ?r\gh4 ,:5 ! f\ndation is laid1 ! prie/s 9 _! new :ite ve/m5ts s\nd _! silv] trumpets1 & ! *oir ( ,levites1 ! sons ( ,asaph1 clang _! braz5 cymbals4 ,to ! accompanim5t ( ?is inspirit+ music !y s+ glad psalms 9 praise ( ,god1 giv+ ?anks to ,him1 celebrat+ ,8 goodness & ,8 m]cy t endure? = ev] t[>d ,israel4 ,?is is n at all l ! s(t music & calm *ant+ ( subdu$ ca!dral s]vices t we ?9k ( 9 connection ) great national fe/ivals4 ,! in/rum5ts bl>e & cla%1 ! *ori/]s cry al\d1 & ! p jo9 !m ) a mighty %\t4 ,:5 %rill discordant notes ( bitt] wail+1 pip$ by a gr\p ( melan*oly old m51 ?reat5 to break ! h>mony ( ! sc5e1 !y are dr[n$ 9 ! deluge ( jubilation t rises up 9 prote/ & beats d[n all _! opposition ) its triumph ( gladness4 ,to a sob] ,we/]n ! sc5e w\ld seem to be a sort ( religi\s orgy1 l a wild ,bac*analian fe/ival1 l ! h[l+ ( ho/s ( d]vi%es4 ,b al?\gh x is ! ,engli%man's habit to take 8 religion sombrely1 if n sadly1 x may be well = him to pause be=e pron\nc+ a condemnation ( ^? m5 & wom5 :o are m exub]ant 9 ! expression ( spiritual emotion4 ,if he f9ds1 ev5 among 8 fell[-c\ntrym51 "s :o p]mit !mselves a m lively music & a m free me?od ( public wor%ip ?an he is accu/om$ to1 is x n a m>k ( insul> n>r[ness = him to visit ^! unconv5tional p ) disapprobation8 ,9 ab&on+ ! sev]e mann]s ( _! race1 !y are only approa*+ ne>] to ! "t-old me?ods ( anci5t ,israel4 ,9 ?is clang\r & clam\r at ,j]usalem ! pr$om9ant note 0 a bur/ ( irrepressible gladness4 ,:5 ,god turn$ ! captivity ( ,israel1 m\rn+ 0 trans=m$ into laught]4 ,to und]/& ! wild excitem5t ( ! ,jews1 _! pan ( joy1 _! v ec/asy1 we mu/ recollect :at !y _h pass$ ?r\gh1 z well z :at !y 7 n[ anticipat+4 ,we mu/ rememb] ! cruel disa/] ( ! ov]?r[ ( ,j]usalem1 ! desolation ( ! exile1 ! sickness ( we>y wait+ = deliv]ance1 ! h>%ness ( ! p]secution t embitt]$ ! lat] ye>s ( ! captivity "u ,nabonidas2 we mu/ ?9k ( ! toilsome pilgrimage ?r\gh ! des]t1 ) its dismal wa/es1 its dang]s & its t]rors1 foll[$ by ! pati5t "w on ! l& & ga!r+ 9 ( means = build+ ! temple4 ,& n[ all ?is 0 ov]4 ,! b[ _h be5 t]ribly b5t2 ! reb\nd 0 imm5se4 ,p :o _c feel /rong religi\s gladness h nev] kn[n ! he>ta*e ( deep religi\s grief4 ,^! ,israelites _h cri$ out ( ! dep?s2 !y 7 prep>$ to %\t = joy f ! heights4 ,p]haps we may g fur!r1 & detect a f9] note 9 ?is great bla/ ( jubilation1 a note ( high] & m solemn gladness4 ,! *a/isem5t ( ! exile 0 pa/1 & ! long-suff]+ m]cy ( ,god--endur+ = ev]--0 aga9 smil+ out on ! *a/5$ p4 ,& yet ! positive realisation ( _! hopes 0 = ! future4 ,! joy1 !re=e1 0 inspir$ by fai?4 ,) little accompli%$ z yet1 ! sangu9e p already saw ! temple 9 _! m9d's eye1 ) its massive walls1 its c$> *amb]s1 & its adornm5t ( gold & ri*ly dy$ hang+s4 ,9 ! v lay+ ( ! f\ndation _! eag] imag9ations leap$ =w>d to ! cr[n+ ( ! highe/ p9nacles4 ,p]haps !y saw m2 p]haps !y p]ceiv$1 ?\gh b dimly1 some?+ ( ! mean+ ( ! spiritual bless$ness t _h be5 =etold by _! prophets4 ,all ?is gladness c5tr$ 9 ! build+ ( a temple1 & !re=e ultimately 9 ! wor%ip ( ,god4 ,we take b a "o-sid$ view ( ,judaism if we judge x by ! s\r ideas ( lat] ,ph>isaism4 ,z x pres5t$ itself to ,/4 ,paul 9 opposition to ! gospel1 x 0 /]n & loveless4 ,b 9 its e>li] days ?is religion 0 free & gladsome1 ?\gh1 z we %all soon see1 ev5 !n a rig\r ( fanaticism soon crept 9 & turn$ its joy into grief4 ,"h1 h[ev]1 at ! f\nd+ ( ! temple1 x we>s its sunnie/ aspect4 ,!re is no reason :y religion %\ld we> any o!r aspect to ! dev\t s\l4 ,x %\ld be happy2 = is x n ! wor%ip ( a happy ,god8 ,nev]!less1 9 ! mid/ ( ! almo/ univ]sal acclaim ( joy & praise1 !re 0 ! note ( sadness wail$ by ! old m51 :o c\ld recollect ! v5]able fane 9 :i* _! fa!rs _h wor%ipp$ be=e ! ru?less soldi]s ( ,nebu*adnezz> _h r$uc$ x to a heap ( a%es4 ,possibly "s ( !m _h /ood on ?is v spot half a c5tury be=e1 9 an agony ( despair1 :ile !y saw ! cruel flames lick+ ! anci5t /ones & blaz+ up among ! c$> beams1 & all ! f9e gold dimm$ ) black cl\ds ( smoke4 ,0 x likely t ! feeble flock j return$ f ,babylon c\ld ev] produce su* a wond] ( ! _w z ,solomon's temple _h be58 ,! en?usia/ic y\ng] p might be glad 9 _! ignorance2 b _! sob] eld]s1 :o knew m1 c\ld only weep4 ,we _c b ?9k t1 aft] ! too common habit ( ! ag$1 ^! m\rnful old m5 view$ ! pa/ 9 a glam\r ( memory1 magnify+ its spl5d\rs z !y look$ back on !m ?r\gh ! mi/s ( "t4 ,if s1 !y 7 old inde$2 = ?is habit1 & n ye>s1 makes real old age4 ,he is ag$ :o lives 9 bygone days1 ) 8 face ev] set to ! irrep>able pa/1 va9ly regrett+ its retreat+ memories1 un9t]e/$ 9 ! pres5t1 despond5t ( ! future4 ,! true elixir ( life1 ! secret ( p]petual y\? ( s\l1 is int]e/ 9 ! pres5t & ! future1 ) ! =w>d glance ( fai? & hope4 ,old m5 :o cultivate ?is _s h "y he>ts ?\gh ! sn[ is on _! heads4 ,& su* are wise4 ,no d\bt1 f ! /&po9t ( a n>r[ common s5se1 ) its %runk5 views conf9$ to ! mat]ial & ! mundane1 ! old m5 :o wept _h m reason = _! conduct ?an ! inexp]i5c$ y\ng] m5 :o rejoic$4 ,b !re is a prud5ce t comes ( bl9dness1 & !re is an imprud5ce t is sublime 9 its d>+1 because x spr+s f fai?4 ,! despair ( old age makes "o great mi/ake1 because x ignores "o great tru?4 ,9 not+ t _m good ?+s h pass$ away1 x =gets to rememb] t ,god rema9s4 ,god is n dead6 ,!re=e ! future is safe4 ,9 ! end ! "y en?usia/s ( ,j]usalem 7 ju/ifi$4 ,a prophet arose :o decl>$ t a glory :i* ! =m] temple _h nev] kn[n %\ld adorn ! new temple1 9 spite ( its humble beg9n+2 & hi/ory v]ifi$ 8 ^w :5 ! ,"l took possession ( ,8 h\se 9 ! p]son ( ,8 ,son4 ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,,! ,,limits ,,( ,,compreh5sion4 ,,ezra iv4 #a-e1 #bd4 ,! f\r? *apt] ( ! ,book ( ,ezra introduces ! vex$ "q ( ! limits ( compreh5sion 9 religion by af=d+ a concrete illu/ration ( x 9 a v acute =m4 ,communities1 l individual organisms1 c only live by means ( a c]ta9 adju/m5t to _! environm5t1 9 ! settlem5t ( :i* !re necess>ily arises a s]i\s /ruggle to det]m9e :at %all be absorb$ & :at reject$1 h[ f> x is desirable to admit ali5 bodies & to :at ext5t x is necess>y to exclude !m4 ,! difficulty ?us occasion$ appe>$ 9 ! company ( return$ exiles soon aft] !y _h begun to rebuild ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,x 0 ! se$ ( _m tr\bles4 ,! anxieties & disappo9tm5ts :i* ov]%ad[$ ! subsequ5t hi/ory ne>ly all ( !m sprang f ?is "o s\rce4 ,"h we are br\ght to a v di/+ui%+ *>act]i/ic ( ! ,p]sian p]iod4 ,! idea ( ,jewi% exclusiv5ess :i* has be5 s s+ul> a feature 9 ! :ole c\rse ( ,judaism "r d[n to our own day 0 n[ 9 its bir?-?roes4 ,l a "y ,h]cules1 x _h to fight = its life 9 its v cradle4 ,x fir/ appe>$ 9 ! anxi\s compilation ( g5ealogical regi/]s & ! c>eful sift+ ( ! qualifications ( ! pilgrims be=e !y left ,babylon4 ,9 ! ev5ts :i* foll[$ ! settlem5t at ,j]usalem x came =w>d ) det]m9$ insi/5ce on its rights1 9 opposition to a v tempt+ (f] :i* w\ld h be5 fatal to its v exi/5ce4 ,! *ronicl] introduces ! neighb\r+ p "u ! title ,! adv]s>ies ( ,judah & ,b5jam92 b 9 do+ s he is describ+ !m accord+ to _! lat] actions2 :5 !y fir/ appe> on 8 pages _! attitude is fri5dly1 & !re is no reason to suspect any hypocrisy 9 x4 ,we _c take !m to be ! rema9d] ( ! ,israelite inhabitants ( ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom :o _h be5 p]mitt$ to /ay 9 _! l& :5 _! bre?r5 _h be5 viol5tly expell$ by ! ,assyrians1 & :o 7 n[ ei!r %[+ _! old enmity to ,judah & ,b5jam9 by try+ to pick a new qu>rel1 or1 on ! o!r h&1 manife/+ a bett] _s & seek+ reconciliation4 ,no d\bt su* p exi/$1 especially 9 ! nor?1 :]e !y became1 9 "p at lea/1 ! ance/ors ( ! ,galileans ( ,new ,te/am5t times4 ,b ! m5 n[ ref]r$ to di/9ctly ass]t t !y 7 br\ght up to ,pale/9e by ! ,assyrian k+ ,es>-haddon4 ,nei!r c !y be ! desc5dants ( ! ,israelite prie/s :o 7 s5t at ! reque/ ( ! coloni/s to tea* !m ! religion ( ! l& :5 !y 7 al>m$ at an incursion ( lions2#bg = only "o prie/ is directly m5tion$ 9 ! hi/ory1 & ?\gh he may h _h companions & assi/ants1 ! small college ( mission>ies c\ld n be call$ ! p ( ! l& 7v]4 #d74 ,^! p mu/ be ! =eign coloni/s4 ,!re 7 ,*aldans f ,babylon & ! neighb\r+ cities ( ,cu?a & ,seph>vaim 7! mod]n ,mosaib71 ,elamites f ,susa1 ,pho5icians f ,sidon--if we may tru/ ,josephus "h#bh--;& ,arabs f ,petra4 ,^! _h be5 introduc$ on f\r successive occasions--fir/1 z ! ,assyrian inscriptions %[1 by ,s>gon1 :o s5t two sets ( coloni/s2 !n by ,es>-haddon2 &1 la/ly1 by ,a%ur-banipal4#bi ,! v>i\s nationalities _h _h "t to become well amalgamat$ toge!r1 = ! fir/ colonisation _h happ5$ a hundr$ & eighty ye>s1 & ! late/ colonisation a hundr$ & ?irty ye>s1 be=e ! ,jews return$ f ,babylon4 ,z ! successive exportations ( ,israelites w5t on side by side ) ! successive importations ( =eign]s1 ! two classes mu/ h liv$ toge!r = "s "t2 & ev5 aft] ! la/ captivity ( ! ,israelites _h be5 effect$1 ^? :o 7 /ill left 9 ! l& w\ld h come into contact ) ! coloni/s4 ,?us1 ap>t f ! special mission ( ! prie/ ^: bus9ess x 0 to introduce ! rites ( sacrificial wor%ip1 ! popul> religion ( ! ,israelites w\ld h become kn[n to ! mix$ hea!n p :o 7 settl$ among !m4 #bg #b ,k+s xvii4 #be-bh4 #bh ,ant41 ,,xii4 v4 #e4 #bi ,! ,osnapp> ( ,ezra iv4 #aj4 ,^! neighb\rs ass]t t !y wor%ip ! ,god :om ! ,jews at ,j]usalem wor%ip1 & t !y h sacrific$ to ,him s9ce ! days ( ,es>-haddon1 ! ,assyrian k+ to :om1 9 p>ticul>1 !y attribute _! be+ br\ght up to ,pale/9e1 possibly because ! ance/ors ( ! deputation to ,j]usalem 7 among ! coloni/s plant$ by t k+4 ,= a c5tury & a half !y h ackn[l$g$ ! ,god ( ! ,jews4 ,!y !re=e reque/ to be p]mitt$ to assi/ 9 rebuild+ ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,at ! fir/ blu% ( x _! petition looks reasonable & ev5 g5]\s4 ,! ,jews 7 poor2 a great "w lay be=e !m2 & ! inadequacy ( _! means 9 view ( :at !y aim$ at _h plung$ ! less en?usia/ic among !m into grief & despair4 ,"h 0 an (f] ( assi/ance t might prove mo/ efficaci\s4 ,! idea ( c5tralisation 9 wor%ip ( :i* ,josiah _h made s mu* w\ld be fur!r$ by ?is means1 because in/ead ( foll[+ ! example ( ! ,israelites be=e ! exile :o _h _! alt> at ,be!l1 ! coloni/s propos$ to take "p 9 ! erection ( ! "o ,jewi% temple at ,j]usalem4 ,if _! previ\s habit ( (f]+ sacrifices 9 _! own t]ritory 0 (f5sive to rigor\s ,jews1 al?\gh !y might speak ( x q naively1 because !y 7 unconsci\s t !re 0 any?+ objectionable 9 x & ev5 reg>d x z m]itori\s1 ! v way to aboli% ?is anci5t cu/om 0 to give ! coloni/s an int]e/ 9 ! c5tral %r9e4 ,if _! religion 0 defective1 h[ c\ld x be improv$ bett] ?an by br++ !m into contact ) ! law-abid+ ,jews8 ,:ile ! (f] ( ! coloni/s promis$ aid to ! ,jews 9 build+ ! temple1 x also af=d$ !m a gr& mission>y opportunity = c>ry+ out ! broad programme ( ! ,second ,isaiah1 :o _h promis$ ! spread ( ! light ( ,god's grace among ! ,g5tiles4 ,9 view ( ^! consid]ations we _c b read ! acc\nt ( ! absolute rejection ( ! (f] by ,z]ubbabel1 ,je%ua1 & ! re/ ( ! twelve lead]s ) a s5se ( pa9ful disappo9tm5t4 ,! less pleas+ side ( religi\s int5sity "h pres5ts itself4 ,zeal seems to be pass+ into fanaticism4 ,a selfi% elem5t m>s ! picture ( :ole-he>t$ devotion :i* 0 s delightfully portray$ 9 ! hi/ory ( ! return$ exiles up to ?is "t4 ,! lead]s are cauti\s en\gh to c\* _! answ] 9 t]ms t seem to h9t at _! inability to comply ) ! fri5dly reque/ ( _! neighb\rs1 h[ev] mu* !y may wi% to d s1 because ( ! limitation impos$ ^u !m 9 ! edict ( ,cyrus :i* conf9$ ! comm& to build ! temple at ,j]usalem to ! ,jews4 ,b x is evid5t t ! secret ( ! refusal is 9 ! m9d & w ( ! ,jews !mselves4 ,!y absolutely decl9e any co-op]ation ) ! coloni/s4 ,!re is a /+ 9 ! c>efully *os5 language ) :i* !y def9e _! "w3 !y call x build+ a h\se unto our ,god4 ,?us !y n only accept ! polite phrase ,y\r ,god employ$ by ! coloni/s 9 address+ !m2 b by m>k$ly acc5tuat+ its limitation !y disall[ any "r ( ! coloni/s to claim ! same div9ity4 ,su* a curt refusal ( fri5dly ov]tures 0 naturally mo/ (f5sive to ! p :o receiv$ x4 ,b _! subsequ5t conduct 0 s bitt]ly ill-natur$ t we are driv5 to ?9k !y mu/ h _h "s selfi% aims f ! fir/4 ,!y at once set "s paid ag5ts to "w at c\rt to poison ! m9d ( ! gov]nm5t ) calumnies ab\t ! ,jews4 ,x is sc>cely likely t !y 7 able to w9 ,cyrus ov] to _! side aga9/ 8 fav\rite protgs4 ,! k+ may h be5 too absorb$ ) ! great affairs ( 8 va/ dom9ions = any murmur ( ?is bus9ess to rea* him :ile x 0 be+ dispos$ ( by "s (ficial4 ,b p]haps ! matt] did n come up till aft] ,cyrus _h h&$ ov] ! gov]nm5t to 8 son ,cambyses1 :i* he did 9 ! ye> ,b4,c4 #ecb--?ree ye>s be=e 8 dea?4 ,at all ev5ts ! calumnies 7 successful4 ,! "w ( ! temple build+ 0 arre/$ at its v comm5cem5t--= z yet little m _h be5 done beyond collect+ mat]ials4 ,! ,jews 7 pay+ de>ly = _! exclusiv5ess4 ,all ?is looks v mis]able4 ,b let u exam9e ! situation4 ,we %\ld %[ a total lack ( ! hi/orical _s if we 7 to judge ! conduct ( ,z]ubbabel & 8 companions by ! broad pr9ciples ( ,*ri/ian lib]alism4 ,we mu/ take into acc\nt _! religi\s tra9+ & ! measure ( light to :i* !y _h atta9$4 ,we mu/ also consid] ! s+ul>ly difficult position 9 :i* !y 7 plac$4 ,!y 7 n a nation2 !y 7 a ,*ur*4 ,_! v exi/5ce1 !re=e1 dep5d$ ^u a c]ta9 ecclesia/ical organisation4 ,!y mu/ h %ap$ !mselves accord+ to "s def9ite l9es1 or !y w\ld h melt$ away into ! mass ( mix$ nationalities & debas$ eclectic religions ) :i* !y 7 surr\nd$4 ,:e!r ! c\rse ( p]sonal exclusiv5ess :i* !y *ose 0 wise/ & be/ may be fairly que/ion$4 ,x has be5 ! c\rse foll[$ by _! *ildr5 all ?r\gh ! c5turies1 & x has acquir$ ?is mu* ( ju/ification--x has succe$$4 ,judaism has be5 pres]v$ by ,jewi% exclusiv5ess4 ,we may ?9k t ! ess5tial tru?s ( ,judaism might h be5 ma9ta9$ by o!r means :i* w\ld h all[$ ( a m graci\s treatm5t ( outsid]s4 ,mean:ile1 h[ev]1 we mu/ see t ,z]ubbabel & 8 companions 7 n simply indulg+ 9 *urli% unsociability :5 !y reject$ ! reque/ ( _! neighb\rs4 ,rightly or wrongly1 !y took ?is disagreeable c\rse ) a great purpose 9 m9d4 ,!n we mu/ und]/& :at ! reque/ ( ! coloni/s really involv$4 ,x is true !y only ask$ to be all[$ to assi/ 9 build+ ! temple4 ,b x w\ld h be5 impossible to /ay "h4 ,if !y _h tak5 an active %>e 9 ! lab\r & sacrifice ( ! con/ruction ( ! temple1 !y c\ld n h be5 exclud$ aft]w>ds f tak+ "p 9 ! temple wor%ip4 ,?is is ! m cle> s9ce ! v gr\nds ( _! reque/ 7 t !y wor%ipp$ & sacrific$ to ! ,god ( ! ,jews4 ,n[ a great prophet _h pr$ict$ t ,god's h\se 0 to be a home ( pray] = all nations4#cj ,b ! ,jews at ,j]usalem belong$ to a v diff]5t s*ool ( ?\ght4 ,) !m1 z we h le>nt f ! g5ealogies1 ! racial idea 0 pr$om9ant4 ,judaism 0 = ! ,jews4 #cj ,isa4 lvi4 #g4 ,b let u und]/& :at t religion 0 :i* ! coloni/s ass]t$ to be id5tical ) ! religion ( ! return$ exiles4 ,!y said !y wor%ipp$ ! ,god ( ! ,jews1 b x 0 aft] ! mann] ( ! p ( ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom4 ,9 ! days ( ! ,israelites t wor%ip _h be5 associat$ ) ! /e] at ,be!l1 & ! p ( ,j]usalem _h condemn$ ! deg5]ate religion ( _! nor!rn bre?r5 z s9ful 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,b ! coloni/s _h n conf9$ !mselves to ?is4 ,!y _h comb9$ _! old idolatr\s religion ) t ( ! newly adopt$ indig5\s div9ity ( ,pale/9e4 ,!y fe>$ ! ,"l1 & s]v$ _! own gods4#ca ,betwe5 !m1 !y ador$ a ho/ ( ,pagan div9ities1 ^: b>b>\s names are grimly not$ by ! ,hebrew hi/orian--,succo?-b5o?1 ,n]gal1 ,a%ima1 etc4#cb ,!re is no evid5ce to %[ t ?is hea!nism _h become ext9ct by ! "t ( ! rebuild+ ( ! ,j]usalem temple4 ,at all ev5ts1 ! ba/>d product ( su* a wor%ip z t ( ! ,be!l /e] & ! ,babylonian & ,pho5ician div9ities1 ev5 :5 purg$ ( its mo/ gross corruption1 0 n likely to be aft] ! m9d ( ! puritan pilgrims4 ,! coloni/s did n (f] to adopt ! traditional ,torah1 :i* ! return$ exiles 7 s$ul\sly obs]v+4 #ca #b ,k+s xvii4 #cc4 #cb #b ,k+s xvii4 #cj1 #ca4 ,/ill x may be said1 if ! p 7 imp]fect 9 k & corrupt 9 practice1 might n ! ,jews h enlight5$ & help$ !m8 ,we are rem9d$ ( ! reproa* t ,b$e br+s s /]nly aga9/ ! anci5t ,briti% ,*ri/ians :5 he blames !m = n hav+ taught ! gospel to ! ,saxon hea!n :o _h invad$ _! l&4 ,h[ f> x w\ld h be5 possible = a feeble p to evangelise _! m p[]ful neighb\rs1 9 ei!r case1 x is impossible to say4 ,x _c be d5i$1 h[ev]1 t 9 _! refusal ! ,jews gave prom95ce to racial & n to religi\s di/9ctions4 ,yet ev5 9 ?is matt] x w\ld be unreasonable = u to expect !m to h surpass$ ! e>ly ,*ri/ian ,*ur* at ,j]usalem & to h anticipat$ ! d>+ lib]alism ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,! foll[]s ( ,/4 ,james 7 reluctant to receive any conv]ts into _! communion except on condition ( circumcision4 ,?is meant t ,g5tiles mu/ become ,jews be=e !y c\ld be recognis$ z ,*ri/ians4 ,n[ !re 0 no sign t ! mix$ race ( coloni/s ev] contemplat$ becom+ ,jews by humbl+ !mselves to a rite ( initiation4 ,ev5 if mo/ ( !m 7 already circumcis$1 z f> z we "k none ( !m gave an indication ( will+ness to subject !mselves :olly to ,jewi% ord9ances4 ,to receive !m1 !re=e1 w\ld be contr>y to ! root pr9ciple ( ,judaism4 ,x is n fair to mete out a h>% condemnation to ,jews :o decl9$ to d :at 0 only all[$ among ,*ri/ians aft] a desp]ate /ruggle1 :i* sep>at$ ! lead] ( ! lib]al p>ty f _m ( 8 bre?r5 & left him = a long :ile "u a cl\d ( suspicion4 ,great confusion has be5 import$ into ! controv]sy on ,*ur* compreh5sion by n keep+ x sep>ate f ! "q ( tol]ance 9 religion4 ,! two are di/9ct 9 _m respects4 ,compreh5sion is an ecclesia/ical matt]2 tol]ance is prim>ily conc]n$ ) ! policy ( ! /ate4 ,:il/ x is admitt$ t nobody %\ld be co]c$ 9 8 religion by ! /ate1 x is n !re=e to be assum$ t ev]ybody is to be receiv$ into ! ,*ur*4 ,nev]!less we feel t !re is a real & vital connection betwe5 ! ideas ( tol]ation & ,*ur* compreh5siv5ess4 ,a ,*ur* may become culpably intol]ant1 al?\gh %e may n use ! p[] ( ! /ate = ! execution ( h] m&ates2 %e may contrive _m pa9ful =ms ( p]secution1 )\t resort+ to ! rack & ! ?umb-screw4 ,! "q !re=e arises1 ,:at are ! limits to tol]ance )9 a ,*ur*8 ,! attempt to fix ^! limits by cre$s & canons has n be5 :olly successful1 ei!r 9 exclud+ ! unwor?y or 9 includ+ ! mo/ desirable memb]s4 ,! drift ( ?\ght 9 ! pres5t day be+ t[>ds wid] compreh5siv5ess1 x becomes increas+ly desirable to det]m9e on :at pr9ciples ?is may be atta9$4 ,good m5 are we>y ( ! little g>d5 wall$ ar\nd1 & !y d\bt :e!r x is altoge!r ! ,"l's peculi> gr\nd2 !y h discov]$ t _m ( ! fl[]s ( ! field are fair & fragrant1 & !y h a ke5 suspicion t n a few we$s may be lurk+ ev5 9 ! trim p>t]re2 s !y look ov] ! wall & long = bread? & bro!rhood1 9 a l>g] recognition ( all t is good 9 ! _w4 ,n[ ! dull religi\s le?>gy ( ! eighte5? c5tury is a w>n+ aga9/ ! *ief dang] t ?reat5s ^? :o yield !mselves to ?is fasc9at+ impulse4 ,latitud9>ianism s\ght to wid5 ! fold t _h be5 n>r[$ on "o side by sac]dotal pret5sions & on ! o!r side by puritan rig\r4 ,! result 0 t ! fold almo/ disappe>$4 ,!n religion 0 ne>ly swall[$ up 9 ! swamps ( indiff]5ce4 ,?is deplorable issue ( a well-meant attempt to s]ve ! cause ( *>ity sugge/s t !re is little good 9 break+ d[n ! b>ri]s ( exclusiv5ess unless we h fir/ e/abli%$ a pot5t c5tre ( unity4 ,if we h put an end to division simply by de/roy+ ! int]e/s :i* once divid$ m51 we h only atta9$ ! communion ( dea?4 ,9 ! gravey>d fri5d & foe lie peaceably side by side1 b only because bo? are dead4 ,:]ev] !re is life two opposite influ5ces are inv>iably at "w4 ,!re is a =ce ( attraction draw+ 9 all t is cong5ial1 & !re is a =ce ( a contr>y "* repell+ ev]y?+ t is uncong5ial4 ,any attempt to tamp] ) ei!r ( ^! =ces mu/ result 9 disa/]4 ,a social or an ecclesia/ical division t arbitr>ily crosses ! l9es ( natural aff9ity creates a s*ism 9 ! body1 & leads to a pa9ful mutilation ( fell[%ip4 ,on ! o!r h&1 a =c$ compreh5sion ( ali5 elem5ts produces int]nal friction1 :i* (t5 leads to an explosion1 %att]+ ! :ole fabric4 ,b ! common mi/ake has be5 9 att5d+ to ! circumf]5ce & neglect+ ! c5tre1 9 beat+ ! b\nds ( ! p>i% in/ead ( =tify+ ! citadel4 ,! lib]alism ( ,/4 ,paul 0 n latitud9>ian1 because x 0 inspir$ by a vital pr9ciple :i* s]v$ z ! c5tre ( all 8 tea*+4 ,he prea*$ lib]ty & compreh5siv5ess1 because he _h fir/ prea*$ ,*ri/4 ,9 ,*ri/ he f\nd at once a bond ( union & an escape f n>r[ness4 ,! middle wall ( p>tition 0 brok5 d[n1 n by a ,v&al arm$ ) no?+ bett] ?an ! besom ( de/ruction1 b by ! ,f\nd] ( a new k+dom1 :o c\ld disp5se ) artificial re/rictions because ,he c\ld draw all m5 unto ,himself4 ,un=tunately ! return$ captives at ,j]usalem did n feel consci\s ( any su* spiritual c5tre ( unity4 ,!y might h f\nd x 9 _! gr&ly simple cre$1 9 _! fai? 9 ,god4 ,b _! absorption 9 sacrificial ritual & its adjuncts %[s t !y 7 too mu* "u ! influ5ce ( religi\s ext]nalism4 ,?is be+ ! case1 !y c\ld only pres]ve ! purity ( _! communion by c>efully gu>d+ its gates4 ,x is pitiable to see t !y c\ld f9d no bett] means ( do+ ?is ?an ! h>% te/ ( racial integrity4 ,_! action 9 ?is matt] fo/]$ a pride ( bir? :i* 0 z injuri\s to _! own bett] lives z x 0 to ! ext5sion ( _! religion 9 ! _w4 ,b s long z !y 7 incapable ( a l>g] me?od1 if !y _h accept$ c\nsels ( lib]alism !y w\ld h lo/ !mselves & _! mission4 ,look+ at ! positive side ( _! mission1 we see h[ ! ,jews 7 call$ to be> witness to ! great pr9ciple ( sep>at5ess4 ,?is pr9ciple is z ess5tial to ,*ri/ianity z x 0 to ,judaism4 ,! only diff]5ce is t ) ! m spiritual fai? x takes a m spiritual =m4 ,! p ( ,god mu/ ev] be consecrat$ to ,god1 & !re=e sep>ate f s91 sep>ate f ! _w--sep>ate unto ,god4 ,,note4--,= ! section iv4 #f-bc see ,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,?is section is m>k$ by a *ange ( language2 ! writ] adopts ,aramaic at iv4 #h1 & he cont9ues 9 t language d[n to vi4 #ah4 ,! decree ( ,artax]xes 9 vii4 #ab-bf is also 9 ,aramaic4 ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,,! ,,mission ,,( ,,prophecy4 ,,ezra v4 #a1 #b4 ,! "w ( build+ ! temple at ,j]usalem1 :i* _h be5 b nom9ally comm5c$ 9 ! reign ( ,cyrus1 :5 x 0 sudd5ly arre/$ be=e ! dea? ( t k+1 & :i* _h n be5 t\*$ ?r\gh\t ! reigns ( ! two succe$+ k+s1 ,cambyses & ,pseudo-,b>des1 0 tak5 up 9 e>ne/ 9 ! second ye> ( ,d>ius1 ! son ( ,hy/aspes 7,b4,c4 #eba74 ,! disord]s ( ! empire 7 !n fav\rable to local lib]ty4 ,cambyses committ$ suicide dur+ a revolt ( 8 army on ! m>* to meet ! ,pret5d] :o _h assum$ ! "n ( 8 murd]$ bro!r1 ,b>des4 ,sev5 mon?s lat] ! usurp] 0 assass9at$ 9 8 palace by "s ( ! ,p]sian nobles4 ,d>ius1 :o 0 "o ( ! conspirators1 asc5d$ ! ?rone 9 ! mid/ ( confusion & :ile ! empire seem$ to be fall+ to pieces4 ,elam1 ! old home ( ! h\se ( ,cyrus1 revolt$2 ,syria revolt$2 ,babylon revolt$ twice1 & 0 twice tak5 by siege4 ,= a "t ! k+'s writ c\ld n run 9 ,pale/9e4 ,b x 0 n on acc\nt ( ^! political *anges t ! ,jews return$ to _! "w4 ,! relax+ ( ! supreme au?ority _h left !m m ?an ev] at ! m]cy ( _! unfri5dly neighb\rs4 ,! g5]\s disposition ( ,d>ius might h l$ !m to reg>d him z a second ,cyrus1 & 8 religion might h enc\rag$ !m to hope t he w\ld be fav\rable to !m1 = ,d>ius 0 a mono!i/1 a wor%ipp] ( ,ormazd4 ,b !y recomm5c$ _! "w )\t mak+ any appeal to ! ,great ,k+ & )\t receiv+ any p]mission f him1 & !y did ?is :5 he 0 f> too busy fight+ = 8 ?rone to att5d to ! tr\bles ( a small1 di/ant city4 ,we mu/ look 9 ano!r direction = ! impetus :i* />t$ ! ,jews aga9 ^u _! "w4 ,"h we come ^u "o ( ! mo/ /rik+ facts 9 ! hi/ory ( ,israel1 nay1 "o ( ! greate/ ph5om5a 9 ! spiritual exp]i5ce ( mank9d4 ,! voice ( prophecy 0 he>d among ! ru9s ( ,j]usalem4 ,! ,cass&ra-l notes ( ,j]emiah _h di$ away m ?an half a c5tury be=e4 ,!n ,ezekiel _h se5 8 fanta/ic visions1 a captive by ! riv] ( ,*eb>1 & ! ,second ,isaiah _h s\nd$ 8 trumpet-bla/ 9 ! ,ea/ summon+ ! exiles to a great hope2 b z yet no prophet _h appe>$ among ! pilgrims on _! return to ,j]usalem4 ,we _c acc\nt = ! sudd5 outbur/ ( prophecy4 ,x is a "w ( ! ,_s t brea!s l ! w9d1 com+ we "k n h[4 ,we c he> its s\nd2 we c p]ceive ! fact4 ,b we _c trace its orig91 or det]m9e its issues4 ,x is born 9 my/]y & x passes into my/]y4 ,if x is true t poeta nascitur1 non fit1 mu* m mu/ we affirm t ! prophet is no creature ( human culture4 ,he may be cultivat$1 aft] ,god has made him2 he _c be manufactur$ by any human ma*9]y4 ,no ,s*ool ( ! ,prophets ev] made a true prophet4 ,_m ( ! prophets nev] came ne> any su* in/itution2 "s ( !m di/9ctly repudiat$ ! pr(essional ord]4 ,! l[] prophets ) :i* ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom once sw>m$ 7 j d]vi%es :o sang & danc$ & work$ !mselves into a fr5zy be=e ! alt>s on ! high places2 ^! m5 7 q diff]5t f ! truly inspir$ mess5g]s ( ,god4 ,_! craft c\ld be taught1 & _! sacr$ colleges recruit$ to any ext5t f ! ranks ( fanaticism4 ,b ! r>e1 au/]e s\ls t spoke ) ! au?ority ( ! ,mo/ ,high came 9 a totally diff]5t mann]4 ,:5 !re 0 no prophet & :5 visions 7 r>e m5 c\ld only wait = ,god to s5d ! hop$-= guide2 !y c\ld n call him into exi/5ce4 ,! appe>ance ( an inspir$ s\l is always "o ( ! m>vels ( hi/ory4 ,great m5 ( ! second rank may be ! creatures ( _! age4 ,b x is giv5 to ! few ( ! v fir/ ord] to be indep5d5t ( _! age1 to confront x & oppose x if ne$ be1 p]haps to turn its curr5t & %ape its c\rse4 ,! two prophets :o n[ proclaim$ _! message 9 ,j]usalem appe>$ at a "t ( deep depression4 ,!y 7 n borne on ! cre/ ( a wave ( a religi\s revival1 z its spokesm5 to give x utt]ance4 ,pagan orators & arti/s fl\ri%$ 9 an ,augu/an age4 ,! ,hebrew prophets came :5 ! circum/ances ( society 7 lea/ fav\rable4 ,l pa9t]s aris+ to adorn a d+y city1 l poets s++ ( summ] 9 ! w9t] ( discont5t1 l fl[]s 9 ! wild]ness1 l wells 9 ! des]t1 !y br\ght life & /r5g? & gladness to ! helpless & despond5t1 because !y came f ,god4 ,! lit]>y =m ( _! "w reflect$ ! civilisation ( _! day1 b !re 0 on x a light t nev] %one on sea or %ore1 & ?is !y knew to be ! light ( ,god4 ,we nev] f9d a true religi\s revival spr++ f ! _s ( ! age4 ,su* a revival always beg9s 9 "o or two *oice s\ls--9 a ,moses1 a ,samuel1 a ,john ! ,bapti/1 a ,/4 ,b]n>d1 a ,jona?an-,edw>ds1 a ,wesley1 a ,newman4 ,!re=e x is va9 = we>y wat*]s to scan ! horizon = signs ( ! times 9 ! hope t "s g5]al improvem5t ( society or "s widespread awak5+ ( ! ,*ur* w u%] 9 a bett] future4 ,?is is no reason = disc\ragem5t1 h[ev]4 ,x r w>ns u n to despise ! day ( small ?+s4 ,:5 once ! spr+ ( liv+ wat] breaks out1 ?\gh x fl[s at fir/ 9 a little brook1 !re is hope t x may swell into a great riv]4 ,! situation is ! m rem>kable s9ce ! fir/ ( ! two prophets 0 an old man1 :o ev5 seems to h kn[n ! fir/ temple be=e its de/ruction by ,nebu*adnezz>4#cc ,haggai is call$ simply ! prophet1 p]haps because 8 fa!r's "n 0 n kn[n1 b m likely because he himself _h atta9$ s mu* em95ce t ! title 0 giv5 to him p> excell5ce4 ,/ill ?is may only apply to ! descriptions ( him 9 ! age ( ! *ronicl]4 ,!re is no indication t he prophesi$ 9 8 e>li] days4 ,he 0 probably "o ( ! captives :o _h be5 c>ri$ away to ,babylon 9 8 *ildhood1 & :o _h return$ ) ,z]ubbabel to ,j]usalem4 ,yet all ?is "t & dur+ ! fir/ ye>s ( 8 return1 z f> z we "k1 he 0 sil5t4 ,at l5g?1 9 extreme old age1 he bur/ out into inspir$ utt]ance--"o ( ,joel's old m5 :o 7 to dream dreams1#cd l ,john ! ,evangeli/1 ^: greate/ "w dates f 8 la/ ye>s1 & ,milton1 :o wrote 8 great epic :5 affliction seem$ to h end$ 8 life-"w4 ,he mu/ h be5 brood+ ov] ! bitt] disappo9tm5t 9 :i* ! en?usiasm ( ! return$ captives _h be5 qu5*$4 ,x c\ld n be ,god's w t !y %\ld be ?us mock$ & deceiv$ 9 _! be/ hopes4 ,true fai? is n a w-o'-!-wisp t l&s its foll[]s 9 a dre>y swamp4 ,! hope ( ,israel is no mirage4 ,= ,god is fai?ful4 ,!re=e ! despair ( ! ,jews mu/ be wrong4 #cc ,hag4 i4 #a1 ii4 #i4 #cd ,joel ii4 #bh4 ,we h a few fragm5ts ( ! utt]ances ( ,haggai pres]v$ = u 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ,canon4 ,!y are s brief & bald & abrupt z to sugge/ ! op9ion t !y are b notes ( 8 disc\rses1 m]e outl9es ( :at he really said4 ,z !y are pres]v$ = u !y c]ta9ly convey no idea ( weal? ( poetic imag9ation or ri*ness ( oratorical col\r+4 ,b ,haggai may h possess$ none ( ^! qualities1 & yet 8 words may h _h a peculi> =ce ( _! own4 ,he is a reflective man4 ,! long m$itation ( ye>s has taught him ! value ( ?\ghtfulness4 ,! burd5 ( 8 message is ,consid] y\r ways4#ce ,9 %ort1 incisive utt]ances he arre/s att5tion & urges consid]ation4 ,b ! outcome ( all he has to say is to *e] ! droop+ spirits ( 8 fell[-citiz5s1 & urge on ! rebuild+ ( ! temple ) confid5t promises ( its great future4 ,= ! mo/ "p 8 inspiration is simple1 b x is se>*+1 & we p]ceive ! triumphant hopefulness ( ! true prophet 9 ! promise t ! latt] glory ( ! h\se ( ,god %all be great] ?an ! =m]4#cf #ce ,hag4 i4 #e1 #g4 #cf ,hag4 ii4 #i4 ,haggai began to prophesy on ! fir/ day ( ! six? mon? ( ! second ye> ( ,d>ius4#cg ,s effective 7 8 words t ,z]ubbabel & 8 companions 7 at once r\s$ f ! le?>gy ( despair1 & )9 ?ree weeks ! masons & c>p5t]s 7 aga9 at "w on ! temple4#ch ,two mon?s aft] ,haggai _h brok5 ! long sil5ce ( prophecy 9 ,j]usalem ,ze*>iah appe>$4 ,he 0 ( a v diff]5t /amp2 he 0 "o ( ! "y m5 :o see visions4 ,famili> ) ! imag]y ( ,babylonian art1 he wove its symbols into ! pictures ( 8 own exub]ant fancy4 ,moreov]1 ,ze*>iah 0 a prie/4 ,?us1 l ,j]emiah & ,ezekiel1 he unit$ ! two rival t5d5cies :i* _h confront$ "o ano!r 9 m>k$ antagonism dur+ ! e>li] p]iods ( ! hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,h5ce=? ! brief return ( prophetism1 its s(t aft]-gl[ among ! re/or$ p1 is 9 peaceable alliance ) prie/ism4 ,! la/ prophet1 ,mala*i1 ev5 exhorts ! ,jews to pay ! prie/s _! dues ( ti!4 ,ze*>iah1 l ,haggai1 urges on ! "w ( build+ ! temple4 #cg ,hag4 i4 #a4 #ch ,hag4 ii4 #a seq4 ,?us ! *ronicl]'s brief note on ! appe>ance ( two prophets at ,j]usalem1 & ! electrical effect ( _! message1 is a /rik+ illu/ration ( ! mission ( prophecy4 ,t mission has be5 /rangely misappreh5d$ by succe$+ ages4 ,prophets h be5 treat$ z miracul\s conjur]s1 ^: pr9cipal bus9ess consi/$ 9 putt+ toge!r elaborate puzzles1 p]fectly un9telligible to _! contempor>ies1 :i* ! curi\s ( lat] times 7 to deciph] by ! light ( ev5ts4 ,! prophets !mselves =m$ no su* idle e/imate ( _! "w1 nor did _! contempor>ies assign to !m ?is qua9t & useless rle4 ,?\gh ^! m5 7 n ! creatures ( _! times1 !y liv$ = _! times4 ,haggai & ,ze*>iah1 z ! *ronicl] emphatically puts x1 prophesi$ to ! ,jews t 7 9 ,j]usalem1 444 ev5 unto !m4 ,! object ( _! message 0 imm$iate & q practical--to /ir up ! despond5t p & urge !m to build ! temple--& x 0 successful 9 accompli%+ t end4 ,z prophets ( ,god !y necess>ily t\*$ on et]nal tru?s4 ,!y 7 n m]e opportuni/s2 _! /r5g? lay 9 ! grasp ( fundam5tal pr9ciples4 ,?is is :y _! tea*+ /ill lives1 & is ( la/+ use = ! ,*ur* 9 all ages4 ,b 9 ord] to und]/& t tea*+ we mu/ fir/ ( all read x 9 its orig9al hi/orical sett+1 & discov] its direct be>+ on contempor>y ne$s4 ,n[ ! "q arises1 ,9 :at way did ^! prophets ( ,god help ! temple-build]s8 ,! fragm5ts ( _! utt]ances :i* we possess enable u to answ] ?is "q4 ,z]ubbabel 0 a disappo9t+ lead]4 ,su* a man 0 f> bel[ ! expect$ ,messiah1 al?\gh high hopes may h be5 set ^u him :5 he />t$ at ! head ( ! c>avan ( pilgrims f ,babylon4 ,cyrus may h kn[n him bett]1 & ) ! in/9ct ( a k+ 9 read+ m5 may h entru/$ ! lead to ! heir ( ! ,jewi% ?rone1 because he saw !re w\ld be no possibility ( a dang]\s rebellion result+ f ! act ( confid5ce4 ,haggai's enc\ragem5t to ,z]ubbabel to be /rong is 9 a tone t sugge/s "s weakness on ! "p ( ! ,jewi% lead]4 ,bo? ! prophets ?\ght t he & 8 p 7 too easily disc\rag$4 ,x 0 a "p ( ! prophetic insight to look bel[ ! surface & discov] ! real secret ( failure4 ,! ,jews set d[n _! failure to adv]se circum/ances2 ! prophets attribut$ x to ! "* & conduct ( ! p & _! lead]s4 ,weak m5 commonly excuse _! inactivity by recit+ _! difficulties1 :5 /rong] m5 w\ld only reg>d ^? difficulties z furni%+ an occasion = extra ex]tion4 ,t is a mo/ sup]ficial view ( hi/ory :i* reg>ds x z :olly det]m9$ by circum/ances4 ,no great nation ev] arose on su* a pr9ciple4 ,! ,greeks :o p]i%$ at ,!rmopyl )9 a few ye>s ( ! times we are n[ consid]+ are hon\r$ by all ! ages z h]oes ( patriotism j because !y refus$ to b[ to circum/ances4 ,n[ ! c\rage :i* patriots practis$ 9 pagan l&s is urg$ ^u ! ,jews by _! prophets f high] consid]ations4 ,!y are to see t !y are weak & c[>dly :5 !y sit 9 dumb despair1 cru%$ by ! weight ( ext]nal opposition4 ,!y h made a mi/ake 9 putt+ _! tru/ 9 pr9ces4#ci ,!y h reli$ too mu* on ,z]ubbabel & too little on ,god4 ,! failure ( ! arm ( fle% %\ld s5d !m back to ! nev]-fail+ out-/ret*$ arm ( ! ,almighty4 #ci ,psalm cxviii4 #h1 #i4 ,h we n met ) ! same mi/ak5 disc\ragem5t & ! same deceptive excuses = x 9 ! "w ( ! ,*ur*1 9 mission>y ent]prises1 9 p]sonal lives8 ,e door is %ut aga9/ ! s]vant ( ,god b "o1 ! door ( pray]4 ,=gett+ ?is1 & los+ sight ( ! key ( fai? t w\ld unlock x1 he sits1 l ,elijah by ,k]i?1 ! picture ( abject wret*$ness4 ,8 great ent]prises are ab&on$ because he ?9ks ! opposition to !m is insup]able4 ,he =gets t1 ?\gh 8 own =ces are small1 he is ! envoy ( ! ,k+ ( k+s1 :o w n suff] him to be wor/$ if only he appeals to ,heav5 = fre% supplies4 ,a dead mat]ialism lies l a lead5 weight on ! he>t ( ! ,*ur*1 & %e has n fai? en\gh to %ake x (f & claim h] great inh]itance 9 all ! spiritual weal? ( ! ,unse54 ,_m a man cries1 l ,jacob1 ,all ^! ?+s are aga9/ me1 n p]ceiv+ t1 ev5 if !y are1 no numb] ( ?+s %\ld be p]mitt$ to *eck ! c\rse ( "o :o looks above & beyond :at is se5 & !re=e only temporal to ! et]nal res\rces ( ,god4 ,?is 0 ! message ( ,ze*>iah to ,z]ubbabel3 ,n by might1 nor by p[]1 b by ,my _s1 sai? ! ,"l ( ho/s4 ,:o art ?\1 ,o great m\nta98 be=e ,z]ubbabel ?\ %alt become a pla93 & he %all br+ =? ! head /one ) %\t+s ( ,grace1 grace unto x6#dj #dj ,ze*4 iv4 #f1 #g4 ,"h1 !n1 is ! secret ( ! sudd5 revival ( activity on ! "p ( ! ,jews aft] !y _h be5 slic+ = ye>s 9 dumb apa?y1 gaz+ hopelessly on ! few /ones t _h be5 laid among ! ru9s ( ! old temple4 ,x 0 n ! return+ fav\r ( ! c\rt "u ,d>ius1 x 0 n ! fame ( ! h\se ( ,david1 x 0 n ! prie/ly dignity ( ! family ( ,zadok t awak5$ ! slumb]+ zeal ( ! ,jews2 ! movem5t began 9 an un(ficial s\rce1 & x pass$ to ! p ?r\gh un(ficial *annels4 ,x comm5c$ 9 ! m$itations ( a calm ?9k]2 x 0 fur!r$ by ! visions ( a rapt se]4 ,?is is a cle> indication ( ! fact t ! _w is rul$ by m9d & _s1 n m]ely by =ce & au?ority4 ,?\ght & imag9ation lie at ! spr+s ( action4 ,9 ! he>t ( x hi/ory is m\ld$ by ideas4 ,big battalions1 ! s9ews ( w>1 blood & iron1 are phrases t sugge/ only ! mo/ ext]nal & !re=e ! mo/ sup]ficial causes4 ,b5ea? !m are ! ideas t gov]n all !y repres5t4 ,fur!r1 ! influ5ce ( ! prophets %[s t ! ideas :i* h mo/ vitality & vig\r are moral & spiritual 9 "*4 ,all ?\ghts are influ5tial 9 proportion z !y take possession ( ! m9ds & he>ts ( m5 & wom54 ,!re is p[] 9 conceptions ( sci5ce1 philosophy1 politics1 sociology4 ,b ! ideas t t\* p to ! quick1 ! ideas t /ir ! hidd5 dep?s ( consci\sness & r\se ! slumb]+ en]gies ( life1 are ^? t make /raight = ! consci5ce4 ,?us ! two prophets expos$ ! %ame ( indol5ce2 !y ralli$ _! gloomy fell[-citiz5s by high appeals to ! s5se ( "r4 ,aga91 ?is influ5ce 0 imm5sely /r5g!n$ by its relation to ,god4 ,! prophets 7 m ?an morali/s4 ,! m$itations ( ,m>cus ,aurelius c\ld n t\* any p z ! consid]ations ( ! calm ,haggai t\*$ ! ,jews1 = ! old] prophet1 z well z ! m r\s+ ,ze*>iah1 f\nd ! spell ( 8 message 9 its revelation ( ,god4 ,he made ! ,jews p]ceive t !y 7 n des]t$ by ,jehovah2 & directly !y felt t ,god 0 ) !m 9 _! "w ! weak & timid citiz5s 7 able to quit !m l m54 ,! irresi/ible might ( ,cromwell's ,ironsides at ,m>/on ,moor came f _! unwav]+ fai? 9 _! battle-cry1 ,! ,"l ( ,ho/s is ) u6 ,g5]al ,gordon's immeasurable c\rage is expla9$ :5 we read 8 lett]s & di>ies1 & see h[ he reg>d$ himself z simply an in/rum5t ?r\gh :om ,god wr\ght4 ,"h1 too1 is ! /rong side ( ,calv9ism4 ,!n ?is impression ( ! p[] & pres5ce ( ,god 9 _! de/9ies 0 deep5$ 9 ! ,jews by ! manife/ ,div9e au?ority ) :i* ! prophets spake4 ,!y prophesi$ 9 ! "n ( ! ,god ( ,israel--! "o ,god ( ! p ( bo? k+doms n[ unit$ 9 _! repres5tatives4 ,_! ,?us sai? ! ,"l 0 ! p[d] t drove ! %ot ( _! message ?r\gh ! t\ghe/ hide ( apa?y4 ,except to a ,platoni/1 ideas are impossible ap>t f ! m9d t ?9ks !m4 ,n[ ! ,jews1 z well z _! prophets1 felt t ! great ideas ( prophecy c\ld n be ! products ( pure human ?9k+4 ,! sublime "*1 ! moral =ce1 ! sup]b hopefulness ( ^! ideas proclaim$ _! ,div9e orig94 ,z x is ! mission ( ! prophet to speak = ,god1 s x is ! voice ( ,god 9 ,8 inspir$ mess5g] t awakes ! dead & gives /r5g? to ! weak4 ,?is ultimate s\rce ( prophecy acc\nts = its unique "* ( hopefulness1 & t 9 turn makes x a p[]ful enc\ragem5t = ! weak & depress$ p to :om x is s5t4 ,wordswor? tells u t we live by admiration1 love1 & hope4 ,if "o ( ^! ?ree s\rces ( vitality is lo/1 life itself %r9ks & fades4 ,! man ^: hope has fl$ has no lu/re 9 8 eye1 no acc5t 9 8 voice1 no ela/icity 9 8 tread2 by 8 dull & li/less attitude he decl>es t ! life has gone out ( him4 ,b ! ultimate end ( prophecy is to lead up to a gospel1 & ! mean+ ( ! ^w gospel is j t !re is a message f ,god br++ hope to ! despair+4 ,by inspir+ a new hope ?is message k9dles a new life4 ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,,new ,,difficulties ,,met ,,9 ,a ,,new ,,_s4 ,,ezra v4 #c-vi4 #e4 ,x is 9 keep+ ) ! "* ( 8 /ory ( ! return$ ,jews ?r\gh\t1 t no soon] has ! *ronicl] let a ray ( sun%9e fall on 8 page--9 8 brief notice ( ! inspirit+ mission ( ! two prophets--?an he is compell$ to plunge 8 n>rative aga9 into gloom4 ,b he %[s t !re 0 n[ a new _s 9 ! ,jews1 s t !y 7 prep>$ to meet opposition 9 a m manly fa%ion4 ,if _! jeal\s neighb\rs _h be5 able to p>alyse _! ef=ts = ye>s1 x 0 only to be expect$ t a revival ( en]gy 9 ,j]usalem %\ld provoke an increase ( antagonism abroad1 & d\btless ! ,jews 7 prep>$ = ?is4 ,/ill x 0 n a little al>m+ to le>n t ! infection ( ! anti-,jewi% temp] _h spread ov] a wide area4 ,! orig9al opposition _h come f ! ,sam>itans4 ,b 9 ?is lat] "t ! ,jews 7 que/ion$ by ! ,satrap ( ! :ole di/rict ea/ ( ! ,euphrates--! gov]nor beyond ! riv]1#da z ! *ronicl] /yles him1 describ+ 8 t]ritory z x w\ld be reg>d$ (ficially f ! /&po9t ( ,babylon4 ,8 ,aramaic "n1 ,tatt5ai1 %[s t he 0 n a ,p]sian1 b a native ,syrian1 appo9t$ to 8 own prov9ce1 accord+ to ! ,p]sian cu/om4 ,?is man & "o ,%e?>-boz5ai1 :om we may assume to be 8 secret>y1 mu/ h be5 approa*$ by ! coloni/s 9 su* a way t _! suspicions 7 r\s$4 ,_! action 0 at fir/ only j & reasonable4 ,!y ask$ ! ,jews to /ate on :at au?ority !y 7 rebuild+ ! temple ) its massive walls4 ,9 ! ,hebrew ,bible ! answ] ( ! ,jews is s peculi> z to sugge/ a corruption ( ! text4 ,x is 9 ! fir/ p]son plural--,!n said we unto !m1 etc4#db ,9 ! ,septuag9t ! ?ird p]son is sub/itut$--,!n said !y1 etc41 & ?is r5d]+ is foll[$ 9 ! ,syriac & ,arabic v]sions4 ,x w\ld require a v slight alt]ation 9 ! ,hebrew text4 ,! ,old ,te/am5t ,revis]s h reta9$ ! fir/ p]son--sett+ ! alt]native read+ 9 ! m>g94 ,if we keep to ! ,hebrew text z x /&s1 we mu/ conclude t we h "h a fragm5t f "s contempor>y writ] :i* ! *ronicl] has transcrib$ lit]ally4 ,b !n x seems confus+4 ,"s h %ap$ ! s5t5ce into a direct /atem5t1 s t 9 reply to ! inquiry = _! au?ority ! ,jews give ! names ( ! build]s4 ,h[ is ?is an answ]8 ,possibly ! "n ( ,z]ubbabel1 :o _h be5 appo9t$ gov]nor ( ,j]usalem by ,cyrus1 c\ld be quot$ z an au?ority4 ,& yet ! weakness ( 8 position 0 s evid5t t v little w\ld be ga9$ 9 ?is way1 = x w\ld be ! "r ( ! ,satrap to inquire into ! conduct ( ! local gov]nor4 ,if1 h[ev]1 we read ! s5t5ce 9 ! ?ird p]son1 x w conta9 a fur!r "q f ! ,satrap & 8 secret>y1 inquir+ = ! names ( ! lead]s 9 ! "w at ,j]usalem4 ,su* an inquiry ?reat5$ dang] to ! feeble ,z]ubbabel4 #da ,ezra v4 #c4 #db ,ezra v4 #d4 ,! s]i\sness ( ! situation is recognis$ by ! grateful comm5t ( ! *ronicl]1 :o "h rem>ks t ! eye ( _! ,god 0 ^u ! eld]s ( ! ,jews4#dc ,x is ! peculi>ity ( ev5 ! drye/ records ( ,scripture t ! writ]s are always ready to detect ! pres5ce ( ,god 9 hi/ory4 ,?is ju/ifies u 9 describ+ ! ,biblical n>ratives z sacr$ hi/ory1 9 contra/ to ! s-call$ secul> hi/ory ( su* au?ors z ,h]odotus & ,livy4 ,! n>r[ conception ( ! diff]5ce is to ?9k t ,god 0 ) ! ,jews1 :ile ,he left ! ,greeks & ,romans & ! :ole ,g5tile _w to _! fate )\t any recognition or int]f]5ce on ,8 "p4 ,su* a view is mo/ di%on\r+ to ,god1 :o is ?us reg>d$ z no bett] ?an a tribal div9ity1 & n z ! ,"l ( heav5 & e>?4 ,x is directly contradict$ by ! ,old ,te/am5t hi/orians1 = !y repeat$ly ref] to ! influ5ce ( ,god on great _w mon>*ies4 ,no d\bt a claim to ! ,div9e graci\sness z ! peculi> privilege ( ,israel is to be se5 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,z f> z ?is 0 p]v]t$ into a selfi% desire to conf9e ! bless+s ( ,god to ! ,jews1 x 0 vigor\sly rebuk$ 9 ! ,book ( ,jonah4 ,/ill x is indisputable t ^? :o truly s\ght ,god's grace1 ackn[l$g$ ,8 au?ority1 & obey$ ,8 w1 mu/ h enjoy$ privileges :i* su* ( ! hea!n z ,/4 ,paul describes 9 ! fir/ *apt] ( 8 ,epi/le to ! ,romans c\ld n %>e4 ,?us ! *ronicl] writes z ?\gh ! lead]s ( ! ,jews 9 _! difficulties 7 ! special objects ( ! ,div9e notice4 ,! eye ( ,god 0 on !m1 di/9ctively4 ,god is spok5 ( z _! ,god4 ,!y 7 m5 :o knew1 tru/$1 & hon\r$ ,god1 & at ! pres5t mom5t !y 7 loyally c>ry+ out ! direction ( ,god's prophets4 ,all ?is is special4 ,nev]!less1 x rema9s true t ! *ief *>act]i/ic ( ,biblical hi/ory is its recognition ( ! pres5ce ( ,god 9 ! affairs ( mank9d g5]ally1 & ?is applies to all nations1 al?\gh x is mo/ m>k$ among ^? nations 9 :i* ,god is kn[n & obey$4 #dc ,ezra v4 #e4 ,! peculi> =m ( ,provid5ce :i* is br\ght be=e u 9 ! pres5t in/ance is ! ,div9e obs]vation4 ,x is difficult to believe t1 j z ! e>? is visible to ! />s ?r\gh\t ! day :ile ! />s are invisible to ! e>?1 we are always se5 by ,god al?\gh we nev] see ,him4 ,:5 circum/ances are adv]se--& ^! circum/ances are only too visible--x is h>d n to d\bt t ,god is /ill wat*+ all t happ5s to u1 because al?\gh we cry out 9 our agony no answ] breaks ! awful sil5ce & no h& comes out ( ! cl\ds to hold u up4 ,x seems z ?\gh our words 7 lo/ 9 ! void4 ,b t is only ! impression ( ! mom5t4 ,if we read hi/ory ) ! l>ge vision ( ! ,hebrew *ronicl]1 c we fail to p]ceive t ?is is n a ,god-des]t$ _w8 ,9 ! details ,8 pres5ce may n be disc]n$1 b :5 we /& back f ! canvas & survey ! :ole picture1 x fla%es ^u u l a sunbeam spread ov] ! :ole l&scape4 ,_m a man c recognise ! same happy tru? 9 ! c\rse ( 8 own life z he looks back ov] a wide /ret* ( x1 al?\gh :ile he 0 pass+ ?r\gh 8 p]plex+ exp]i5ce ! ?icket ( difficulties int]cept$ 8 vision ( ! heav5ly light4 ,n[ x is a mo/ pa9ful result ( unbelief & c[>dice work+ on ! consci\sness ( guilt lurk+ 9 ! brea/ ( e s9ful man1 t ! eye ( ,god has become an object ( t]ror to ! imag9ation ( s _m p4 ,poor ,hag>'s exclamation ( joy & gratitude has be5 sadly misappreh5d$4 ,discov]+ to h] amazem5t t %e is n alone 9 ! wild]ness1 ! fri5dless1 he>t-brok5 slave-girl looks up ?r\gh h] te>s ) a smile ( sudd5 joy on h] face1 & exclaims1 ,?\ ,god see/ me6#dd ,& yet h] happy words h be5 held ov] t]rifi$ *ildr5 z a m5ace6 ,t is a false ?\ght ( ,god :i* makes any ( ,8 *ildr5 %r9k f ,8 pres5ce1 except !y are f\l & lepr\s ) s91 & ev5 !n _! only refuge is1 z ,/4 ,augu/9e f\nd1 to come to ! v ,god aga9/ :om !y h s9n$4 ,we ne$ n fe> le/ "s day ,god may make a mis]able discov]y ab\t u4 ,he kn[s ! wor/1 already4 ,!n x is a gr\nd ( hope t :ile ,he sees all ! evil 9 u ,god /ill loves ,8 *ildr5--t ,he does n love u1 z x 71 "u a misappreh5sion4 ,our ,"l's tea*+ on ! subject ( ! ,div9e obs]vation is :olly reassur+4 ,n a sp>r[ falls to ! gr\nd )\t our ,fa!r's notice1 ! v hairs ( our head are all numb]$1 & ! exhortation bas$ on ^! facts is n ,bew>e ( ! all-see+ ,eye6 b ,fe> n4#de #dd ,g54 xvi4 #ac4 #de ,luke xii4 #g4 ,! limitation ( ! *ronicl]'s rem>k is significant4 ,he speaks ( ! eye ( ,god1 n ( ,god's mighty h&1 nor ( ,8 out/ret*$ arm4 ,x 0 n yet ! "t = action2 b ,god 0 wat*+ ! c\rse ( ev5ts4 ,or if ,god 0 act+1 ,8 proc$ure 0 s secret t no "o c\ld p]ceive x4 ,mean:ile x 0 en\gh to "k t ,god 0 obs]v+ ev]y?+ t 0 transpir+4 ,he c\ld n be ?\ght ( z an ,epicurean div9ity1 survey+ ! agony & trag$y ( human life ) a /ony gaze ( sup]cili\s indiff]5ce1 z ! pr\d patrician looks d[n on ! mis]y ( ! dim multitude4 ,= ,god to see is = ,god to c>e2 & = ,god to c>e is = ,god to help4 ,b ?is simple /atem5t ( ! ,div9e obs]vation ma9ta9s a res]ve z to ! me?od ( ! action ( ,god1 & x is p]haps ! be/ way ( describ+ ,provid5ce s t x %all n appe> to come into collision ) ! free w ( man4 ,! *ronicl] di/9ctly associates ! ,div9e obs]vation ) ! cont9uance ( ! ,jews 9 _! "w4 ,because ! eye ( ,god 0 on !m _! enemies c\ld n cause !m to cease until ! matt] _h be5 ref]r$ to ,d>ius & 8 answ] receiv$4 ,?is may be expla9$ by "s unrecord$ juncture ( circum/ances :i* arre/$ ! action ( ! enemies ( ,israel2 by ! ov]rul+ ,provid5ce accord+ to :i* ! ,satrap 0 l$ to p]ceive t x w\ld n be wise or j = him to act until he _h ord]s f ! k+2 or by ! new zeal ) :i* ! two prophets _h inspir$ ! ,jews1 s t !y took up a bold position 9 ! calm confid5ce t ,god 0 ) !m4 ,acc\nt = x z we may1 we see t 9 ! pres5t case ! ,jews 7 n h9d]$ 9 _! "w4 ,x is en\gh = fai? to p]ceive ! result ( ! ,div9e c>e )\t discov]+ ! process4 ,! lett] ( ! ,satrap & 8 secret>y embodies ! reply ( ! ,jews to ! (ficial inquiries1 & t reply cle>ly & boldly sets =? _! position4 ,"o or two po9ts 9 x call = pass+ notice4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ! ,jews describe !mselves z s]vants ( ! ,god ( heav5 & e>?4 ,?us !y />t by m5tion+ _! religi\s /atus1 & n any facts ab\t _! race or nation4 ,?is 0 wise1 & calculat$ to dis>m suspicion z to _! motives2 & x 0 /rictly true1 = ! ,jews 7 engag$ 9 a di/9ctly religi\s "w4 ,!n ! way 9 :i* !y describe _! ,god is significant4 ,!y d n use ! national "n ,jehovah4 ,t w\ld s]ve no good purpose ) m5 :o did n "k or ackn[l$ge _! special fai?4 ,!y say no?+ to localise & limit _! idea ( ,god4 ,to build ! temple ( a tribal god w\ld be to fur!r ! ends ( ! tribe1 & ?is ! jeal\s neighb\rs ( ! ,jews suppos$ !y 7 do+4 ,by ! l>g] title ! ,jews lift _! "w out ( all connection ) petty p]sonal ends4 ,9 do+ s !y confess _! true fai?4 ,^! ,jews ( ! return 7 pure mono!i/s4 ,!y believ$ t !re 0 "o ,god :o rul$ ov] heav5 & e>?4 ,9 ! second place1 ) j a t\* ( national pride1 pa!tic "u ! circum/ances1 !y rem9d ! ,p]sians t _! nation has se5 bett] days1 & t !y are rebuild+ ! temple :i* a great k+ _h set up4 ,?us1 :ile !y w\ld appeal to ! g5]osity ( ! au?orities1 !y w\ld claim _! respect1 ) ! dignity ( m5 :o "k !y h a great hi/ory4 ,9 view ( ?is ! next /atem5t is mo/ /rik+4 ,recit+ ! pite\s /ory ( ! ov]?r[ ( _! nation1 ! de/ruction ( _! temple1 & ! captivity ( _! fa!rs1 ! ,jews ascribe x all to _! national s9s4 ,! prophets _h long ago disc]n$ ! connection ( cause & effect 9 ^! matt]s4 ,b :ile x 0 only ! subject ( pr$iction1 ! pr\d p indignantly reject$ ! prophetic view4 ,s9ce !n _! eyes _h be5 op5$ by ! pa9ful purg+ ( dire national calamities4 ,"o great pro( t ! nation _h pr(it$ by ! fi]y ordeal ( ! captivity is t x n[ humbly ackn[l$g$ ! s9s :i* _h br\ght x into ! furnace4 ,tr\ble is illum9at+4 ,:ile x humbles m51 x op5s _! eyes4 ,x is bett] to see cle>ly 9 a l[ly place ?an to walk bl9dfold on p]il\s heights4 ,aft] ?is explanatory preamble1 ! ,jews appeal to ! edict ( ,cyrus1 & describe _! subsequ5t conduct z a direct act ( ob$i5ce to t edict4 ,?us !y plead _! cause z loyal subjects ( ! ,p]sian empire4 ,9 consequ5ce ( ?is appeal1 ! ,satrap & 8 secret>y reque/ ! k+ to ord] a se>* to be made = ! edict1 & to reply accord+ to 8 pleasure4 ,! *ronicl] !n proce$s to relate h[ ! se>* 0 prosecut$1 fir/ among ! royal ar*ives at ,babylon--9 ! h\se ( books4#df ,"o ( ,mr4 ,lay>d's mo/ valuable discov]ies 0 t ( a set ( *amb]s 9 a palace at ,koyunjik1 ! :ole ( ! floor ( :i* 0 cov]$ m ?an a foot deep ) t]ra-cotta tablets inscrib$ ) public records4#dg ,a simil> collection has be5 rec5tly f\nd 9 ! neighb\rhood ( ,babylon4#dh ,9 "s su* record-h\se ! se>* = ! edict ( ,cyrus 0 made4 ,b ! cyl9d] or tablet on :i* x 0 writt5 c\ld n be f\nd4 ,! se>*]s !n turn$ _! att5tion to ! roll-*amb] at ! w9t] palace ( ,ecbatana1 & !re a p>*m5t or papyrus copy ( ! edict 0 discov]$4 #df ,ezra vi4 #a4 #dg ,n9eveh & ,babylon1 p4 #cde4 #dh ,b]!au-,ryssel1 ,kurzgefas/es exegetis*es ,h&bu*1 p4 #gd4 ,"o ( ! items ( ?is edict z x is n[ giv5 is some:at surpris+1 = x 0 n nam$ 9 ! e>li] acc\nt 9 ! fir/ *apt] ( ! ,book ( ,ezra4 ,?is is a description ( ! dim5sions ( ! temple :i* 0 to be built at ,j]usalem4 ,x mu/ h be5 n a little humiliat+ to ! ,jews to h to take ^! measurem5ts f a =eign sov]eign1 a hea!n1 a poly!i/4 ,possibly1 h[ev]1 !y _h be5 fir/ suppli$ to ! k+ by ! ,jews1 s t ! build]s might h ! m explicit p]mission = :at !y 7 ab\t to und]take4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x may be t we h "h ! outside dim5sions1 beyond :i* ! ,jews 7 n p]mitt$ to g1 & t ! figures repres5t a limit = _! ambitions4 ,9 ei!r case ! appe>ance ( ! details 9 ! decree at all gives u a vivid conception ( ! ?or\ghness ( ! ,p]sian autocracy1 & ( ! p]fect subjection ( ! ,jews to ,cyrus4 ,"s difficulty has be5 felt 9 int]pret+ ! figures because !y seem to po9t to a l>g] build+ ?an ,solomon's temple4 ,! height is giv5 at sixty cubits1 & ! bread? at ! same measurem5t4 ,b ,solomon's temple 0 only ?irty cubits high1 & its total bread?1 ) its side-*amb]s1 0 n m ?an =ty cubits4#di ,:5 we consid] ! comp>ative pov]ty ( ! return$ ,jews1 ! difficulties "u :i* !y lab\r$1 ! disappo9tm5t ( ! old m5 :o _h se5 ! =m] build+1 & ! %ort "t )9 :i* ! "w 0 f9i%$--only f\r ye>s#ej--;x is difficult to believe t x 0 m ?an d\ble ! size ( ! glori\s fabric = :i* ,david collect$ mat]ials1 on :i* ,solomon lavi%$ ! be/ res\rces ( 8 k+dom1 & :i* ev5 !n took _m m ye>s 9 build+4 ,p]haps ! height includes ! t]race on :i* ! temple 0 built1 & ! bread? ! temple adjuncts4 ,p]haps ! temple nev] atta9$ ! dim5sions au?oris$ by ! edict4 ,b ev5 if ! full size 7 rea*$1 ! build+ w\ld n h approa*$ ! size ( ! /up5d\s temples ( ! great anci5t empires4 ,ap>t f its c\rts ,solomon's temple 0 c]ta9ly a small build+4 ,x 0 n ! size1 b ! spl5d\r ( t fam\s fabric t l$ to its be+ reg>d$ ) s mu* admiration & pride4 #di #a ,k+s vi4 #b4 #ej ,ezra iv4 #bd1 vi4 #ae4 ,! mo/ rem>kable ar*itectural feature ( all ^! anci5t temples 0 ! enorm\s magnitude ( ! /ones ) :i* !y 7 built4 ,at ! pres5t day ! visitor to ,j]usalem gazes ) wond] at huge blocks1 all c>efully *isell$ & accurately fitt$ toge!r1 :]e p>ts ( ! old f\ndations may /ill be disc]n$4 ,! n>rative 9 ,ezra makes sev]al ref]5ces to ! great /ones--/ones ( roll+#ea x calls !m1 because !y c\ld only be mov$ on roll]s4 ,ev5 ! edict m5tions ?ree r[s ( great /ones1 toge!r ) a r[ ( new timb]1#eb--;an obscure phrase1 :i* p]haps means t ! walls 7 to be ( ! ?ickness ( ?ree /ones1 :ile ! timb] =m$ an inn] pannell+2 or t !re 7 to be ?ree /oreys ( /one & "o ( wood2 or yet ano!r possibility1 t on ?ree ti]s ( /one a ti] ( wood 0 to be laid4 ,9 ! con/ruction ( ! inn] c\rt ( ,solomon's temple ?is ?ird me?od seems to h be5 foll[$1 = we read1 ,& he built ! inn] c\rt ) ?ree r[s ( hewn /one & a r[ ( c$> beams4#ec ,h[ev] we reg>d x--& ! plan is confus+ & a matt] ( mu* discussion--! impression is "o ( massive /r5g?4 ,! jeal\s obs]v]s not$ especially ! build+ ( ! wall ( ! temple4#ed ,s solid a piece ( "w might be turn$ into a =tification4 ,b no su* end seems to h be5 contemplat$ by ! ,jews4 ,!y built solidly because !y wi%$ _! "w to /&4 ,x 0 to be no tempor>y tab]nacle2 b a p]man5t temple design$ to endure to po/]ity4 ,we are /ruck ) ! massive "* ( ! ,roman rema9s 9 ,brita91 :i* %[ t :5 ! great _w conqu]ors took possession ( our isl& !y settl$ d[n 9 x & reg>d$ x z a p]man5t prop]ty4 ,! same gr& consci\sness ( p]man5ce mu/ h be5 9 ! m9ds ( ! brave build]s :o plant$ ?is solid /ructure at ,j]usalem 9 ! mid/ ( tr\bles & ?reat5+s ( disa/]4 ,to-day1 :5 we look at ! /up5d\s ,pho5ician & ,jewi% ar*itecture ( ,syria1 we are /ruck ) admiration at ! pati5ce1 ! p]sev]ance1 ! indu/ry1 ! ?or\ghness1 ! l>g5ess ( idea t *>act]is$ ! "w ( ^! old-_w build]s4 ,surely x mu/ h be5 ! outcome ( a simil> tone & temp] ( m9d4 ,! mod]n m9d may be m nimble1 z ! mod]n "w is m exp$iti\s4 ,b = /eadfa/ness ( purpose ! races t wr\ght s pati5tly at great endur+ works seem to h excell$ any?+ we c atta94 ,& yet "h & !re a simil> *>act]i/ic is obs]vable--z1 = example1 9 ! self-re/ra9t & cont9u\s toil ( ,*>les ,d>w91 :5 he collect$ facts = tw5ty ye>s be=e he publi%$ ! book :i* embodi$ ! conclusion he _h drawn f 8 wide induction4 #ea ,ezra v4 #h4 #eb ,ezra vi4 #d4 #ec #a ,k+s vi4 #cf4 #ed ,ezra v4 #i4 ,! solid "* ( ! temple-build+ is fur!r sugge/ive1 because ! "w 0 all done = ! s]vice ( ,god4 ,su* "w %\ld nev] be ha/y1 because ,god has ! leisure ( et]nity 9 :i* to inspect x4 ,x is lab\r lo/ to make x sup]ficial & %[y )\t any real /r5g?1 because ,god sees beh9d all pret5ces4 ,moreov]1 ! fire w try e man's "w ( :at sort x is4 ,we gr[ impati5t ( toil2 we we>y = quick results2 we =get t 9 build+ ! spiritual temple /r5g? to endure ! %ocks ( temptation & to outla/ ! decay ( "t is m valu$ by ,god ?an ! g\rd-l display :i* is ! s5sation ( ! h\r1 only to p]i% z quickly z x has sprung up4 ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,,! ,,d$ication ,,( ,,! ,,temple4 ,,ezra vi4 #f-bb4 ,! *ronicl]'s v]sion ( ! edict 9 :i* ,d>ius replies to ! application ( ! ,satrap ,tatt5ai is s v fri5dly to ! ,jews t que/ions h be5 rais$ z to its g5u95ess4 ,we _c b p]ceive t ! language has be5 modifi$ 9 its transition f ! ,p]sian t]ra-cotta cyl9d] to ! roll ( ! ,hebrew *ronicl]1 because ! ,great ,k+ c\ld n h spok5 ( ! religion ( ,israel 9 ! absolute phrases record$ 9 ! ,book ( ,ezra4 ,b :5 all all[ance has be5 made = v]bal alt]ations 9 translation & transcription1 ! sub/ance ( ! edict is /ill suffici5tly rem>kable4 ,d>ius fully endorses ! decree ( ,cyrus1 & ev5 exce$s t graci\s ord9ance 9 g5]osity4 ,he curtly bids ,tatt5ai let ! "w ( ! h\se ( ,god alone4 ,he ev5 ord]s ! ,satrap to provide = ?is "w out ( ! rev5ues ( 8 di/rict4 ,! public rev5ues are also to be us$ 9 ma9ta9+ ! ,jewi% prie/s & 9 provid+ !m ) sacrifices--t !y may (f] sacrifices ( sweet sav\r unto ! ,god ( heav51 & pray = ! life ( ! k+ & ( 8 sons4#ee #ee ,ezra vi4 #aj4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x _c be d\bt$ t ,d>ius s5t a reply t 0 fav\rable to ! ,jews1 = all opposition to _! "w 0 /opp$1 & means 7 f\nd = complet+ ! temple & ma9ta9+ ! co/ly ritual4 ,! ,jews gratefully ackn[l$g$ ! influ5ce ( ,god on ! he>t ( ,d>ius4 ,surely !y 7 "r 9 do+ s4 ,!y 7 gift$ ) ! true insight ( fai?4 ,x is no contradiction to add t--9 ! e>?ly sph]e & among ! human motives ?r\gh :i* ,god works1 by guid+ !m--:at we "k ( ,d>ius w acc\nt to "s ext5t = 8 fri5dl9ess t[>ds ! ,jews4 ,he 0 a p[]ful rul]1 & :5 he _h quell$ ! s]i\s rebellions t _h brok5 out 9 sev]al qu>t]s ( 8 k+dom1 he organis$ 8 gov]nm5t 9 a ma/]ly /yle ) a new & ?or\gh sy/em ( satrapies4#ef ,!n he pu%$ 8 conque/s f>m] afield1 & subsequ5tly came into contact ) ,europe1 al?\gh ultimately to suff] a humiliat+ defeat 9 ! fam\s battle ( ,m>a?on4 ,9 fact1 we may reg>d him z ! real f\nd] ( ! ,p]sian ,empire4 ,cyrus1 ?\gh 8 family 0 ( ,p]sian orig91 0 orig9ally a k+ ( ,elam1 & he _h to conqu] ,p]sia be=e he c\ld rule ov] x2 b ,d>ius 0 a pr9ce ( ! ,p]sian royal h\se4 ,unlike ,cyrus1 he 0 at lea/ a mono!i/1 if n a ?or\ghgo+ ,zoroa/rian4 ,! inscription on 8 tomb at ,nak%-i-,ru/em attributes all t he has a*iev$ to ! fav\r ( ,ormazd4 ,:5 ,ormazd saw ?is e>? fill$ ) revolt & civil w>1 !n did he entru/ x to me4 ,he made me k+1 & ,i am k+4 ,by ! grace ( ,ormazd ,i h re/or$ ! e>?4 ,all t ,i h done ,i h done ?r\gh ! grace ( ,ormazd4 ,ormazd br\ght help to me until ,i _h complet$ my "w4 ,may ,ormazd protect f evil me & my h\se & ?is l&4 ,!re=e ,i pray unto ,ormazd1 ,may ,ormazd grant ?is to me4 ,o ,man6 ,may ! comm& ( ,ormazd n be despis$ by !e3 leave n ! pa? ( "r1 s9 n6#eg ,su* language implies a high religi\s conception ( life4 ,al?\gh x is a mi/ake to suppose t ! ,jews _h borr[$ any?+ ( importance f ,zoroa/rianism dur+ ! captivity or 9 ! "t ( ,cyrus--inasmu* z t religion 0 !n sc>cely kn[n 9 ,babylon--:5 x began to make itself felt !re1 its simil>ity to ,judaism c\ld n fail to /rike ! att5tion ( obs]vant m54 ,x taught ! exi/5ce ( "o supreme ,god--?\gh x co-ord9at$ ! pr9ciples ( good & evil 9 ,8 be+1 z two subsidi>y exi/5ces1 9 a mann] n all[$ by ,judaism--& x enc\rag$ pray]4 ,x also insi/$ on ! dreadful evil ( s9 & urg$ m5 to /rive aft] purity1 ) an e>ne/ness t witness$ to ! bl5d+ ( morality ) religion to an ext5t unkn[n else:]e except among ! ,jews4 ,?us1 if ,d>ius 7 a ,zoroa/rian1 he w\ld h two p[]ful l9ks ( sympa?y ) ! ,jews 9 opposition to ! corrupt idolatry ( ! hea!n--! spiritual mono!ism & ! e>ne/ morality t 7 common to ! two religions4 ,& 9 any case x is n altoge!r surpris+ to le>n t :5 he read ! lett] ( ! p :o describ$ !mselves z ! s]vants ( ! ,god ( heav5 & e>?1 ! wor%ipp] ( ,ormazd %\ld h sympa?is$ ) !m r ?an ) _! semi-pagan oppon5ts4 ,moreov]1 ,d>ius mu/ h kn[n some?+ ( ,judaism f ! ,jews ( ,babylon4 ,!n1 he 0 re/or+ ! temples ( ,ormazd :i* 8 pr$ecessor _h de/roy$4 ,b ! ,jews 7 engag$ 9 a v simil> "w2 !re=e ! k+1 9 8 antipa?y to ! idolat]s1 w\ld give no sanction to a hea!ni% opposition to ! build+ ( ! temple at ,j]usalem by a p :o believ$ 9 ,"o ,spiritual ,god4 #ef ,h]odotus1 iii4 #hi4 #eg ,sayce1 ,introduction1 pp4 #eg1 #eh4 ,d>ius 0 cr$it$ ) a g5]\s disposition1 :i* w\ld incl9e him to a k9dly treatm5t ( 8 subjects4 ,( c\rse we mu/ int]pret ?is accord+ to ! mann]s ( ! times4 ,= example1 9 8 edict ab\t ! temple-build+ he gives ord]s t any "o ( 8 subjects :o h9d]s ! "w is to be impal$ on a beam f 8 own h\se1 ! site ( :i* is to be us$ = a refuse heap4#eh ,d>ius also invokes ! ,god ( ! ,jews to de/roy any =eign k+ or p :o %\ld attempt to alt] or de/roy ! temple at ,j]usalem4 ,! savag]y ( 8 m5ace is 9 h>mony ) 8 conduct :51 accord+ to ,h]odotus1 he impal$ ?ree ?\s& m5 at ,babylon aft] he _h recaptur$ ! city4#ei ,^? 7 cruel times--,h]odotus tells u t ! besieg$ ,babylonians _h previ\sly /rangl$ _! own wives :5 !y 7 runn+ %ort ( provisions4#fj ,! imprecation ) :i* ! edict closes may be mat*$ by "o on ! inscription ( ,d>ius at ,behi/um1 :]e ! ,great ,k+ invokes ! curse ( ,ormazd on any p]sons :o %\ld injure ! tablet4 ,! anci5t despotic _w-rul]s _h no conception ( ! mod]n virtue ( humanit>ianism4 ,x is sick5+ to picture to ourselves _! me?ods ( gov]nm5t4 ,! enorm\s mis]y involv$ is beyond calculation4 ,/ill we may believe t ! wor/ ?reats 7 n always c>ri$ out2 we may make "s all[ance = ,ori5tal extravagance ( language4 ,& yet1 aft] all has be5 said1 ! conclusion ( ! edict ( ,d>ius pres5ts to u a k9d ( /ate support = religion :i* no "o w\ld def5d 9 ! pres5t day4 ,9 accept+ ! help ( ! ,p]sian sov]eign ! ,jews c\ld n altoge!r dissociate !mselves f 8 way ( gov]nm5t4 ,nev]!less x is fair to rememb] t !y _h n ask$ = 8 support4 ,!y _h simply desir$ to be left unmole/$4 #eh ,ezra4 vi4 #aa4 #ei ,h]odotus1 iii4 #aei4 #fj ,ibid4 ,tatt5ai loyally execut$ ! decree ( ,d>ius2 ! temple-build+ proce$$ )\t fur!r h9drance1 & ! "w 0 complet$ ab\t f\r ye>s aft] its recomm5cem5t at ! in/igation ( ! prophet ,haggai4 ,!n came ! joy\s c]emony ( ! d$ication4 ,all ! return$ exiles took "p 9 x4 ,!y are nam$ collectively ! *ildr5 ( ,israel--ano!r indication t ! re/or$ ,jews 7 reg>d$ by ! *ronicl] z ! repres5tatives ( ! :ole unit$ nation z ?is _h exi/$ "u ,david & ,solomon be=e ! great s*ism4 ,simil>ly !re are twelve he-goats = ! s9-(f]+--= ! twelve tribes4#fa ,sev]al classes ( ,israelites are enum]at$1--fir/ ! cl]gy 9 _! two ord]s1 ! prie/s & ! ,levites1 always kept di/9ct 9 ,ezra2 next ! laity1 :o are describ$ z ! *ildr5 ( ! captivity4 ,! limitation ( ?is phrase is significant4 ,9 ! d$ication ( ! temple ! ,israelites ( ! l& :o 7 mix$ up ) ! hea!n p are n includ$4 ,only ! return$ exiles _h built ! temple2 only !y 7 associat$ 9 ! d$ication ( x4 ,"h is a /rictly gu>d$ ,*ur*4 ,access to x is ?r\gh ! "o door ( an unimpea*able g5ealogical record4 ,happily ! n>r[ness ( ?is arrangem5t is soon to be brok5 ?r\gh4 ,9 ! mean:ile x is to be obs]v$ t x is j ! p :o h endur$ ! h>d%ip ( sep>ation f _! belov$ ,j]usalem to :om ! privilege ( rejoic+ 9 ! completion ( ! new temple is giv54 ,! tame exi/5ce t _c fa?om ! dep?s ( mis]y is incapable ( so>+ to ! heights ( bliss4 ,! joy ( ! h>ve/ is = ^? :o h s[n 9 te>s4 #fa ,ezra vi4 #ag4 ,! "w 0 f9i%$1 & yet its v completion 0 a new comm5cem5t4 ,! temple 0 n[ d$icat$--lit]ally initiat$--= ! future s]vice ( ,god4 ,?is d$ication is an in/ance ( ! highe/ use ( man's "w4 ,! fruit ( ye>s ( toil & sacrifice is giv5 to ,god4 ,:atev] !ories we may h ab\t ! consecration ( a build+--& surely e build+ t is put to a sacr$ use is 9 a s5se a sacr$ build+--!re c be no "q z to ! rightness ( d$ication4 ,?is is j ! surr5d] to ,god ( :at 0 built = ,him out ( ! res\rces t ,he _h suppli$4 ,a d$ication s]vice is a solemn act ( transf] by :i* a build+ is giv5 ov] to ! use ( ,god4 ,we may save x f n>r[ness if we d n limit x to places ( public assembly4 ,! home :]e ! family alt> is set up1 :]e day by day pray] is (f]$1 & :]e ! common r\nd ( dome/ic duties is elevat$ & consecrat$ by be+ fai?fully dis*>g$ z 9 ! sight ( ,god1 is a true sanctu>y2 x too1 l ! ,j]usalem temple1 has its ,holy ( ,holies4 ,!re=e :5 a family ent]s a new h\se1 or :5 two "y lives cross ! ?re%old ( :at is to be h5ce=? _! home1 !re is z true a gr\nd = a solemn act ( d$ication z 9 ! op5+ ( a great temple4 ,a prophet decl>$ t ,hol9ess to ! ,"l 0 to *>act]ise ! v vessels ( h\sehold use 9 ,j]usalem4#fb ,x may lift "s ( ! burd5 ( drudg]y :i* presses on p :o are compell$ to sp5d _! "t 9 common h\se-toil1 = !m to p]ceive t !y may become prie/s & prie/esses m9i/]+ at ! alt> ev5 9 _! daily "w4 ,9 ! same _s truly dev\t m5 ( bus9ess w d$icate _! %ops1 _! factories1 _! (fices1 ! tools ( _! "w1 & ! ent]prises 9 :i* !y engage1 s t all may be reg>d$ z belong+ to ,god1 & only to be us$ z ,8 w dictates4 ,beh9d e su* act ( d$ication !re mu/ be a prior act ( self-consecration1 )\t :i* ! gift ( any m]e ?+ to ,god is b an insult to ! ,fa!r :o only seeks ! he>ts ( ,8 *ildr54 ,nay1 )\t ?is a real gift ( any k9d is impossible4 ,b ! p :o h fir/ giv5 _! own selves to ! ,"l are prep>$ = all o!r acts ( surr5d]4 #fb ,ze*4 xiv4 #ba4 ,accord+ to ! cu/om ( _! ritual1 ! ,jews signalis$ ! d$ication ( ! temple by ! (f]+ ( sacrifices4 ,ev5 ) ! help ( ! k+'s b\nty ^! 7 few 9 numb] comp>$ ) ! lavi% holocau/s t 7 (f]$ 9 ! c]emony ( d$icat+ ,solomon's temple4#fc ,"h1 9 ! ext]nal aspect ( ?+s1 ! melan*oly ar*ologi/s might h f\nd ano!r cause = lam5tation4 ,b we are n told t any su* p appe>$ on ! pres5t occasion4 ,! ,jews 7 n s fooli% z to believe t ! value ( a religi\s movem5t c\ld be asc]ta9$ by ! /udy ( ar*itectural dim5sions4 ,is x less mislead+ to attempt to e/imate ! spiritual prosp]ity ( a ,*ur* by ca/+ up ! items ( its balance-%eet1 or tabulat+ ! numb]s ( its congregations8 #fc #a ,k+s viii4 #fc4 ,look+ m closely into ! *ronicl]'s description ( ! sacrifices1 we see t ^! 7 pr9cipally ( two di/9ct k9ds4#fd ,!re 7 "s animals = burnt (f]+s1 :i* signifi$ complete d$ication1 & pl$g$ _! (f]]s to x4 ,!n !re 7 o!r animals = s9-(f]+s4 ,?us ev5 9 ! joy\s d$ication ( ! temple ! s9 ( ,israel c\ld n be =gott54 ,! increas+ importance ( sacrifices = s9 is "o ( ! mo/ m>k$ features ( ! ,hebrew ritual 9 its lat] /ages ( developm5t4 ,x %[s t 9 ! c\rse ( ages ! national consci\sness ( s9 0 int5sifi$4 ,at ! same "t x makes cle> t ! inexplicable conviction t )\t %$d+ ( blood !re c\ld be no remission ( s9s 0 also deep5$4 ,:e!r ! sacrifice 0 reg>d$ z a gift pleas+ & propitiat+ an (f5d$ ,god1 or z a sub/itute be>+ ! dea?-p5alty ( s91 or z a sacr$ life1 be/[+1 by means ( its blood1 new life on s9n]s :o _h =feit$ _! own lives2 9 any case1 & h[ev] x 0 int]pret$1 x 0 felt t blood mu/ be %$ if ! s9n] 0 to be fre$ f guilt4 ,?r\gh\t ! ages ?is awful ?\ght 0 m & m vividly pres5t$1 & ! my/]y :i* ! consci5ce ( _m refus$ to ab&on cont9u$1 until !re 0 a great revelation ( ! true mean+ ( sacrifice = s9 9 ! "o efficaci\s atonem5t ( ,*ri/4 #fd ,ezra vi4 #ag4 ,a subsidi>y po9t to be notic$ "h is t !re 7 j twelve he-goats sacrific$ = ! twelve tribes ( ,israel4 ,^! 7 national s9-(f]+s1 & n sacrifices = individual s9n]s4 ,"u special circum/ances ! individual c\ld br+ 8 own private (f]+4 ,b 9 ?is great temple function only national s9s 7 consid]$4 ,! nation _h suff]$ z a :ole = its collective s92 9 a correspond+ way x _h its collective expiation ( s94 ,!re are always national s9s :i* ne$ a broad public treatm5t1 ap>t f ! p>ticul> acts ( wick$ness committ$ by sep>ate m54 ,all ?is is said by ! *ronicl] to h tak5 place 9 accordance ) ,! ,law--,z x is writt5 9 ! book ( ,moses4#fe ,"h1 z 9 ! case ( ! simil> /atem5t ( ! *ronicl] 9 connection ) ! sacrifices (f]$ :5 ! great alt> ( burnt-(f]+s 0 set up1#ff we mu/ rememb]1 9 ! fir/ place1 t we h to d ) ! reflections ( an au?or writ+ 9 a subsequ5t age1 to :om ! :ole ,p5tateu* 0 a famili> book4 ,b !n x is also cle> t be=e ,ezra _h />tl$ ! ,jews by read+ ,! ,law 9 its lat] revelation !re mu/ h be5 "s e>li] =m ( x1 n only 9 ,deut]onomy1 b also 9 a prie/ly collection ( ord9ances4 ,x is a curi\s fact t no full directions on ! division ( ! c\rses ( ! prie/s & ,levites is n[ to be f\nd 9 ! ,p5tateu*4 ,on ?is occasion ! s]vices mu/ h be5 arrang$ on ! model ( ! traditional prie/ly law4 ,!y 7 n left to ! caprice ( ! h\r4 ,!re 0 ord]2 !re 0 cont9uity2 !re 0 ob$i5ce4 #fe ,ezra vi4 #ah4 #ff ,ezra iii4 #b4 ,! *ronicl] concludes ?is p]iod ( 8 hi/ory by add+ a p>agraph#fg on ! fir/ obs]vance ( ! ,passov] among ! return$ ,jews4 ,! national religion is n[ re-e/abli%$1 & !re=e ! greate/ fe/ival ( ! ye> c be enjoy$4 ,"o ( ! *>act]i/ics ( ?is fe/ival is made especially prom95t 9 ! pres5t obs]vance ( x4 ,! significance ( ! unleav5$ bread is po9t$ly notic$4 ,all leav5 is to be bani%$ f ! h\ses dur+ ! week ( ! ,passov]4 ,all impurity mu/ also be bani%$ f ! p4 ,! prie/s & ,levites p]=m ! c]emonial purifications & get !mselves legally clean4 ,! fran*ise is enl>g$2 & ! limitations ( g5ealogy ) :i* we />t$ are disp5s$ )4 ,a new class ( ,israelites receives a bro!rly welcome 9 ?is "t ( g5]al purification4 ,9 di/9ction f ! return$ captives1 !re are n[ ! ,israelites :o _h sep>at$ !mselves unto !m f ! fil?9ess ( ! hea!n ( ! l&1 to seek ! ,"l4 ,jehovah is po9t$ly describ$ z ! ,god ( ,israel--i4e41 ! ,god ( all sections ( ,israel4#fh ,^! p _c be proselytes f hea!nism--!re c\ld be few if any su* 9 exclusive times4 ,!y might consi/ ( ,jews :o _h be5 liv+ 9 ,pale/9e all ?r\gh ! captivity1 ,israelites also left 9 ! ,nor!rn ,k+dom1 & scatt]$ memb]s ( ! t5 tribes f v>i\s regions4 ,all su* are welcome on condition ( a sev]e process ( social purg+4 ,!y mu/ break (f f _! hea!n associations4 ,we may suspect a _s ( ,jewi% animosity 9 ! ugly phrase ! fil?9ess ( ! hea!n4 ,b x 0 only too true t bo? ! ,canaanite & ! ,babylonian habits ( life 7 disgu/+ly immoral4 ,! same horrible *>act]i/ic is f\nd among mo/ ( ! hea!n to-day4 ,^! degrad$ p are n simply b5ight$ 9 !ological error2 !y are corrupt$ by horrible vices4 ,mission>y "w is m ?an ! propagation ( ,*ri/ian !ology2 x is ! purg+ ( ,augean /ables4 ,/4 ,paul rem9ds u t we mu/ put away ! old leav5 ( s9ful habits 9 ord] to p>take ( ! ,*ri/ian ,passov]1#fi & ,/4 ,james t "o feature ( ! religi\s s]vice :i* is acceptable to ,god is to keep oneself unspott$ f ! _w4#gj ,?\gh un=tunately ) ! ext]nalism ( ! ,jews _! purification too (t5 became a m]e c]emony1 & _! sep>ation an ungraci\s race-exclusiv5ess1 /ill1 at ! root ( x1 ! ,passov] idea "h br\ght be=e u is pr(\ndly true4 ,x is ! ?\ght t we _c take "p 9 a sacr$ fea/ ( ,div9e gladness except on condition ( r5\nc+ s94 ,! joy ( ! ,"l is ! beatific vision ( sa9ts1 ! bless$ness ( ! pure 9 he>t :o see ,god4 #fg ,"h1 at ,ezra vi4 #ah1 ! au?or drops ! ,aramaic language--:i* 0 introduc$ at iv4 #h--;& resumes ! ,hebrew4 ,see page #ga4 #fh ,ezra vi4 #ba4 #fi #a ,cor4 v4 #g4 #gj ,james i4 #bg4 ,on ?is condition1 = ! p :o 7 ?us sep>ate1 ! fe/ival 0 a sc5e ( great gladness4 ,! *ronicl] calls att5tion to ?ree ?+s t 7 9 ! m9d ( ! ,jews inspir+ _! praises ?r\gh\t4#ga ,! fir/ is t ,god 0 ! s\rce ( _! joy--! ,"l _h made !m joyful4 ,!re is joy 9 religion2 & ?is joy spr+s f ,god4 ,! second is t ,god _h br\ght ab\t ! successful end ( _! lab\rs by directly influ5c+ ! ,great ,k+4 ,he _h turn$ ! he>t ( ! k+ ( ,assyria--a title = ,d>ius t speaks = ! au!nticity ( ! n>rative1 = x repres5ts an old =m ( spee* = ! rul] ( ! di/ricts t _h once belong$ to ! k+ ( ,assyria4 ,! ?ird fact is t ,god _h be5 ! s\rce ( /r5g? to ! ,jews1 s t !y _h be5 able to complete _! "w4 ,! result ( ! ,div9e aid 0 to /r5g!n _! h&s 9 ! "w ( ! h\se ( ,god1 ! ,god ( ,israel4 ,among 8 own p joy & /r5g? f ,god1 9 ! great _w a provid5tial direction ( ! m9d ( ! k+--?is 0 :at fai? n[ p]ceiv$1 & ! p]ception ( s wond]ful a ,div9e activity made ! ,passov] a fe/ival ( b\ndless gladness4 ,:]ev] t anci5t ,hebrew fai? is exp]i5c$ 9 conjunction ) ! ,passov] _s ( sep>ation f ! leav5 ( s9 religion always is a well ( joy4 #ga ,ezra vi4 #bb4 ,,*apt] ,x4 ,,ezra ,,! ,,scribe4 ,,ezra vii4 #a-aj4 ,al?\gh ! sev5? *apt] ( ,ezra beg9s ) no o!r indication ( "t ?an ! vague phrase ,n[ aft] ^! ?+s1 ne>ly sixty ye>s _h elaps$ betwe5 ! ev5ts record$ 9 ! previ\s *apt] & ! mission ( ,ezra "h describ$4 ,we h no hi/ory ( ?is long p]iod4 ,z]ubbabel pass$ into obscurity )\t leav+ any trace ( 8 lat] ye>s4 ,he _h accompli%$ 8 "w2 ! temple _h be5 built2 b ! brilliant ,messianic anticipations t _h clu/]$ ab\t him at ! outset ( 8 c>e] 7 to await _! fulfilm5t 9 a great] ,son ( ,david1 & p c\ld af=d to neglect ! memory ( ! man :o _h only be5 a sort ( tempor>y tru/ee ( ! hope ( ,israel4 ,we %all come across indications ( ! effects ( social tr\ble & religi\s decad5ce 9 ! /ate ( ,j]usalem z %e appe>$ at ! op5+ ( ?is new *apt] 9 h] hi/ory4 ,%e _h n recov]$ a ve/ige ( h] anci5t civic spl5d\r2 ! puritan rig\r ) :i* ! return$ exiles _h f\nd$ a ,*ur* among ! ru9s ( h] political greatness _h be5 relax$1 s t ! "o di/+ui%+ feature ( ! humble colony 0 9 dang] ( melt+ away 9 easy & fri5dly associations ) neighb\r+ peoples4 ,:5 x came1 ! revival ( zeal did n orig9ate 9 ! ,holy ,city4 ,x sprang up among ! ,jews at ,babylon4 ,! e>li] movem5t 9 ! reign ( ,cyrus _h aris5 9 ! same qu>t]4 ,! be/ ( ,judaism 0 no product ( ! soil ( ,pale/9e3 x 0 an exotic4 ,! elem5t>y ,torah ( ,moses em]g$ f ! des]t1 ) ! le>n+ ( ,egypt z its backgr\nd1 long be=e x 0 cultivat$ at ,j]usalem to blossom 9 ! re=mation ( ,josiah4 ,! f9al edition ( ,! ,law 0 %ap$ 9 ! ,valley ( ! ,euphrates1 ) ! lit]ature & sci5ce ( ,babylon to tra9 its editors = _! great task1 ?\gh x may h receiv$ its f9i%+ t\*es 9 ,j]usalem4 ,^! facts by no means obscure ! glory ( ! inspiration & ,div9e "* ( ,! ,law4 ,9 its !ology1 9 its e?ics1 9 its :ole _s & "*1 ! ,p5tateu* is no m a product ( ,babylonian ?an ( ,egyptian ideas4 ,its purity & elevation ( "* speak all ! m emphatically = its ,div9e orig9 :5 we take into acc\nt its corrupt surr\nd+s2 x 0 l a :ite lily gr[+ on a dung-heap4 ,/ill x is important to notice t ! great religi\s revival ( ,ezra's "t sprang up on ! pla9s ( ,babylon1 n among ! hills ( ,judah4 ,?is involves two v diff]5t facts--! peculi> spiritual exp]i5ce ) :i* x comm5c$1 & ! special lit]>y & sci5tific culture 9 ! mid/ ( :i* x 0 %ap$4 ,fir/1 x orig9at$ 9 ! exp]i5ce ( ! captivity1 9 humiliation & loss1 & aft] long brood+ ov] ! mean+ ( ! great *a/isem5t4 ,! exiles 7 l poets :o le>n 9 sorr[ :at !y tea* 9 song4 ,?is is app>5t 9 ! pa!tic psalms ( ! same p]iod1 & 9 ! writ+s ( ! vision>y ( ,*eb>1 :o contribut$ a l>ge %>e to ! new movem5t 9 view ( ! re-e/abli%m5t ( religi\s wor%ip at ,j]usalem4 ,?us ,j]usalem 0 lov$ by ! exiles1 ! temple pictur$ 9 detail to ! imag9ation ( m5 :o nev] trod its sacr$ c\rts1 & ! sacrificial sy/em mo/ c>efully /udi$ by p :o _h no means ( putt+ x 9 practice4 ,no d\bt ,! ,law n[ repres5t$ an intellectual r ?an a concrete =m ( religion4 ,x 0 an ideal4 ,s long z ! real is ) u1 x t5ds to depress ! ideal by its mat]ial bulk & weight4 ,! ideal is elevat$ 9 ! abs5ce ( ! real4 ,!re=e ! pauses ( life are invaluable2 by break+ ?r\gh ! iron r\t9e ( habit1 !y give u scope = ! gr[? ( l>g] ideas t may lead to bett] atta9m5ts4 ,secondly1 ?is religi\s revival appe>$ 9 a c5tre ( sci5tific & lit]>y culture4 ,! ,babylonians _h cultivat$ ari?metic1 a/ronomy1 hi/ory1 *ronology1 geography1 comp>ative philology1 & gramm>4#gb ,9 a/ronomy !y 7 s advanc$ t !y _h mapp$ out ! heav5s1 catalogu$ ! fix$ />s1 calculat$ eclipses1 & acc\nt$ = !m correctly4 ,_! enorm\s libr>ies ( t]ra-cotta1 only n[ be+ une>!d1 te/ify to _! lit]>y activity4 ,! ,jews br\ght back f ,babylon ! names ( ! mon?s1 ! new =m ( lett]s us$ 9 writ+ _! books1 & _m o!r products ( ! le>n+ & sci5ce ( ! ,euphrates4 ,int]nally ! religion ( ,israel is solit>y1 pure1 ,div9e4 ,ext]nally ! lit]>y =m ( x1 & ! physical conception ( ! univ]se :i* x embodies1 owe n a little to ! light :i* ,god _h be/[$ ^u ! p ( ,babylon2 j z ,*ri/ianity1 9 s\l & ess5ce ! religion ( ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 0 %ap$ 9 !ory by ! ?\ght1 & 9 discipl9e by ! law & ord]1 ) :i* ,god _h end[$ ! two great ,european races ( ,greece & ,rome4 #gb ,rawl9son1 ,ezra & ,nehemiah1 p4 #b4 ,! *ronicl] introduces ,ezra ) a brief sket* ( 8 orig9 & a b>e outl9e ( 8 exp$ition to ,j]usalem4#gc ,he !n next transcribes a copy ( ! edict ( ,artax]xes :i* au?oris$ ! exp$ition4#gd ,aft] ?is he ins]ts a detail$ acc\nt ( ! exp$ition f ! p5 ( ,ezra himself1 s t "h ! n>rative proce$s 9 ! fir/ p]son--?\gh1 9 ! abrupt mann] ( ! :ole book1 )\t a ^w ( w>n+ t ?is is to be ! case4#ge #gc ,ezra vii4 #a-aj4 #gd ,ezra vii4 #aa-bf4 #ge ,ezra vii4 #bg-;ix4 ,9 ! op5+ v]ses ( ,ezra vii4 ! *ronicl] gives an epitome ( ! g5ealogy ( ,ezra1 pass+ ov] sev]al g5]ations1 b lead+ up to ,a>on4 ,ezra1 !n1 c\ld claim a high bir?4 ,he 0 a born prie/ ( ! select family ( ,zadok1 b n ( ! lat] h\se ( high-prie/s4 ,!re=e ! privileges :i* are assign$ to t h\se 9 ! ,p5tateu* _c be acc\nt$ = by ascrib+ ignoble motives ( nepotism to its publi%]4 ,?\gh ,ezra is nam$ ,! ,prie/1 he is m famili>ly kn[n to u z ,! ,scribe4 ,! *ronicl] calls him a ready scribe 7or1 a scribe skilful7 9 ! law ( ,moses1 :i* ! ,"l ,god ( ,israel _h giv54 ,orig9ally ! title ,scribe 0 us$ = t[n record]s & regi/r>s ( ! c5sus4 ,"u ! lat] k+s ( ,judah1 p]sons be>+ ?is "n 7 atta*$ to ! c\rt z ! writ]s & cu/odians ( /ate docum5ts4 ,b ^! are all q di/9ct f ! scribes :o appe>$ aft] ! exile4 ,! scribes ( lat] days 7 gu>dians & int]pret]s ( ! writt5 ,torah1 ! sacr$ law4 ,!y appe>$ ) ! publication & adoption ( ! ,p5tateu*4 ,!y n only /udi$ & taught ?is complete law2 !y int]pret$ & appli$ its precepts4 ,9 s do+ !y _h to pron\nce judgm5ts ( _! own4 ,inasmu* z *ang+ circum/ances necess>ily requir$ modifications 9 rules ( ju/ice1 :ile ,! ,law c\ld n be alt]$ aft] ,ezra's day1 great +5uity 0 requir$ to reconcile ! old law ) ! new decisions4 ,?us arose sophi/ical casui/ry4 ,!n 9 f5c+ ,! ,law ! scribes add$ precepts ( _! own to prev5t m5 f com+ ne> ! dang] ( transgression4 ,scribism 0 "o ( ! mo/ rem>kable features ( ! lat] days ( ,israel4 ,its exi/5ce 9 s mu* prom95ce %[$ t religion _h pass$ into a new phase1 t x _h assum$ a lit]>y aspect4 ,! art ( writ+ 0 kn[n1 inde$1 9 ,egypt & ,babylon be=e ! exodus2 x 0 ev5 practis$ 9 ,pale/9e among ! ,hittites z e>ly z ,abraham4 ,b at fir/ 9 _! religi\s life ! ,jews did n give mu* he$ to lit]>y docum5ts4 ,prie/ism 0 regulat$ by traditional usages r ?an by writt5 directions1 & ju/ice 0 adm9i/]$ "u ! k+s accord+ to cu/om1 prec$5t1 & equity4 ,q ap>t f ! discussion conc]n+ ! antiquity ( ! ,p5tateu*1 x is c]ta9 t its precepts 7 nei!r us$ nor kn[n 9 ! "t ( ,josiah1 :5 ! read+ ( ! roll discov]$ 9 ! temple 0 li/5$ to ) amazem5t4 ,/ill less did prophetism rely on lit]>y res\rces4 ,:at ne$ 0 !re ( a book :5 ! ,_s ( ,god 0 speak+ ?r\gh ! audible voice ( a liv+ man8 ,at fir/ ! prophets 7 m5 ( action4 ,9 m cultivat$ times !y became orators1 & !n _! spee*es 7 sometimes pres]v$--z ! spee*es ( ,demo/h5es 7 pres]v$--= future ref]5ce1 aft] _! prim>y end _h be5 s]v$4 ,j]emiah f\nd x necess>y to h a scribe1 ,b>u*1 to write d[n 8 utt]ances4 ,?is 0 a fur!r /ep 9 ! direction ( lit]ature2 & ,ezekiel 0 almo/ entirely lit]>y1 = 8 prophecies 7 mo/ ( !m writt5 9 ! fir/ in/ance4 ,/ill !y 7 prophecies2 i4e41 !y 7 orig9al utt]ances1 drawn directly f ! wells ( inspiration4 ,! function ( ! scribes 0 m humble--to collect ! say+s & traditions ( e>li] ages2 to arrange & edit ! lit]>y fragm5ts ( m orig9al m9ds4 ,_! own orig9ality 0 almo/ conf9$ to _! explanations ( difficult passages1 or _! adaptation ( :at !y receiv$ to new ne$s & new circum/ances4 ,?us we see !ology pass+ into ! reflective /age3 x is becom+ hi/orical2 x is be+ trans=m$ into a bran* ( ar*ology4 ,ezra ! ,scribe is n]v\sly anxi\s to claim ! au?ority ( ,moses = :at he tea*es4 ,! robu/ _s ( ,isaiah 0 tr\bl$ ) no su* scruple4 ,scribism rose :5 prophecy decl9$4 ,x 0 a melan*oly confession t ! f\nta9s ( liv+ wat] 7 dry+ up4 ,x 0 l an aqu$uct labori\sly con/ruct$ 9 ord] to convey /or$ wat] to a ?ir/y p f di/ant res]voirs4 ,! res]voirs may be full1 ! aqu$uct may be s\nd2 /ill :o w\ld n r dr9k ( ! sp>kl+ /ream z x spr+s f ! rock8 ,moreov] scribism deg5]at$ into rabb9ism1 ! s*ola/icism ( ! ,jews4 ,we may see its c\nt]p>t 9 ! ,ca?olic s*ola/icism :i* drew supplies f patri/ic tradition1 & aga9 9 ,prote/ant s*ola/icism--:i* came ne>] to ! s\rce ( inspiration 9 ! ,bible1 & yet :i* /iff5$ into a traditional int]pretation ( ,scripture1 conf9+ its wat]s to iron pipes ( or?odoxy4 ,b "s m5 refuse to be ?us ti$ to antiqu>ianism4 ,!y d>e to believe t ! ,_s ( ,god is /ill 9 ! _w1 :isp]+ 9 ! fancy ( little *ildr51 soo?+ we>y s\ls1 ?und]+ 9 ! consci5ce ( s9n]s1 enlight5+ hone/ inquir]s1 guid+ p]plex$ m5 ( fai?4 ,nev]!less we are always 9 dang] ( "o or o!r ( ! two extremes ( =mal s*ola/icism & indef9ite my/icism4 ,! good side ( ! scribes' function is sugge/ive ( mu* t is valuable4 ,if ,god did inde$ speak to m5 ( old 9 div]s portions & 9 div]s mann]s1#gf :at ,he said mu/ be ( ! greate/ value to u1 = tru? 9 its ess5ce is et]nal4 ,we ,*ri/ians h ! solid f\ndation ( a hi/orical fai? to build ^u1 & we _c disp5se ) our gospel n>ratives & doctr9al epi/les4 ,:at ,*ri/ 01 :at ,*ri/ did1 & ! mean+ ( all ?is1 is ( vital importance to u2 b x is *iefly important because x enables u to see :at ,he is to-day--a ,prie/ ev] liv+ to make int]cession = u1 a ,deliv]] :o is ev5 n[ able to save unto ! utt]mo/ all :o come unto ,god by ,him1 a pres5t ,"l :o claims ! active loyalty ( e fre% g5]ation ( ! m5 & wom5 = :om ,he di$ 9 ! f>-(f pa/4 ,we h to comb9e ! concrete hi/orical religion ) ! inw>d1 liv+1 spiritual religion to rea* a fai? t %all be true bo? objectively & subjectively--true to ! facts ( ! univ]se1 & true to p]sonal exp]i5ce4 #gf ,heb4 i4 #a4 ,ezra accompli%$ 8 great "w1 to a l>ge ext5t1 because he v5tur$ to be m ?an a scribe4 ,ev5 :5 he 0 rely+ on ! au?ority ( antiquity1 ! inspiration :i* 0 9 him sav$ him f a p$antic adh]5ce to ! lett] ( ! ,torah z he _h receiv$ x4 ,! modification ( ,! ,law :5 x 0 reissu$ by ! great scribe1 :i* is s p]plex+ to "s mod]n read]s1 is a pro( t ! religion ( ,israel _h n yet lo/ vitality & settl$ d[n into a fossil condition4 ,x 0 liv+2 !re=e x 0 gr[+1 & 9 gr[+ x 0 ca/+ its old %ell & evolv+ a new ve/ure bett] adapt$ to its *ang$ environm5t4 ,is n ?is j a signal pro( t ,god _h n des]t$ ,8 p8 ,ezra is pres5t$ to u z a man ( a deeply dev\t nature4 ,he cultivat$ 8 own p]sonal religion be=e he attempt$ to influ5ce 8 compatriots4 ,! *ronicl] tells u t he _h prep>$ 7direct$7 8 he>t1 to seek ! law ( ! ,"l & to d x4 ,) our ha/e to obta9 results 9 ,*ri/ian s]vice1 !re is dang] le/ ! ne$ ( p]sonal prep>ation %\ld be neglect$4 ,b "w is feeble & fruitless if ! work] is ineffici5t1 & he mu/ be q z ineffici5t if he has n ! necess>y graces z if he _h n ! requisite gifts4 ,ov] & above ! prep>atory intellectual culture--nev] m ne$$ ?an 9 our own day--!re is ! all-ess5tial spiritual tra9+4 ,we _c effectually w9 o!rs to t tru? :i* has no place 9 our own he>ts4 ,en?usiasm is k9dl$ by en?usiasm4 ,! fire mu/ be fir/ burn+ )9 ! prea*] himself if he w\ld light x 9 ! brea/s ( o!r m54 ,"h lies ! secret ( ! trem5d\s influ5ce ,ezra ex]t$ :5 he came to ,j]usalem4 ,he 0 an en?usia/ = ! law he s zeal\sly advocat$4 ,n[ en?usiasm is n ! creation ( a mom5t's ?\ght2 x is ! outgr[? ( long m$itation1 inspir$ by deep1 passionate love4 ,x %[s itself 9 ! exp]i5ce express$ by ! ,psalmi/ :5 he said1 ,:ile ,i mus$ ! fire burn$4#gg ,ours is n an age ( mus+4 ,b if we h no "t to m$itate ov] ! great v]ities ( our fai?1 ! flames w n be k9dl$1 & 9 place ( ! gl[+ fire ( en?usiasm we %all h ! gritty a%es ( (ficialism4 #gg ,psalm xxxix4 #c4 ,ezra turn$ 8 ?\ghts to ! law ( 8 ,god2 he took ?is = ! subject ( 8 daily m$itation1 brood+ ov] x until x became a "p ( 8 own ?9k+4 ,?is is ! way a "* is made4 ,m5 h l>g] p[] ov] _! ?\ghts ?an !y are incl9$ to admit2 & ! greatness or ! meanness1 ! purity or ! corruption ( _! "* dep5ds on ! way 9 :i* t p[] is us$4 ,evil ?\ghts may come unbidd5 to ! pure/ m9d--= ,*ri/ 0 tempt$ by ! devil2 b su* ?\ghts c be resi/$1 & treat$ z unwelcome intrud]s4 ,! ?\ghts t are welcom$ & *]i%$1 n\ri%$ 9 m$itation1 & s$ul\sly cultivat$--^! bosom fri5ds ( ! inn] man det]m9e :at he himself is to become4 ,to all[ "o's m9d to be treat$ z ! play?+ ( e idle rev]ie--l a boat drift+ at ! m]cy ( w9d & curr5t )\t a h& at ! helm--is to c\rt intellectual & moral %ipwreck4 ,! fir/ condition ( a*iev+ success 9 self-culture is to direct ! c\rse ( ! ?9k+ aright4 ,/4 ,paul enum]at$ a li/ ( good & hon\rable subjects to bid u ?9k on su* ?+s4#gh #gh ,phil4 iv4 #h4 ,! aim ( ,ezra's m$itation 0 ?reefold4 ,fir/1 he w\ld seek ! law ( ! ,"l1 = ! tea*] mu/ beg9 ) und]/&+ ! tru?1 & ?is may involve mu* anxi\s se>*+4 ,possibly ,ezra _h to pursue a lit]>y inquiry1 hunt+ up docum5ts1 comp>+ data1 arrang+ & h>monis+ scatt]$ fragm5ts4 ,b ! mo/ important "p ( 8 seek+ 0 8 ef=t to f9d ! real mean+ & purpose ( ,! ,law4 ,x 0 9 reg>d to ?is t he w\ld h to ex]cise 8 m9d mo/ e>ne/ly4 ,secondly1 8 aim 0 to d x4 ,he w\ld n attempt to prea* :at he _h n tri$ to p]=m4 ,he w\ld te/ ! effect ( 8 doctr9e on himself be=e v5tur+ to prescribe x = o!rs4 ,?us he w\ld be mo/ sure ( escap+ a subtle sn>e :i* too (t5 entraps ! prea*]4 ,:5 ! godly man ( bus9ess reads 8 ,bible1 x is j to f9d light & food = 8 own s\l2 b :5 ! prea*] turns ! pages ( ! sacr$ book1 he is haunt$ by ! anxiety to light ^u suitable subjects = 8 s]mons4 ,e man :o h&les religi\s tru?s 9 ! c\rse ( 8 "w is 9 dang] ( com+ to reg>d ^? tru?s z ! tools ( 8 trade4 ,if he succumbs to ?is dang] x w be to 8 own p]sonal loss1 & !n ev5 z in/rum5ts 9 8 "w ! degrad$ tru?s w be blunt & ineffici5t1 because a man c nev] "k ! doctr9e until he has begun to obey ! comm&m5t4 ,if religi\s tea*+ is n to be p$antic & unreal1 x mu/ be int]pret$ by exp]i5ce4 ,! mo/ vivid tea*+ is a transcript f life4 ,?irdly1 ,ezra w\ld tea* 9 ,israel /atutes & judgm5ts4 ,?is necess>ily comes la/--aft] ! m$itation1 aft] ! exp]i5ce4 ,b x is ( great significance z ! cr[n & f9i% ( ! re/4 ,ezra is to be 8 nation's in/ructor4 ,9 ! new ord] ! fir/ place is n to be res]v$ = a k+2 x is assign$ to a s*oolma/]4 ,?is w be increas+ly ! case z k is all[$ to prevail1 & z tru? is p]mitt$ to sway ! lives ( m5 & fa%ion ! hi/ory ( communities4 ,s f> we h ,ezra's own "* & culture4 ,b !re 0 ano!r side to 8 prep>ation = 8 great life-"w ( :i* ! *ronicl] took note1 & :i* he describ$ 9 a fav\rite phrase ( ,ezra's1 a phrase s (t5 us$ by ! scribe t ! lat] writ] adopt$ x q naturally4 ,ezra's reque/ to be p]mitt$ to g up to ,j]usalem ) a new exp$ition is said to h be5 grant$ him by ! k+ accord+ to ! h& ( ! ,"l 8 ,god ^u him4#gi ,?us ! *ronicl] "h ackn[l$ges ! ,div9e h& 9 ! :ole bus9ess1 z he has ! inspir$ insight to d aga9 & aga9 9 ! c\rse ( 8 n>rative4 ,! special phrase ?us borr[$ f ,ezra is ri* 9 mean+4 ,9 an e>li] passage ! *ronicl] notic$ t ! eye ( _! ,god 0 ^u ! eld]s ( ! ,jews4#hj ,n[1 9 ,ezra's phrase1 x is ! h& ( 8 ,god t is on ,ezra4 ,! expression gives u a di/9ct indication ( ! ,div9e activity4 ,god works1 &1 s to speak1 uses ,8 h&4 ,x also sugge/s ! ne>ness ( ,god4 ,! h& ( ,god is n only mov+ & act+2 x is ^u ,ezra4 ,god t\*es ! man1 holds him1 directs him1 impels him2 &1 z he %[s else:]e1 ,ezra is consci\s ( ! influ5ce1 if n imm$iately1 yet by means ( a dev\t /udy ( ! provid5tial results4 ,?is ,div9e p[] ev5 goes s f> z to move ! ,p]sian mon>*4 ,! *ronicl] ascribes ! conduct ( successive k+s ( ,p]sia to ! imm$iate action ( ,god4 ,b "h x is connect$ ) ,god's h& be+ on ,ezra4 ,:5 ,god is hold+ & direct+ ,8 s]vants1 ev5 ext]nal circum/ances are f\nd to "w = _! good1 & ev5 o!r m5 are induc$ to fur!r ! same end4 ,?is br+s u to ! k]nel1 ! v ess5ce ( religion4 ,t 0 n f\nd 9 ,ezra's wisely *os5 m$itations2 nor 0 x to be se5 9 8 dev\t practices4 ,beh9d & b5ea? ! man's e>ne/ piety 0 ! unse5 b mighty action ( ,god2 & "h1 9 ! h& ( 8 ,god re/+ ^u him1 0 ! root ( all 8 religi\s life4 ,9 exp]i5ce ! human & ! ,div9e elem5ts ( religion are inextricably bl5d$ toge!r2 b ! vital elem5t1 t :i* orig9ates & dom9ates ! :ole1 is ! ,div9e4 ,!re is no real1 liv+ religion )\t x4 ,x is ! secret ( en]gy & ! assurance ( victory4 ,! man ( true religion is he :o has ! h& ( ,god re/+ ^u him1 he ^: ?\ght & action are inspir$ & sway$ by ! my/ic t\* ( ! ,unse54 #gi ,ezra vii4 #f4 #hj ,ezra v4 #e4 ,,*apt] ,,xi4 ,,ezra',s ,,exp$ition4 ,,ezra vii4 #aa-viii4 ,l ! e>li] pilgrimage ( ,z]ubbabel & 8 companions1 ,ezra's great exp$ition 0 c>ri$ out "u a commission f ! ,p]sian mon>* ( 8 day4 ,! *ronicl] simply calls ?is k+ ,artax]xes 7,artah%a%ta71 a "n borne by ?ree k+s ( ,p]sia2 b !re c be no reasonable d\bt t 8 ref]5ce is to ! son & successor ( ,x]xes--kn[n by ! ,greeks z ,macro*eir1 & by ! ,romans z ,longimanus--,artax]xes ( ! long h&1 = ?is ,artax]xes alone enjoy$ a suffici5tly ext5d$ reign to include bo? ! comm5cem5t ( ,ezra's public "w & ! lat] sc5es 9 ! life ( ,nehemiah :i* ! *ronicl] associates ) ! same k+4 ,artax]xes 0 b a boy :5 he asc5d$ ! ?rone1 & ! mission ( ,ezra took place 9 8 e>li] ye>s1 :ile ! g5]\s en?usiasm ( ! k9dly sov]eign--^: g5tl5ess has become hi/oric--_h n yet be5 cru%$ by ! c>es ( empire4 ,9 accordance ) ! usual /yle ( our n>rative1 we h 8 decree conc]n+ ! ,jews pres]v$ & transcrib$ 9 full2 & yet "h1 z 9 o!r cases1 we mu/ make "s all[ance ei!r = ! lit]>y fre$om ( ! *ronicl]1 or = ! ,jewi% sympa?ies ( ! translator2 = x _c be suppos$ t a hea!n1 su* z ,artax]xes und\bt$ly 01 w\ld h %[n ! k ( ! ,hebrew religion1 or h own$ ! fai? 9 x1 :i* ! edict z we n[ h x sugge/s4 ,nev]!less1 "h aga91 !re is no reason to d\bt ! sub/antial accuracy ( ! docum5t1 = x is q 9 accord ) ! policy ( ! previ\s k+s ,cyrus & ,d>ius1 & 9 its special features x entirely agrees ) ! circum/ances ( ! hi/ory4 ,?is edict ( ,longimanus goes beyond any ( its pr$ecessors 9 favor+ ! ,jews1 especially ) reg>d to _! religion4 ,x is directly & p]sonally address$ to ,ezra1 :om ! k+ may h kn[n z an e>ne/1 zeal\s lead] ( ! ,hebrew community at ,babylon1 & ?r\gh him x grants to all ,jewi% exiles :o wi% to g up to ,j]usalem lib]ty to return to ! home ( _! fa!rs4 ,x may be object$ t aft] ! decree ( ,cyrus any su* fre% sanction %\ld n h be5 ne$$4 ,b two g5]ations _h pass$ away s9ce ! pilgrimage ( ! fir/ body ( return+ captives1 & dur+ ?is long "t _m ?+s _h happ5$ to *eck ! free action ( ! ,jews & to ca/ reproa* ^u _! movem5ts4 ,= a great exp$ition to />t n[ )\t any ord]s f ! reign+ mon>* might excite 8 displeasure1 & a subject p :o 7 dep5d5t = _! v exi/5ce on ! good-w ( an absolute sov]eign w\ld naturally hesitate be=e !y v5tur$ to r\se 8 suspicions by und]tak+ any consid]able migration on _! own acc\nt4 ,b ,artax]xes does mu* m ?an sanction ! j\rney to ,j]usalem2 he fur!rs ! object ( ?is j\rney ) royal b\nty1 & he lays a v important commission on ,ezra1 a commission :i* c>ries ) x ! p[]1 if n ! "n1 ( a prov9cial magi/rate4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ! edict au?orises a /ate end[m5t ( ! ,jewi% religion4 ,ezra is to c>ry great /ores to ! pov]ty-/rick5 community at ,j]usalem4 ,^! are made up 9 "p ( contributions f ! ,babylonian ,jews1 9 "p ( g5]\s gifts f _! fri5dly neighb\rs1 & 9 "p ( grants f ! royal treasury4 ,! temple has be5 rebuilt1 & ! funds n[ accumulat$ are n l ! bulk ( ^? collect$ 9 ! reign ( ,cyrus = a def9ite object1 ! co/ ( :i* might be set d[n to ! ,capital ,acc\nt 9 ! re/oration ( ! ,jews2 !y are de/9$ 9 "s measure = improvem5ts to ! /ructure1 b !y are also to be employ$ 9 ma9t5ance *>ges1 especially 9 support+ ! co/ly s]vices ( ! temple4 ,?us ! actual p]=mance ( ! daily ritual at ! ,j]usalem sanctu>y is to be kept up by means ( ! rev5ues ( ! ,p]sian ,empire4 ,!n1 ! edict proce$s to fav\r ! prie/hood by free+ t ord] f ! burd5 ( taxation4 ,?is cl]ical immunity1 :i* sugge/s an analogy ) ! privileges ! ,*ri/ian cl]gy priz$ s highly 9 ! ,middle ,ages1 is an indirect =m ( increas$ end[m5t1 b ! mann] 9 :i* ! end[m5t is grant$ calls especial att5tion to ! privileg$ /atus ( ! ord] t enjoys x4 ,?us ! gr[+ importance ( ! ,j]usalem hi]>*y is op5ly fo/]$ by ! ,p]sian k+4 ,/ill fur!r1 ,artax]xes adds to 8 end[m5t ( ! ,jewi% religion a direct legal e/abli%m5t4 ,ezra is *>g$ to see t ! law ( 8 ,god is obs]v$ ?r\gh\t ! :ole region ext5d+ up f ! ,euphrates to ,j]usalem4 ,?is c only be meant to apply to ! ,jews :o 7 scatt]$ ov] ! wide area1 especially ^? ( ,syria4 ,/ill ! m&ate is />tl+ en\gh1 especially :5 we take into acc\nt ! heavy sanctions ) :i* x is weight$1 = ,ezra has au?ority giv5 him to en=ce ob$i5ce by excommunication1 by f9e1 by imprisonm5t1 & ev5 by ! dea?-p5alty4 ,! law ( 8 ,god is nam$ side by side ) ! law ( ! k+4#ha & ! two are to be obey$ equally4 ,=tunately1 ow+ to ! unsettl$ condition ( ! c\ntry z well z to ,ezra's own some:at unpractical disposition1 ! re=m] nev] seems to h put 8 great p[]s fully to ! te/4 #ha ,ezra vii4 #bf4 ,n[1 z 9 ! previ\s cases ( ,cyrus & ,d>ius1 we are confront$ ) ! "q1 ,h[ came ! ,p]sian k+ to issue su* a decree8 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t z ,egypt 0 9 revolt at ! "t1 he desir$ to /r5g!n ! fri5dly colony at ,j]usalem z a we/]n bulw>k4 ,b1 z we h se5 9 ! case ( ,cyrus1 ! ,jews 7 too few & feeble to be tak5 mu* acc\nt ( among ! gigantic =ces ( ! va/ empire2 &1 moreov]1 x 0 n ! milit>y =tification ( ,j]usalem--c]ta9ly a valuable /ronghold :5 well ma9ta9$--b ! religi\s s]vices ( ! temple & ! obs]vance ( ,! ,law t ?is edict aim$ at aid+ & enc\rag+4 ,no d\bt 9 times ( unsettlem5t ! k+ w\ld behave mo/ fav\rably t[>ds a loyal section ( 8 p4 ,/ill1 m mu/ be assign$ z an adequate motive = 8 action4 ,ezra is *>g$ z a special commission] to inve/igate ! condition ( ! ,jews 9 ,pale/9e4 ,he is to inquire conc]n+ ,judah & ,j]usalem4#hb ,inasmu* z x 0 cu/om>y = ! ,p]sian mon>*s to s5d out inspectors f "t to "t to exam9e & report on ! condition ( ! m remote di/ricts ( _! ext5sive empire1 x has be5 plausibly sugge/$ t ,ezra may h be5 simil>ly employ$4 ,b 9 ! *ronicl]'s report ( ! edict we read1 imm$iately aft] ! injunction to make ! inve/igation1 an important addition describ+ h[ ?is 0 to be done1 viz41 ,accord+ to ! law ( ?y ,god :i* is 9 ?9e h&1#hc :i* %[s t ,ezra's inquiry 0 to be ( a religi\s "*1 & z a prelim9>y to ! exaction ( ob$i5ce to ! ,jewi% law4 ,x may be said t ?is clause 0 n a "p ( ! orig9al decree2 b ! drift ( ! edict is religi\s ?r\gh\t r ?an political1 & !re=e ! clause 9 "q is fully 9 h>mony ) its "*4 ,!re is "o s5t5ce :i* is ( ! deepe/ significance1 if only we c believe t x embodies an orig9al utt]ance ( ! k+ himself--,:atsoev] is comm&$ by ! ,god ( heav51 let x be done exactly = ! h\se ( ! ,god ( heav52 = :y %\ld !re be wra? aga9/ ! realm ( ! k+ & 8 sons8#hd ,:ile 8 empire 0 ?reat5$ by dang]\s revolts1 ,artax]xes seems to h desir$ to conciliate ! ,god :om ! mo/ dev\t ( 8 p reg>d$ ) supreme awe4 #hb ,ezra vii4 #ad4 #hc ,ezra4 vii4 #ad4 #hd ,ezra vii4 #bc4 ,:at is m cle> & at ! same "t m important is ! great tru? detect$ by ,ezra & record$ by him 9 a grateful bur/ ( praise4 ,)\t any w>n+ ! *ronicl] sudd5ly breaks (f 8 own n>rative1 writt5 9 ! ?ird p]son1 to ins]t a n>rative writt5 by ,ezra himself 9 ! fir/ p]son--beg9n+ at ,ezra vii4 #bg & cont9u$ d[n to ,ezra x4 ,! scribe op5s by bless+ ,god--! ,"l ,god ( our fa!rs1 :o _h put su* a ?+ 9 ! k+'s he>t z to beautify ! h\se ( ! ,"l :i* is 9 ,j]usalem4#he ,?is1 !n1 0 a ,div9e movem5t4 ,x c only be acc\nt$ = by ascrib+ ! orig9al impulse to ,god4 ,natural motives ( policy or ( sup]/ition may h be5 provid5tially manipulat$1 b ! h& t us$ !m 0 ! h& ( ,god4 ,! man :o c p]ceive ?is imm5se fact at ! v outset ( 8 c>e] is fit = any ent]prise4 ,8 transc5d5t fai? w c>ry him ?r\gh difficulties t w\ld be insup]able to ! worldly s*em]4 #he ,ezra vii4 #bg4 ,pass+ f ! ?\ght ( ! ,div9e influ5ce on ,artax]xes1 ,ezra fur!r praises ,god because he has himself receiv$ m]cy 444 be=e ! k+ & 8 c\nsellors1 & be=e all ! k+'s mighty pr9ces4#hf ,?is p]sonal ?anksgiv+ is evid5tly call$ =? by ! scribe's consid]ation ( ! "p assign$ to him 9 ! royal edict4 ,!re 0 en\gh 9 t edict to make ! head ( a self-seek+1 ambiti\s man swim ) vanity4 ,b we c see f ! fir/ t ,ezra is ( a high] "*4 ,! burn+ passion t consumes him has n a p>ticle ( hung] = self-aggr&isem5t2 x is :olly g5]at$ by devotion to ! law ( 8 ,god4 ,9 ! n>r[ness & bigotry t *>act]ise 8 lat] conduct z a re=m]1 "s may suspect ! action ( t subtle self-w :i* creeps unaw>es into ! conduct ( "s ( ! noble/ m54 ,/ill ! la/ ?+ t ,ezra seeks1 & ! la/ ?+ t he c>es = :5 x is ?ru/ ^u him1 is ! glory ( e>?ly greatness4 #hf ,ezra vii4 #bh4 ,ezra's aim 9 lead+ ! exp$ition may be ga!r$ f ! reflection ( x 9 ! royal edict1 s9ce t edict 0 d\btless drawn up ) ! express purpose ( fur!r+ ! project ( ! fav\r$ ,jew4 ,ezra puts ! beautify+ ( ! temple 9 ! front ( 8 grateful words ( praise to ,god4 ,b ! p]sonal commission entru/$ to ,ezra goes mu* fur!r4 ,! decree significantly recognises ! fact t he is to c>ry up to ,j]usalem a copy ( ! ,sacr$ ,law4 ,x ref]s to ! law ( ?y ,god :i* is 9 ?9e h&4#hg ,we %all he> m ( ?is h]eaft]4 ,mean:ile x is important to see t ! law1 ob$i5ce to :i* ,ezra is emp[]$ to exact1 is to be convey$ by him to ,j]usalem4 ,?us he is bo? to introduce x to ! notice ( ! p1 & to see t x does n rema9 a dead lett] among !m4 ,he is to tea* x to ^? :o d n "k x4#hh ,at ! same "t ^! p are di/9ctly sep>at$ f o!rs1 :o are expressly describ$ z all su* z "k ! laws ( ?y ,god4#hi ,?is pla9ly implies t bo? ! ,j]usalem ,jews1 & ^? we/ ( ! ,euphrates g5]ally1 7 n all ( !m ignorant ( ! ,div9e ,torah4 ,"s ( !m1 at all ev5ts1 knew ! laws !y 7 to be made to obey4 ,/ill !y may n h possess$ !m 9 any writt5 =m4 ,! plural t]m laws is "h us$1 :ile ! writt5 compilation :i* ,ezra c>ri$ up ) him is describ$ 9 ! s+ul> z ,! ,law4 ,ezra1 !n1 hav+ se>*$ out ,! ,law & te/$ x 9 8 own exp]i5ce1 is n[ eag] to take x up to ,j]usalem1 & get x execut$ among 8 fell[-c\ntrym5 at ! religi\s metropolis z well z among ! scatt]$ ,jews ( ! prov9cial di/ricts4 ,8 great purpose is to make :at he believes to be ! w ( ,god kn[n1 & to see t x is obey$4 ,! v idea ( a ,torah implies a ,div9e w 9 religion4 ,x presses ^u our notice ! (t5-=gott5 fact t ,god has some?+ to say to u ab\t our conduct1 t :5 we are s]v+ ,him x is n en\gh to be zeal\s1 t we mu/ also be ob$i5t4 ,ob$i5ce is ! keynote ( ,judaism4 ,x is n less prom95t 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,! only diff]5ce is t ,*ri/ians are fre$ f ! %ackles ( a lit]al law 9 ord] t !y may c>ry out ! law ( lib]ty1 by do+ ! w ( ,god f ! he>t z loyal disciples ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 s t = u1 z = ! ,jews1 ob$i5ce is ! mo/ fundam5tal fact ( religion4 ,we c walk by fai? 9 ! fre$om ( sons2 b t implies t we h ! ob$i5ce ( fai?4 ,! rul+ pr9ciple ( our ,"l's life is express$ 9 ! words ,i delight to d ,?y w1 ,o ,my ,god1 & ?is mu/ be ! rul+ pr9ciple 9 ! life ( e true ,*ri/ian4 #hg ,ezra vii4 #ad4 #hh ,ezra vii4 #be4 #hi ,ibid4 ,equipp$ ) a royal edict1 provid$ ) ri* contributions1 inspir$ ) a great religi\s purpose1 confid5t t ! h& ( 8 ,god 0 ^u him1 ,ezra collect$ 8 volunte]s1 & proce$$ to c>ry out 8 commission ) all practicable spe$4 ,9 8 record ( ! j\rney1 he fir/ sets d[n a li/ ( ! families t accompani$ him4 ,x is int]e/+ to notice names t _h occurr$ 9 ! e>li] li/ ( ! foll[]s ( ,z]ubbabel1 %[+ t "s ( ! desc5dants ( ^? :o refus$ to g on ! fir/ exp$ition took "p 9 ! second4 ,!y rem9d u ( ,*ri/iana & h] *ildr51 :o w\ld n jo9 ! ,pilgrim :5 he set out f ! ,city ( ,de/ruction1 b :o subsequ5tly foll[$ 9 8 foot/eps4 ,b !re 0 little at ,j]usalem to attract a new exp$ition2 = ! glam\r :i* _h surr\nd$ ! fir/ return1 ) a son ( ,david at its head1 _h fad$ 9 griev\s disappo9tm5ts2 & ! second s]ies ( pilgrims _h to c>ry ) !m ! tor* ) :i* to rek9dle ! flames ( devotion4 ,ezra /ates t :5 he _h m>%all$ 8 =ces he sp5t ?ree days ) !m by a riv] call$ ! ,ahava1 app>5tly because x fl[$ by a t[n ( t "n4 ,! exact site ( ! camp _c be det]m9$1 al?\gh x c\ld n h be5 f> f ,babylon1 & ! riv] mu/ h be5 ei!r "o ( ! tribut>ies ( ! ,euphrates or a canal cut ?r\gh its alluvial pla94 ,! only plausible conjecture ( a def9ite site settles ^u a place n[ kn[n z ,hit1 9 ! neighb\rhood ( "s bitum5 spr+s2 & ! int]e/ ( ?is place may be f\nd 9 ! fact t "h ! usual c>avan r\te leaves ! f]tile ,valley ( ! ,euphrates & plunges into ! wat]less des]t4 ,ev5 if ,ezra decid$ to avoid ! difficult des]t track1 & to take 8 heavy c>avan r\nd ?r\gh ,nor!rn ,syria by way ( ,aleppo & ! ,valley ( ! ,orontes--an ext5d$ j\rney :i* w\ld acc\nt = ! ?ree mon?s sp5t on ! road--x w\ld /ill be natural = him to pause at ! p>t+ ( ! ways & review ! ga!r$ ho/4 ,"o result ( ?is review 0 ! />tl+ discov]y t !re 7 no ,levites 9 ! :ole company4 ,we 7 /ruck ) ! fact t b a v small & disproportionate numb] ( ^! (ficials accompani$ ! e>li] pilgrimage ( ,z]ubbabel1 & we saw ! probable explanation 9 ! disappo9tm5t if n ! disaffection ( ! ,levites at _! degradation by ,ezekiel4 ,! m rigid arrangem5t ( ,ezra's edition ( ,! ,law1 :i* gave !m a def9ite & p]man5t place 9 a second rank1 bel[ ! prie/hood1 0 n likely to enc\rage !m to volunte] = ! new exp$ition4 ,no?+ is m difficult ?an self-effacem5t ev5 9 ! s]vice ( ,god4 ,!re 0 a community ( ,levites at a place call$ ,casiphia1#ij "u ! direction ( a lead] nam$ ,iddo4 ,x w\ld be int]e/+ to ?9k t ?is community 0 really a sort ( ,levitical college1 a s*ool ( /ud5ts ( ! ,torah2 b we h no data to g ^u 9 =m+ an op9ion4 ,"o ?+ is c]ta94 ,we _c suppose t ! new edition ( ,! ,law _h be5 drawn up 9 ?is community ( ! ,levites1 because ,ezra _h />t$ ) x 9 8 h& z ! *>t] ( 8 great ent]prise2 nor1 inde$1 9 any o!r ,levitical college1 because x 0 n at all accord+ to ! m9d ( ! ,levites4 #ij ,! site ( ?is t[n has n be5 id5tifi$4 ,x c\ld n h be5 f> f ,ahava4 ,aft] complet+ 8 company by ! addition ( ! ,levites1 ,ezra made a solemn religi\s prep>ation = 8 j\rney4 ,l ! ,israelites aft] ! defeat at ,gibeah 9 _! retributive w> ) ,b5jam92#ia l ! p5it5t p at ,mizpeh1 9 ! days ( ,samuel1 :5 !y put away _! idols2#ib l ,jeho%aphat & 8 subjects :5 rum\rs ( a ?reat5$ invasion fill$ !m ) appreh5sion1#ic--;,ezra & 8 foll[]s fa/$ & humbl$ !mselves be=e ,god 9 view ( _! haz>d\s und]tak+4 ,! fa/+ 0 a natural sign ( ! humiliation1 & ?is pro/ration be=e ,god 0 at once a confession ( s9 & an admission ( absolute dep5d5ce on ,8 m]cy4 ,?us ! p reveal !mselves z ! poor 9 _s to :om our ,"l directs 8 fir/ beatitude4 ,!y are ^? :o humble !mselves1 & !re=e ^? :om ,god w exalt4 #ia ,judges xx4 #bf4 #ib #a ,sam4 vii4 #f4 #ic #b ,*ron4 xx4 #c4 ,we mu/ n conf\nd ?is /ate ( self-humiliation be=e ,god ) ! totally diff]5t condition ( abject fe> :i* %r9ks f dang] 9 contemptible c[>dice4 ,! v opposite to t is ! attitude ( ^! humble pilgrims4 ,l ! ,puritan soldi]s :o became bold z lions be=e man 9 ! day ( battle1 j because !y _h sp5t ! night 9 fa/+ & te>s & self-abasem5t be=e ,god1 ,ezra & 8 p rose f _! p5it5tial fa/1 calmly prep>$ to face all dang]s 9 ! inv9cible might ( ,god4 ,!re seems to h be5 "s enemy :om ,ezra knew to be ?reat5+ 8 pa?1 = :5 he got safely to ! end ( 8 j\rney he gave ?anks = ,god's protection f ?is foe2#id &1 9 any case1 s weal?y a c>avan z 8 0 w\ld provoke ! cupidity ( ! rov+ hordes ( ,b$\9 t infe/$ ! ,syrian wa/es4 ,ezra's fir/ ?\ght 0 to ask = an escort2 b he tells u t he 0 a%am$ to d s1 z ?is w\ld imply di/ru/ 9 ,god4#ie ,:atev] we may ?9k ( 8 logic1 we mu/ be /ruck by 8 spl5did fai?1 & ! loyalty :i* w\ld run a great risk r ?an suff] :at might seem l di%on\r to 8 ,god4 ,"h 0 "o ( ,god's h]oes4 ,we _c b connect ! prelim9>y fa/ ) ?is c\rage\s attitude ( ,ezra's4 ,s 9 tales ( *ivalry we read h[ knights 7 brac$ by pray] & fa/ & vigil to ent] ! mo/ t]rible conflicts ) talismans ( victory4 ,9 an age ( ru%+ activity x is h>d to f9d ! hidd5 spr+s ( /r5g? 9 _! calm retreats4 ,! gl>e ( publicity />ts u on ! wrong track1 by tempt+ u to adv]tise our own excell5ces1 in/ead ( abas+ ourselves 9 ! du/ be=e ,god4 ,yet is x n n[ z true z ev] t no boa/$ might ( man c be 9 any way comp>able to ! ,div9e /r5g? :i* takes possession ( ^? :o completely surr5d] _! wills to ,god8 ,happy are !y :o h ! grace to walk 9 ! valley ( humiliation1 = ?is leads to ! arm\ry ( sup]natural p[]6 #id ,ezra viii4 #ca4 #ie ,ezra viii4 #bb4 ,,*apt] ,,xii4 ,,=eign ,,m>riages4 ,,ezra ix4 ,! successful issue ( ,ezra's und]tak+ 0 spe$ily foll[$ by a bitt] disappo9tm5t on ! "p ( its lead]1 ! exp]i5ce ( :i* urg$ him to make a dra/ic re=mation t r5t _m a happy home asund] & fill$ ,j]usalem ) ! grief ( brok5 he>ts4 ,dur+ ! obscure p]iod t foll[$ ! d$ication ( ! temple--a p]iod ( :i* we h no hi/orical rema9s--! rigor\s exclusiv5ess :i* _h m>k$ ! conduct ( ! return$ exiles :5 !y _h rudely reject$ ! proposal ( _! ,g5tile neighb\rs to assi/ !m 9 rebuild+ ! temple 0 ab&on$1 & fre$om ( int]c\rse w5t s f> z to p]mit int]m>riage ) ! desc5dants ( ! ,canaanite aborig9es & ! hea!n population ( neighb\r+ nations4 ,ezra gives a li/ ( tribal names closely resembl+ ! li/s pres]v$ 9 ! hi/ory ( e>ly ages1 :5 ! ,hebrews fir/ contemplat$ tak+ possession ( ! promis$ l&2#if b x _c be imag9$ t ! anci5t tribes pres]v$ _! indep5d5t names & sep>ate exi/5ce z late z ! "t ( ! return--?\gh ! pres5ce ( ! gypsies z a di/9ct p 9 ,engl& to-day %[s t racial di/9ction may be kept up = ages 9 a mix$ society4 ,x is m probable t ! li/ is lit]>y1 t ! names are rem9isc5ces ( ! tribes z !y 7 kn[n 9 anci5t traditions4 ,9 addition to ^! old inhabitants ( ,canaan1 !re are ,ammonites & ,moabites f across ! ,jordan1 ,egyptians1 &1 la/ly1 mo/ significantly sep>ate f ! ,canaanite tribes1 ^? /range folk1 ! ,amorites1 :o are discov]$ by rec5t e?nological rese>* to be ( a totally diff]5t /ock f t ( ! ,canaanite tribes1 probably alli$ to a light-col\r$ p t c be trac$ along ! ,libyan bord]1 & possibly ev5 ( ,aryan orig94 ,f all ^! races ! ,jews _h tak5 !m wives4 ,s wide 0 ! gate flung op56 #if ,ezra4 ix4 #a4 ,?is fre$om ( int]m>riage may be view$ z a sign ( g5]al laxity & indiff]5ce on ! "p ( ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem1 & s ,ezra seems to h reg>d$ x4 ,b x w\ld be a mi/ake to suppose t !re 0 no s]i\s purpose associat$ ) x1 by means ( :i* grave & patriotic m5 attempt$ to ju/ify ! practice4 ,x 0 a "q :e!r ! policy ( exclusiv5ess _h succe$$4 ,! temple _h be5 built1 x is true2 & a city _h ris5 among ! ru9s ( anci5t ,j]usalem4 ,b pov]ty1 oppression1 h>d%ip1 & disappo9tm5t _h settl$ d[n on ! little ,judan community1 :i* n[ f\nd itself f> worse (f ?an ! captives 9 ,babylon4 ,feeble & isolat$1 ! ,jews 7 q unable to resi/ ! attacks ( _! jeal\s neighb\rs4 ,w\ld x n be bett] to come to t]ms ) !m1 & f enemies conv]t !m into allies8 ,!n ! policy ( exclusiv5ess involv$ comm]cial ru92 & m5 :o knew h[ _! bre?r5 9 ,*alda 7 enri*+ !mselves by trade ) ! hea!n1 7 gall$ by a yoke :i* held !m back f =eign int]c\rse4 ,x w\ld seem to be advisable1 on social z well z on political gr\nds1 t a new & m lib]al c\rse %\ld be pursu$1 if ! wret*$ g>rison 0 n to be />v$ out4 ,lead+ ari/ocratic families 7 =emo/ 9 contract+ ! =eign alliances4 ,x is su* z !y :o w\ld pr(it mo/1 z x is su* z !y :o w\ld be mo/ tempt$ to consid] worldly motives & to =go ! au/]ity ( _! fa!rs4 ,!re does n seem to h be5 any "o recognis$ head ( ! community aft] ,z]ubbabel2 ! pr9ces con/itut$ a sort ( in=mal olig>*y4 ,"s ( ^! pr9ces _h tak5 =eign wives4 ,prie/s & ,levites _h also foll[$ ! same c\rse4 ,x is a hi/orical fact t ! p>ty ( rig\r is n g5]ally ! (ficial p>ty4 ,9 ! days ( our ,"l ! prie/s & rul]s 7 mo/ly ,sadducean1 :ile ! ,ph>isees 7 m5 ( ! p4 ,! ,engli% ,puritans 7 n ( ! ,c\rt p>ty4 ,b 9 ! case be=e u ! lead]s ( ! p 7 divid$4 ,:ile we d n meet any prie/s among ! puri/s1 "s ( ! pr9ces disapprov$ ( ! laxity ( _! neighb\rs1 & expos$ x to ,ezra4 ,ezra 0 amaz$1 appall$4 ,9 ! dramatic /yle :i* is q natural to an ,ori5tal1 he r5t bo? 8 tunic & 8 out] mantle1 & he tore 8 hair & 8 long prie/ly be>d4 ,?is express$ m ?an ! grief ( m\rn+ :i* is %[n by te>+ "o g>m5t & cutt+ ! hair4 ,l ! high-prie/ :5 he o/5tati\sly r5t 8 clo!s at :at he wi%$ to be reg>d$ z blasphemy 9 ! words ( ,jesus1 ,ezra %[$ indignation & rage by 8 viol5t action4 ,x 0 a sign ( 8 />tl$ & horrifi$ emotions2 b no d\bt x 0 also int5d$ to produce an impression on ! p :o ga!r$ 9 awe to wat* ! great ambassador1 z he sat amaz$ & sil5t on ! temple pavem5t ?r\gh ! long h\rs ( ! autumn aft]noon4 ,! gr\nds ( ,ezra's grief & ang] may be le>nt f ! rem>kable pray] :i* he p\r$ out :5 ! /ir occasion$ by ! prep>ation ( ! vesp] c]emonies r\s$ him1 & :5 ! asc5d+ smoke ( ! ev5+ sacrifice w\ld naturally sugge/ to him an occasion = draw+ ne> to ,god4 ,well+ up1 hot & passionate1 8 pray] is a revelation ( ! v he>t ( ! scribe4 ,ezra %[s u :at true pray] is--t x is lay+ b>e ! he>t & s\l 9 ! pres5ce ( ,god4 ,! /rik+ *>act]i/ic ( ?is outbur/ ( ,ezra's is t x does n conta9 a s+le petition4 ,!re is no great] mi/ake 9 reg>d to pray] ?an ! notion t x is no?+ m ?an ! begg+ ( specific fav\rs f ! b\nty ( ! ,almighty4 ,t is b a %all[ k9d ( pray] at be/4 ,9 ! deepe/ & mo/ real pray] ! s\l is too ne> to ,god to ask = any def9ite ?+2 x is j unbosom+ itself to ! ,great ,confidant1 j tell+ out its agony to ! ,fa!r :o c und]/& ev]y?+ & receive ! :ole burd5 ( ! angui%$ _s4 ,consid]+ ?is pray] m 9 detail1 we may notice1 9 ! fir/ place1 t ,ezra comes out z a true prie/1 n inde$ (ficiat+ at ! alt> ) c]emonial sacrifices1 b id5tify+ himself ) ! p he repres5ts1 s t he takes to 8 own brea/ ! %ame ( :at he reg>ds z ! s9 ( 8 p4 ,pro/rate ) self-humiliation1 he cries1 ,o my ,god1 ,i am a%am$ & blu% to lift up my face to ,!e1 my ,god1#ig & he speaks ( ! s9s :i* h j be5 made kn[n to him z ?\gh he _h a %>e 9 !m1 call+ !m our iniquities & our trespass4#ih ,h we n "h a glimpse into t my/]y ( vic>i\s s9-be>+ :i* is consummat$ 9 ! great int]cession & sacrifice ( our ,"l8 ,?\gh himself a s9ful man1 & !re=e at he>t %>+ ! guilt ( 8 p by p]sonal p>ticipation 9 x1 z ! holy ,jesus c\ld n d1 /ill 9 reg>d to ! p>ticul> (f5ce :i* he is n[ deplor+1 ,ezra is z innoc5t z an unfall5 angel4 ,yet he blu%es = %ame1 & lies pro/rate ) confusion ( face4 ,he is su* a true patriot t he completely id5tifies himself ) 8 p4 ,b 9 proportion z su* an id5tification is felt1 !re mu/ be an involunt>y s5se ( ! %>+ ( guilt4 ,x is va9 to call x an illusion ( ! imag9ation4 ,be=e ! b> ( /rict ju/ice ,ezra 0 z innoc5t ( ?is "o s91 z be=e ! same b> ,*ri/ 0 innoc5t ( all s94 ,god c\ld n really disapprove ( him = x1 any m ?an ,he c\ld look ) disfav\r on ! great ,s9-be>]4 ,b subjectively1 9 8 own exp]i5ce1 ,ezra did n feel less poignant pangs ( remorse ?an he w\ld h felt if he _h be5 himself p]sonally guilty4 ,?is p]fect sympa?y ( true prie/hood is r>ely exp]i5c$2 b s9ce ,*ri/ians are call$ to be prie/s1 to make int]cession1 & to be> "o ano!r's burd5s1 some?+ approa*+ x mu/ be %>$ by all ! foll[]s ( ,*ri/2 !y :o w\ld g =? z savi\rs ( _! bre?r5 mu/ feel x acutely4 ,! s9-be>+ sacrifice ( ,*ri/ /&s alone 9 its p]fect efficacy1 & _m my/]ies cr[d ab\t x t _c be expla9$ by any human analogies4 ,/ill "h & !re we come across fa9t lik5esses 9 ! high] exp]i5ces ( ! bett] m51 en\gh to sugge/ t our ,"l's passion 0 n a prodigy1 t x 0 really 9 h>mony ) ! laws by :i* ,god gov]ns ! moral univ]se4 #ig ,ezra ix4 #f4 #ih ,ibid4 ,9 ?us confess+ ! s9 ( ! p be=e ,god1 b 9 language :i* ! p :o %>$ ) him a rev]5ce = ,! ,law c\ld he>1 no d\bt ,ezra hop$ to move !m also to %>e 9 8 feel+s ( %ame & abhorr5ce = ! practices he 0 deplor+4 ,he came dang]\sly ne> to ! fatal mi/ake ( prea*+ ?r\gh a pray]1 by pray+ at ! congregation4 ,he 0 evid5tly too deeply mov$ to be guilty ( an ins9c]ity1 a piece ( pr(anity1 at :i* e dev\t s\l mu/ revolt4 ,nev]!less ! v ex]cise ( public pray]--pray] utt]$ audibly1 & conduct$ by ! lead] ( a congregation--means t ?is is to be an inducem5t = ! p to jo9 9 ! wor%ip4 ,! (ficiat+ m9i/] is n m]ely to pray be=e ! congregation1 :ile ! p kneel z sil5t auditors4 ,8 pray] is design$ to guide & help _! pray]s1 s t !re may be common pray] ?r\gh\t ! :ole assembly4 ,9 ?is way x may be possible = him to influ5ce m5 & wom5 by pray+ ) !m1 z he c nev] d by directly prea*+ to !m4 ,! ess5tial po9t is t ! pray] mu/ fir/ ( all be real on ! "p ( ! lead]--t he mu/ be truly address+ ,god1 & !n t 8 int5tion ) reg>d to ! p mu/ be n to exhort !m ?r\gh 8 pray]1 b simply to induce !m to jo9 him 9 x4 ,let u n[ inquire :at 0 ! nature ( ! s9 :i* s griev\sly di/ress$ ,ezra1 & :i* he reg>d$ z s heavy a slur on ! "* ( 8 p 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,on ! surface ( x1 !re 0 j a "q ( policy4 ,"s h argu$ t ! p>ty ( rig\r 0 mi/ak51 t its c\rse 0 suicidal1 t ! only way ( pres]v+ ! little colony 0 by means ( well-adju/$ alliances ) its neighb\rs--a l[ view ( ! "q :i* ,ezra w\ld n h glanc$ at = a mom5t1 because ) 8 supreme fai? 9 ,god no consid]ation ( worldly exp$i5cy or political diplomacy c\ld be all[$ to deflect him f ! pa? indicat$1 z he ?\ght1 by ! ,div9e w4 ,b a high] l9e ( opposition has be5 tak54 ,x has be5 said t ,ezra 0 illib]al1 un*>itable1 culpably n>r[1 & he>tlessly h>%4 ,t ! man :o c\ld p\r =? su* a pray] z ?is1 e s5t5ce ( :i* ?robs ) emotion1 e ^w ( :i* t+les ) int5se feel+--t ?is man 0 he>tless _c be believ$4 ,/ill x may be urg$ t ,ezra took a v diff]5t view f t sugge/$ by ! g5ial outlook across ! nations :i* we meet 9 ,isaiah4 ,! lovely idyll ( ,ru? def5ds ! c\rse he condemn$ s unsp>+ly4 ,! ,book ( ,jonah 0 writt5 directly 9 rebuke ( "o =m ( ,jewi% exclusiv5ess4 ,ezra 0 go+ ev5 fur!r ?an ! ,book ( ,deut]onomy1 :i* _h all[$ m>riages ) ! hea!n1#ii & _h laid d[n def9ite m>riage laws 9 reg>d to =eign connections4#ajj ,x _c be ma9ta9$ t all ! races nam$ by ,ezra 7 exclud$4 ,c\ld x be j to condemn ! ,jews = n hav+ foll[$ ! lat] & m exact+ edition ( ,! ,law1 :i* ,ezra _h only j br\ght up ) him1 & :i* _h n be5 kn[n by ! (f5d]s8 #ii ,deut4 xxi4 #ac4 #ajj ,deut4 xxiii4 #a-h4 ,9 try+ to answ] ^! que/ions1 we mu/ />t f "o cle> fact4 ,ezra is n m]ely guid$ by a c]ta9 view ( policy4 ,he may be mi/ak51 b he is deeply consci5ti\s1 8 motive is int5sely religi\s4 ,:e!r rightly or wrongly1 he is q p]suad$ t ! social condition at :i* he is s griev\sly %ock$ is directly oppos$ to ! kn[n w ( ,god4 ,we h =sak5 ,?y comm&m5ts1 he exclaims4 ,b :at comm&m5ts1 we may ask1 see+ t ! p ( ,j]usalem did n possess a law t w5t s f> z ,ezra 0 requir+ ( !m8 ,8 own language "h comes 9 mo/ appositely4 ,ezra does n appeal to ,deut]onomy1 ?\gh he may h _h a passage f t book 9 m9d1#aja nei!r does he produce ! ,law ,book :i* he has br\ght up ) him f ,babylon & to :i* ref]5ce is made 9 our v]sion ( ! decree ( ,artax]xes2#ajb b he turns to ! prophets1 n ) ref]5ce to any ( _! specific utt]ances1 b 9 ! mo/ g5]al way1 imply+ t 8 view is d]iv$ f ! broad /ream ( prophecy 9 its :ole c\rse & "*4 ,9 8 pray] he describes ! brok5 comm&m5ts z ^? :i* ,?\ ha/ comm&$ by ,?y s]vants ! prophets4 ,?is is ! m rem>kable because ! prophets did n fav\r ! scrupul\s obs]vance ( ext]nal rules1 b dwelt on great pr9ciples ( righte\sness4 ,"s ( !m took ! lib]al side1 & express$ decid$ly cosmopolitan ideas 9 reg>d to =eign nations z ,ezra mu/ h be5 aw>e4 ,he may h m5tally anticipat$ ! excuses :i* w\ld be urg$ 9 reliance on isolat$ utt]ances ( ?is "*4 ,/ill1 on a survey ( ! :ole c\rse ( prophecy1 he is p]suad$ t x is oppos$ to ! practices :i* he condemns4 ,he ?r[s 8 conclusion into a def9ite s5t5ce1 aft] ! mann] ( a v]bal quotation1#ajc b ?is is only 9 accordance ) ! vivid1 dramatic /yle ( ,semitic lit]ature1 & :at he really means is t ! _s ( 8 national prophecy & ! pr9ciples laid d[n by ! recognis$ prophets support him 9 ! position :i* he has tak5 up4 ,^! prophets f\ght aga9/ all corrupt practices1 & 9 p>ticul> !y wag$ ceaseless w> ) ! introduction ( hea!ni% mann]s to ! religi\s & social life ( ,israel4 ,x is "h t ,ezra f9ds !m to be p[]ful allies 9 8 /]n re=mation4 ,!y furni% him1 s to speak1 ) 8 major premiss1 & t is indisputable4 ,8 weak place is 9 8 m9or premiss1 viz41 9 ! notion t int]m>riage ) ,g5tile neighb\rs necess>ily involves ! introduction ( corrupt hea!ni% habits4 ,?is he quietly assumes4 ,b !re is mu* to be said = 8 position1 especially :5 we note t he is n n[ conc]n$ ) ! ,sam>itans1 ) :om ! temple-build]s came into contact & :o accept$ "s measure ( ! ,jewi% fai?1 b 9 "s cases ) kn[n idolat]s--! ,egyptians = in/ance4 ,! complex social & moral problems :i* surr\nd ! qu>rel on :i* ,ezra "h emb>ks w come be=e u m fully z we proce$4 ,at pres5t x may suffice = u to see t ,ezra re/s 8 action on 8 conception ( ! ma9 *>act]i/ics ( ! tea*+ ( ! prophets4 #aja ,deut4 vii4 #c4 #ajb ,ezra vii4 #ad4 #ajc ,ezra ix4 #aa4 ,fur!r1 8 read+ ( hi/ory comes to 8 aid4 ,he p]ceives t x 0 ! adoption ( hea!ni% practices t necessitat$ ! sev]e *a/isem5t ( ! captivity4 ,god _h only sp>$ a small remnant ( ! guilty p4 ,b ,he _h be5 v graci\s to t remnant1 giv+ !m a nail 9 ,8 holy place2#ajd i4e41 a fixture 9 ! re/or$ sanctu>y1 ?\gh z yet1 z x 71 b at "o small po9t1 because s few _h return$ to enjoy ! privileges ( ! sacr$ temple wor%ip4 ,n[ ev5 ?is nail might be drawn4 ,w ! escap$ remnant be s fooli% z to imitate ! s9s ( _! =efa!rs1 & risk ! slight hold :i* !y h z yet obta9$ 9 ! r5ew$ c5tre ( ,div9e fav\r8 ,s to repudiate ! lessons ( ! captivity1 :i* %\ld h be5 br&$ irrevocably by ! hot irons ( its cruel h>d%ips1 :at 0 ?is b a sign ( ! mo/ desp]ate depravity8 ,ezra c\ld see no hope ev5 ( a remnant escap+ f ! wra? :i* w\ld consume ! p :o 7 guilty ( su* wilful1 su* op5-ey$ apo/asy4 #ajd ,ezra ix4 #h4 ,9 ! conclud+ s5t5ces ( 8 pray] ,ezra appeals to ! righte\sness ( ,god1 :o _h p]mitt$ ! remnant to escape at ! "t ( ! ,babylonian ,captivity1 say+1 ,o ,"l1 ! ,god ( ,israel1 ,?\ art righte\s2 = we are left a remnant t is escap$1 z x is ?is day4#aje ,"s h suppos$ t ,god's righte\sness "h /&s = ,8 goodness1 & t ,ezra really means ! m]cy :i* sp>$ ! remnant4 ,b ?is int]pretation is contr>y to usage1 & q oppos$ to ! _s ( ! pray]4 ,ezra has ref]r$ to ! m]cy ( ,god e>li]1 b 9 8 f9al s5t5ces he has ano!r ?\ght 9 m9d4 ,! pray] ends 9 gloom & despond5cy--behold1 we are be=e ,!e 9 our guilt9ess2 = none c /& be=e ,!e because ( ?is4#ajf ,! righte\sness ( ,god1 !n1 is se5 9 ! fact t only a remnant 0 sp>$4 ,ezra does n plead = ! p>don ( ! guilty p1 z ,moses did 9 8 fam\s pray] ( int]cession4#ajg ,z yet !y are n consci\s ( _! s94 ,to =give !m be=e !y h own$ _! guilt w\ld be immoral4 ,! fir/ condition ( p>don is confession4 ,if we confess our s9s1 ,he is fai?ful & righte\s to =give u our s9s1 & to cleanse u f all unrighte\sness4#ajh ,!n1 inde$1 ! v righte\sness ( ,god fav\rs ! p>don ( ! s9n]4 ,b till ?is /ate ( contrition is rea*$1 n only c !re be no ?\ght ( =giv5ess1 b ! /]ne/1 d>ke/ ?\ghts ( s9 are mo/ "r & fitt+4 ,ezra is f> too mu* 9 e>ne/ simply to wi% to help 8 p to escape f ! consequ5ces ( _! conduct4 ,?is w\ld n be salvation4 ,x w\ld be moral %ipwreck4 ,! great ne$ is to be sav$ f ! evil conduct itself4 ,x is to ?is end t ! v passion ( 8 s\l is direct$4 ,"h we p]ceive ! _s ( ! true re=m]4 ,b ! evangeli/ _c af=d to disp5se ) some?+ ( ! same _s1 al?\gh he c add ! graci\s enc\ragem5ts ( a gospel2 = ! only true gospel promises deliv]ance f s9 itself 9 ! fir/ in/ance z f ! greate/ ( all evils1 & deliv]ance f no o!r evil except on condition ( fre$om f ?is4 #aje ,ezra ix4 #ae4 #ajf ,ezra ix4 #ae4 #ajg ,exod4 xxxii4 #ca1 #cb4 #ajh #a ,john i4 #i4 ,*apt] ,,xiii4 ,,! ,,home ,,sacrific$ ,,to ,,! ,,*ur*4 ,,ezra x4 ,ezra's n>rative1 writt5 9 ! fir/ p]son1 ceases ) 8 pray]1 ! conclusion ( :i* br+s u to ! end ( ! n9? *apt] ( our ,book ( ,ezra2 at ! t5? *apt] ! *ronicl] resumes 8 /ory1 describ+1 h[ev]1 ! ev5ts :i* imm$iately foll[4 ,8 writ+ is "h z graphic z ,ezra's1 & if x is n tak5 f notes left by ! scribe1 at all ev5ts x w\ld seem to be drawn f ! report ( ano!r eye-witness2 = x describes mo/ rem>kable sc5es ) a vividness t br+s !m be=e ! m9d's eye1 s t ! read] _c /udy !m ev5 at ?is late day )\t a pang ( sympa?y4 ,ezra's pray] & confession1 8 griev\s weep+ & pro/rate humiliation be=e ,god1 deeply affect$ ! spectators2 & z ! news spread ?r\gh ! city1 a v great congregation ( m51 wom51 & *ildr5 assembl$ toge!r to gaze at ! /range spectacle4 ,!y c\ld n gaze unmov$4 ,deep emotion is contagi\s4 ,! man :o is himself pr(\ndly conv9c$ & int5sely conc]n$ ) 8 religi\s ideas w c]ta9ly w9 disciples4 ,:]e ! s\nde/ argum5ts h fail$ to p]suade1 a s+le note ( s9c]e fai? (t5 /rikes home4 ,x is ! passion ( ! orator t r\ses ! multitude1 & ev5 :]e !re is no oratory ! passion ( true feel+ pleads ) irresi/ible eloqu5ce4 ,ezra _h n to speak a ^w to ! p4 ,:at he 01 :at he felt1 8 agony ( %ame1 8 agony ( pray]--all ?is melt$ !m to te>s1 & a cry ( lam5tation w5t up f ! ga!r$ multitudes 9 ! temple c\rts4 ,_! grief 0 m ?an a s5tim5tal reflection ( ! scribe's di/ress1 = ! ,jews c\ld see pla9ly t x 0 = !m & = _! mis]able condition t ?is ambassador f ! ,p]sian c\rt 0 m\rn+ s pite\sly4 ,8 sorr[ 0 :olly vic>i\s4 ,by no calamity or (f5ce ( 8 own1 b simply by :at he reg>d$ z _! wret*$ fall1 ,ezra 0 n[ plung$ into he>t-brok5 agony4 ,su* a result ( _! conduct c\ld n b excite ! ke5e/ self-reproa*es 9 ! brea/s ( all :o 9 any degree %>$ 8 view ( ! situation4 ,!n ! only pa? ( am5dm5t visible be=e !m 0 "o t involv$ ! viol5t rupture ( home ties2 ! cruel sev]ance ( husb& & wife1 ( p>5t & *ild2 ! complete sacrifice ( human love on :at appe>$ to be ! alt> ( duty to ,god4 ,x 0 inde$ a bitt] h\r = ! ,jews :o felt !mselves to be (f5d]s1 & = _! innoc5t wives & *ildr5 :o w\ld be involv$ 9 any attempt$ re=mation4 ,! confusion 0 arre/$ by ! voice ( "o man1 a layman nam$ ,%ecaniah ! son ( ,jehiel1 :o came to ! assi/ance ( ,ezra z a volunte] spokesman ( ! p4 ,?is man entirely surr5d]$ to ,ezra's view1 mak+ a frank & unres]v$ confession ( 8 own & ! p's s94 ,s f> !n ,ezra has won 8 po9t4 ,he has begun to ga9 ass5t f among ! (f5d]s4 ,%ecaniah adds to 8 confession a s5t5ce ( "s ambiguity1 say+1 ,yet n[ !re is hope = ,israel conc]n+ ?is ?+4#aji ,?is might be ?\ght to mean t ,god 0 m]ciful1 & t !re 0 hope 9 ! p5it5t attitude ( ! congregation t ,he w\ld take pity on ! p & n deal h>dly ) !m4 ,b ! simil>ity ( ! phraseology to ! words ( ! la/ v]se ( ! previ\s *apt]1 :]e ! expression because ( ?is#aaj pla9ly po9ts to ! (f5ce z ! "o ?+ 9 view1 %[s t ! allusion "h is to t (f5ce1 & n to ! m rec5t signs ( p5it5ce4 ,%ecaniah means1 !n1 t !re is hope conc]n+ ?is matt] ( ! =eign m>riages--viz41 t !y may be root$ out ( ,israel4 ,! hope is = a re=mation1 n = any condon+ ( ! (f5ce4 ,x means despair to ! unhappy wives1 ! end ( all home peace & joy 9 _m a h\sehold--a lurid hope surely1 & h>dly wor?y ( ! "n except on ! lips ( a fanatic4 ,%ecaniah n[ proce$s to make a def9ite proposal4 ,he w\ld h ! p ent] into a solemn cov5ant ) ,god4 ,!y are n only to und]go a great dome/ic re=mation1 b !y are to take a v[ 9 ! sight ( ,god t !y w c>ry x ?r\gh4 ,%ecaniah %[s ! unreflect+ zeal ( a raw conv]t2 an (fici\s p]son1 a m$dl]1 he is too bold & =w>d = "o ^: place is ! p5it5t's b5*4 ,! cov5ant is to pl$ge ! p to divorce _! =eign wives4 ,yet ! unfeel+ man w n s(t5 8 proposal by any euphemism1 nor w he hide its m odi\s features4 ,he delib]ately adds t ! *ildr5 %\ld be s5t away ) _! mo!rs4 ,! ne/s are to be cle>$ ( ! :ole brood4 #aji ,ezra x4 #b4 #aaj ,ezra ix4 #ae4 ,ezra _h n v5tur$ to draw out su* a direful programme4 ,b ,%ecaniah says t ?is is accord+ to ! c\nsel ( my "l1#aaa us+ t]ms ( unwont$ obsequi\sness--unless1 z seems less likely1 ! phrase is meant to apply to ,god1 i4e41 to be read1 ,accord+ to ! c\nsel ( ,! ,"l4 ,%ecaniah evid5tly ga!r$ ! unexpress$ op9ion ( ,ezra f ! language ( 8 pray] & f 8 g5]al attitude4 ,?is 0 ! only way out ( ! difficulty1 ! logical conclusion f :at 0 n[ admitt$4 ,ezra saw x cle>ly en\gh1 b x want$ a man ( co>s] fibre to say x4 ,%ecaniah goes fur!r1 & claims ! concurr5ce ( all :o tremble at ! words ( ! ,god ( ,israel4 ,^! p h be5 m5tion$ be=e z =m+ ! nucleus ( ! congregation t ga!r$ ab\t ,ezra4#aab ,!n ?is outspok5 man di/9ctly claims ! au?ority ( ,! ,law = 8 proposition4 ,ezra _h bas$ 8 view ( ! hea!n m>riages on ! g5]al "* ( ! tea*+ ( ! prophets2 ,%ecaniah n[ appeals to ,! ,law z ! au?ority = 8 s*eme ( :olesale divorce4 ,?is is a huge assumption ( :at has nev] be5 demon/rat$4 ,b su* p z ,%ecaniah d n wait = niceties ( pro( be=e mak+ _! sweep+ proposals4 #aaa ,ezra x4 #c4 #aab ,ezra ix4 #d4 ,! bold advis] foll[$ up 8 sugge/ion by rally+ ,ezra & call+ ^u him to be ( good c\rage1 see+ t he w\ld h support]s 9 ! great re=mation4 ,fall+ 9 ) ! propos$ s*eme1 ,ezra !re & !n extract$ an oa? f ! p--bo? cl]gy & laity--t !y w\ld execute x4 ,?is 0 a g5]al resolution4 ,"s "t 0 requir$ & _m difficulties _h to be fac$ be=e x c\ld be c>ri$ into practice1 & mean:ile ,ezra )drew into retirem5t1 /ill fa/+ & m\rn+4 ,we mu/ n[ all[ = an int]val ( "s mon?s4 ,! *ronological arrangem5t seems to h be5 z foll[s4 ,ezra & 8 company left ,babylon 9 ! spr+1 z ,z]ubbabel _h done be=e him--at ! same season z t ( ! great exodus f ,egypt "u ,moses4 ,ea* ( ^! ?ree great exp$itions began ) ! op5+ ( ! natural ye>1 9 sc5es ( bright beauty & hopefulness4 ,occupy+ f\r mon?s on 8 j\rney1 ,ezra rea*$ ,j]usalem 9 ! heat ( ,july4 ,x c\ld n h be5 v long aft] 8 arrival t ! news ( ! =eign m>riages 0 br\ght to him by ! pr9ces1 because if he _h sp5t any consid]able "t 9 ,j]usalem fir/ he mu/ h f\nd out ! /ate ( affairs = himself4 ,b n[ we are transport$ to ! mon? ( ,decemb] = ! meet+ ( ! p :5 ! cov5ant ( divorce is to be put 9 =ce4 ,possibly "s ( ! p[]ful lead]s _h oppos$ ! summon+ ( su* a ga!r+1 & _! h9drance may h delay$ x2 or x may h tak5 ,ezra & 8 c\nsellors "s "t to mature _! plans4 ,long brood+ ov] ! "q c\ld n h less5$ ! scribe's e/imate ( its gravity4 ,b ! sugge/ion ( all k9ds ( difficulties & ! cle> p]ception ( ! t]rible results :i* mu/ fl[ f ! contemplat$ re=mation did n t\* 8 op9ion ( :at 0 "r1 or 8 decision1 once rea*$1 t !re mu/ be a cle>+ away ( ! =eign elem5ts1 root & bran*1 al?\gh !y _h entw9$ _! t5drils ab\t ! deepe/ affections ( ! p4 ,! seclusion & m\rn+ ( ,ezra is record$ 9 ,ezra x4 #f4 ,! next v]se c>ries u on to ! prep>ation = ! dreadful assembly1 :i*1 z we mu/ conclude1 really took place "s mon?s lat]4 ,! summons 0 back$ up by ?reats ( confiscation & excommunication4 ,to ?is ext5t ! great p[]s entru/$ to ,ezra by ! k+ ( ,p]sia 7 employ$4 ,x looks z if ! ord] 0 ! issue ( a conflict ( c\nsels 9 :i* t ( ,ezra 0 victori\s1 = x 0 exce$+ly p]emptory 9 tone & x only gave ?ree days notice4 ,! p came1 z !y 7 b\nd to d1 = ! au?ority ( ! supreme gov]nm5t 0 beh9d ! summons2 b !y res5t$ ! ha/e ) :i* !y _h be5 call$ toge!r1 & !y plead$ ! inconv5i5ce ( ! season = an op5-air meet+4 ,!y met 9 ! mid/ ( ! w9t] ra9s2 cold & wet !y cr\*$ 9 ! temple c\rts1 ! picture ( wret*$ness4 ,9 a hot1 dry c\ntry s little provision is made = inclem5t wea!r1 t :5 x comes ! p suff] f x mo/ acutely1 s t x means mu* m di/ress to !m ?an to ! inhabitants ( a *ill & ra9y climate4 ,/ill x may seem /range t1 ) s t]rible a "q z ! complete break-up ( _! homes pres5t$ to !m1 ! ,jews %\ld h tak5 mu* acc\nt ( ! m]e wea!r ev5 at its wor/4 ,hi/ory1 h[ev]1 does n %ape itself accord+ to proportionate proprieties1 b aft] ! c\rse ( v human facts4 ,we are (t5 unduly influ5c$ by pres5t circum/ances1 s t :at is small 9 itself1 & 9 comp>ison ) ! supreme int]e/s ( life1 may become = ! mom5t ( ! mo/ press+ importance1 j because x is pres5t & mak+ itself felt z ! ne>e/ fact4 ,moreov]1 !re is a sort ( magnetic connection betwe5 ! ext]nal "* ( ?+s & ! mo/ intangible ( int]nal exp]i5ces4 ,! ,novemb] gloom is m ?an a meteorological fact2 x has its psy*ological aspect4 ,aft] all1 are we n citiz5s ( ! great physical univ]se8 & is x n !re=e reasonable t ! v>i\s phases ( nature %\ld affect u 9 "s degree1 s t ! common topic ( conv]sation1 ! wea!r1 may really be ( m s]i\s conc]n ?an we suspect8 ,be t z x may1 x is cle> t :ile ^! ,jews1 :o usually enjoy$ brilliant sun%9e & ! fair blue ,syrian sky1 7 %iv]+ 9 ! *ill ,decemb] ra9s1 wet & mis]able1 !y 7 q unable to discuss a great social "q1 or to brace !mselves up = an act ( supreme r5unciation4 ,x 0 a season ( depression1 & ! p felt limp & he>tless1 z p (t5 d feel at su* a season4 ,!y plead$ = delay4 ,n only 0 ! wea!r a great h9drance to calm delib]ation1 b1 z !y said1 ! propos$ re=mation 0 ( a widespread "*4 ,x mu/ be an affair ( "s "t4 ,let x be regul>ly organis$4 ,let x be conduct$ only be=e appo9t$ c\rts 9 ! sev]al cities4 ,?is 0 reasonable en\gh1 & accord+ly x 0 decid$ to adopt ! sugge/ion4 ,x is easy to be a re=m] 9 !ory2 b !y :o h fac$ a great abuse 9 practice "k h[ difficult x is to uproot x4 ,?is is especially true ( all attempts to affect ! social ord]4 ,wild ideas are float$ )\t an ef=t4 ,b ! execution ( ^! ideas means f> m toil & battle1 & involves a mu* great] tumult 9 ! _w1 ?an ! airy dream]s :o />t !m s confid5tly & :o are s surpris$ at ! sl[ness ( dull p to accept !m ev] imag9e4 ,n only 0 !re a successful plea = delay4 ,!re 0 also direct opposition to ,ezra's /]n proposal--al?\gh ?is did n prove to be successful4 ,! indication ( opposition is obscur$ by ! imp]fect r5d]+ ( ! ,au?oris$ ,v]sion4 ,turn+ to ! m correct translation 9 ! ,revis$ ,v]sion we read1 ,only ,jona?an ! son ( ,asahel & ,jahzeiah ! son ( ,tikvah /ood up aga9/ ?is matt]3 & ,me%ullam & ,%abbe?ai ! ,levite help$ !m4#aac ,"h 0 a little knot ( *ampions ( ! poor ?reat5$ wives1 def5d]s ( ! peaceful homes s soon to be smitt5 by ! ru?less axe ( ! re=m]1 m5 :o believ$ 9 ! sanctity ( dome/ic life z n less real ?an ! sanctity ( ecclesia/ical arrangem5ts1 m5 p]haps to :om love 0 z ,div9e z law1 nay1 0 law1 :]ev] x 0 pure & true4 #aac ,ezra x4 #ae4 ,?is opposition 0 borne d[n2 ! c\rts sat2 ! divorces 7 grant$2 wives 7 torn f _! husb&s & s5t back to _! indignant p>5ts2 & *ildr5 7 orphan$4 ,prie/s1 ,levites1 & o!r temple (fic]s did n escape ! dome/ic re=mation2 ! common p 7 n b5ea? its se>*+ scrut9y2 ev]y:]e ! prun+ knife lopp$ (f ! ali5 bran*es f ! v9e ( ,israel4 ,aft] giv+ a li/ ( families involv$1 ! *ronicl] concludes ) ! b>e rem>k t m5 put away wives ) *ildr5 z well z ^? :o _h no *ildr54#aad ,x is baldly /at$4 ,:at did x mean8 ,! agony ( sep>ation1 ! lifelong division ( ! family1 ! wife worse ?an wid[$1 ! *ildr5 driv5 f ! %elt] ( ! home1 ! husb& sitt+ desolate 9 8 sil5t h\se--ov] all ?is ! *ronicl] draws a veil2 b our imag9ations c picture su* sc5es z might furni% mat]ials = ! mo/ pa!tic trag$ies4 #aad ,ezra x4 #dd4 ,9 ord] to mitigate ! mis]y ( ?is social revolution1 att5tion has be5 call$ to ! fre$om ( divorce :i* 0 all[$ among ! ,jews & to ! inf]ior /atus assign$ to wom5 9 ! ,ea/4 ,! wife1 x is said1 0 always prep>$ to receive a bill ( divorce :5ev] h] husb& f\nd occasion to dismiss h]3 %e w\ld h a "r to claim back h] d[ry2 & %e w\ld return to h] fa!r's h\se )\t ! slighte/ slur ^u h] "*4 ,all ?is may be true en\gh2 & yet human nature is ! same all ! _w ov]1 & :]e !re is ! /rong mutual affection ( true w$d$ love1 :e!r 9 ! ,engl& ( our ,*ri/ian era or 9 ! ,pale/9e ( ! old5 times1 to sev] ! tie ( union mu/ mean ! agony ( torn he>ts1 ! despair ( blight$ lives4 ,& 0 ?is necess>y8 ,ev5 if x 0 n accord+ to ! ord9ance ( _! religion = ,jews to contract m>riages ) =eign]s1 hav+ contract$ su* m>riages & hav+ se5 *ildr5 gr[ up ab\t !m1 0 x n a worse evil = !m to break ! bonds by viol5ce & scatt] ! families8 ,is n ! m>riage law itself holy8 ,nay1 has x n a prior "r ov] aga9/ ,levitical in/itutions or prophetic ord9ances1 see+ t x may be trac$ back to ! sweet sanctities ( ,ed58 ,:at if ! /]n re=m] _h fall5 into a dreadful blund]8 ,might x n be t ?is new ,hildebr& & 8 fanatical foll[]s 7 ev5 guilty ( a huge crime 9 _! quixotic attempt to purge ! ,*ur* by wreck+ ! home8 ,assur$ly f our po9t ( view & ) our ,*ri/ian light no su* conduct z !irs c\ld be condon$4 ,x 0 utt]ly undiscrim9at+1 rid+ r\gh%od ov] ! t5d]e/ claims4 ,g5tile wives su* z ,ru? ! ,moabitess might h adopt$ ! fai? ( _! husb&s--d\btless 9 _m cases !y _h done s--yet ! sweep+1 pitiless m&ate ( sep>ation appli$ to !m z surely z if !y _h be5 hea!n sorc]esses4 ,on ! o!r h&1 we mu/ use "s hi/orical imag9ation 9 e/imat+ ^! sorr[ful sc5es4 ,! great idea ( ,ezra 0 to pres]ve a sep>ate p4 ,he held t ?is 0 ess5tial to ! ma9t5ance ( pure religion & morals 9 ! mid/ ( ! pagan abom9ations :i* surr\nd$ ! little colony4 ,*ur* sep>ation seem$ to be b\nd up ) race sep>ation4 ,?is ,ezra believ$ to be aft] ! m9d ( ! prophets1 & !re=e a tru? ( ,div9e inspiration4 ,"u all ! circum/ances x is n easy to say t 8 ma9 cont5tion 0 wrong1 t ,israel c\ld h be5 pres]v$ z a ,*ur* if x _h ceas$ to keep itself sep>ate z a race1 or t )\t ,*ur* exclusiv5ess religi\s purity c\ld h be5 ma9ta9$4 ,we are n call$ ^u to face any su* t]rible problem1 al?\gh ,/4 ,paul's w>n+ aga9/ ,*ri/ians becom+ unequally yok$ ) unbeliev]s#aae rem9ds u t ! wor/ ill-assortm5t 9 m>riage %\ld n be ?\ght ( z only conc]n$ ) div]sity ( rank1 weal?1 or culture2 t !y are mo/ ill-mat*$ :o h n common int]e/s 9 ! deepe/ conc]ns ( ! s\l4 ,!n1 too1 x ne$s to be rememb]$ 9 ^! days1 :5 ease & com=t are unduly priz$1 t !re are occasions on :i* ev5 ! peace & love ( ! home mu/ be sacrific$ to ! supreme claims ( ,god4 ,our ,"l om9\sly w>n$ ,8 disciples t ,he w\ld s5d a sword to sev] ! close/ dome/ic ties--to set a man at v>iance aga9/ 8 fa!r1 & ! daught] aga9/ h] "m1 etc41#aaf & ,he add$1 ,he t love? fa!r or "m m ?an ,me is n wor?y ( ,me4#aag ,9 times ( e>ly ,*ri/ian p]secution x 0 necess>y to *oose betwe5 ! cross ( ,*ri/ & ! ne>e/ dome/ic claims1 & !n fai?ful m>tyrs accept$ ! cross ev5 at ! co/ ( ! de> love ( home & all its priceless jewels1 z1 = in/ance1 9 ! famili> /ory ( ,p]petua & ,felicitas4 ,! same *oice _h to be made aga9 "u ,ca?olic p]secution among ! ,hugu5ots1 z we are rem9d$ by ,millais' well-kn[n picture1 & ev5 9 a quasi-prote/ant p]secution 9 ! case ( ,sir ,?omas ,m4 ,x faces ! conv]t f ,h9dooism 9 ,india to-day4 ,!re=e :atev] op9ion we may =m ( ! p>ticul> action ( ,ezra1 we %\ld d well to pond] gravely ov] ! gr& pr9ciple on :i* x 0 bas$4 ,god mu/ h ! fir/ place 9 ! he>ts & lives ( ,8 p1 ev5 ?\gh 9 "s cases ?is may involve ! %ipwreck ( ! de>e/ e>?ly affections4 #aae ,cor4 vi4 #ad4 #aaf ,matt4 x4 #ce4 #aag ,matt4 x4 #cg4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,,! ,,co/ ,,( ,,an ,,ideali/',s ,,success4 ,,ezra iv4 #f-bc4 ,! f\r? *apt] ( ! ,book ( ,ezra conta9s an acc\nt ( a correspond5ce betwe5 ! ,sam>itan coloni/s & two k+s ( ,p]sia1 :i* foll[s %>ply on ! fir/ m5tion ( ! intrigues ( ! enemies ( ,judah & ,b5jam9 at ! ,p]sian c\rt 9 ! lat] days ( ,cyrus1 & :i* prec$es ! description ( ! =tunes ( ! ,jews 9 ! reign ( ,d>ius4 ,if ?is has its "r *ronological position 9 ! n>rative1 x mu/ relate to ! int]val dur+ :i* temple-build+ 0 9 abeyance4 ,9 t case ! two k+s ( ,p]sia w\ld be ,cambyses1 ! son & successor ( ,cyrus1 & ,pseudo-,b>des4 ,b ! names 9 ! text are ,ahasu]us 7,aha%v]o%7 & ,artax]xes 7,artah%a%ta74 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t ^! are second names = ! pr$ecessors ( ,d>ius4 ,und\bt$ly x 0 cu/om>y = ,p]sian mon>*s to h m ?an "o "n4 ,b else:]e 9 ! ,biblical n>ratives ^! two names are inv>iably appli$ to ! successors ( ,d>ius--! fir/ /&+ = ! well-kn[n ,x]xes & ! second = ,artax]xes ,longimanus4 ,! presumption !re=e is t ! same k+s are designat$ by !m "h4 ,moreov]1 :5 we exam9e ! acc\nt ( ! correspond5ce ) ! ,p]sian c\rt1 we f9d t ?is agrees be/ ) ! lat] p]iod4 ,! op5+ v]ses ( ! f\r? *apt] ( ,ezra deal ) ! build+ ( ! temple2 ! la/ v]se ( t *apt] & ! succe$+ n>rative ( ! fif? *apt] resume ! same topic4 ,b ! correspond5ce relates to ! build+ ( ! walls ( ! city4 ,!re is n a ^w ab\t any su* "w 9 ! context4 ,!n 9 ! lett] address$ to ,artax]xes ! writ]s describe ! build]s ( ! walls z ! ,jews :i* came up f !e4#aah ,?is description w\ld n fit ,z]ubbabel & 8 foll[]s1 :o migrat$ "u ,cyrus4 ,b x w\ld apply to ^? :o accompani$ ,ezra to ,j]usalem 9 ! reign ( ,artax]xes4 ,la/ly1 ! reign ( ,pseudo-,b>des is too brief = all t w\ld h to be cr[d$ into x4 ,x only occupi$ sev5 mon?s4 ,yet a lett] is s5t up f ! enemies ( ! ,jews2 inquiry is made into ! hi/ory ( ,j]usalem by ,p]sian (ficials at ! c\rt2 a reply bas$ on ?is inquiry is transmitt$ to ,pale/9e2 9 consequ5ce ( ?is reply an exp$ition is organis$ :i* effectually /ops ! works at ,j]usalem1 b only aft] ! ex]cise ( =ce on ! spot4 ,x is ne>ly impossible = all ?is to h happ5$ 9 s %ort a "t z sev5 mon?s4 ,all ! indications !re=e concur to assign ! correspond5ce to ! lat] p]iod4 #aah ,ezra iv4 #ab4 ,! *ronicl] mu/ h ins]t$ ?is section out ( its ord] = "s reason ( 8 own4 ,probably he desir$ to acc5tuate ! impression ( ! malignant & p]si/5t enmity ( ! coloni/s1 & ) ?is end 9 view describ$ ! lat] acts ( antagonism directly aft] m5tion+ ! fir/ outbreak ( opposition4 ,x is j possible t he p]ceiv$ ! unfav\rable "* ( 8 picture ( ! ,jews 9 _! curt refusal ( assi/ance f _! neighb\rs1 & t he desir$ to balance ?is by an accumulation ( weighty indictm5ts aga9/ ! p :om ! ,jews _h treat$ s ungraci\sly4 ,9 8 acc\nt ( ! correspond5ce ) ! ,p]sian c\rt ! *ronicl] seems to h tak5 note ( ?ree sep>ate lett]s f ! unfri5dly coloni/s4 ,fir/1 he tells u t 9 ! beg9n+ ( ! reign ( ,ahasu]us !y wrote an accusation aga9/ ! ,jews4#aai ,?is 0 be=e ! mission ( ,ezra2 !re=e x 0 a cont9uance ( ! old opposition t _h be5 se5 9 ! intrigues t prec$$ ! reign ( ,d>ius2 x %[s t aft] ! dea? ( t fri5dly mon>* ! slumb]+ fires broke out afre%4 ,next1 he names c]ta9 m5 :o wrote to ,artax]xes1 & he adds t _! lett] 0 translat$ & writt5 9 ! ,aramaic language--! language :i* 0 ! common m$ium ( int]c\rse 9 trade & (ficial affairs among ! mix$ races inhabit+ ,syria & all ! regions we/ ( ! ,euphrates4#abj ,! ref]5ce to ?is language probably arises f ! fact t ! *ronicl] _h se5 a copy ( ! translation4 ,he does n tell u any?+ ei!r ( ! nationality ( ! writ]s or ( ! subject ( _! lett]4 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t !y 7 ,jews 9 ,j]usalem :o wrote to plead _! cause ) ! ,p]sian k+4 ,! fact t two ( !m bore ,p]sian names--viz41 ,bi%lam & ,mi?r$a?--does n pres5t a s]i\s difficulty to ?is view1 z we "k t "s ,jews receiv$ su* names1 ,z]ubbabel1 = example1 be+ nam$ ,%e%bazz>4 ,b z ! previ\s passage ref]s to an accusation aga9/ ! ,jews1 & z ! foll[+ s5t5ces give an acc\nt ( a lett] also writt5 by ! inimical coloni/s1 x is sc>cely likely t ! int]m$iate col\rless v]se :i* m5tions ! lett] ( ,bi%lam & 8 companions is ( a diff]5t "*4 ,we %\ld expect "s m explicit /atem5t if t 7 ! case4 ,moreov]1 x is mo/ improbable t ! passage :i* foll[s w\ld beg9 abruptly )\t an adv]sative conjunction--z is ! case--if x proce$$ to describe a lett] provok$ by opposition to ano!r lett] j m5tion$4 ,!re=e we mu/ reg>d ,bi%lam & 8 companions z enemies ( ! ,jews4 ,n[ "s :o h accept$ ?is view h ma9ta9$ t ! lett] ( ,bi%lam & 8 fri5ds is no o!r ?an ! lett] ascrib$ to ,rehum & ,%im%ai 9 ! foll[+ v]ses4 ,x is /at$ t ! =m] lett] 0 9 ! ,aramaic language1 & ! lett] :i* is ascrib$ to ! two great (ficials is 9 t language4 ,b ! di/9ct /atem5t t ea* gr\p ( m5 wrote a lett] seems to imply t !re 7 two lett]s writt5 9 ! reign ( ,artax]xes1 or ?ree 9 all4 #aai ,ezra iv4 #f4 #abj ,ezra iv4 #g4 ,! ?ird lett] is ! only "o t ! *ronicl] has pres]v$4 ,he gives x 9 ! ,aramaic language1 & f ,ezra iv4 #h1 :]e ?is is introduc$1 to vi4 #ah1 8 n>rative proce$s 9 t language1 probably because he f\nd 8 mat]ials 9 "s ,aramaic docum5t4 ,"s h assign$ ?is lett] to ! p]iod ( ! reign ( ,artax]xes prior to ! mission ( ,ezra4 ,b !re are two reasons = ?9k+ x mu/ h be5 writt5 aft] t mission4 ,! fir/ has be5 already ref]r$ to--viz41 t ! compla9t ab\t ! ,jews :i* came up f !e po9ts to "s l>ge migration dur+ ! reign ( ,artax]xes1 :i* mu/ be ,ezra's exp$ition4 ,! second reason arises f a comp>ison ( ! results ( ! correspond5ce ) ! description ( ,j]usalem 9 ! op5+ ( ! ,book ( ,nehemiah4 ,! viol5ce ( ! ,sam>itans record$ 9 ,ezra iv4 #bc w acc\nt = ! deplorable /ate ( ,j]usalem m5tion$ 9 ,nehemiah i4 #c1 ! effects ( ! invasion ref]r$ to 9 ! =m] passage agree+ well ) ! condition ( ! dismantl$ city report$ to ,nehemiah4 ,b 9 ! hi/ory ( ,ezra's exp$ition no ref]5ce is made to any su* mis]able /ate ( affairs4 ,?us ! correspond5ce mu/ be assign$ to ! "t betwe5 ! close ( ,ezra & ! beg9n+ ( ,nehemiah4 ,x is to ,ezra's company1 !n1 t ! correspond5ce ) ,artax]xes ref]s4 ,!re 7 two p>ties 9 ,j]usalem1 & ! opposition 0 aga9/ ! active re=m+ p>ty1 :i* n[ _h ! upp] h& 9 ! city4 ,imm$iately we consid] ?is1 ! cause ( ! cont9uance & increase ( ! antagonism ( ! coloni/s becomes app>5t4 ,ezra's h>% re=mation 9 ! expulsion ( =eign wives mu/ h /ruck ! divorc$ wom5 z a cruel & insult+ outrage4 ,driv5 back to _! pat]nal homes ) _! burn+ wrongs1 ^! poor wom5 mu/ h r\s$ ! utmo/ indignation among _! p4 ,?us ! re=m] _h /irr$ up a hornets' ne/4 ,! legislator :o v5tures to int]f]e ) ! sacr$ privacy ( dome/ic life excites ! deepe/ passions1 & a wise man w ?9k twice be=e he m$dles 9 s dang]\s a bus9ess4 ,only ! mo/ imp]ative requirem5ts ( religion & righte\sness c ju/ify su* a c\rse1 & ev5 :5 x is ju/ifi$ nobody c =esee h[ f> ! tr\ble x br+s may spread4 ,! lett] :i* ! *ronicl] transcribes seems to h be5 ! mo/ important ( ! ?ree4 ,x 0 writt5 by two great ,p]sian (ficials4 ,9 our ,engli% v]sions ! fir/ ( ^! is call$ ! *ancellor1 & ! second ! scribe4 ,! *ancellor 0 probably ! gov]nor ( a l>ge di/rict1 ( :i* ,pale/9e 0 b a prov9cial section2 & ! scribe 8 secret>y4 ,accord+ly x is app>5t t ! p]si/5t enmity ( ! coloni/s1 _! misrepres5tations1 & p]haps _! bribes1 _h result$ 9 in/igat+ opposition to ! ,jews 9 v high places4 ,! action ( ! ,jews !mselves may h excit$ suspicion 9 ! m9d ( ! ,p]sian ,satrap1 = x w\ld seem f 8 lett] t !y _h j comm5c$ to =tify _! city4 ,! names ( ! v>i\s peoples :o are associat$ ) ^! two great m5 9 ! title ( ! lett] also %[ h[ f> ! opposition to ! ,jews _h spread4 ,!y are giv5 z ! peoples :om ,osnapp> 7,es>-bani-pal7 _h br\ght ov] & set 9 ! city ( ,sam>ia1 & 9 ! re/ ( ! c\ntry beyond ! riv]4#aba ,t is to say1 ! settl]s 9 ! va/ di/rict we/ ( ! ,euphrates are includ$4 ,"h 7 ,aph>sa?*ites--:o _c be ! ,p]sians1 z "s h ?\ght1 because no ,assyrian k+ ev] seems to h p5etrat$ to ,p]sia1 b may be ! ,p>tac5i ( ,h]odotus1#abb a ,m$ian p2 ,t>pelites-- probably ! p nam$ among ! ,hebrews aft] ,tubal2#abc ,aph>sites--also wrongly id5tifi$ by "s ) ! ,p]sians1 b probably ano!r ,m$ian p2 ,ar*evites1 f ! anci5t ,ere* 7,uruk72#abd ,babylonians1 n only f ! city ( ,babylon1 b also f its neighb\rhood2 ,%u%an*ites1 f ,%usan 7,susa71 ! capital ( ,susiana2 ,dehaites--possibly ! ,dai ( ,h]odotus1#abe because1 ?\gh ^! 7 ,p]sians1 !y 7 nomads :o may h w&]$ f>2 ,elamites1 f ! c\ntry ( :i* ,susa 0 capital4 ,a t]rific array6 ,! v names w\ld be impos+4 ,all ^! p 7 n[ unit$ 9 a common bond ( enmity to ! ,jews ( ,j]usalem4 ,anticipat+ ! fate ( ! ,*ri/ians 9 ! ,roman ,empire1 ?\gh on v diff]5t gr\nds1 ! ,jews seem to h be5 reg>d$ by ! peoples ( ,we/]n ,asia ) positive antipa?y z enemies ( ! human race4 ,_! anti-social conduct _h ali5at$ all :o knew !m4 ,b ! lett] ( indictm5t br\ght a false *>ge aga9/ !m4 ,! oppon5ts ( ! ,jews c\ld n =mulate any *>ge out ( _! real grievances suffici5tly grave to secure an adv]se v]dict f ! supreme au?ority4 ,!y !re=e trump$ up an accusation ( treason4 ,x 0 untrue1 = ! ,jews at ,j]usalem _h always be5 ! mo/ peaceable & loyal subjects ( ! ,great ,k+4 ,! se>* :i* 0 made into ! previ\s hi/ory ( ! city c\ld only h br\ght to light any evid5ce ( a _s ( indep5d5ce z f> back z ! "t ( ! ,babylonian invasions4 ,/ill ?is 0 en\gh to supplem5t ! calumnies ( ! irritat$ oppon5ts :i* ! ,satrap & 8 secret>y _h be5 p]suad$ to e*o ) all ! au?ority ( _! high position4 ,moreov]1 ,egypt 0 n[ 9 revolt1 & ! k+ may h be5 p]suad$ to suspect ! ,jews ( sympa?y ) ! rebels4 ,s ,j]usalem 0 condemn$ z a bad city2 ! ,p]sian (ficials w5t up & =cibly /opp$ ! build+ ( ! walls1 & ! ,jews 7 r$uc$ to a condition ( helpless mis]y4 #aba ,ezra iv4 #aj4 #abb ,h]odotus1 i4 #aja4 #abc ,g54 x4 #b4 #abd ,g54 x4 #aj4 #abe ,h]odotus1 i4 #abe4 ,?is 0 ! issue ( ,ezra's re=mation4 ,c we call x a success8 ,! answ] to su* a "q w dep5d on :at k9d ( success we may be look+ =4 ,politically1 socially1 reg>d$ f ! /&po9t ( mat]ial pr(it & loss1 !re 0 no?+ b ! mo/ dismal failure4 ,b ,ezra 0 n a /atesman2 he did n aim at national greatness1 nor did he aim ev5 at social amelioration4 ,9 our own day1 :5 social improvem5ts are reg>d$ by _m z ! *ief ends ( gov]nm5t & philan?ropy1 x is difficult to sympa?ise ) conduct :i* ran c\nt] to ! home com=ts & comm]cial prosp]ity ( ! p4 ,a policy :i* delib]ately wreck$ ^! obvi\sly attractive objects ( life 9 pursuit ( entirely diff]5t aims is s completely remote f mod]n habits ( ?\ght & conduct t we h to make a consid]able ef=t ( imag9ation if we w\ld und]/& ! man :o promot$ x4 ,h[ are we to picture him8 ,ezra 0 an ideali/4 ,n[ ! success ( an ideali/ is n to be s\ght = 9 mat]ial prosp]ity4 ,he lives = 8 idea4 ,if ?is idea triumphs he is satisfi$1 because he has atta9$ ! "o k9d ( success he aim$ at4 ,he is n ri*2 b he nev] s[$ ! se$ ( weal?4 ,he may nev] be hon\r$3 he has det]m9$ to set himself aga9/ ! curr5t ( popul> fa%ion2 h[ !n c he expect popul> fav\r8 ,possibly he may meet ) misappreh5sion1 contempt1 hatr$1 dea?4 ,! greate/ ,ideali/ ! _w ev] saw 0 excommunicat$ z a h]etic2 insult$ by ,8 oppon5ts1 & des]t$ by mo/ ( ,8 fri5ds2 tortur$ & crucifi$4 ,! be/ ( ,8 disciples1 ^? :o _h caught ! en?usiasm ( ,8 idea1 7 treat$ z ! (fsc\r+ ( ! e>?4 ,yet we n[ recognise t ! gr&e/ victory ev] a*iev$ 0 won at ,calv>y2 & we n[ reg>d ! travels ( ,/4 ,paul ?r\gh /on+ & sc\rg+1 ?r\gh ,jewi% hatr$ & ,*ri/ian jeal\sy1 on to ! block1 z no?+ less ?an a magnific5t triumphant m>*4 ,! ideali/ succe$s :5 8 idea is e/abli%$4 ,judg$ by ?is /&>d--! only fair /&>d--,ezra's "w _c be pron\nc$ a failure4 ,on ! contr>y1 he accompli%$ j :at he aim$ at4 ,he e/abli%$ ! sep>at5ess ( ! ,jews4 ,among ourselves1 m ?an two ?\s& ye>s aft] 8 "t1 8 great idea is /ill ! mo/ m>k$ feature ( 8 p4 ,all along ! ages x has provok$ jeal\sy & suspicion2 & (t5 x has be5 met by cruel p]secution4 ,! sep>ate p h be5 treat$ z only too sep>ate f ! re/ ( mank9d4 ,?us ! hi/ory ( ! ,jews has become "o long trag$y4 ,x is inf9itely sad4 ,yet x is incomp>ably m noble ?an ! holl[ com$y ( exi/5ce to :i* ! abs5ce ( all aims ap>t f p]sonal pleasure r$uces ! /ory ( ^? p :o h sunk s l[ t !y h no ideas4 ,moreov]1 ) ,ezra ! racial idea 0 really subord9ate to ! religi\s idea4 ,to secure ! wor%ip ( ,god1 free f all contam9ation--?is 0 8 ultimate purpose4 ,9 accompli%+ x he mu/ h a devot$ p also free f contam9ation1 a prie/hood /ill m sep>ate & consecrat$1 & a ritual c>efully gu>d$ & protect$ f defilem5t4 ,h5ce arose 8 great "w 9 publi%+ ! au?oritative codifi$ scriptures ( ! ,jews4 ,to a ,*ri/ian all ?is has its defects--=malism1 ext]nalism1 ne$less n>r[ness4 ,yet x succe$$ 9 sav+ ! religion ( ! ,jews1 & 9 transmitt+ t religion to future ages z a preci\s casket conta9+ ! se$ ( ! great spiritual fai? = :i* ! _w 0 wait+4 ,!re is some?+ ( ! s*oolma/] 9 ,ezra2 b he is l ! law he lov$ s dev\tly--a s*oolma/] :o br+s u to ,*ri/4 ,he 0 ne$$ bo? = 8 times & also 9 ord] to lay ! f\ndation ( com+ ages4 ,:o %all say t su* a man 0 n s5t ( ,god8 ,h[ c we d5y to 8 unique "w ! inspiration ( ! ,holy ,_s8 ,! h>%ness ( its outw>d features mu/ n bl9d u to ! sublimity ( its inn] ?\ght or ! b5efic5ce ( its ultimate purpose4 ,,*apt] ,,xv4 ,,nehemiah ,,! ,,patriot4 ,,nehemiah i4 #a-c4 ,! ,book ( ,nehemiah is ! la/ "p ( ! *ronicl]'s n>rative4 ,al?\gh x 0 n orig9ally a sep>ate "w1 we c easily see :y ! editor1 :o broke up ! orig9al volume into di/9ct books1 divid$ x j :]e he did4 ,an int]val ( twelve or ?irte5 ye>s comes betwe5 ,ezra's re=mation & ! ev5ts record$ 9 ! op5+ ( ,nehemiah4 ,/ill a mu* long] p]iod 0 pass$ ov] 9 sil5ce 9 ! middle ( ,ezra4#abf ,a m important reason = ! division ( ! n>rative may be f\nd 9 ! introduction ( a new "*4 ,! book :i* n[ be>s 8 "n is l>gely devot$ to ! actions ( ,nehemiah2 & x comm5ces ) an autobiographical n>rative1 :i* occupies ! fir/ six *apt]s & "p ( ! sev5?4 #abf ,at ,ezra vii4 #a4 ,nehemiah plunges sudd5ly into 8 /ory1 )\t giv+ u any h9ts ( 8 previ\s hi/ory4 ,8 fa!r1 ,hacaliah1 is only a "n to u4 ,x 0 necess>y to /ate ?is "n 9 ord] to di/+ui% ! writ] f o!r m5 nam$ ,nehemiah4#abg ,!re is no reason to ?9k t 8 privileg$ position at c\rt indicates high family connections4 ,! conjecture ( ,ewald t he ow$ 8 important & lucrative (fice to 8 p]sonal beauty & y\?ful attractions is en\gh to acc\nt = x4 ,8 appo9tm5t to ! (fice =m]ly held by ,z]ubbabel is no pro( t he belong$ to ! ,jewi% royal family4 ,at ! despotic ,p]sian c\rt ! k+'s k9dness t[>ds a fav\rite s]vant w\ld ov]ride all claims ( pr9cely rank4 ,besides1 x is mo/ improbable t we %\ld h no h9t ( ! ,davidic desc5t if ?is _h be5 "o gr\nd ( ! appo9tm5t4 ,eusebius & ,j]ome bo? describe ,nehemiah z ( ! tribe ( ,judah4 ,j]ome is notori\sly inaccurate2 ,eusebius is a cauti\s hi/orian1 b x is n likely t 9 8 late age--z long aft] ,nehemiah z our age is aft] ,?omas ,becket--he c\ld h any tru/wor?y evid5ce beyond t ( ! ,scriptures4 ,! /atem5t t ! city ( ,j]usalem 0 ! place ( ! sepul*res ( 8 ance/ors#abh l5ds "s plausibility to ! sugge/ion t ,nehemiah belong$ to ! tribe ( ,judah4 ,) ?is we mu/ be cont5t4 #abg ,e4g41 ! ,nehemiah ( ,ezra ii4 #b1 :o is c]ta9ly ano!r p]son4 #abh ,neh4 ii4 #c4 ,x is m to ! po9t to notice t1 l ,ezra1 ! y\ng] man1 ^: practical en]gy & high au?ority 7 to fur!r ! re=ms ( ! some:at doctr9aire scribe1 0 a ,jew ( ! exile4 ,once m x is 9 ! ,ea/1 f> away f ,j]usalem1 t ! impulse is f\nd = fur!r+ ! cause ( ! ,jews4 ,?us we are aga9 rem9d$ t wave aft] wave sweeps up f ! ,babylonian pla9s to give life & /r5g? to ! religi\s & civic re/oration4 ,! peculi> circum/ances ( ,nehemiah deep5 our int]e/ 9 8 patriotic & religi\s "w4 ,9 8 case x 0 n ! h>d%ips ( captivity t fo/]$ ! aspirations ( ! spiritual life1 = he 0 9 a position ( p]sonal ease & prosp]ity4 ,we c sc>cely ?9k ( a lot less likely to enc\rage ! pr9ciples ( patriotism & religion ?an t ( a fav\rite upp] s]vant 9 a =eign1 hea!n c\rt4 ,! (fice held by ,nehemiah 0 n "o ( political rank4 ,he 0 a palace slave1 n a m9i/] ( /ate l ,joseph or ,daniel4 ,b among ! h\sehold s]vants he w\ld take a high position4 ,! cup-be>]s _h a special privilege ( admission to ! augu/ pres5ce ( _! sov]eign 9 8 mo/ private seclusion4 ,! k+'s life 0 9 _! h&s2 & ! weal?y enemies ( a despotic sov]eign w\ld be ready en\gh to bribe !m to poison ! k+1 if only !y prov$ to be corruptible4 ,! requirem5t t !y %\ld fir/ p\r "s w9e into _! own h&s1 & dr9k ! sample be=e ! ,k+1 is an indication t fe> ( trea*]y haunt$ ! m9d ( an ,ori5tal mon>*1 z x does ! m9d ( a ,russian cz> to-day4 ,ev5 ) ?is r\gh safegu>d x 0 necess>y to select m5 :o c\ld be reli$ ^u4 ,?us ! cup-be>]s w\ld become fav\rites4 ,at all ev5ts1 x is pla9 t ,nehemiah 0 reg>d$ ) peculi> fav\r by ! k+ he s]v$4 ,no d\bt he 0 a fai?ful s]vant1 & 8 fidelity 9 8 position ( tru/ at c\rt 0 a gu>antee ( simil> fidelity 9 a m responsible & f> m try+ (fice4 ,nehemiah op5s 8 /ory by tell+ u t he 0 9 ! palace1#abi or r ! =tress1 at ,susa1 ! w9t] abode ( ! ,p]sian mon>*s--an ,elamite city1 ! /up5d\s rema9s ( :i* a/oni% ! travell] 9 ! pres5t day--eighty miles ea/ ( ! ,tigris & )9 sight ( ! ,bakhtiy>i ,m\nta9s4 ,"h 0 ! great nail ( audi5ce1 ! c\nt]p>t ( ano!r at ,p]sepolis4 ,^! two 7 p]haps ! l>ge/ rooms 9 ! anci5t _w next to t at ,k>nak4 ,?irty-six flut$ columns1 di/ribut$ z six r[s ( six columns ea*1 sl5d] & widely spac$1 support$ a ro( ext5d+ two hundr$ feet ea* way4 ,! mon? ,*islev1 9 :i* ! occurr5ce ,nehemiah proce$s to relate happ5$1 corresponds to p>ts ( our ,novemb] & ,decemb]4 ,! "n is an ,assyrian & ,babylonian "o1 & s are all ! names ( ! mon?s us$ by ! ,jews4 ,fur!r1 ,nehemiah speaks ( :at he "h n>rates z happ5+ 9 ! tw5tie? ye> ( ,artax]xes1 & 9 ! next *apt] he m5tions a subsequ5t ev5t z occurr+ 9 ! mon? ,nisan#acj 9 ! same ye>4 ,?is %[s t he did n reckon ! ye> to beg9 at ,nisan1 z ! ,jews 7 accu/om$ to reckon x4 ,he mu/ h foll[$ ! g5]al ,asiatic cu/om1 :i* beg9s ! ye> 9 ! autumn1 or else he mu/ h regulat$ 8 dates accord+ to ! "t ( ! k+'s accession4 ,9 ei!r case we see h[ ?or\ghly un-,jewi% ! sett+ ( 8 n>rative is--unless a ?ird explanation is adopt$1 viz41 t ! ,jewi% ye>1 beg9n+ 9 ! spr+1 only c\nts f ! adoption ( ,ezra's edition ( ,! ,law4 ,be ?is z x may1 o!r indications ( ,ori5talism1 d]iv$ f 8 c\rt surr\nd+s1 w attract our att5tion 9 our consid]ation ( 8 language lat] on4 ,no writ] ( ! ,bible reflects ! influ5ce ( ali5 culture m cle>ly ?an ,nehemiah4 ,outw>dly1 he is ! mo/ =eign ,jew we meet ) 9 ,scripture4 ,yet 9 8 & "* he is ! v ideal ( a ,jewi% patriot4 ,8 patriotism %9es all ! m spl5didly because x bur/s out ( a =eign environm5t4 ,?us ,nehemiah %[s h[ little 8 dialect & ! mann]s he exhibits c be tak5 z ! gauge ( a man's true life4 #abi ,neh4 i4 #a4 #acj ,neh4 ii4 #a4 ,nehemiah /ates t1 :ile he 0 ?us at ,susa1 9 w9t] resid5ce ) ! c\rt1 "o ( 8 bre?r51 nam$ ,hanani1 toge!r ) c]ta9 m5 ( ,judah1 came to him4#aca ,! language "h us$ w admit ( our reg>d+ ,hanani z only a m or less di/ant relative ( ! cup-be>]2 b a lat] ref]5ce to him at ,j]usalem z my bro!r ,hanani#acb %[s t 8 own bro!r is meant4 #aca ,neh4 i4 #b4 #acb ,neh4 vii4 #b4 ,josephus has an especially graphic acc\nt ( ! incid5t4 ,we h no means ( discov]+ :e!r he drew x f an au!ntic s\rce1 b its picturesqu5ess may ju/ify ! ins]tion ( x "h3 ,n[ !re 0 "o ( ^? ,jews :o _h be5 c>ri$ captive1 :o 0 cup-be>] to ,k+ ,x]xes2 8 "n 0 ,nehemiah4 ,z ?is man 0 walk+ be=e ,susa1 ! metropolis ( ! ,p]sians1 he he>d "s /rang]s t 7 ent]+ ! city1 aft] a long j\rney1 speak+ to "o ano!r 9 ! ,hebrew tongue2 s he w5t to !m & ask$ f :5ce !y came2 & :5 _! answ] 01 t !y came f ,juda1 he began to inquire ( !m aga9 9 :at /ate ! multitude 01 & 9 :at condition ,j]usalem 03 & :5 !y repli$ t !y 7 9 a bad /ate1 = t _! walls 7 ?r[n d[n to ! gr\nd1 & t ! neighb\r+ nations did a great deal ( mis*ief to ! ,jews1 :ile 9 ! day-"t !y ov]-ran ! c\ntry & pillag$ x1 & 9 ! night did !m mis*ief1 insomu* t n a few 7 l$ away captive out ( ! c\ntry1 & out ( ,j]usalem itself1 & t ! roads 7 9 ! day-"t f\nd full ( dead m54 ,h]eupon ,nehemiah %$ te>s1 out ( commis]ation ( ! calamities ( 8 c\ntrym52 &1 look+ up to heav51 he said1 ',h[ long1 ,o ,"l1 wilt ?\ ov]look our nation1 :ile x suff]s s great mis]ies1 & :ile we are made ! prey & ! spoil ( all m58' ,& :ile he /aid at ! gate1 & lam5t$ ?us1 "o told him t ! k+ 0 go+ to sit d[n to supp]2 s he made ha/e1 & w5t z he 01 )\t wa%+ himself1 to m9i/] to ! k+ 9 8 (fice ( cup-be>]1 etc4#acc #acc ,josephus1 ,ant41 ,,xi4 v4 #f4 ,evid5tly ,nehemiah 0 expressly s\ght out4 ,8 influ5ce w\ld naturally be valu$4 ,!re 0 a l>ge ,jewi% community at ,susa1 & ,nehemiah mu/ h enjoy$ a good reputation among 8 p2 o!rwise x w\ld h be5 va9 = ! travell]s to obta9 an int]view ) him4 ,! eyes ( ^! ,jews 7 turn$ to ! royal s]vant z ! fell[-c\ntryman ( greate/ influ5ce at c\rt4 ,b ,nehemiah anticipat$ _! message & reliev$ !m ( all difficulty by que/ion+ !m ab\t ! city ( _! fa!rs4 ,j]usalem 0 hundr$s ( miles away across ! des]t2 no regul> me?ods ( communication kept ! ,babylonian colony in=m$ ( ! condition ( ! advance gu>d at ! anci5t capital2 !re=e scraps ( news br\ght by *ance travell]s 7 eag]ly dev\r$ by ^? :o 7 anxi\s = ! r>e in=mation4 ,pla9ly ,nehemiah %>$ ?is anxiety4 ,8 "q 0 q spontane\s1 & x sugge/s t amid ! di/ractions ( 8 c\rt life 8 ?\ghts _h (t5 rev]t$ to ! anci5t home ( 8 p4 ,if he _h n be5 truly patriotic1 he c\ld h us$ "s device1 :i* 8 palace exp]i5ce w\ld h readily sugge/$1 s z to div]t ! c\rse ( ?is conv]sation ) a gr\p ( simple m5 f ! c\ntry1 & keep ! pa9ful subject 9 ! backgr\nd4 ,he mu/ h se5 cle>ly t = "o 9 8 position ( influ5ce to make inquiries ab\t a poor & di/ress$ community 0 to raise expectations ( assi/ance4 ,b 8 que/ions 7 e>ne/ & eag]1 because 8 int]e/ 0 g5u9e4 ,! answ]s to ,nehemiah's inquiries /ruck him ) surprise z well z grief4 ,! %ock ) :i* he receiv$ !m rem9ds u ( ,ezra's />tl$ horror :5 ! lax practices ( ! ,jewi% lead]s 7 report$ to him1 al?\gh ! tra9$ c\rt (ficial did n display ! ab&onm5t ( emotion :i* 0 se5 9 ! /ud5t sudd5ly plung$ into ! vortex ( public life & unprep>$ = "o ( ^? dread surprises :i* m5 ( ! _w drill !mselves to face ) comp>ative calmness4 ,we mu/ n[ exam9e ! news t surpris$ & di/ress$ ,nehemiah4 ,8 bro!r & ! o!r travell]s f ,j]usalem in=m him t ! desc5dants ( ! return$ captives1 ! resid5ts ( ,j]usalem1 are 9 great affliction & reproa*2 & also t ! city walls h be5 brok5 d[n & ! gates burnt4 ,! description ( ! def5celess & di%on\r$ /ate ( ! city is :at mo/ /rikes ,nehemiah4 ,n[ ! "q is to :at calamities does ?is report ref]8 ,accord+ to ! usual und]/&+1 x is a description ( ! /ate ( ,j]usalem :i* result$ f ! sieges ( ,nebu*adnezz>4 ,b !re are s]i\s difficulties 9 ! way ( ?is view4 ,nehemiah mu/ h kn[n all ab\t ! trem5d\s ev5ts1 "o ( ! results ( :i* 0 se5 9 ! v exi/5ce ( ! ,jewi% colony ( :i* he 0 a memb]4 ,! inevitable consequ5ces ( t notori\s disa/] c\ld n h come be=e him unexpect$ly & z />tl+ news4 ,besides1 ! pres5t di/ress ( ! inhabitants is closely associat$ ) ! acc\nt ( ! ru9 ( ! def5ces1 & is ev5 m5tion$ fir/4 ,is x possible t "o s5t5ce %\ld include :at 0 happ5+ n[1 & :at took place a c5tury e>n]1 9 a s+le picture ( ! city's mis]y8 ,! language seems to po9t to ! action ( break+ ?r\gh me walls r ?an to su* a g5]al demolition ( !m z took place :5 ! :ole city 0 raz$ to ! gr\nd by ! ,babylonian invad]s4 ,la/ly1 ! action ( ,nehemiah _c be acc\nt$ = on ?is hypo!sis4 ,he is plung$ into grief by ! dreadful news1 & at fir/ he c only m\rn & fa/ & pray4 ,b be=e long1 z soon z he obta9s p]mission f 8 royal ma/]1 he sets out = ,j]usalem1 & !re 8 fir/ great "w is to re/ore ! ru9$ walls4 ,! connection ( ev5ts %[s t x is ! in=mation br\ght to him by ,hanani & ! o!r ,jews f ,j]usalem t r\ses him to proce$ to ! city4 ,all ?is po9ts to "s v rec5t tr\bles1 :i* 7 previ\sly unkn[n to ,nehemiah4 ,c we f9d any indication ( ^? tr\bles else:]e8 ,! op5+ sc5e 9 ! patriotic c>e] ( ,nehemiah exactly fit 9 ) ! ev5ts :i* came "u our consid]ation 9 ! previ\s *apt]4 ,!re we saw t ! opposition to ! ,jews :i* is record$ z e>ly z ,ezra iv41 b attribut$ to ! reign ( an ,artax]xes1 mu/ h be5 c>ri$ into effect "u ,artax]xes ,longimanus--,nehemiah's ma/]4 ,?is mu/ h be5 subsequ5t to ! mission ( ,ezra 9 ! sev5? ye> ( ,artax]xes1 z ,ezra makes no m5tion ( its di/ressful consequ5ces4 ,! news rea*$ ,nehemiah 9 ! tw5tie? ye> ( ! same reign4 ,!re=e ! mis*ief mu/ h be5 wr\ght "s "t dur+ ! int]v5+ ?irte5 ye>s4 ,we h no hi/ory ( t p]iod4 ,b ! glimpse ( its mo/ gloomy exp]i5ces af=d$ by ! deta*$ p>agraph 9 ,ezra iv4 exactly fits 9 ) ! description ( ! result+ condition ( ,j]usalem 9 ! ,book ( ,nehemiah4 ,?is w fully acc\nt = ,nehemiah's surprise & grief2 x w also ?r[ a flood ( light on 8 "* & subsequ5t action4 ,if he _h only be5 r\s$ to repair ! ravages ( ! old ,babylonian invasions1 !re w\ld h be5 no?+ v c\rage\s 9 8 und]tak+4 ,babylon itself _h be5 ov]?r[n1 & ! enemy ( ,babylon 0 n[ 9 p[]4 ,any?+ t5d+ to oblit]ate ! de/ructive glory ( ! old fall5 empire might be accept$ ) fav\r by ! ,p]sian rul]4 ,b ! case is q alt]$ :5 we ?9k ( ! m rec5t ev5ts4 ,! v "w ,nehemiah 0 to und]take _h be5 attempt$ b a few ye>s be=e1 & x _h fail$ mis]ably4 ,! rebuild+ ( ! walls _h !n excit$ ! jeal\sy ( neighb\r+ peoples1 & _! gross misrepres5tations _h result$ 9 an (ficial prohibition ( ! "w4 ,?is prohibition1 h[ev]1 _h only be5 execut$ by acts ( viol5ce1 sanction$ by ! gov]nm5t4 ,worse ?an all else1 x 0 f ! v ,artax]xes :om ,nehemiah s]v$ t ! sanction _h be5 obta9$4 ,he 0 an easy-go+ sov]eign1 readily accessible to ! advice ( 8 m9i/]s2 9 ! e>li] "p ( 8 reign he %[$ rem>kable fav\r t[>ds ! ,jews1 :5 he equipp$ & despat*$ ,ezra on 8 great exp$ition1 & x is likely en\gh t 9 ! pressure ( 8 multitud9\s affairs ! ,k+ w\ld soon =got 8 unfav\rable despat*4 ,nev]!less he 0 an absolute mon>*1 & ! lives ( 8 subjects 7 9 8 h&s4 ,= a p]sonal att5dant ( su* a sov]eign to %[ sympa?y ) a city t _h come "u 8 disapproval 0 a v risky ?+4 ,nehemiah may h felt ?is :ile he 0 hid+ 8 grief f ,artax]xes4 ,b if s1 8 frank confession at ! fir/ opportunity reflects all ! m cr$it on 8 patriotism & ! c\rage ) :i* he support$ x4 ,patriotism is ! mo/ prom95t pr9ciple 9 ,nehemiah's conduct4 ,deep] consid]ations em]ge lat]1 especially aft] he has come "u ! influ5ce ( an en?usia/ic religi\s tea*] 9 ! p]son ( ,ezra4 ,b at fir/ x is ! city ( 8 fa!rs t moves 8 he>t4 ,he is p>ticul>ly di/ress$ at its desolate condition1 because ! burial-place ( is ance/ors is !re4 ,! great anxiety ( ! ,jews ab\t ! bodies ( _! dead1 & _! horror ( ! exposure ( a corpse1 made !m look ) peculi> conc]n on ! tombs ( _! p4 ,9 %>+ ! s5tim5ts t spr+ out ( ! habits ( 8 p 9 ?is respect1 ,nehemiah gives a specific turn to 8 patriotism4 ,he longs to gu>d & hon\r ! la/ re/+-place ( 8 p2 he w\ld he> ( any outrage on ! city :]e _! sepul*res are ) ! greate/ di/ress4 ,?us filial piety m+les ) patriotism1 & ! patriotism itself is localis$1 l t ( ! ,greeks1 & direct$ to ! int]e/s ( a s+le city4 ,nehemiah "h repres5ts a diff]5t attitude f t ( ,mordecai4 ,x is n ! ,jew t he ?9ks ( 9 ! fir/ in/ance1 b ,j]usalem2 & ,j]usalem is de> to him prim>ily1 n because ( 8 k9sm5 :o are liv+ !re1 b because x is ! city ( 8 fa!rs' sepul*res1 ! city ( ! great pa/4 ,/ill ! /ronge/ feel+s are always p]sonal4 ,patriotism loves ! v soil ( ! fa!rl&2 b ! dep? & /r5g? ( ! passion spr+ f association ) an affection = ! p t inhabit x4 ,)\t ?is patriotism deg5]ates into a flimsy s5tim5t4 ,at ,j]usalem ,nehemiah develops a deep p]sonal int]e/ 9 ! citiz5s4 ,ev5 on ! ,susa acropolis1 :]e ! v names ( ^! p are unkn[n to him1 ! ?\ght ( 8 ance/ry gives a sanctity to ! f>-(f city4 ,su* a ?\ght is enl>g+ & purify+4 ,x lifts a man out ( petty p]sonal conc]ns2 x gives him unselfi% sympa?ies2 x prep>es dem&s = sacrifice & s]vice4 ,?us1 :ile ! mock patriotism :i* c>es only = glory & national aggr&isem5t is no?+ b a vulg> product ( enl>g$ selfi%ness1 ! true patriotism t awak5s l>ge human sympa?ies is pr(\ndly unselfi%1 & %[s itself to be a "p ( ! v religion ( a devot$ man4 ,,*apt] ,,xvi4 ,,nehemiah',s ,,pray]4 ,,nehemiah i4 #d-aa4 ,nehemiah records ! tw(old effect ( ! melan*oly news :i* 8 bro!r & ! o!r travell]s f ,j]usalem br\ght him4 ,its fir/ consequ5ce 0 grief2 its second pray]4 ,! grief 0 express$ 9 ! dramatic /yle ( ! ,ori5tal by weep+1 lam5tations1 fa/+1 & o!r significant acts & attitudes :i* ! patriot kept up = "s days4 ,demon/rative z all ?is appe>s to u1 x 0 calm & re/ra9$ 9 comp>ison ) ,ezra's frantic outbur/4 ,/ill x 0 ! sign & fruit ( he>tfelt di/ress1 = ,nehemiah 0 really & deeply mov$4 ,_h ! incid5t end$ "h1 we %\ld h se5 a picture ( patriotic s5tim5t1 su* z might be look$ = 9 any loyal ,jew1 al?\gh ! position ( ,nehemiah at c\rt w\ld h prov$ him loyal "u exceptional circum/ances4 ,b ! pray] :i* is ! outcome ( ! s\l-/irr+ ?\ghts & feel+s ( dev\t patriotism lifts ! sc5e into a mu* high] int]e/4 ,?is pray] is s+ul>ly p5etrat+1 reveal+ a ke5 insight into ! secret ( ! calamities ( ,israel1 & an exact p]ception ( ! relation ( ,god to ^? calamities4 ,x %[s a k ( :at we may call ! !ology ( hi/ory1 ( ! ,div9e laws & pr9ciples :i* are above & beh9d ! laws & pr9ciples indicat$ by ! expression ! philosophy ( hi/ory4 ,9 =m x is a comb9ation ( ?ree elem5ts1--! language ( devotion cultivat$ by ,p]sian sages2 expressions cull$ f ! v5]at$ ,hebrew law-book1 ,deut]onomy2 & new phrases call$ out by ! new ne$s ( ! imm$iate occasion4 ,nehemiah %[s h[ natural x is = a p]son to fall into an accept$ dialect ( wor%ip1 ev5 9 an orig9al pray] ! end ( :i* is novel & special4 ,he op5s 8 pray] ) an expression t seems to be m ,p]sian ?an ,jewi%4 ,he does n make 8 appeal to ,jehovah z ! ,god ( ,abraham1 ,isaac1 & ,jacob1 b aft] ! sacr$ "n he adds ! descriptive title ,god ( heav54 ,?is is q a fav\rite phrase ( ,nehemiah's4 ,?us 9 describ+ 8 int]view ) ,artax]xes he says1 ,s ,i pray$ to ! ,god ( heav52#acd & at ,j]usalem he answ]s ! mock]y ( 8 oppon5ts by exclaim+1 ,! ,god ( heav51 ,he w prosp] u4#ace ,n[ ! same expression is f\nd repeat$ly 9 ! *ronicl]'s v]sion ( royal edicts--9 ! edict ( ,cyrus1#acf 9 ! edict ( ,d>ius1#acg 9 ! edict ( ,artax]xes4#ach ,if x is inde$ ( ,p]sian orig91 ! use ( x by ,nehemiah is mo/ significant4 ,9 ?is case1 :ile x indicates ! speak]'s unconsci\s adoption ( ! language ( 8 neighb\rs & %[s him to be a ,jew ( ,ori5tal culture1 x also illu/rates a f>-rea*+ process ( ,provid5ce4 ,"h is an exalt$ "n = ,god1 ! orig9 ( :i* is app>5tly ,g5tile1 accept$ & us$ by a dev\t ,jew1 & ?r\gh 8 employm5t ( x pass+ ov] into ! ,scriptures1#aci s t ! religion ( ,israel is enri*$ by a phrase f abroad4 ,x w\ld be b a poor *ampion%ip ( ! tru? ( ! ,hebrew revelation t w\ld lead u to close our eyes to :atev] ( good is to be f\nd outside its bord]s4 ,c]ta9ly we hon\r ,god by gladly p]ceiv+ t ,he has n left ,himself entirely )\t witness 9 ! dim-lit temple ( ,pagan ?\ght4 ,x is a gr\nd = rejoic+ t1 :ile ! sci5ce ( ,comp>ative ,religion has n t\*$ ! unique pre-em95ce ( ! ,hebrew & ,*ri/ian ,fai?1 t sci5ce has be5 able to recov] scatt]$ pe>ls ( tru? t lay /rewn ov] ! wa/e ( ! _w's wide ?9k+4 ,if 9 a few r>e cases "s su* gems _h be5 f\nd e>li] & ev5 set 9 ! cr[n ( ,israel1 we c only be ?ankful t ! ,"o ,_s :o is ! s\rce ( all revelation has ?us ev9c$ ! bread? ( ,8 activity4 ,nor %\ld x di/urb our fai? if x c\ld be prov$ t m important elem5ts ( our religion did n orig9ate among ! ,jews1 b came f ,babylonian1 ,p]sian1 or ,greek s\rces2 = :y %\ld n ,god speak ?r\gh a ,g5tile if ,he *ooses s to d8 ,?is is n a po9t ( dogma4 ,x is simply a "q ( fact to be det]m9$ by hi/orical inquiry4 #acd ,neh4 ii4 #d4 #ace ,neh4 ii4 #bj4 #acf ,ezra i4 #b4 #acg ,ezra vi4 #aj4 #ach ,ezra vii4 #ab1 #ba1 #bc4 #aci ,x is us$ by ! *ronicl]1 & x is f\nd 9 ,jonah & ,daniel1 & once ev5 9 our rec5sion ( ,g5esis 7,g54 xxiv4 #g74 ,we _c say = c]ta91 h[ev]1 t ,nehemiah's phrase 0 co9$ 9 a ,p]sian m9t4 ,its novelty1 its abs5ce f e>li] ,hebrew lit]ature1 & its repeat$ appe>ance 9 ! edicts ( ,p]sian k+s fav\r ! notion4 ,b we "k t be=e rea*+ u ^! edicts h be5 m or less translat$ into ,hebrew =ms ( ?\ght1 s t ! phrase may possibly be ,jewi% aft] all4 ,/ill ev5 9 t case x seems cle> t x mu/ h be5 fir/ us$ 9 ! ,ea/ & "u ! ,p]sian rule4 ,! wid5+ ( 8 horizon & ! elevation ( 8 idea ( ,provid5ce :i* result$ f ! exp]i5ce ( ! exile help$ to enl>ge & exalt ! ,jew's :ole conception ( ,god4 ,jehovah c\ld no long] be ?\ght ( z a tribal div9ity4 ,! great] prophets _h escap$ f any su* primitive notion mu* e>li]1 b n ! bulk ( ! nation4 ,n[ ! exiles saw t ! doma9 ( _! ,god c\ld n be limit$ to ! hills & valleys ( ,pale/9e4 ,!y p]ceiv$ h[ ,8 arm rea*$ f ! riv] to ! ends ( ! e>?2 h[ ,8 might 0 ev]y:]e supreme1 direct+ ! hi/ory ( empires1 ov]?r[+ great mon>*ies1 e/abli%+ new _w-p[]s4 ,a m subtle movem5t ( ?\ght has be5 detect$ 9 ! appe>ance ( ?is sugge/ive phrase1 ,god ( heav54 ,! idea ( ! transc5d5ce ( ,god is se5 to be gr[+ 9 ! m9d ( ! ,jew4 ,god appe>s to be rec$+ into remote cele/ial regions--,8 greatness includ+ di/ance4 ,z yet ?is is only vaguely felt2 b "h we h ! beg9n+ ( a *>act]i/ic ( ,judaism :i* becomes m & m m>k$ 9 c\rse ( "t1 until x seems z ?\gh ,god 7 cut (f f all direct connection ) m5 on e>?1 & only adm9i/]+ ! _w ?r\gh a :ole army ( int]m$i>ies1 ! angels4 ,aft] ?is phrase ) ! ,p]sian flav\r1 ,nehemiah adds expressions borr[$ f ! ,hebrew ,book ( ,deut]onomy1 a book ) ideas & words f :i* 8 pray] is saturat$ ?r\gh\t4 ,god is describ$ on ! "o h& z great & t]rible4 & on ! o!r h& z keep+ cov5ant & m]cy = !m t love ,him & obs]ve ,8 comm&m5ts4#adj ,! ,deut]onomi/ adds to a ?\s& g5]ations--a clause n ne$$ by ,nehemiah1 :o is n[ only conc]n$ ) "o special occasion4 ,! fir/ "p ( ! description is 9 h>mony ) ! new & exalt$ title ( ,god1 & !re=e x fits 9 well "h4 ,x is also suitable = ! circum/ances ( ! pray]1 because 9 times ( calamity we are impress$ ) ! p[] & t]ror ( ,provid5ce4 ,!re is ano!r side to ^! attributes1 h[ev]4 ,! m5tion ( !m sugge/s t ! suff]]s h n fall5 into ! h& ( man4 ,hanani & 8 fell[-,jews made no allusion to a ,div9e action2 !y c\ld n see beyond ! jeal\sy ( neighb\r+ p 9 ! :ole c\rse ( ev5ts4 ,b ,nehemiah at once recognis$ ,god's h&4 ,?is p]ception w\ld calm him z he wat*$ ! solemn movem5t ( ! drama c>ri$ up into heav5ly regions4 ,!n1 aid$ by ! *e]+ ?\ght :i* came to him f ! book ( ,div9e revelation on :i* 8 pray] 0 m\ld$1 ,nehemiah turns to ! cov5ant-keep+ m]cy ( ,god4 ,! cov5ant :i* he appeals to "h mu/ be t ( ! ,book ( ,deut]onomy2 8 subsequ5t ref]5ces to ! cont5ts ( t book make ?is q cle>4 #adj ,neh4 i4 #e4 ,see ,deut4 vii4 #i4 ,x is important to see t ,nehemiah recognises ! relation ( ,god's m]cy to ,8 cov5ant4 ,he p]ceives t ! two g toge!r1 t ! cov5ant does n disp5se ) ! ne$ ( m]cy any m ?an x =ecloses ! action ( m]cy4 ,:5 ! cov5ant p fall into s91 !y _c claim =giv5ess z a "r2 nor c !y ev] dem& deliv]ance f tr\ble on ! gr\nd ( _! pact ) ,god4 ,god does n b>ga9 ) ,8 *ildr54 ,a ,div9e cov5ant is n a bus9ess arrangem5t1 ! t]ms ( :i* c be int]pret$ l ^? ( a de$ ( p>tn]%ip1 & put into =ce by ! det]m9ate w ( ei!r p>ty4 ,! cov5ant is1 f ! fir/1 a graci\s ,div9e promise & disp5sation1 condition$ by c]ta9 requirem5ts to be obs]v$ on man's side4 ,its v exi/5ce is a fruit ( ,god's m]cy1 n an outcome ( man's haggl+1 & its op]ation is j ?r\gh ! cont9uance ( t m]cy4 ,x is true a promise1 a sort ( pl$ge1 goes ) ! cov5ant2 b t is a promise ( m]cy1 a pl$ge ( grace4 ,x does n disp5se ) ! m]cy ( ,god by conv]t+ :at w\ld o!rwise be an act ( pure grace on ,8 "p into a "r :i* we possess & act ^u ( our own sole w4 ,:at x does is to af=d a *annel = ! m]cy ( ,god1 & to assure u ( ,8 m]cy1 :i*1 h[ev]1 rema9s m]cy ?r\gh\t4 ,f ano!r po9t ( view ! cov5ant & ! m]cy g toge!r4 ,! m]cy foll[s ! cov5ant4 ,! expression ! uncov5ant$ m]cies ( ,god has be5 us$ 9 bitt] irony1 z ?\gh any hope t dep5d$ on su* m]cies 0 poor inde$1 a b>e refuge ( despair4 ,b s to treat ! unkn[n goodness ( ,god is to discr$it t ceaseless1 unexhau/$ love :i* has giv5 u ! late/ & highe/ & be/ "n ( ,god4 ,we d n "k h[ f> ! va/ ocean ( ! lov+k9dness ( ,god ext5ds4 ,on ! o!r h&1 c]ta9 def9ite assurances ( m]cy are giv5 along ! l9es ( a cov5ant4 ,!re=e x is cle>ly wise & "r = p :o possess ! cov5ant to foll[ ^? l9es4 ,o!r p :o are outside ! cov5ant may meet ) wond]ful surprises 9 ! inf9ite ,fa!rhood ( ,god2 b ^? ( ,8 *ildr5 :o are 9 ! home mu/ expect to be treat$ accord+ to ! e/abli%$ ord] ( ! h\se4 ,no d\bt !y too w h _! gr& surprises ( ,div9e grace1 = ,god does n tie ,himself to =ms & rules at home :ile ,he ex]cises lib]ty abroad4 ,to d s w\ld be to make ! home a prison4 ,b /ill ,8 revelation ( me?ods ( grace is a cle> indication t x is our duty to obs]ve ^? me?ods1 & t we h no gr\nd ( compla9t if we d n receive ! grace we seek :5 we wilfully neglect !m4 ,"h !n we see ! necessity ( /udy+ ! revelation ( ! w & m9d ( ,god4 ,t pray] has mo/ gr\nd ( hope 9 x :i* keeps ne>e/ to ! ?\ght & _s ( ,scripture4 ,! t]ms ( ! cov5ant quot$ by ,nehemiah require ob$i5ce on ! "p ( ^? :o w\ld receive m]cy "u x1 & ?is ob$i5ce is ne$$ 9 ^? :o are seek+ re/oration & =giv5ess z well z 9 ^? :o h n fall5 f ! cov5ant ?r\gh\t4 ,! ref]5ce to m]cy makes t cle>4 ,! p5it5t submits1 & 9 ! surr5d] ( 8 w he is made ! recipi5t ( ! ,div9e m]cy4 ,b beh9d ! ob$i5ce is ! _s ( love t prompts x4 ,! m]cy is = !m t love ,god & obs]ve ,8 comm&m5ts4 ,love is ! fulfill+ ( ! law f ! fir/4 ,x is expect$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t z well z 9 ! ,new2 x is prescrib$ by ! ,deut]onomi/ z decid$ly z by ,/4 ,john1 = x is ! only gr\nd ( real ob$i5ce4 ,! slavi% t]ror ( ! la% :i* squeezes out a reluctant utt]ance ( submission w n op5 ! door = ! m]cy ( ,god4 ,! ,div9e cov5ant secures m]cy only = ^? :o return to _! allegiance 9 a _s ( love4 ,hav+ ?us set =? ! gr\nds ( 8 pray] 9 8 address to ,god & 8 plea ( ! cov5ant1 ,nehemiah proce$s to invoke ! ,div9e att5tion to 8 petition4 ,!re is an e*o ( ! c\rti]1 p]haps1 9 8 reque/ t ,god's e> %\ld be att5tive & ,8 eyes op52#ada b 8 :ole conduct =bids ! idea ( s]vile obsequi\sness4 ,8 pray]1 he "h says1 is (f]$ day & night2 s 8 report ( x may be reg>d$ z a sort ( f9al summ+ up ( a long1 p]sev]+ succession ( pray]s4 ,! unwe>y+ p]si/5ce ( ! man reveals two fav\rable features 9 8 "*--8 e>ne/ness ( purpose & 8 unflagg+ fai?4 ,our ,"l d5\nces va9 repetitions#adb--;i4e41 repetitions ! v value ( :i* is ?\ght to reside 9 _! numb]1 z ?\gh pray] c\ld be e/imat$ ari?metically4 ,b ! pray] t is repeat$ simply because ! wor%ipp] is too p]si/5t to be satisfi$ till x is answ]$ does n come into ! category ( va9 repetitions2 x is any?+ b empty4 #ada ,neh4 i4 #f4 #adb ,matt4 vi4 #g4 ,imm$iately aft] 8 invocation ( ,god's graci\s att5tion ,nehemiah plunges into a confession ( s94 ,ezra's great pray] 0 :olly occupi$ ) confession1#adc & ?is m\rnful ex]cise takes a l>ge place 9 ,nehemiah's pray]4 ,b ! y\ng] man has "o special gr\nd ( confession4 ,! />tl+ news ( ! ru9\s condition ( ! rec5tly re/or$ city ( ,j]usalem r\ses a sort ( national consci5ce 9 8 brea/4 ,he kn[s t ! captivity 0 br\ght ab\t z a *a/isem5t = ! s9s ( ! ,jews4 ,t great lesson--s recklessly ignor$ :5 x 0 insi/$ on by ,j]emiah--_h be5 burnt into ! deepe/ convictions ( ! exiles4 ,!re=e ,nehemiah makes no compla9t ( ! cruel behavi\r ( ! enemies ( ,israel4 ,he does n :9e ab\t ! pitiable plight ( ! ,jews4 ,_! real enemies 7 _! s9s1 & ! explanation ( _! pres5t di/ress 0 to be f\nd 9 _! own bad conduct4 ,?us ,nehemiah goes to ! root ( ! matt]1 & t )\t a mom5t's hesitation4 #adc ,ezra ix4 #f-ae4 ,fur!r1 x is int]e/+ to see h[ he id5tifies himself ) 8 p 9 ?is confession4 ,liv+ f> f ! seat ( ! evil1 himself a ,god-fe>+1 upright man1 he might h be5 tempt$ to treat ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem z ,job's com=t]s treat$ ! patri>* ( ,uz1 & d5\nce _! s9s f ! secure heights ( 8 own virtue4 ,9 decl9+ to assume ?is ph>isaic attitude1 ,nehemiah %[s t he is n ?9k+ ( rec5t specific s9s committ$ by ! return$ exiles4 ,! :ole hi/ory ( ,israel's apo/asy is be=e him2 he feels t ! lat] z truly z ! e>li] calamities fl[ f ?is "o deep1 f\l f\nta9 ( iniquity4 ,?us he c jo9 himself ) 8 fa!rs & ! :ole nation 9 ! utt]ance ( confession4 ,?is is diff]5t f ! confession ( ,ezra1 :o 0 ?9k+ ( "o def9ite s9 :i* he did n %>e1 b :i* he confess$ 9 a prie/ly sympa?y4 ,nehemiah is less conc]n$ ) =mal legal precepts4 ,he is m pr(\ndly mov$ by ! wide & deep c\rse ( 8 p's s9 g5]ally4 ,/ill x is a m>k ( self-k & true humility1 z well z ( patriotism1 t he hone/ly associates himself ) 8 fell[-c\ntrym54 ,he p]ceives t p>ticul> s9s1 su* z ^? f\nd 9 ! rec5t misconduct ( ! ,jews1 are b symptoms ( ! und]ly+ s9ful "*2 & t :ile circum/ances may save ! individual f ! temptation to exhibit e "o ( ^! symptoms1 !y are accid5tal1 & !y _c be set to 8 cr$it4 ,! common s9 is 9 him /ill2 !re=e he may well jo9 himself to ! p5it5ts1 ev5 ?\gh he has n p>ticipat$ 9 all _! evil de$s4 ,! solid>ity ( ! race is1 unhappily1 nev] m app>5t ?an 9 its s94 ,?is s9 is especially ! "o t\* ( fall5 nature t makes ! :ole _w k94 ,x 0 to a trait ( frailty t ,%akespe>e 0 allud+ :5 he co9$ 8 fam\s phrase1 z ! context proves4#add ,! trail ( ! s]p5t is ov] e human life1 & 9 ?is ugly m>k we h a t]rible sign ( human bro!rhood4 ,( all ! elem5ts ( ,common ,pray]1 confession c be mo/ p]fectly %>$ by e memb] ( a congregation1 if only all ! wor%ipp]s are 9 e>ne/ & "k _! own he>ts4 #add ,troilus & ,cressida1 ,act iii41 ,sc5e #c4 ,nehemiah does n ent] mu* into detail ) ?is confession4 ,x is sweep+ & widely compreh5sive4 ,two po9ts1 h[ev]1 may be notic$4 ,fir/1 he ref]s to ! ,godw>d aspect ( s91 its p]sonal "* z an (f5ce aga9/ ,god4 ,?us he says1 ,we h dealt v corruptly aga9/ ,!e4#ade ,s ! prodigal fir/ confesses t he has s9n$ aga9/ heav54#adf ,secondly1 he makes m5tion m ?an once ( ! comm&m5ts ( ,moses4 ,! "n ( ,moses is (t5 appeal$ to ) rev]5ce 9 ! hi/ory ( ?is p]iod ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,evid5tly ! m9ds ( m5 rev]t$ to ! great f\nd] ( ! nation at ! "t ( national p5it5ce & re/oration4 ,"u ^! circum/ances no new edition ( ,! ,law c\ld h be5 adopt$ unless x 0 believ$ to h embodi$ ! sub/ance ( ! old] tea*+4 #ade ,neh4 i4 #g #adf ,luke xv4 #ah4 ,aft] 8 confession ,nehemiah goes on to appeal to ! ,div9e promises ( re/oration made to ! p5it5t 9 ! great national cov5ant4 ,he sums !m up 9 a def9ite s5t5ce1 n quot+ any "o utt]ance ( ,deut]onomy1 b g>n]+ toge!r ! v>i\s promises ( m]cy & dovetail+ almo/ ! v language ( !m toge!r1 s z to pres5t u ) ! total result4 ,^! promises recognise ! possibility ( transgression & ! consequ5t scatt]+ ( ! p s (t5 insi/$ on by ! prophets & especially by ,j]emiah4 ,!y !n g on to (f] re/oration on condition ( rep5tance & a return to ob$i5t allegiance4 ,x is to be obs]v$ t ?is is all laid d[n on national l9es4 ,! nation s9s2 ! nation suff]s2 ! nation is re/or$ to its old home4 ,?is is v mu* a *>act]i/ic ( ,judaism1 & x gives a bread? to ! op]ation ( great religi\s pr9ciples :i* w\ld o!rwise be unatta9able :5 almo/ all reg>d = a future life is left out ( acc\nt4 ,*ri/ianity dwells m on individualism1 b x obta9s space at once by br++ ! future life into prom95ce4 ,9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ! future ( ! nation takes mu* ! same place z t occupi$ by ! future ( ! individual 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,9 review+ ! hi/ory ( ,god's way ) ,israel ,nehemiah lays 8 f+] on ! great fact ( r$emption4 ,! ,jews are ! p :om ,god _h r$eem$ by ,8 great p[] & ,8 /rong h&4#adg ,univ]sal usage compels u to fix ^u ! exodus "u ,moses1 & n ,z]ubbabel's pilgrimage1 z ! ev5t to :i* ,nehemiah "h alludes4 ,t ev5t1 :i* 0 ! bir? ( ! nation1 always comes out 9 ,hebrew lit]ature z ! supreme act ( ,div9e grace4 ,9 "s respects its position 9 ! religion ( ,israel may be lik5$ to t ( ! cross ( ,*ri/ 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,9 bo? cases ,god's great "w ( r$eem+ ,8 *ildr5 is ! supreme pro( ( ,8 m]cy & ! gr& s\rce ( assurance 9 pray+ to ,him = new help4 ,on ! gr\nd ( ! great r$emption ,nehemiah advances to ! special petition ) :i* 8 pray] closes4 ,?is is mo/ def9ite4 ,x is on behalf ( 8 own ne$2 x is = imm$iate help--?is day2 x is = "o p>ticul> ne$--9 8 propos$ approa* to ,artax]xes to plead ! cause ( 8 p4 ,"h !n is an in/ance ( ! mo/ special pray]4 ,x is to ! po9t1 & = mo/ press+ pres5t requirem5ts4 ,we _c b be /ruck ) ! reality ( su* a pray]4 ,hav+ rea*$ ?is def9ite petition ,nehemiah closes abruptly4 #adg ,neh4 i4 #aj4 ,:5 we glance back ov] ! pray] z a :ole1 we are /ruck ) its ord] & progress4 ,z 9 our ,"l's model pray]1 ! fir/ "p is absorb$ ) ?\ghts ( ,god2 x is aft] uplift+ 8 ?\ghts to heav5 t ! wor%ipp] comes d[n to human ne$4 ,!n a l>ge place is giv5 to s94 ,?is comes fir/ 9 ! consid]ation ( man aft] ! wor%ipp] has turn$ 8 eyes f ! contemplation ( ,god & felt ! contra/ ( d>kness aft] light4 ,la/ly1 ! human subjects ( ! pray] beg9 9 ! wid] circle ( ! :ole nation2 only at ! v la/1 9 little m ?an a s5t5ce1 ,nehemiah br+s =w>d 8 own p]sonal petition4 ,?us ! pray] gradually n>r[s d[n f ! ,div9e to ! human1 & f ! national to ! individual3 z x n>r[s x becomes m def9ite1 till x ends 9 a s+le po9t2 b ?is po9t is driv5 home by ! weight & =ce ( all t prec$es4 ,,*apt] ,,xvii4 ,,! ,,pray] ,,answ]$4 ,,nehemiah ii4 #a-h4 ,nehemiah's pray] _h comm5c$ on cele/ial heights ( m$itation among ?\ghts ( ,div9e grace & glory1 & :5 x _h /oop$ to e>? x _h swept ov] ! wide c\rse ( 8 nation's hi/ory & p\r$ out a confession ( ! :ole p's s92 b ! f9al po9t ( x 0 a def9ite reque/ = ! prosp]+ ( 8 contemplat$ int]view ) ! k+4 ,artax]xes 0 an absolute despot1 surr\nd$ ) ! semi-div9e hon\rs t ,ori5tals associate ) ! regal /ate1 & yet 9 speak+ ( him be=e ! ,god ( heav51 ! great & t]rible ,god1 ,nehemiah loses all awe = 8 maje/ic pomp1 & describes him boldly z ?is man4#adh ,9 ! supreme spl5d\r ( ,god's pres5ce all e>?ly glory fades out ( ! wor%ipp]'s sight1 l a gl[-worm's sp>k lo/ 9 ! sunlight4 ,!re=e no "o c be dazzl$ by human magnific5ce s long z he walks 9 ! light ( ,god4 ,"h1 h[ev]1 ,nehemiah is speak+ ( an abs5t k+4 ,n[ x is "o ?+ to be fe>less ( man :5 alone ) ,god 9 ! seclusion ( "o's own *amb]1 & q ano!r to be equally imp]turbable 9 ! _w & away f ! calm+ influ5ce ( undi/urb$ communion ) ,heav54 ,we mu/ rememb] ?is if we w\ld d ju/ice to ,nehemiah1 because o!rwise we might be surpris$ t 8 subsequ5t action did n %[ all ! c\rage we %\ld h expect$4 #adh ,neh4 i4 #aa4 ,f\r mon?s pass$ away be=e ,nehemiah attempt$ any?+ on behalf ( ! city ( 8 fa!rs4 ,! ,jewi% travell]s probably ?\ght t _! visit to ! c\rt s]vant _h be5 b>r5 ( all results4 ,we _c tell h[ ?is int]val 0 occupi$1 b x is cle> t ,nehemiah 0 brood+ ov] 8 plans all ! "t1 & inw>dly =tify+ himself = 8 great und]tak+4 ,8 ready reply :5 he 0 sudd5ly & q unexpect$ly que/ion$ by ! k+ %[s t he _h made ! tr\bles ( ,j]usalem a subject ( anxi\s ?\ght1 & t he _h come to a cle> decision z to ! c\rse :i* he %\ld pursue4 ,"t sp5t 9 su* fruitful ?9k+ is by no means wa/$4 ,!re is a ha/y sympa?y t fla%es up at ! fir/ sign ( "s great public calamity1 eag] to d some?+1 b too bl9d 9 its impetuosity to consid] c>efully :at ought to be done2 & ?is is (t5 ! s\rce ( great] evils1 because x is inconsid]ate4 ,9 social que/ions especially p are tempt$ to be misl$ by a bl9d1 impati5t philan?ropy4 ,! wor/ consequ5ce ( yield+ to su* an influ5ce--& "o is /rongly urg$ to yield = fe> ( seem+ cold & indiff]5t--is t ! c]ta9 disappo9tm5t t foll[s is likely to provoke despair ( all rem$ies1 & to end 9 cynical call\sness4 ,!n1 9 ! reb\nd1 e en?usia/ic ef=t = ! public good is despis$ z b ! fro? ( s5tim5tality4 ,v possibly ,nehemiah _h no opportunity ( speak+ to ! k+ dur+ ^! f\r mon?s4 ,a ,p]sian sov]eign 0 wait$ on by sev]al cup-be>]s1 & x is likely en\gh t ,nehemiah's t]ms ( s]vice 7 int]mitt5t4 ,on 8 return to ! c\rt 9 due c\rse he may h _h ! fir/ occasion = pres5t+ 8 petition4 ,/ill x is n to be d5i$ t he f\nd great difficulty 9 br++ himself to utt] x1 & !n only :5 x 0 dragg$ out ( him by ! k+4 ,x 0 a petition ( no common k9d4 ,to reque/ p]mission to leave ! c\rt might be miscon/ru$ unfav\rably4 ,h]odotus says t p _h be5 put to dea? bo? by ,d>ius & by ,x]xes = %[+ reluctance to accompany _! k+4 ,!n _h n ?is v ,artax]xes sanction$ ! raid ^u ,j]usalem :i* _h result$ 9 ! deva/ation :i* ,nehemiah deplor$ & :i* he desir$ to see rev]s$8 ,if ! k+ rememb]$ 8 rescript to ! ,syrian gov]nors1 might he n reg>d a proposal = ! rev]sal ( its policy z a piece ( unw>rantable imp]t95ce on ! "p ( 8 h\sehold slave--nay1 z an indication ( treasonable designs8 ,all ?is w\ld be app>5t en\gh to ,nehemiah z he h&$ ! w9e-cup on b5d$ knee to ! ,great ,k+4 ,is x wond]ful !n t he hesitat$ to speak1 or t he 0 v sore afraid :5 ! k+ que/ion$ him ab\t 8 sadness ( c\nt5ance8 ,!re is an app>5t contradiction 9 ,nehemiah's /atem5t conc]n+ ?is sad appe>ance ( 8 c\nt5ance :i* is obscur$ 9 our ,engli% translation by ! unw>rantable ins]tion ( ! ^w be=etime 9 ,nehemiah ii4 #a1 s t ! s5t5ce reads1 ,n[ ,i _h n be5 be=etime sad 9 8 pres5ce4 ,?is ^w is a gloss ( ! translators4 ,:at ,nehemiah really says is simply1 ,n[ ,i _h n be5 sad 9 8 pres5ce--a /atem5t t evid5tly ref]s to ! occasion !n be+ describ$1 & n to previ\s times nor to ! cup-be>]'s habitual be>+4 ,yet 9 ! v next s5t5ce we read h[ ! k+ ask$ ,nehemiah ! reason = ! sadness ( 8 c\nt5ance4 ,! contradiction w\ld be z app>5t to ! writ] z x is to u2 & if he left x ,nehemiah meant x to /&1 no d\bt int5d+ to sugge/ by a dramatic description ( ! sc5e t he attempt$ to disguise 8 sorr[1 b t 8 attempt 0 ineffectual--s /rong1 s m>k$ 0 8 grief4 ,x 0 a rule ( ! c\rt etiquette1 app>5tly1 t nobody %\ld be sad 9 ! k+'s pres5ce4 ,a gloomy face w\ld be unpleasant to ! mon>*4 ,%akespe>e's ,cs> knew ! security ( *e]ful associates :5 he said3-- ,let me h m5 ab\t me t are fat2 ,sleek-head$ m51 & su* z sleep o' nights3 ,yond' ,cassius has a lean & hungry look2 ,he ?9ks too mu*2 su* m5 are dang]\s4 ,besides1 0 n ! sun%9e ( ! royal c\nt5ance en\gh to drive away all cl\ds ( tr\ble f ! m9ds ( 8 att5dants8 ,nehemiah _h drill$ himself into ! c\rti]'s habitual pleasantness ( demean\r4 ,nev]!less1 ?\gh pass+1 sup]ficial signs ( emotion may be q re9$ 9 by a p]son :o is tra9$ to control 8 features1 indications ( ! p]man5t conditions ( ! inn] life are s deeply cut 9 ! l9es & curves ( ! c\nt5ance t ! mo/ consummate art ( an actor _c disguise !m4 ,nehemiah's grief 0 pr(\nd & endur+4 ,!re=e he c\ld n hide x4 ,moreov]1 x is a k+'s bus9ess to und]/& m51 & long practice makes him an exp]t 9 x4 ,s ,artax]xes 0 n deceiv$ by ! well-arrang$ smile ( 8 s]vant2 x 0 evid5t to him t some?+ v s]i\s 0 tr\bl+ ! man4 ,! sickness ( a fav\rite att5dant w\ld n be unkn[n to a k9d & obs]vant k+4 ,nehemiah 0 n ill1 !n4 ,! s\rce ( 8 tr\ble mu/ h be5 m5tal4 ,sympa?y & curiosity comb9$ to urge ! k+ to probe ! matt] to ! bottom4 ,?\gh al>m$ at 8 ma/]'s inquiry1 ! trembl+ cup-be>] c\ld n b give a true answ]4 ,"h 0 8 great opportunity--?ru/ on him s9ce he _h n _h ! c\rage to f9d x = himself4 ,artax]xes 0 n to be surpris$ t a man %\ld grieve :5 ! city ( 8 ance/ors 0 ly+ desolate4 ,b ?is in=mation did n satisfy ! k+4 ,8 ke5 eye saw t !re 0 m beh9d4 ,nehemiah _h "s reque/ :i* z yet he _h n be5 d>+ en\gh to utt]4 ,) real k9dness ,artax]xes invit$ him to decl>e x4 ,! critical mom5t _h arriv$4 ,h[ mu* hangs ^u ! next s5t5ce--n ! cont9uance ( ! royal fav\r only1 b p]haps ! v life ( ! speak]1 &1 :at is ( f> m value to a patriot1 ! future de/9y ( 8 p6 ,nehemiah's p]ception ( its int5se importance is app>5t 9 ! brief /atem5t :i* he "h ins]ts 9 8 n>rative3 ,s ,i pray$ to ! ,god ( heav54#adi ,he is accu/om$ to drop 9 sugge/ive notes on 8 own private & behavi\r along ! c\rse ( 8 n>rative4 ,only a few l9es e>li] we came ^u "o ( ^! *>act]i/ic autobiographical t\*es 9 ! words1 ,n[ ,i _h n be5 sad 9 8 pres5ce1#aej soon foll[$ by ano!r1 ,!n ,i 0 v sore afraid4#aea ,su* rem>ks vivify ! n>rative1 & keep up an int]e/ 9 ! writ]4 ,9 ! pres5t case ! int]jection is peculi>ly sugge/ive4 ,x 0 natural t ,nehemiah %\ld be />tl$ at ! k+'s abrupt "q1 b x is an indication ( 8 dev\t nature t z ! crisis int5sifi$ 8 fe> pass$ ov] into pray]4 ,?is 0 n a set season ( pray]2 ! pi\s ,jew 0 n 9 8 temple1 nor at any proseu*1 !re 0 no "t = a full1 elaborate1 & ord]ly utt]ance1 su* z t previ\sly record$4 ,j at ! mom5t ( ne$1 9 ! v pres5ce ( ! k+1 ) no "t to sp>e1 by a fla% ( ?\ght1 ,nehemiah retires to t mo/ lonely ( all lonely places1 ! inn] city ( ! m9d1 !re to seek ! help ( ! ,unse5 ,god4 ,& x is en\gh3 ! answ] is z swift z ! pray]2 9 a mom5t ! weak man is made /rong = 8 great ef=t4 #adi ,neh4 ii4 #d4 #aej ,neh4 ii4 #a4 #aea ,neh4 ii4 #b4 ,su* a sudd5 uplift+ ( ! s\l to ,god is ! mo/ real ( all pray]s4 ,?is at lea/ is g5u9e & he>tfelt1 :atev] may be ! case ) ! semi-liturgical composition ! ?\ght & beauty ( :i* engag$ our att5tion 9 ! previ\s *apt]4 ,b !n ! man :o c ?us f9d ,god 9 a mom5t mu/ be 9 ! habit ( frequ5tly resort+ to ! ,div9e ,pres5ce2 l ! patri>*s1 he mu/ be walk+ ) ,god4 ,! brief & sudd5 pray] rea*es heav5 z an arr[ sudd5ly %ot f ! b[2 b x goes "r home1 because he :o lets x (f 9 8 surprise is a good m>ksman1 well practis$4 ,?is ready pray] only spr+s to ! lips ( a man :o lives 9 a daily habit ( pray+4 ,we mu/ associate ! two k9ds ( pray] 9 ord] to acc\nt = t :i* is n[ be=e u4 ,! delib]ate ex]cises ( adoration1 confession1 & petition prep>e = ! "o sudd5 ejaculation4 ,!re we see ! deep riv] :i* supplies ! sea ( devotion f :i* ! mom5t>y pray] is ca/ up z ! spray ( a wave4 ,!re=e x 0 9 a great measure on acc\nt ( 8 delib]ate & unwe>y+ daily pray]s t ,nehemiah 0 prep>$ ) 8 quick cry to ,god 9 ! crisis ( ne$4 ,we may comp>e 8 two k9ds ( pray] ) our ,"l's full & calm int]cession 9 ,john xvii4 & ! %ort agonis$ cry f ! cross4 ,9 ea* case we feel t ! sudd5 appeal to ,god 9 ! mom5t ( dire necessity is ! mo/ int5se & p5etrat+ pray]4 ,/ill we mu/ recognise t ?is comes f a man :o is mu* 9 pray]4 ,! tru? is t b5ea? bo? ( ^! pray]s--! calm1 m$itative utt]ance1 & ! simple cry = help--!re lies ! deep1 true ess5ce ( pray]1 :i* is no ?+ ( words at all1 b :i* lives on1 ev5 :5 x is voiceless1 9 ! he>t ( "o ( :om x c be said1 z ,t5nyson says ( ,m>y1-- ,h] eyes are homes ( sil5t pray]4 ,=tifi$ by 8 mom5t's communion ) ,god1 ,nehemiah n[ makes kn[n 8 reque/4 ,he asks to be s5t to ,j]usalem to repair its ru9s & =tify ! city4 ,?is petition conta9s m ?an lies on ! surface ( ! words4 ,nehemiah does n say t he wi%es to be appo9t$ ,gov]nor ( ,j]usalem 9 ! high (fice :i* _h be5 held by ,z]ubbabel1 b ! subsequ5t n>rative %[s t he 0 assign$ to ?is position1 & 8 report ( ! k+'s ord]s ab\t ! h\se he 0 to dwell 9 at ,j]usalem almo/ implies z mu*4#aeb ,= "o ( ! royal h\sehold s]vants to be appo9t$ to su* a position 0 d\btless n s /range an anomaly 9 ! ,ea/ 9 ,nehemiah's day1 z x w\ld be ) u n[4 ,! k+'s w 0 ! f\nta9 ( all hon\r1 & ! seclusion 9 :i* ! ,p]sian mon>*s liv$ gave unusual opportunities = ! few p]sonal att5dants :o 7 admitt$ into _! pres5ce to obta9 great fav\rs f !m4 ,/ill ,nehemiah's attitude seems to %[ "s self-confid5ce 9 a "y man n z yet hold+ any political (fice4 ,two or ?ree consid]ations1 h[ev]1 w give a v diff]5t complexion to 8 reque/4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 8 city 0 9 a desp]ate plight3 deliv]ance 0 urg5tly ne$$2 no help appe>$ to be =?com+ unless he /epp$ into ! brea*4 ,if he fail$1 ?+s c\ld h>dly become worse ?an !y 7 already4 ,0 ?is an occasion :5 a man %\ld hold back f a s5se ( mode/y8 ,!re is a false mode/y :i* is really a product ( ! self-consci\sness t is next door to vanity4 ,! man :o is entirely oblivi\s ( self w sometimes =get to be mode/4 ,moreov]1 ,nehemiah's reque/ 0 at ! p]il ( 8 life4 ,:5 x 0 grant$ he w\ld be laun*$ on a mo/ haz>d\s und]tak+4 ,! ambition--if we mu/ use ! ^w--:i* w\ld covet su* a c>e] is at ! v antipodes ( t ( ! vulg> adv5tur] :o simply seeks p[] 9 ord] to gratify 8 own s5se ( importance4 ,seeke/ ?\ great ?+s = ?yself8 seek !m n4#aec ,t humbl+ rebuke may be ne$$ by _m m52 b x 0 n ne$$ by ,nehemiah1 = he 0 n seek+ ! great ?+s = himself4 #aeb ,neh4 ii4 #h4 #aec ,j]4 xlv4 #e4 ,x 0 a d>+ reque/2 yet ! k+ receiv$ x mo/ fav\rably4 ,aga91 !n1 we h ! pleas+ spectacle ( a ,p]sian mon>* %[+ k9dness to ! ,jews4 ,?is is n ! fir/ "t t ,artax]xes has prov$ himself _! fri5d1 = !re c be no d\bt t he is ! same sov]eign z ! ,artax]xes :o despat*$ ,ezra ) sub/antial pres5ts to ! aid ( ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem "s twelve or ?irte5 ye>s be=e4 ,"h1 h[ev]1 a little difficulty em]ges4 ,9 ! int]val betwe5 ! mission ( ,ezra & t ( ,nehemiah an adv]se decree _h be5 extract$ f ! compliant sov]eign--! decree ref]r$ to 9 ,ezra iv4 ,n[ ! semi-div9ity t 0 ascrib$ to a ,p]sian mon>* involv$ ! fiction ( infallibility1 & ?is 0 ma9ta9$ by a rule mak+ x uncon/itutional = him to )draw any comm& t he _h once issu$4 ,h[ !n c\ld ,artax]xes n[ sanction ! build+ ( ! walls ( ,j]usalem1 :i* b a few ye>s be=e he _h expressly =bidd58 ,! difficulty vani%es on a v little consid]ation4 ,! k+'s pres5t action 0 n ! )drawal ( 8 e>li] decree1 = ! royal ord] to ! ,sam>itans _h be5 j to ! effect t ! build+ ( ! walls ( ,j]usalem %\ld be /opp$4#aed ,?is ord] _h be5 fully execut$2 moreov] x conta9$ ! significant words1 until ano!r decree %all be made by me4#aee ,!re=e a subsequ5t p]mission to resume ! "w1 issu$ "u totally diff]5t circum/ances1 w\ld n be a contradiction to ! e>li] ord]2 & n[ t a tru/y s]vant ( ! k+ 0 to sup]9t5d ! op]ations1 no dang] ( insurrection ne$ be appreh5d$4 ,!n ! po9t$ notice ( ! fact t ! *ief wife--describ$ z ,! ,que5--0 sitt+ by ,artax]xes1 is evid5tly int5d$ to imply t h] pres5ce help$ ! reque/ ( ,nehemiah4 ,ori5tali/s h discov]$ h] "n1 ,damaspia1 b no?+ ab\t h] to ?r[ light on h] attitude t[>ds ! ,jews4 ,%e may h be5 ev5 a proselyte1 or %e may h simply %[n h]self fri5dly t[>ds ! "y cup-be>]4 ,no political or religi\s motives are assign$ = ! conduct ( ,artax]xes "h4 ,evid5tly ,nehemiah reg>d$ ! grant+ ( 8 reque/ z a direct result ( ! royal fav\r %[n t[>ds himself4 ,put n y\r tru/ 9 pr9ces#aef is a :olesome w>n+1 born ( ! melan*oly disappo9tm5t ( ! pilgrims :o _h plac$ too mu* hope 9 ! ,messianic glam\r ) :i* ! c>e] ( poor ,z]ubbabel op5$2 b x does n mean t a man is to fl+ away ! advantages :i* accrue to him f ! e/eem he has won 9 high places4 ,ev] s9ce ! ,israelites %[$ no scruple 9 spoil+ ! ,egyptians--& :o c\ld blame !m = seiz+ at ! elev5? h\r ! ov]due wages ( :i* !y _h be5 defraud$ = g5]ations8--! p ( ,god h n be5 sl[ to reap h>ve/s ( advantage :5ev] p]secution or cold indiff]5ce has giv5 place to ! brief1 fickle fav\r ( ! _w4 ,too (t5 ?is has be5 pur*as$ at ! price ( ! loss ( lib]ty--a ru9\s ex*ange4 ,"h is ! critical po9t4 ,! difficulty is to accept aid )\t any compromise ( pr9ciple4 ,sycophancy is ! besett+ sn>e ( ! c\rti]1 & :5 ! ,*ur* turns c\rti] %e is 9 imm95t dang] ( t1 9 h]1 mo/ fatal fault4 ,b ,nehemiah af=ds a spl5did example to ! contr>y4 ,9 8 gr& indep5d5ce ( "* we h a f9e in/ance ( a wise1 /rong use ( worldly advantages1 entirely free f ! abuses t too commonly accompany !m4 ,?us he anticipates ! idea ( ! ,apocalypse :]e x is said1 ,! e>? help$ ! woman4#aeg #aed ,ezra iv4 #ba4 #aee ,ibid4 #aef ,psalm cxlvi4 #c4 #aeg ,rev4 xii4 #af4 ,! int]e/ ( ! k+ 9 8 cup-be>] is %[n by 8 repeat$ que/ions1 & by ! det]m9$ mann] 9 :i* he drags out ( ,nehemiah all 8 plans & wi%es4 ,e reque/ is grant$4 ,! fav\rite s]vant is too mu* valu$ to get 8 leave ( abs5ce )\t "s limit ( "t1 b ev5 t is fix$ 9 accordance ) ,nehemiah's desire4 ,he asks & obta9s lett]s ( introduction to ! gov]nors we/ ( ! ,euphrates4 ,! lett]s 7 mo/ necess>y1 because ^! v m5 _h be/irr$ !mselves to obta9 ! adv]se decree b a v few ye>s be=e4 ,x is n likely t !y _h all ve]$ r\nd to fav\r ! hat$ p aga9/ :om !y _h j be5 exhibit+ ! mo/ sev]e antagonism4 ,nehemiah !re=e %[$ a wise caution 9 obta9+ a sort ( safe conduct4 ,! fri5dl9ess ( ,artax]xes w5t /ill fur!r4 ,! k+ ord]$ timb] to be provid$ = ! build+ & =tify+ op]ations contemplat$ by 8 cup-be>]2 ?is 0 to be furni%$ f a royal hunt+ p>k--a ,p>adise1 to use ! ,p]sian ^w--probably "o :i* =m]ly belong$ to ! royal demesne ( ,judah1 some:]e 9 ! neighb\rhood ( ,j]usalem1 z ! head-=e/] bore a ,hebrew "n1 ,asaph4#aeh ,co/ly c$>s = ! temple _h to be fet*$ all ! way f ! di/ant m\nta9s ( ,lebanon1 9 ,pho5ician t]ritory2 b ! city gates & ! ca/le & h\se c>p5try c\ld be well suppli$ f ! oaks & o!r indig5\s timb] ( ,pale/9e4 #aeh ,neh4 ii4 #h4 ,all ^! details ev9ce ! practical nature ( ,nehemiah's patriotism4 ,8 la/ ^w on ! happy conclusion ( ! int]view ) ,artax]xes1 :i* he _h anticipat$ ) s mu* appreh5sion1 %[s t high] ?\ghts 7 n cru%$ out by ! anxi\s consid]ation ( ext]nal affairs4 ,he concludes ) a /rik+ phrase1 :i* we h met ) e>li] on ! lips ( ,ezra4#aei ,& ! k+ grant$ me1 accord+ to ! good h& ( my ,god ^u me4#afj ,"h is ! same recognition ( ,div9e ,provid5ce1 & ! same graphic image ( ! h& ( ,god laid on ! writ]4 ,x looks z ?\gh ! y\ng] man _h be5 already a disciple ( ! ,great ,scribe4 ,b 8 utt]ance is n ! less g5u9e & he>tfelt on t acc\nt4 ,he p]ceives t 8 pray] has be5 he>d & answ]$4 ,! /r5g? & beauty ( 8 life ?r\gh\t may be se5 9 8 con/ant ref]5ce ( all ?+s to ,god 9 tru/ & pray] be=e ! ev5t1 & 9 grateful ackn[l$gm5t aft]w>ds4 #aei ,ezra vii4 #bh4 #afj ,neh4 ii4 #h4 ,,*apt] ,,xviii4 ,,! ,,midnight ,,ride4 ,,nehemiah ii4 #i-bj4 ,nehemiah's j\rney up to ,j]usalem diff]$ 9 _m respects f ,ezra's great exp$ition1 ) a ho/ ( emigrants1 ri* /ores1 & all ! accompanim5ts ( a l>ge c>avan4 ,burd5$ ) none ( ^! encumbrances1 ! newly appo9t$ gov]nor w\ld be able to travel 9 comp>ative ease4 ,yet :ile ,ezra 0 a%am$ to ask = a milit>y escort to protect 8 def5celess multitude & ! treasures :i* 7 only too likely to attract ! vulture eyes ( rov+ hordes ( ,b$\91 because1 z he tells u1 he fe>$ su* a reque/ might be tak5 z a sign ( di/ru/ 9 8 ,god1 ,nehemiah accept$ a troop ( cavalry )\t any hesitation4 ,?is diff]5ce1 h[ev]1 does n reflect any discr$it on ! fai? ( ! y\ng] man4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 8 claims on ! k+ 7 great] ?an ^? ( ,ezra1 :o w\ld h _h to petition = ! help ( soldi]s if he _h want$ x1 :]eas ,nehemiah receiv$ 8 body-gu>d z a matt] ( c\rse4 ,ezra _h be5 a private subject previ\s to 8 appo9tm5t1 & ?\gh he _h subsequ5tly be5 end[$ ) l>ge au?ority ( an indef9ite "*1 t au?ority 0 conf9$ to ! execution ( ! ,jewi% law2 x _h no?+ to d ) ! g5]al conc]ns ( ! ,p]sian gov]nm5t 9 ,syria or ,pale/9e4 ,b ,nehemiah came /raight f ! c\rt1 :]e he _h be5 a fav\rite s]vant ( ! k+1 & he 0 n[ made ! (ficial gov]nor ( ,j]usalem4 ,x 0 only 9 accordance ) cu/om t he %\ld h an escort assign$ him :5 he w5t to take possession ( 8 di/rict4 ,!n1 probably to save "t1 ,nehemiah w\ld travel by ! p]il\s des]t r\te ?r\gh ,tadmor1 & ?us cov] ! :ole j\rney 9 ab\t two mon?s--a r\te :i* ,ezra's heavy c>avan may h avoid$4 ,:5 he rea*$ ,syria ! fi]ce animosity :i* _h be5 excit$ by ,ezra's dome/ic re=mation--& :i* !re=e _h brok5 out aft] ,ezra's exp$ition--w\ld make x highly dang]\s = a ,jew :o 0 go+ to aid ! hat$ citiz5s ( ,j]usalem to travel ?r\gh ! mix$ population4 ,nev]!less1 aft] all[+ _! full weight to ^! consid]ations1 may we n /ill detect an int]e/+ trait ( ! y\ng] man's "* 9 ,nehemiah's ready acceptance ( ! gu>d ) :i* ,ezra _h delib]ately disp5s$8 ,9 ! eyes ( ! _w ! ideali/ ,ezra mu/ h figur$ z a mo/ unpractical p]son4 ,b ,nehemiah1 a c\rti] by trade1 0 evid5tly well accu/om$ to affairs4 ,naturally a cauti\s man1 he 0 always anxi\s 9 8 prep>ations1 ?\gh no "o c\ld blame him = lack ( decision or promptness at ! mom5t ( action4 ,n[ ! /rik+ ?+ ab\t 8 "* 9 ?is relation--t :i* lifts x entirely above ! level ( purely secul> prud5ce--is ! fact t he closely associat$ 8 c>eful habits ) 8 fai? 9 ,provid5ce4 ,he w\ld h reg>d$ ! ra%ness :i* excuses itself on ! plea ( fai? z culpable presumption4 ,8 religion 0 all ! m real & ?or\gh because x did n conf9e itself to une>?ly exp]i5ces1 or refuse to ackn[l$ge ! ,div9e 9 any ev5t t 0 n visibly miracul\s4 ,no man 0 ev] m impress$ ) ! great tru? t ,god 0 ) him4 ,x 0 ?is tru?1 deeply root$ 9 8 he>t1 t gave him ! joy :i* became ! /r5g?1 ! v inspiration ( 8 life4 ,he 0 sure t 8 commone/ secul> conc]ns 7 m\ld$ by ! h& ( 8 ,god4 ,!re=e to 8 m9d ! deta*m5t ( ,p]sian cavalry 0 z truly assign$ to him by ,god z if x _h be5 a troop ( angels s5t /raight f ! ho/s ( heav54 ,! highly dang]\s nature ( 8 und]tak+ & ! necessity = ex]cis+ ! utmo/ caution 7 app>5t to ,nehemiah z soon z he approa*$ ,j]usalem4 ,wat*ful enemies at once %[$ !mselves annoy$ t !re 0 come a man to seek ! welf>e ( ! *ildr5 ( ,israel4#afa ,x 0 n any direct injury to !mselves1 x 0 ! prospect ( "s fav\r to ! hat$ ,jews t griev$ ^! p2 ?\gh d\btless _! jeal\sy 0 9 "p provok$ by dread le/ ,j]usalem %\ld rega9 ! position ( pre-em95ce 9 ,pale/9e :i* _h be5 enjoy$ dur+ h] depression by ! rival city ( ,sam>ia4 ,"u ^! circum/ances ,nehemiah foll[$ ! tactics :i* he _h d\btless le>nt dur+ 8 life among ! trea*]\s intrigues ( an ,ori5tal c\rt4 ,he did n at fir/ reveal 8 plans4 ,he sp5t ?ree days quietly 9 ,j]usalem4 ,!n he took 8 fam\s ride r\nd ! ru9s ( ! city walls4 ,?is 0 z secret z ,k+ ,alfr$'s exploration ( ! camp ( ! ,danes4 ,)\t brea?+ a ^w ( 8 int5tion to ! ,jews1 & tak+ only a horse or an ass to ride on himself & a small body ( tru/y att5dants on foot1 ,nehemiah set out on 8 t\r 9 ! dead ( night4 ,no d\bt ! prim>y purpose ( ?is secrecy 0 t no suspicion ( 8 design %\ld rea* ! enemies ( ! ,jews4 ,_h ^! m5 suspect$ x !y w\ld h be5 be=eh& ) _! plans = fru/rat+ x2 spies & traitors w\ld h be5 9 ! field be=e ,nehemiah 0 prep>$ to receive !m2 emiss>ies ( ! enemy w\ld h p]v]t$ ! m9ds ev5 ( loyal citiz5s4 ,x w\ld be difficult en\gh "u any circum/ances to r\se ! dispirit$ p to und]take a "w ( great toil & dang]4 ,if !y 7 divid$ 9 c\nsel f ! fir/ x w\ld be hopeless4 ,moreov]1 9 ord] to p]suade ! ,jews to =tify _! city1 ,nehemiah mu/ be prep>$ ) a cle> & def9ite proposal4 ,he mu/ be able to %[ !m t he und]/&s exactly 9 :at condition _! ru9$ =tifications are ly+4 ,= 8 p]sonal satisfaction1 too1 he mu/ see ! ru9s ) 8 own eyes4 ,ev] s9ce ! travell]s f ,j]usalem :o met him at ,susa _h %ock$ him ) _! evil tid+s1 a vision ( ! brok5 walls & *>r$ gates _h be5 be=e 8 imag9ation4 ,n[ he w\ld really see ! v ru9s !mselves1 & asc]ta9 :e!r all 0 z bad z x _h be5 repres5t$4 #afa ,neh4 ii4 #aj4 ,! unc]ta9ty :i* /ill surr\nds mu* ( ! topography ( ,j]usalem1 ow+ to its v f\ndations hav+ be5 turn$ ov] by ! pl\gh%>e ( ! invad]1 :ile "s ( its sacr$ sites h be5 buri$ "u huge m\nds ( rubbi%1 r5d]s x impossible to trace ,nehemiah's night ride 9 all its details4 ,if we are to accept ! late/ !ory1 accord+ to :i* ! gorge hi!rto reg>d$ z ! ,tyropoeon is really ! anci5t ,valley ( ,h9nom1 "s o!r sites w ne$ consid]able readju/m5t4 ,! ,gate ( ! ,valley seems to be "o ne> ! head ( ! ,valley ( ,h9nom2 we "k no?+ ( ! ,dragon ,well2 ! ,dung ,port w\ld be a gateway ?r\gh :i* ! city (fal 0 flung out to ! fires 9 ! ,valley ( ,h9nom2 ! ,k+'s ,pool is v likely t aft]w>ds kn[n z ! ,pool ( ,siloam4 ,! ma9 direction ( ,nehemiah's t\r ( inspection is fairly def9ite to u4 ,he />t$ at ! we/]n exit f ! city & pass$ d[n to ! left1 to :]e ! ,valley ( ,h9nom jo9s ! ,valley ( ! ,kidron2 asc5d+ ?is valley1 he f\nd ! masses ( /ones & heaps ( rubbi% 9 su* confusion t he 0 compell$ to leave ! animal he _h be5 rid+ hi!rto & to clamb] ov] ! ru9s on foot4 ,rea*+ ! nor?-ea/]n corn] ( ! ,valley ( ! ,kidron1 he w\ld turn r\nd by ! nor!rn side ( ! city1 :]e mo/ ( ! gates _h be5 situat$1 because !re ! city1 :i* 0 difficult ( access to ! s\? & ! ea/ on acc\nt ( ! encircl+ rav9es1 c\ld be easily approa*$4 ,& :at did he ga9 by 8 j\rney8 ,he ga9$ k4 ,! re=mation t is plann$ by ! /ud5t at 8 desk1 )\t any ref]5ce to ! actual /ate ( affairs1 w be1 at be/1 a ,utopian dream4 ,b if ! dream] is also a man ( res\rces & opportunities1 8 impracticable s*emes may issue 9 incalculable mis*ief4 ,no?+ is m t]rible1 says ,goe!1 ?an active ignorance4 ,we c smile at a knight-errant ,don ,quixote2 b a ,don ,quixote 9 p[] w\ld be z dang]\s z a ,n]o4 ,mo/ s*emes ( socialism1 ?\gh !y spr+ f ! bra9s ( amiable en?usia/s1 break up l empty bubbles on ! fir/ contact ) ! real _w4 ,x is especially necess>y1 too1 to "k ! wor/4 ,optimism is v *e]+ 9 idea1 b :5 x is indulg$ 9 to ! neglect ( tru?1 ) an impati5t disreg>d = ! %ady side ( life1 x simply leads its devotees into a fools' p>adise4 ,! highe/ ideali/ mu/ h some?+ ( ! reali/ 9 him if he w\ld ev] h 8 ideas trans=m$ into facts4 ,fur!r1 x is to be not$ t ,nehemiah w\ld ga!r 8 in=mation = himself2 he c\ld n be cont5t ) he>say evid5ce4 ,"h aga9 he reveals ! practical man4 ,x is n t he di/ru/s ! hone/y ( any ag5ts he might employ1 nor m]ely t he is aw>e ( ! deplorable inaccuracy ( obs]v]s g5]ally & ! inability ( ne>ly all p to give an uncol\r$ acc\nt ( :at !y h se52 b he kn[s t !re is an impression to be obta9$ by p]sonal obs]vation :i* ! mo/ correct description _c approa*4 ,no map or book w give a man a "r idea ( a place t he has nev] visit$4 ,if ?is is true ( ! ext]nal _w1 mu* m is x ! case ) ^? spiritual realities :i* ! eye ha? n se51 & :i* !re=e x has n ent]$ into ! he>t ( man to conceive4 ,wordswor? frequ5tly ref]s to 8 s5sations ( surprise & disappo9tm5t pass+ ov] into a new delight :5 he fir/ beheld sc5es long ago describ$ to him 9 v]se ( leg5d4 ,he f9ds ,y>r[ visit$ v unlike ,y>r[ unvisit$4 ,"o commonplace di/9ction we mu/ all h notic$ "u simil> circum/ances--viz41 t ! imag9ation is nev] ri* & v>i$ en\gh to supply u ) ! complications ( ! reality4 ,be=e we h look$ at x our idea ( ! l&scape is too simple1 & an inv>iable impression produc$ by ! actual sight ( x is to make u feel h[ mu* m elaborate x is4 ,inde$ a p]sonal inve/igation ( mo/ ph5om5a reveals an am\nt ( complication previ\sly unsuspect$4 ,:]e ! inve/igation is1 l ,nehemiah's1 conc]n$ ) an evil we propose to attack1 ! result is t we beg9 to see t ! rem$y _c be s simple z we imag9$ be=e we knew all ! facts4 ,b ! *ief effect ( ,nehemiah's night ride w\ld be to impress him ) an ov]:elm+ s5se ( ! desolation ( ,j]usalem4 ,we may "k mu* by report1 b we feel mo/ ke5ly t ( :i* we h _h p]sonal exp]i5ce4 ,?us ! news ( a gigantic cataclysm 9 ,*9a does n affect u ) a hundr$? "p ( ! emotion t is excit$ 9 u by a simple /reet accid5t se5 f our own w9d[s4 ,! man ^: he>t w be mov$ en\gh = him to sacrifice himself s]i\sly 9 reliev+ mis]y is he :o w fir/ visit ! fa!rless & wid[s 9 _! affliction4#afb ,!n ! pro( t ! impression is deep & real1 & n a m]e idle s5tim5t1 w be se5 9 ! fact t x prompts action4 ,nehemiah 0 mov$ to te>s by ! report ( ! ru9\s condition ( ,j]usalem1 :i* rea*$ him 9 ! f>-(f palace beyond ! ,euphrates4 ,:at ! sc5e meant to him z he sl[ly pick$ 8 way among ! huge masses ( masonry is se5 by 8 conduct imm$iately aft]w>ds4 ,x mu/ h /irr$ him pr(\ndly4 ,! sil5ce ( ! sleep+ city1 brok5 n[ & aga9 by ! dismal h[ls ( packs ( dogs sc\r+ ! /reets1 or p]haps by ! half-human %rieks ( jackals on ! des]t$ hills 9 ! outly+ c\ntry2 ! dre>y solitude ( ! int]m9able heaps ( ru9s2 ! my/]y ( /range objects half-descri$ 9 ! di/ance by />light1 or1 at be/1 by moonlight2 ! m\rnful discov]y1 on ne>] view1 ( huge build+ /ones tumbl$ ov] & /rewn ab\t on m\nta9\s heaps ( du/ & rubbi%2 ! gloom1 ! desolation1 ! t]ror1--all ?is 0 en\gh to make ! he>t ( a patriot fa9t ) despair4 ,0 x possible to rem$y su* huge calamities8 #afb ,james i4 #bg4 ,nehemiah does n despair4 ,he has no "t to grieve4 ,we he> no m ( 8 weep+ & lam5tation & fa/+4 ,n[ he is spurr$ on to decisive action4 ,=tifi$ by ! k he has acquir$ 9 8 adv5tur\s night ride1 & urg$ by ! melan*oly sights he has witness$1 ,nehemiah loses no "t 9 br++ 8 plans be=e ! olig>*y ( nobles :o held ! rule 9 ,j]usalem previ\s to 8 com+1 z well z ! re/ ( ! ,jews4 ,?\gh he is n[ ! (ficially appo9t$ gov]nor1 he _c arrange matt]s ) a high h&4 ,he mu/ enli/ ! sympa?y & enc\rage ! fai?1 bo? ( ! lead]s & ( ! p g5]ally4 ,! foll[+ po9ts 9 8 spee* to ! ,jews may be notic$4 ,fir/1 he calls att5tion to ! desolate condition ( ,j]usalem4#afc ,?is is a fact well kn[n4 ,ye see ! evil case t we are 91 he says1 h[ ,j]usalem lie? wa/e1 & ! gates !re( are burn$ ) fire4 ,! dang] 0 t apa?y w\ld succe$ to despair1 = x is possible = p to become accu/om$ to ! mo/ mis]able condition4 ,! re=m] mu/ infuse a ,div9e discont5t2 & ! prelim9>y /ep is to get ! evil plight well recognis$ & he>tily dislik$4 ,9 ! second place1 ,nehemiah exhorts ! nobles & p to jo9 him 9 build+ ! walls4 ,s n[ he cle>ly reveals 8 plan4 ,! *>m 9 8 utt]ance "h is 9 ! use ( ! fir/ p]son plural3 n ! fir/ p]son s+ul>--he _c d ! "w alone1 nor does he wi% to2 n ! second p]son--?\gh he is ! au?oritative gov]nor1 he does n enjo9 on o!rs a task ! toil & responsibility ( :i* he w n %>e himself4 ,9 ! g5u9e use ( ?is pron\n we !re lies ! secret ( all effective exhortation4 ,next ,nehemiah proce$s to adduce reasons = 8 appeal4 ,he calls out ! s5se ( patriotic pride 9 ! rem>k1 t we be no m a reproa*2 & he goes fur!r1 = ! ,jews are ! p ( ,god1 & = !m to fail is = reproa* to be ca/ on ! "n ( ,god ,himself4 ,"h is ! great religi\s motive = n p]mitt+ ! city ( ,god to lie 9 ru9s1 z x is to-day ! supreme motive = keep+ all ta9t ( di%on\r f ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/4 #afc ,neh4 ii4 #ag1 #ah4 ,b direct enc\ragem5ts are ne$$4 ,a s5se ( %ame may r\se u f our le?>gy1 & yet 9 ! end x w be depress+ if x does n give place to ! inspiration ( a new hope4 ,n[ ,nehemiah has two fre% gr\nds ( enc\ragem5t4 ,he fir/ names t :i* he e/eems highe/--! pres5ce & help ( ,god 9 8 "w4 ,i told !m1 he says1 ( ! h& ( my ,god :i* 0 good ^u me4 ,h[ c\ld he despair1 ev5 at ! spectacle ( ! ru9$ walls & gateways1 ) ! consci\sness ( ?is great & wond]ful tru? gl[+ 9 8 he>t8 ,n t he 0 a my/ic weav+ fanta/ic dreams out ( ! filmy sub/ance ( 8 own vague feel+s4 ,x is true he felt impell$ by ! /rong urg+ ( 8 patriotism1 & he knew t ,god 0 9 t holy passion4 ,yet 8 0 an objective m9d & he recognis$ ! h& ( ,god *iefly 9 ext]nal ev5ts--9 ! ,provid5ce t op5s doors & indicates pa?s1 t levels m\nta9s ( difficulty & fills up impassable *asms1 t ev5 b5ds ! wills ( great k+s to d its bidd+4 ,?is action ( ,provid5ce he _h himself witness$2 8 v pres5ce at ,j]usalem 0 a tok5 ( x4 ,he1 once a h\sehold slave 9 ! jeal\s seclusion ( an ,ori5tal palace1 0 n[ ! gov]nor ( ,j]usalem1 appo9t$ to 8 po/ = ! express purpose ( re/or+ ! mis]able city to /r5g? & safety4 ,9 all ?is ,nehemiah felt ! h& ( ,god ^u him4 ,!n x 0 a graci\s & m]ciful ,provid5ce t _h l$ him4 ,!re=e he c\ld n b own fur!r t ! h& ( ,god 0 good4 ,he p]ceiv$ ,god's "w1 & t "w 0 to him mo/ wond]fully full ( lov+k9dness4 ,"h inde$ 0 ! greate/ ( all enc\ragem5ts to proce$4 ,x 0 well t ,nehemiah _h ! dev\t insight to p]ceive x2 a less spiritually m9d$ man might h receiv$ ! m>vell\s fav\r )\t ev] discov]+ ! h& f :i* x came4 ,foll[+ ! example ( ! mis]able1 worldly ,jacob1 "s ( u wake up 9 our ,be!l to exclaim ) surprise1 ,surely ! ,"l is 9 ?is place2 & ,i knew x n4#afd ,b ev5 t is bett] ?an to slumb] on 9 dull indiff]5ce1 too dead to recognise ! ,pres5ce t guides & blesses e foot/ep1 provok+ ! melan*oly lam5tation3 ,! ox kn[e? 8 own]1 & ! ass 8 ma/]'s crib3 b ,israel do? n "k1 ,my p do? n consid]4#afe #afd ,g54 xxviii4 #af4 #afe ,isa4 i4 #c4 ,la/ly1 ,nehemiah n only p]ceiv$ ! h& ( ,god & took c\rage f 8 assurance ( ! fact2 he made ?is glori\s fact kn[n to ! nobles ( ,j]usalem 9 ord] to r\se _! en?usiasm4 ,he _h ! simplicity ( e>ne/ness1 ! op5ness ( "o :o =gets self 9 advocat+ a great cause4 ,is n retic5ce 9 religion too (t5 a consequ5ce ( ! habit ( turn+ "o's ?\ghts inw>d8 ,su* a habit w vani% at ! t\* ( a s]i\s purpose4 ,! man :o is 9 dead e>ne/ has no "t to be self-consci\s2 he does n indulge 9 sickly reflections on ! effect ( :at he says on o!r p's op9ions ab\t himself2 he w n c>e :at !y ?9k ab\t him s long z he moves !m to d ! ?+ x is laid on 8 s\l to urge ^u !m4 ,b x is difficult to escape f ! selfi% subjectivity ( mod]n religion1 & recov] ! gr& naturalness ( ! sa9ts alike ( ,old & ( ,new ,te/am5t times4 ,aft] ?is revelation ( ! ,div9e ,pres5ce1 ,nehemiah's second gr\nd ( enc\ragem5t is ( m9or int]e/2 x c be b "o l9k 9 ! *a9 ( provid5tial lead+4 ,yet = a man :o _h n rea*$ 8 l(ty po9t ( view1 x w\ld h fill$ ! :ole horizon4 ,! k+ _h giv5 p]mission to ! ,jews to rebuild ! walls2 & he _h all[$ ,nehemiah to visit ,j]usalem = ! v purpose ( c>ry+ out ! "w4 ,?is k+1 ,artax]xes1 ^: firman _h /opp$ ! e>li] attempt & ev5 sanction$ ! deva/at+ raid ( ! enemies ( ! ,jews1 0 n[ prov+ himself ! fri5d & *ampion ( ,j]usalem6 ,"h 0 *e]+ news6 ,x is n surpris+ t su* a p[]ful appeal z ?is ( ,nehemiah's 0 successful4 ,x 0 l ! magic horn t awoke ! inmates ( ! en*ant$ ca/le4 ,! spell 0 brok54 ,! long1 li/less torpor ( ! ,jews gave place to hope & en]gy1 & ! p brac$ !mselves to comm5ce ! "w4 ,^! ,jews :o _h be5 s le?>gic hi!rto 7 n[ ! v m5 to und]take x4 ,nehemiah br\ght no new lab\r]s2 b he br\ght :at 0 bett]1 ! "o ess5tial requisite = e great ent]prise--an inspiration4 ,he br\ght :at ! _w mo/ ne$s 9 e age4 ,we wait = bett] m5 to arise & und]take ! tasks t seem to be too great = our /r5g?2 we cry = a new race ( ,god-s5t h]oes to accompli% ! ,h]culean lab\rs be=e :i* we fa9t & fail4 ,b we might ourselves become ! bett] m52 nay1 assur$ly we %\ld become ,god's h]oes1 if we w\ld b op5 our he>ts to receive ! ,_s by ! brea? ( :i* ! weake/ are made /rong & ! mo/ indol5t are fir$ ) a ,div9e en]gy4 ,to-day1 z 9 ! "t ( ,nehemiah1 ! "o supreme ne$ is inspiration4 ,,*apt] ,,xix4 ,,build+ ,,! ,,walls4 ,,nehemiah iii4 ,! ?ird *apt] ( ! ,book ( ,nehemiah supplies a /rik+ illu/ration ( ! con/ructive "* ( ! hi/ory ( ! ,jews 9 ! ,p]sian p]iod4 ,nor is t all4 ,a me*anical1 ,*9ese indu/ry may be f\nd side by side ) indications ( moral littl5ess4 ,b ! activity display$ 9 ! re/oration ( ! city walls is m ?an indu/ri\s1 m ?an productive4 ,we mu/ be /ruck ) ! bread? ( ! picture4 ,?is *>act]i/ic 0 manife/ 9 ! e>li] "w ( build+ ! temple1 & x p]vades ! subsequ5t religi\s movem5t ( ! %ap+ ( ,judaism & ! developm5t ( ,! ,law4 ,"h x is app>5t 9 ! fact t ! ,jews unite 9 a great common "w = ! good ( ! :ole community4 ,x 0 "r & necess>y t !y %\ld rebuild _! private h\ses2 b ?\gh x w\ld appe> t "s ( ^! h\ses mu/ h be5 9 a v ru9\s condition1 = ?is 0 ! case ev5 ) ! gov]nor's resid5ce1#aff ! great s*eme n[ set on foot 0 = ! public advantage4 ,!re is some?+ almo/ sociali/ic ab\t ! execution ( x2 at all ev5ts we meet ) t compreh5siv5ess ( view1 t elevation ( tone1 t s9k+ ( self 9 ! int]e/s ( society1 :i* we %\ld look = 9 true citiz5%ip4 #aff ,neh4 ii4 #h4 ,?is is ! m notewor?y because ! object ( ! ,jews 9 ! pres5t und]tak+ 0 :at is n[ call$ secul>4 ,! e>li] public build+ op]ations c>ri$ out by _! fa!rs _h be5 confess$ly & =mally religi\s4 ,z]ubbabel & ,je%ua _h l$ a b& ( pilgrims up to ,j]usalem = ! express purpose ( rebuild+ ! temple1 & at fir/ ! return$ exiles _h conf9$ _! att5tion to ?is "w & its associat$ sacrificial rites1 )\t reveal+ any political ambition1 & app>5tly )\t ev5 covet+ any civic privileges4 ,subsequ5tly "s s5se ( citiz5%ip _h begun to appe> 9 ,ezra's re=mation1 b e expression ( x _h be5 s9ce *eck$ by jeal\s & ho/ile influ5ces f )\t4 ,at l5g? ,nehemiah succe$$ 9 r\s+ ! _s ( citiz5%ip by means ( ! inspiration ( religi\s fai?4 ,! new en?usiasm 0 n directly conc]n$ ) ! temple2 x aim$ at =tify+ ! city4 ,yet x sprang f pray] & fai?4 ,?us ! ,jews 7 feel+ _! way to t sacr$ness ( civic duties :i* we 9 ! fre] air ( ,*ri/ianity h be5 s sl[ to ackn[l$ge4 ,! special =m ( ?is activity 9 ! public int]e/ is also significant4 ,! process ( draw+ a l9e r\nd ,j]usalem by enclos+ x )9 ! def9ite circuit ( a wall help$ to m>k ! individuality & unity ( ! place z a city1 :i* an amorph\s cong]ie ( h\ses c\ld n be1 accord+ to ! anci5t e/imate1 because ! *ief di/9ction betwe5 a city & a village 0 j ?is1 t ! city 0 wall$ :ile ! village 0 unwall$4 ,! fir/ privilege enjoy$ by ! city w\ld be its security--its /r5g? to )/& assaults4 ,b ! walls t %ut out foes %ut 9 ! citiz5s--a fact :i* seems to h be5 pres5t to ! m9d ( ! poet :o wrote1-- ,our feet are /&+ ,)9 ?y gates1 ,o ,j]usalem2 ,j]usalem1 t art build$ ,z a city t is compact toge!r4#afg #afg ,psalm cxxii4 #b1 #c4 ,! city is compact toge!r4 ,city life is corporate life4 ,x is n at all easy = u to appreciate ?is fact :ile our idea ( a city is only repres5t$ by a cr[d ( m51 wom51 & *ildr5 cramm$ into a limit$ space1 b ) sc>cely any s5se ( common life & aims2 /ill less :5 we look beh9d ! g>i% spl5d\r ( ! /reets to ! mis]y & degradation1 ! disease & fam9e & vice1 t make _! ne/s "u ! v %ad[ ( weal? & pleasure4 ,naturally we turn ) loa?+ f su* sights1 & long = ! fre%1 quiet c\ntry life4 ,b ?is accid5tal conglom]ate ( bricks & human be+s is 9 no s5se a city4 ,! true city--su* a city z ,j]usalem1 or ,a!ns1 or ,rome 9 its be/ days--is a focus ( ! v highe/ developm5t ( life kn[n to man4 ,! ^w civilisation %\ld rem9d u t x is ! city :i* indicates ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! cultivat$ man & ! savage4 ,orig9ally x 0 ! civis1 ! citiz51 :o m>*$ 9 ! van ( ! _w's progress4 ,nor is x difficult to acc\nt = 8 position4 ,int]communication ( ideas %>p5+ intellig5ce--z iron %>p5e? iron1--division ( lab\r p]mitt+ ! specialisation ( indu/ry1 comb9ation 9 "w mak+ x possible = great und]tak+s to be c>ri$ out1 ! necessity = mutual consid]at5ess among ! memb]s ( a community & ! consequ5t developm5t ( ! social sympa?ies1 all t5d to progress4 ,& ! s5se ( a common life realis$ 9 ?is way has weighty moral issues4 ,! l>g] ! social unit becomes1 ! m w p be fre$ f pett9ess ( ?\ght & selfi%ness ( aim4 ,! fir/ /ep 9 ?is direction is made :5 we reg>d ! family r ?an ! individual z ! true unit4 ,if we pass beyond ?is 9 mod]n times1 we commonly advance /raight on to ! :ole nation = our notion ( a compact community4 ,b ! /ride is too great4 ,v few p are able to rea* ! patriotism t s9ks self 9 ! l>g] life ( a nation4 ,) a ,mazz9i1 & ev5 ) small] m5 :o are magnetis$ by ! passion ( su* an en?usia/ 9 times ( excitem5t1 ?is may be possible4 ,b ) ord9>y m5 9 ord9>y times x is n v atta9able4 ,h[ _m ,engli%m5 leave legacies = ! paym5t ( ! ,national ,debt8 ,/ill m difficult is x to become really cosmopolitan1 & acquire a s5se ( ! supreme duty ( liv+ = mank9d4 ,our ,"l has come to our aid "h 9 giv+ u a new unit--! ,*ur*2 s t to be a citiz5 ( ?is ,city ( ,god is to be call$ out ( ! circle ( ! n>r[1 selfi% int]e/s into ! l>ge place :]e great1 common duties & an all-compreh5sive good ( ! :ole body are set be=e u z ! *ief aims to be pursu$4 ,9 rebuild+ ! city walls1 !n1 ,nehemiah 0 accompli%+ two good objects2 he 0 =tify+ ! place1 & he 0 re/or+ its organic unity4 ,! two advantages w\ld be mutually helpful1 because ! weakness ( ,j]usalem 0 de/roy+ ! peculi> "* ( h] life4 ,! ari/ocracy1 ?9k+ x impossible to pres]ve ! community 9 isolation1 _h enc\rag$ & practis$ int]m>riage ) neighb\r+ p1 no d\bt f a politic reg>d to ! advantage ( =eign alliances4 ,al?\gh ,nehemiah 0 n yet prep>$ to grapple ) ?is great "q1 8 =tification ( ,j]usalem w\ld help ! citiz5s to ma9ta9 _! ,jewi% sep>at5ess1 accord+ to ! pr9ciple t only ! /rong c be free4 ,! c>eful report :i* ,nehemiah has pres]v$ ( ! organisation ( ?is "w %[s u h[ complete x 04 ,! :ole circuit ( ! walls 0 re/or$4 ,( c\rse x 0 mo/ necess>y t no?+ less %\ld be attempt$1 because1 l ! /r5g? ( a *a91 ! /r5g? ( a =tress is limit$ to t ( its weake/ "p4 ,& yet--obvi\s z x is--probably mo/ failures1 n only 9 public works1 b also 9 private lives1 are directly attributable to ! neglect ( ?is elem5t>y pr9ciple ( def5ce4 ,! difficulty always is to rea* t k9d ( p]fection :i* is sugge/$ by ! circle1 r ?an ! p9nacle--! p]fection ( complet5ess4 ,n[ 9 ! pres5t in/ance ! completion ( ! circuit ( ! walls ( ,j]usalem te/ifies to ! admirable organis+ p[] ( ,nehemiah1 8 tact 9 putt+ ! "r m5 9 ! "r places--! mo/ important & difficult duty ( a lead] ( m51 & 8 p]sev]ance 9 ov]com+ ! ob/acles & objections t mu/ h be5 ?ru/ 9 8 pa?--all ( !m :at p call secul> qualities1 yet all su/a9$ & p]fect$ by a noble zeal & by t transp>5t unselfi%ness :i* is ! mo/ p[]ful solv5t ( ! selfi%ness ( o!r p4 ,!re are m moral qualities involv$ 9 ! art ( organisation ?an !y w\ld suppose :o reg>d x z a h>d1 me*anical contrivance 9 :i* human be+s are treat$ l p>ts ( a ma*9e4 ,! highe/ =m ( organisation is nev] atta9$ 9 t brutal mann]4 ,directly we approa* m5 z p]sons end[$ ) rights1 convictions1 & feel+s1 an elem5t ( sympa?y is call$ = :i* makes ! organis+ process a mu* m delicate conc]n4 ,ano!r po9t calls = rem>k "h4 ,nehemiah's description ( 8 organisation ( ! p = ! purpose ( build+ ! walls l9ks ! sev]al gr\ps ( m5 :o 7 responsible = ! diff]5t p>ts ) _! sev]al di/ricts4 ,! me?od ( division %[s a devolution ( responsibility4 ,ea* gang _h its own bit ( wall or its own gate to see to4 ,! rule regulat+ ! assignm5t ( di/ricts 0 t1 z f> z practicable1 e man %\ld und]take ! "w opposite 8 own h\se4 ,he 0 lit]ally to d ! ?+ t lay ne>e/ to him 9 ?is bus9ess4 ,x 0 9 e way a wise arrangem5t4 ,x w\ld prev5t ! disord] & vexation t w\ld be excit$ if p 7 runn+ ab\t to select fav\rite sites--*oos+ ! easie/ place1 or ! mo/ prom95t1 or ! safe/1 or any o!r desirable spot4 ,surely !re is no pr9ciple ( organisation s simple or s wise z t :i* directs u to "w ne> home 9 ! fir/ in/ance4 ,) ! ,jews ?is rule w\ld comm5d itself to ! in/9ct ( self-int]e/4 ,nobody w\ld wi% ! enemy to make a brea* opposite 8 own door1 ( all places4 ,!re=e ! mo/ selfi% man w\ld be likely to see to x t ! wall ne> 8 h\se 0 solidly built4 ,if1 h[ev]1 no o!r inducem5ts _h be5 felt 9 ! end1 ! "w w\ld h fail$ ( any great public good1 z all purely selfi% "w mu/ ultimately fail4 ,!re w\ld h be5 gaps :i* x 0 nobody's int]e/ 9 p>ticul> to fill4 ,next x is to be obs]v$ t ?is build+ 0 done by piece "w1 & t ) ! names ( ! workm5 atta*$ to x1 s t if any ( !m did _! "w ill ! fact w\ld be kn[n & record$ to _! la/+ disgrace2 b also s t if any put an extra am\nt ( f9i% on _! "w ?is too %\ld be kn[n & rememb]$ to _! cr$it4 ,! idle & neglig5t workman w\ld will+ly be lo/ 9 ! cr[d2 b ?is escape 0 n to be p]mitt$1 he mu/ be dragg$ out & set 9 ! pillory ( notoriety4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! humble & devot$ citiz5 w\ld crave no recognition1 do+ 8 task lov+ly = ! sake ( 8 ,god & 8 city1 feel+ t ! "w 0 ev]y?+--! work] no?+4 ,= 8 own sake "o :o lab\rs 9 ?is beautiful _s seems to des]ve to be %elt]$ f ! blaze ( admiration at ! ?\ght ( :i* he %r9ks back 9 dismay4 ,& yet ?is is n always possible4 ,/4 ,paul writes ( ! day :5 e man's "w %all be made manife/4#afh ,if ! hon\r is really (f]$ to ,god1 :o inspires ! "w1 ! mode/y :i* leads ! human ag5t to seek ! %ade may be ov]/ra9$1 = ! s]vant ne$ n blu% to /& 9 ! light :5 all eyes are direct$ to 8 ,ma/]4 ,b :5 hon\r is (f]$ to ! s]vant also1 ?is may n be )\t its advantages4 ,rightly tak5 x w humble him4 ,he w feel t 8 unwor?9ess w\ld n h p]mitt$ ?is if ,god _h n be5 v graci\s to him4 ,!n he w feel also t he has a "* to ma9ta94 ,if x is ru9\s to lose a reputation--! bett] "p ( me1 z poor ,cassio exclaims 9 8 agony ( remorse--x mu/ be helpful to h "o to gu>d f reproa*4 ,a good "n is r to be *os5 ?an great ri*es1#afi n only because ( ! indirect advantages x br+s f ! consid]ation ( ! _w--its m]e pur*as+ p[] 9 ! m>ket ( human fav\r2 ?is is its lea/ advantage4 ,its *ief value is 9 ! v possession ( x by "o ^: hon\r is involv$ 9 liv+ wor?ily ( x4 #afh #a ,cor4 iii4 #ac4 #afi ,prov4 xxii4 #a4 ,f ano!r po9t ( view ! record ( ! names ( p :o h r5d]$ good s]vice may be valuable4 ,x w be a /imulus to _! successors4 ,! ,e>ly ,*ur* pres]v$ ! names ( h] confessors & m>tyrs 9 ! dipty*s :i* 7 expressly provid$ = use 9 public wor%ip1 t ,god might be prais$ = _! noble lives1 & t ! liv+ might be /imulat$ to foll[ _! example4 ,"h is "o ( ! great uses ( hi/ory4 ,we _c af=d to =get ! loyal s]vice ( ! pa/1 because out ( x we draw inspiration = ! pres5t4 ,! p ) a great hi/ory h come into a ri* h]itage4 ,to be a *ild ( a really noble h\se1 to spr+ f a family truly )\t reproa*--a family all ^: sons are pure & all ^: daught]s are brave--surely ?is is to receive a high commission to *]i% ! good "n unsulli$4 ,z ! lat] ,jews gaz$ at ! t[]s ( ,j]usalem & m>k$ well h] bulw>ks1 ) ! ?\ght t ?is massive /r5g? 0 ! fruit ( ! toil & sacrifice ( _! own =efa!rs--s t ! v names ( individual ance/ors 7 l9k$ ) exact spots on ! grey walls--!y w\ld he> a call to loyal s]vice wor?y ( _! noble pr$ecessors4 ,to proce$1 we may obs]ve fur!r t ! gr\ps ( build]s fall into sev]al classes4 ,! fir/ place is giv5 to ! prie/ly ord]--! high-prie/ & 8 bre?r5 ! prie/s4#agj ,?is is q 9 accordance ) ! sac]dotal _s ( ! times1 :5 ! !ocracy 0 em]g+ into p[] to take ! place left vacant by ! decay ( ! h\se ( ,david4 ,b ! prie/s are n only nam$ fir/4 ,nehemiah /ates t !y 7 ! fir/ to respond to 8 appeal4 ,!n--i4e41 aft] he _h address$ ! assembl$ ,jews--,!n ,elia%ib ! high-prie/ rose up1 etc4 ,?is man--! gr&son ( ,je%ua1 f :om s mu* 0 expect$ by ,ze*>iah--0 ! fir/ to set 8 h& to ! trem5d\s task4 ,fir/ 9 hon\r1 he 0 fir/ 9 s]vice4 ,! beauty ( 8 action lies 9 its sil5ce4 ,n a ^w is record$ z spok5 by him4 ,b he 0 n satisfi$ to sanction ! "w ( humbl] m54 ,he l$ ! p 9 ! be/ possible way1 by beg9n+ ! "w himself1 by directly tak+ ^u him 8 %>e ( x4 ,9 ?is noble simplicity ( s]vice ,elia%ib 0 foll[$ by ! prie/hood g5]ally4 ,^! m5 put =? no claims to immunity f ! obligation ( civic duties or secul> occupations4 ,x nev] occurr$ to !m to object t su* employm5ts 7 9 ! lea/ degree inconsi/5t ) _! high (fice4 ,! prie/ly ord] 0 hamp]$ by ! /ricte/ rules ( artificial sep>ation2 b ! qua9t notion--s common 9 ! ,ea/1 & n q unkn[n 9 ! ,we/--t !re is some?+ degrad+ 9 h>d "w did n ent] into !m4 #agj ,neh4 iii4 #a4 ,!re are two po9ts to be notic$ 9 ! special "w ( ! prie/s4 ,fir/1 its locality4 ,^! m9i/]s ( ! temple set up ! ,%eep ,gate1 :i* 0 ! gate ne>e/ to ! temple4 ,?us !y made !mselves responsible = _! own qu>t]s1 gu>d+ :at 0 especially entru/$ to _! c>e4 ,?is 0 9 accordance ) ! plan obs]v$ all r\nd ! city1 t ! inhabitants %\ld "w 9 ! neighb\rhood ( _! respective h\ses4 ,! prie/s1 :o h ! hon\r ( special connection ) ! temple1 feel t a special *>ge accompanies t hon\r2 & rightly1 = responsibility always foll[s privilege4 ,second1 its consecration4 ,! prie/s sanctifi$ _! "w--i4e41 !y d$icat$ x to ,god4 ,?is 0 n 9 ! sacr$ enclosure--! ,h>am z x is n[ call$4 ,nev]!less1 _! gate & wall1 z well z _! temple1 7 to be reckon$ holy4 ,!y did n hold ! /range mod]n notion t :ile ! cemet]y1 ! city ( ! dead1 is to de consecrat$1 ! city ( ! liv+ requires no consecration4 ,!y saw t ! v /ones & timb]s ( ,j]usalem belong$ to ,god1 & ne$$ ,8 pres5ce to keep !m safe & pure4 ,!y 7 wise1 = is ,he n ! ,god ( ! liv+ & ( all ! conc]ns ( life8 ,! next class ( workm5 is compris$ ( m5 :o 7 tak5 accord+ to _! families4 ,^! w\ld probably be all ( !m citiz5s ( ,j]usalem1 "s pres5t by "r ( bir? z desc5dants ( =m] citiz5s1 o!rs p]haps sprung f ! inhabitants ( di/ant t[ns n yet re/or$ to ,israel :o _h made ,j]usalem _! home4 ,_! duty to =tify _! own city 0 indubitable4 ,b n[1 z 9 ! e>li] li/s1 !re is ano!r class among ! laity1 consi/+ ( ! inhabitants ( neighb\r+ t[ns1 :o are arrang$1 n accord+ to families1 b accord+ to _! resid5ce4 ,mo/ likely ^! m5 7 liv+ 9 ,j]usalem at ! "t2 & yet x is probable t !y reta9$ _! int]e/ 9 _! prov9cial localities4 ,b ,j]usalem 0 ! capital1 ! c5tre ( ! nation1 ! ,holy ,city4 ,!re=e ! inhabitants ( o!r cities mu/ c>e = h] welf>e4 ,9 a great s*eme ( religi\s c5tralisation at ,j]usalem ,josiah _h f\nd ! be/ means ( e/abli%+ unity ( wor%ip1 & s ( impress+ ^u ! wor%ipp]s ! idea ( ! unity ( ,god4 ,! same me?od 0 /ill pursu$4 ,p 7 n yet ripe = ! l>g] ?\ghts ( ,god & ,8 wor%ip :i* ,jesus express$ by ,jacob's well4 ,until t 0 rea*$1 ext]nal unity ) a visible c5tre 0 ess5tial if a multiplex division ( div9ity 0 to be avoid$4 ,aft] ^! neighb\rs :o ?us help$ ! metropolis we h two o!r gr\ps--! temple s]vants & ! trade guilds ( goldsmi?s & m]*ants4 ,n[1 :ile on all sides ready volunte]s press =w>d to ! "w1 j "o pa9ful exception is f\nd to m> ! h>mony ( ! sc5e1 or r to less5 its volume--= ?is 0 f\nd 9 ab/5tion1 n 9 active opposition4 ,to _! %ame x is record$ t ! nobles ( ,tekoa put n _! necks to ! "w ( _! ,"l4#aga ,! g5]al body ( citiz5s f ?is t[n took "p4 ,we are n told :y ! ari/ocracy held back4 ,did !y consid] ! lab\r b5ea? _! dignity8 or 0 !re a brea* betwe5 !m & ! t[nsfolk8 ,! p ( ,tekoa may h be5 especially democratic4 ,ages be=e1 a h]dsman f ?is same t[n1 ! r\gh prophet ,amos1 _h %[n little respect = ! great ones ( ! e>?4 ,possibly ! ,tekoites _h vex$ _! pr9ces by %[+ a simil> _s ( indep5d5ce4 ,b if s1 ,nehemiah w\ld reg>d _! conduct z af=d+ ! pr9ces no excuse4 ,= x 0 ! ,"l's "w t ^! nobles refus$ to und]take1 & !re is no ju/ification = lett+ ,god's s]vice suff] :5 a qu>rel has brok5 out betwe5 ,8 s]vants4 ,yet h[ common is ?is mis]able result ( divisions among m5 :o %\ld be unit$ 9 ! s]vice ( ,god4 ,:atev] 0 ! cause--:e!r x 0 "s petty p]sonal (f5ce or "s grave diff]5ce ( op9ion--^! nobles g d[n ! ages1 l ^? unhappy m5 9 ! e>ly days ( ! ,judges :o e>n$ ! curse ( ,m]oz1 disgrac$ et]nally1 = no positive (f5ce1 b simply because !y left undone :at !y ought to h done4 ,nehemiah pron\nces no curse4 ,he *ronicles ! b>e fact4 ,b 8 om9\s sil5ce 9 reg>d to any explanation is sev]ely condemnatory4 ,! man :o builds 8 h\se on ! s& 9 he>+ ,*ri/'s words & do+ !m n1 ! s]vant :o is beat5 ) _m /ripes because he kn[s 8 "l's w & does n p]=m x1 t o!r s]vant :o buries 8 tal5t1 ! virg9s :o =get to fill _! vessels ) oil1 ! p repres5t$ by goats on ! left h& ^: sole gr\nd ( accusation is t !y refus$ to ex]cise ! common *>ities--all ^! illu/rate ! important b neglect$ tru? t our ,"l's mo/ frequ5t words ( condemnation 7 express$ = :at we call negative evil--! evil ( h>mless b useless lives4 #aga ,neh4 iii4 #e4 ,happily we may set exceptional devotion 9 ano!r qu>t] ov] aga9/ ! exceptional remissness ( ! nobles ( ,tekoa4 ,brief z is 8 summ>y ( ! division ( ! "w1 ,nehemiah is c>eful to slip 9 a ^w ( praise = "o ,b>u* ! son ( ,zabbai1 say+ t ?is man e>ne/ly repair$ 8 portion4#agb ,t "o ^w e>ne/ly is a tru] /amp ( wor? ?an all ! hon\rs claim$ by ! ab/a9+ nobles on gr\nds ( rank or p$igree2 x goes d[n ! c5turies z ! pat5t ( true nobility 9 ! realm ( indu/ry4 #agb ,neh4 iii4 #bj4 ,,*apt] ,,xx4 ,,m>k ,,ye ,,well ,,h] ,,bulw>ks4 ,,nehemiah iii4 ,! ,book ( ,nehemiah is our pr9cipal au?ority = ! anci5t topography ( ,j]usalem4 ,b1 z we h be5 already rem9d$1 ! sieges f :i* ! city has suff]$1 & ! repeat$ de/ruction ( its walls & build+s1 h oblit]at$ _m ( ! old l&m>ks beyond recov]y4 ,9 "s places ! gr\nd is n[ f\nd to be rais$ sixty feet above ! orig9al surface2 & 9 "o spot x 0 ev5 necess>y to dig d[n a hundr$ & tw5ty feet to rea* ! level ( ! old pavem5t4 ,x is !re=e n at all wond]ful t ! attempt to id5tify ! sites "h nam$ %\ld h occasion$ n a little p]plexity4 ,/ill ! explorations ( und]gr\nd ,j]usalem h br\ght "s important facts to light1 & o!rs c be fairly div9$ f a consid]ation ( ! hi/orical record 9 ! light ( ! m g5]al features ( ! c\ntry1 :i* no w>s or works ( man c alt]4 ,! fir/1 because ! mo/ obvi\s1 ?+ to be not$ 9 consid]+ ! site ( ,j]usalem is its m\nta9\s "*4 ,j]usalem is a m\nta9 city1 z high z a ,d>tmoor tor1 "s two ?\s& feet above ! ,m$it]ranean1 ) a drop ( ne>ly f\r ?\s& feet on ! f>!r side1 beyond ! ,m\nt ( ,olives1 t[>ds ! deep pit :]e ! ,dead ,sea /eams 9 tropical heat4 ,look$ at f ! wild]ness1 ?r\gh a gap 9 ! hills r\nd ,be?lehem1 %e so>s above u1 ) h] :ite domes & t[]s clean-cut aga9/ ! burn+ sky1 l a city ( cl\ds4 ,9 spite ( ! blaz+ s\!rn sun%9e1 ! air bites ke5ly on t f9e altitude4 ,x w\ld be only reasonable to suppose t ! vig\r ( ! highl&]s :o dwelt 9 ,j]usalem 0 brac$ by ! v atmosph]e ( _! home4 ,& yet we h _h to trace e impulse ( zeal & en]gy aft] ! re/oration to ! relax+ pla9s ( ! ,euphrates & ! ,tigris6 ,9 all hi/ory ! moral elem5t c\nts = m ?an ! mat]ial4 ,race is m ?an habitat2 & religion is m ?an race4 ,closely associat$ ) ?is m\nta9\s "* ( ,j]usalem is a second feature4 ,x is cle> t ! site = ! city 0 *os5 because ( its s+ul>ly valuable ready-made def5ces4 ,j]usalem is a natural =tress4 ,protect$ on ?ree sides by deep rav9es1 x w\ld seem t %e c\ld be easily made impregnable4 ,h[ awful1 !n1 is ! irony ( h] de/9y6 ,?is city1 s r>ely fav\r$ by nature = security aga9/ attack1 has be5 m (t5 assault$ & captur$1 & has suff]$ m ( ! horrors ( w>1 ?an any o!r spot on e>?4 ,! next fact to be notic$ is ! small size ( ,j]usalem4 ,! dim5sions ( ! city h v>i$ 9 diff]5t ages4 ,"u ! ,h]ods ! build+s ext5d$ f> beyond ! anci5t limits1 & villas 7 dott$ ab\t on ! outly+ hills4 ,b 9 ,nehemiah's day ! city 0 conf9$ )9 a surpris+ly contract$ area4 ,! discov]y ( ! ,siloam inscription1 lead+ to ! id5tification ( ! gorge kn[n to ! ,romans z ! ,tyropoeon ) ! anci5t ,valley ( ,h9nom or ,tophet1 cuts (f ! :ole ( ! mod]n ,zion f ! site ( ! anci5t city1 & po9ts to ! conclusion t ! old ,zion mu/ h be5 ne>] ,moriah1 & all ,j]usalem cr[d$ 9 ! little space to ! ea/ ( ! *asm :i* 0 once ?\ght to h run up ?r\gh ! middle ( ! city4 ,no d\bt ! /reets 7 n>r[2 ! h\ses may h be5 high4 ,/ill ! population 0 b sl5d]1 = aft] ! walls _h be5 built ,nehemiah f\nd ! space he _h enclos$ too l>ge = ! inhabitants4#agc ,b our int]e/ 9 ,j]usalem is 9 no way det]m9$ by h] size1 or by ! numb] ( h] citiz5s4 ,a little t[n 9 a remote prov9ce1 %e 0 politically insignificant en\gh :5 view$ f ! /&po9t ( ,babylon1 & 9 comp>ison ) ! _m ri* & popul\s cities ( ! va/ ,p]sian dom9ions4 ,x is ! m rem>kable1 !n1 t successive ,p]sian sov]eigns %\ld h be/[$ r>e fav\rs on h]4 ,f ! day :5 ,solomon built 8 temple1 ! unique glory ( ?is city _h begun to appe>4 ,josiah's re=mation 9 conc5trat+ ! national wor%ip at ,j]usalem advanc$ h] peculi> privileges1 :i* ! rebuild+ ( ! temple be=e ! re/oration ( ! city fur!r promot$4 ,j]usalem is ! religi\s metropolis ( ! _w4 ,to be fir/ 9 religi\s hon\r x 0 n necess>y t %e %\ld be spaci\s or popul\s4 ,size & numb]s c\nt = v little 9 religion4 ,its valuation is qualitative1 n quantitative4 ,ev5 ! ext5t ( its influ5ce1 ev5 ! size & mass ( ?is1 dep5ds ma9ly on its "*4 ,moreov]1 9 ,j]usalem1 z a rule1 ! really effective religi\s life 0 conf9$ to a small gr\p ( ! pi\s2 sometimes x 0 ga!r$ up 9 a s+le individual--a ,j]emiah1 an ,ezra1 a ,nehemiah4 ,?is is a fact replete ) enc\ragem5t = fai?4 ,x is an in/ance ( ! way 9 :i* ,god *ooses ! weak ?+s--weak z to ?is _w--to conf\nd ! /rong4 ,if a small city c\ld once take ! unique position held by ,j]usalem1 !n :y %\ld n a small ,*ur* n[8 ,& if a little knot ( e>ne/ m5 )9 ! city c\ld be ! nucleus ( h] "* & ! s\rce ( h] influ5ce1 :y %\ld n q a small gr\p ( e>ne/ p give a "* to _! ,*ur*1 &1 ?r\gh ! ,*ur*1 "w wond]s 9 ! _w1 z ! gra9 ( mu/>d se$ c\ld move a m\nta98 ,! secret ( ! miracle is1 l ! secret ( nature1 t ,god is 9 ! city & ! ,*ur*1 z ,god is 9 ! se$4 ,:5 once we h discov]$ ?is tru? z a c]ta9 fact ( life & hi/ory1 our e/imate ( ! relative greatness ( ?+s is revolutionis$4 ,! map & ! c5sus !n cease to answ] our mo/ press+ que/ions4 ,! excell5ce we look = mu/ be spiritual--vig\r ( fai?1 self-abnegation ( love1 passion ( zeal4 #agc ,neh4 xi4 #a4 ,z we foll[ ,nehemiah r\nd ! circuit ( ! walls ! m special features ( ! city are br\ght "u our notice4 ,he beg9s ) ! ,%eep ,gate1 :i* 0 evid5tly ne> ! temple1 & ! con/ruction ( :i* 0 und]tak5 by ! prie/s z ! fir/ piece ( "w 9 ! great ent]prise4 ,! "n ( ?is gate agrees well ) its situation4 ,op5+ on ! ,valley ( ! ,kidron1 & fac+ ! ,m\nt ( ,olives & ! lonely pass ov] ! hills t[>ds ,j]i*o1 x w\ld be ! gate ?r\gh :i* %eph]ds w\ld br+ 9 _! flocks f ! wide pa/urage ( ! wild]ness4 ,possibly !re 0 a m>ket at ! op5 space j inside4 ,! vic9ity ( ! temple w\ld make x easy to br+ up ! victims = ! sacrifices by ?is way4 ,z ! ,passov] season approa*$1 ! :ole neighb\rhood w\ld be alive ) ! bleat+ ( ?\s&s ( lambs4 ,ri* associations w\ld ?us clu/] r\nd ! "n ( ?is gate4 ,x w\ld be sugge/ive ( ! pa/oral life s mu* pursu$ by ! m5 ( ,judah1 ^: fav\rite k+ _h be5 a %eph]d lad2 & x w\ld call up deep] ?\ghts ( ! my/]y ( sacrifice & ! joy ( ! ,pas*al r$emption ( ,israel4 ,to u ,*ri/ians ! situation ( ! ,%eep ,gate has a f> m t\*+ significance4 ,x seems to h /ood ne> :]e ! ,/4 ,/eph5's ,gate n[ /&s2 "h1 !n1 w\ld be ! way mo/ us$ by our ,"l 9 com+ to & fro betwe5 ,j]usalem & ,be?any1 ! way by :i* ,he w5t out to ,ge?semane on ! la/ night1 & probably ! way by :i* ,he 0 br\ght back z a %eep among h] %e>]s1 z a lamb l$ to ! slaught]4 ,go+ r\nd f ?is spot nor?w>ds1 we h ! "p ( ! wall built by ! m5 ( ,j]i*o1 :i* w\ld /ill look ea/1 t[>ds _! own city1 s t !y w\ld always see _! "w :5 !y got _! fir/ glimpse ( ,j]usalem z !y pass$ ov] ! ridge ( ! ,m\nt ( ,olives on _! pilgrimages up to ! fea/s4 ,! task ( ! m5 ( ,j]i*o end$ at "o ( ! nor!rn gates1 ! con/ruction ( :i*1 toge!r ) ! fitt+ ( its pond]\s bolts & b>s1 0 consid]$ en\gh = ano!r gr\p ( build]s4 ,?is 0 call$ ! ,fi% ,gate4 ,s9ce x fac$ nor?1 x w\ld sc>cely h be5 us$ by ! trad]s :o came up f ! sea fi%]ies 9 ! ,m$it]ranean2 x mu/ h receiv$ ! fi% supply f ! ,jordan1 & p]haps f z f> z ! ,sea ( ,galilee4 ,/ill its "n sugge/s a wid] range ( comm]ce ?an ! ,%eep ,gate1 :i* let 9 flocks *iefly f neighb\r+ hills4 ,j]usalem 0 9 a s+ul>ly isolat$ spot = ! capital ( a c\ntry1 "o *os5 expressly on acc\nt ( its inaccessibility--! v opposite requisite f t ( mo/ capitals1 :i* are plant$ by navigable riv]s4 ,nev]!less %e ma9ta9$ communication1 bo? political & comm]cial1 ) di/ant t[ns all along ! ages ( h] *equ]$ hi/ory4 ,aft] pass+ ! "w ( "o or two ,jewi% families & t ( ! ,tekoites1 memorable = ! pa9ful fact ( ! ab/5tion ( ! nobles1 we come to ! ,old ,gate4 ,t a gate %\ld be> su* a "n w\ld lead u to ?9k t once gates _h n be5 s num]\s z !y 7 at ?is "t4 ,yet mo/ probably ! ,old ,gate 0 really new1 because v little ( ! orig9al city rema9$ above gr\nd4 ,b m5 love to p]petuate memories ( ! pa/4 ,ev5 :at is new 9 fact may acquire a flav\r ( age by ! =ce ( association4 ,! wise re=m] w foll[ ! example ( ,nehemiah 9 l9k+ ! new on to ! old1 & pres]v+ ! v5]able associations ( antiquity :]ev] ^! d n h9d] pres5t effici5cy4 ,next we come to ! "w ( m5 f ! nor!rn ,b5jamite t[ns ( ,gibeon & ,mizpah1#agd ^: volunte] s]vice 0 a m>k ( _! own bro!rly _s4 ,x %\ld be rememb]$1 h[ev]1 t ,j]usalem orig9ally belong$ to ! tribe ( ,b5jam94 ,work+ at ! nor!rn wall1 9 accordance ) ! rule obs]v$ ?r\gh\t t all ! ,jews f outly+ places %\ld build 9 ! direction ( _! own cities1 ^! ,b5jamites c>ri$ x on z f> z ! di/ricts ( ! goldsmi?s & apo!c>ies1#age ^: pr9cipal baza>s seem to h occupi$ ! nor? qu>t] ( ! city--! qu>t] mo/ suitable = trade1 because fir/ rea*$ by mo/ travell]s4 ,!re1 h[ev]--if we are to accept ! g5]ally receiv$ em5dation ( ! text m5tion$ 9 ! m>g9 ( ! ,revis$ ,v]sion--!y f\nd a bit ( wall t _h escap$ de/ruction1 & also probably ! ,ephraim ,gate1 :i* is n nam$ "h1 al?\gh x exi/$ 9 ! days ( ,nehemiah4#agf ,inasmu* z ! invasions _h come f ! nor?1 & ! rec5t ,sam>itan raid _h also proce$$ f ! same qu>t]1 x seems likely t ! city _h be5 tak5 on ?is side4 ,if s1 ! enemy1 aft] hav+ got 9 ?r\gh a gate :i* !y _h burnt1 or ?r\gh a brea* 9 ! wall1 did n ?9k x necess>y to wa/e "t 9 ! heavy lab\r ( te>+ d[n ! wall 9 _! re>4 ,p]haps z ?is 0 ! mo/ expos$ qu>t]1 ! wall 0 mo/ solid "h--x 0 kn[n z ! broad wall4 ,! weal?y goldsmi?s w\ld h be5 anxi\s t _! baza>s %\ld n be ! fir/ p>ts ( ! city to ent]ta9 a m>aud+ ho/ ?r\gh any weakness 9 ! def5ces4 ,! next bit ( wall 0 9 ! h&s ( a man ( "s importance1 kn[n z ! rul] ( half ! di/rict ( ,j]usalem2#agg i4e41 he _h ! managem5t ( half ! l& belong+ to ! city--ei!r a sort ( police sup]vision ( private e/ates1 or ! direct control ( l& own$ by ! municipality1 & possibly f>m$ = ! "t be+ on communal pr9ciples4 #agd ,neh4 iii4 #g4 #age ,neh4 iii4 #h4 #agf ,neh4 viii4 #af4 #agg ,neh4 iii4 #i4 ,/ill foll[+ ! nor!rn wall1 we pass ! "w ( sev]al ,j]usalem families1 & s on to ! pott]ies1 z we may inf] f ! rem>k ab\t ! t[] ( ! furnaces4#agh ,"h we mu/ be at ! ,corn] ,gate1#agi :i*1 h[ev]1 is n n[ nam$2 ! t[] ( ! furnaces may h be5 "p ( its =tifications4 ,evid5tly ?is 0 an important position4 ,! manag] ( ! second half ( ! city e/ates & ! villages on !m--kn[n z 8 daught]s--_h ! *>ge ( ! "w "h4 ,x 0 f\r hundr$ cubits f ! ,ephraim ,gate to ! corn]4#ahj ,at ?is po9t ! long nor? wall ends1 & ! =tifications take a %>p turn s\?w>ds4 ,foll[+ ! new direction1 we pass by ! c\rse ( ! ,valley ( ,h9nom1 leav+ x on our "r4 ,! next gate we meet is nam$ aft] ?is rav9e ( evil om5 ! ,valley ,gate4 ,x w\ld be "h t ! poor *ildr51 victims to ! savage ,molo* wor%ip1 _h be5 l$ out to _! fate4 ,! "n ( ! gate w\ld be a p]petual rem9d] ( ! d>ke/ passage 9 ! old city's hi/ory ( s9 & %ame4 ,! gate w\ld face we/1 &1 9 accordance ) ! arrangem5t ?r\gh\t1 ! inhabitants ( ,zanoah1 a t[n ly+ out f ,j]usalem t5 miles 9 t direction1 und]took ! erection ( x4 ,!y also _h *>ge ( a ?\s& cubits ( wall--an exceptionally long piece2 b ! gates 7 few] on ?is side1 & "h possibly ! /eepness ( ! cliff r5d]$ a slight] wall suffici5t4 #agh ,neh4 iii4 #aa4 #agi #b ,*ron4 xxvi4 #i2 ,j]4 xxxi4 #ch4 #ahj #b ,k+s xiv4 #ac4 ,?is long1 unbrok5 /ret* ( wall ends at ! ,dung ,gate1 ?r\gh :i* ! refuse ( ! city 0 flung out to ! n[ degrad$ valley :i* once _h be5 s fam\s = its pleasure g>d5s4 ,sanit>y regulations are ( c\rse mo/ necess>y4 ,we admire ! m9ut5ess ) :i* !y are att5d$ to 9 ! ,p5tateu*1 & we reg>d ! fil?y condition ( mod]n ea/]n cities z a sign ( neglect & decay4 ,/ill ! adornm5t ( a gr& gateway by ! temple1 or ! solid build+ ( a noble approa* to ! city along ! ma9 r\te f ! nor?1 w\ld be a m popul> und]tak+ ?an ?is con/ruction ( a ,dung ,gate4 ,x is to ! cr$it ( ,nehemiah's admirable skill 9 organisation t no difficulty 0 f\nd 9 fill+ up ! less attractive p>ts ( 8 programme1 & x is ev5 m to ! cr$it ( ^? :o accept$ ! allotm5t ( !m t1 z f> z we "k1 !y made no compla9t4 ,a common zeal = ! public good ov]came p]sonal prejudices4 ,! j & firm application ( a univ]sal rule is a great prev5tative ( compla9ts 9 su* a case4 ,:5 ! sev]al b&s ( work]s 7 to und]take ! di/ricts opposite _! own h\ses if !y 7 inhabitants ( ! city1 or opposite _! own t[ns if !y 7 prov9cial ,jews1 x w\ld be difficult = any ( !m to frame a compla9t4 ,! build]s ( ! ,dung ,gate came1 x w\ld seem1 f ! mo/ conspicu\s em95ce 9 ! wild]ness ( ,s\!rn ,juda--t n[ kn[n z ! ,frank ,m\nta94 ,! p :o w\ld take to su* an out-(-!-_w place ( abode w\ld h>dly be su* z we %\ld look to = "w requir+ f95ess ( f9i%4 ,p]haps !y 7 m suit$ to ! unpret5ti\s task :i* fell to _! lot4 ,/ill ?is consid]ation does n detract f ! cr$it ( _! good-natur$ acquiesc5ce1 = self-seek+ p are ! la/ to admit t !y are n fit = ! be/ places4 ,! next gate 0 9 a v int]e/+ position at ! s\?-we/ corn]1 :]e ! ,tyropoeon runs d[n to ! ,valley ( ! ,kidron4 ,x 0 call$ ! ,f\nta9 ,gate1 p]haps aft] ! "o natural spr+ :i* ,j]usalem possesses--t n[ kn[n z ! ,virg9's ,f\nta91 & ne> to ! ,pool ( ,siloam1 :]e ! preci\s wat] f ?is spr+ 0 /or$4 ,! v "n ( ! gate w\ld call up ?\ghts ( ! value ( its site 9 times ( siege1 :5 ! f\nta9 _h to be seal$ or cov]$ ov]1 to save x f be+ tamp]$ ) by ! enemy4 ,close by is a flight ( /eps1 /ill extant1 t =m]ly l$ d[n to ! k+'s g>d54 ,we are n[ ne> to ,zion1 9 :at 0 once ! fav\rite & mo/ ari/ocratic portion ( ! t[n4 ,! l[]+ ( ! top ( ,zion 9 ! "t ( ! ,maccabees1 t x might n ov]look ! temple on ,m\nt ,moriah1 & ! fill+ up ( ! rav9es1 consid]ably detract f ! once impos+ height ( ?is qu>t] ( ! city4 ,"h anci5t ,j]usalem _h look$ sup]b--l an eagle p]*$ on a rock4 ,) su* a =tress z ,zion h] %ort-sight$ citiz5s _h ?\ght h] impregnable2 b ,nehemiah's contempor>ies 7 humbl] & wis] m5 ?an ! infatuat$ ,jews :o _h reject$ ! w>n+s ( ,j]emiah4 ,! adjo9+ piece ( wall br+s u r\nd to ! tombs ( ! k+s1 :i*1 accord+ to ! cu/om ( antiquity1 z we le>n f a cunei=m inscription at ,babylon1 7 )9 ! city walls1 al?\gh ! tombs ( less important p 7 outside--j z to ?is day we bury our illu/ri\s dead 9 ! he>t ( ! metropolis4 ,nehemiah _h be5 mov$ at ! fir/ report ( ! ru9 ( ,j]usalem by ! ?\ght t 8 fa!rs' sepul*res 7 !re4 ,f ?is spot x is n s easy to trace ! rema9d] ( ! wall4 ,! m5tion ( ! ,levites has giv5 rise to ! op9ion t ,nehemiah n[ takes u at once to ! temple aga92 b ?is is h>dly possible 9 view ( 8 subsequ5t /atem5ts4 ,we mu/ fir/ "w r\nd by ,ophel1 ! ,wat]1 ! ,ea/1 & ! ,horse ,gates--all ( !m app>5tly lead+ out t[>ds ! ,valley ( ! ,kidron4 ,levites & ,prie/s1 ^: qu>t]s we are gradually approa*+1 & o!r inhabitants ( h\ses 9 ?is di/rict1 toge!r ) p f ! ,jordan ,valley & ! ea/ c\ntry1 c>ri$ out ?is la/ piece ( "w z f> z a great t[] /&+ out betwe5 ,ophel & ! corn] ( ! temple wall1 a t[] s massive t "s ( its masonry c be se5 /ill /&+4 ,b ! n>rative is "h s obscure1 & ! sites h be5 s alt]$ by ! ravages ( w> & "t1 t ! id5tification ( mo/ ( !m 9 ?is direction baffles inquiry4 ,m>k ye well h] bulw>ks4 ,alas6 !y are buri$ 9 a desolation s huge t ! utmo/ skill ( eng9e]+ sci5ce fails to trace _! c\rse4 ,! late/ great discov]y1 :i* has simply revolutionis$ ! map by id5tify+ ! ,tyropoeon ) ! ,old ,te/am5t ,valley ( ,h9nom or ,tophet1 is ! mo/ /rik+ sign ( ^! topographical difficulties4 ,! valley itself has be5 fill$ up ) masses ( rubbi%1 ! sight ( :i* to-day confirms ! dreadful trag$y ( ! hi/ory ( ,j]usalem1 ! mo/ tragic hi/ory on record4 ,no city 0 ev] m fav\r$ by ,heav51 & no city 0 ev] m afflict$4 ,h]s 7 ! mo/ magnific5t end[m5ts1 ! highe/ ideals1 ! faire/ promises2 h]s too 0 ! mo/ mis]able failure4 ,h] beauty ravag$1 h] sanctity defil$1 h] light ext+ui%$1 h] joy turn$ into bitt]ness1 ,heav5's bride has be5 treat$ z ! scum ( ! /reets4 ,& n[1 aft] be+ abus$ by h] own *ildr51 %att]$ by ! ,babylonian1 outrag$ by ! ,syrian1 demoli%$ by ! ,roman1 ! city :i* /on$ h] prophets & clam\r$ successfully = ! dea? ( h] ,savi\r has aga9 reviv$ 9 pov]ty & mis]y--! pale gho/ ( h] pa/1 /ill ! victim ( ! oppressor4 ,! wit*]y ( ?is wond]ful city fasc9ates u to-day1 & ! v syllables ( h] "n ,,j]usalem s\nd /rangely sweet & ineffably sad-- ,mo/ musical1 mo/ melan*oly4 ,x 0 fitt+ t ! t5d]e/1 mo/ m\rnful lam5t ev] utt]$ %\ld h be5 call$ =? by our ,"l's contemplation ( su* a city--a city :i*1 deem+ h]self de/9$ to be ! joy ( all ! e>?1 became ! plague-spot ( hi/ory4 ,,*apt] ,,xxi4 ,,on ,,gu>d4 ,,nehemiah ii4 #aj1 #ai2 iv4 ,all 8 arrangem5ts = rebuild+ ! walls ( ,j]usalem %[ t ,nehemiah 0 awake to ! dang]s ) :i* he 0 surr\nd$4 ,! secrecy ( 8 night ride 0 evid5tly int5d$ to prev5t a premature revelation ( 8 plans4 ,! ?or\gh organisation1 ! mapp+ out ( ! :ole l9e ( ! wall1 & ! divid+ ( ! build+ op]ations among =ty-two b&s ( workpeople1 secur$ equal & rapid progress on all sides4 ,evid5tly ! idea 0 to ru% ! "w1 & to h x fairly well advanc$1 s z to af=d a real protection = ! citiz5s1 be=e any successful attempts to fru/rate x c\ld be c>ri$ out4 ,ev5 ) all ^! precautions1 ,nehemiah 0 h>ass$ & h9d]$ = a "t by ! malignant devices ( 8 enemies4 ,x 0 only to be expect$ t he w\ld meet ) opposition4 ,b a few ye>s be=e all ! ,syrian coloni/s _h unit$ 9 extract+ an ord] f ,artax]xes = ! arre/ ( ! e>li] "w ( build+ ! walls1 because ! ,jews _h made !mselves int5sely obnoxi\s to _! neighb\rs by s5d+ back ! wives !y _h m>ri$ f among ! ,g5tile peoples4 ,! jeal\sy ( ,sam>ia1 :i* _h tak5 ! lead 9 ,pale/9e s long z ,j]usalem 0 9 evid5ce1 env5om$ ?is animosity /ill m4 ,0 x likely !n t h] wat*ful foes w\ld he> ) equanimity ( ! revival ( ! hat$ city--a city :i* mu/ h seem$ to !m ! v embodim5t ( ! anti-social _s8 ,n[1 h[ev]1 s9ce a fav\rite s]vant ( ! ,great ,k+ _h be5 appo9t$ gov]nor ( ,j]usalem1 ! ,satrap ( ! ,syrian prov9ces c\ld sc>ce be expect$ to int]f]e4 ,!re=e ! initiative fell into ! h&s ( small] m51 :o f\nd x necess>y to ab&on ! me?od ( direct ho/ility1 & to proce$ by means ( intrigues & ambuscades4 ,!re 7 ?ree :o made !mselves notori\s 9 ?is undignifi$ c\rse ( proc$ure4 ,two ( !m are m5tion$ 9 connection ) ! j\rney ( ,nehemiah up to ,j]usalem4#aha ,! fir/1 ! head ( ! :ole opposition1 is ,sanballat1 :o is call$ ! ,horonite1 seem+ly because he is a native ( "o ( ! ,be?-horons1 & :o appe>s to be ! gov]nor ( ! city ( ,sam>ia1 al?\gh ?is is n /at$4 ,?r\gh\t ! hi/ory he comes be=e u repeat$ly z ! foe ( ! rival gov]nor ( ,j]usalem4 ,next to him comes ,tobiah1 a *ief ( ! little trans-,jordanic tribe ( ! ,ammonites1 "s ( :om _h got into ,sam>ia 9 ! /range mix+ up ( peoples aft] ! ,babylonian conque/4 ,he is call$ ! s]vant1 possibly because he once held "s po/ at c\rt1 & if s he may h be5 p]sonally jeal\s ( ,nehemiah's promotion4 #aha ,neh4 ii4 #aj4 ,sanballat & 8 support] ,tobiah 7 subsequ5tly jo9$ by an ,arabian ,emir nam$ ,ge%em4 ,8 pres5ce 9 ! gr\p ( conspirators w\ld be surpris+ if we _h n be5 unexpect$ly suppli$ ) ! means ( acc\nt+ = x 9 ! rec5tly deciph]$ inscription :i* tells h[ ,s>gon import$ an ,arabian colony into ,sam>ia4 ,! ,arab w\ld sc5t prey 9 ! project ( a w>like exp$ition4 ,! opposition proce$$ w>ily4 ,at fir/ we are only told t :5 ,sanballat & 8 fri5d ,tobiah he>d ( ! com+ ( ,nehemiah1 x griev$ !m exce$+ly t !re 0 come a man to seek ! welf>e ( ! *ildr5 ( ,israel4#ahb ,9 writ+ ^! cau/ic words ,nehemiah implies t ! jeal\s m5 _h no occasion to fe> t he meant any h>m to !m1 & t !y knew ?is4 ,x seems v h>d to him1 !n1 t !y %\ld begrudge any alleviation ( ! mis]y ( ! poor citiz5s ( ,j]usalem4 ,:at 0 t to !m8 ,jeal\sy might =esee ! possibility ( future loss f ! recov]y ( ! rival city1 & 9 ?is !y might f9d ! excuse = _! action1 an excuse = n anticipat+ :i* s f]v5t a patriot z ,nehemiah may be =giv52 nev]!less ! mo/ gre$y s5se ( self-int]e/ on ! "p ( ^! m5 is lo/ sight ( 9 ! virul5ce ( _! hatr$ to ! ,jews4 ,?is is always ! case ) t cruel infatuation--! ,anti-,semitic rage4 ,"h x is t hatr$ passes beyond m]e ang]4 ,hatr$ is actually pa9$ at ! welf>e ( its object4 ,x suff]s f a ,satanic mis]y4 ,! v5om :i* x fails to plant 9 its victim rankles 9 its own brea/4 #ahb ,neh4 ii4 #aj4 ,at fir/ we only he> ( ?is odi\s di/ress ( ! jeal\s neighb\rs4 ,b ! prosecutions ( ,nehemiah's imm$iately lead to a manife/ation ( op5 ho/ility--v]bal 9 ! beg9n+4 ,no soon] _h ! ,jews made x evid5t t !y 7 responsive to _! lead]'s appeal & int5d$ to rise & build1 ?an !y 7 assail$ ) mock]y4 ,! ,sam>itan & ,ammonite lead]s 7 n[ jo9$ by ! ,arabian1 & toge!r !y s5t a message ( scorn & contempt1 ask+ ! h&ful ( poor ,jews :e!r !y 7 =tify+ ! city 9 ord] to rebel aga9/ ! k+4 ,! *>ge ( a simil> int5tion _h be5 ! cause ( /opp+ ! "w on ! previ\s occasion4#ahc ,n[ t ,artax]xes' fav\rite cup-be>] 0 at ! head ( affairs1 any suspicion ( treason 0 absurd2 b s9ce hatr$ is s+ul>ly bl9d--f> m bl9d ?an love--x is b>ely possible t ! malignant mock]s hop$ to raise a suspicion4 ,on ! o!r h&1 !re is no evid5ce to %[ t !y foll[$ ! example ( ! previ\s opposition & report$ to headqu>t]s4 ,= ! pres5t !y seem to h cont5t$ !mselves ) bitt] raill]y4 ,?is is a weapon be=e :i* weak m5 too (t5 give way4 ,b ,nehemiah 0 n s fooli% z to succumb b5ea? a %[] ( poor1 ill-natur$ jokes4 #ahc ,ezra iv4 #ac4 ,8 answ] is firm & dignifi$4#ahd ,x conta9s ?ree ass]tions4 ,! fir/ is ! mo/ important4 ,nehemiah is n a%am$ to confess ! fai? :i* is ! s\rce ( all 8 confid5ce4 ,9 ! eyes ( m5 ! ,jews may appe> b a feeble folk1 q unequal to ! task ( hold+ _! gr\nd 9 ! mid/ ( a sw>m ( angry foes4 ,if ,nehemiah _h only tak5 acc\nt ( ! political & milit>y aspects ( affairs1 he might h %runk f proce$+4 ,b x is j ! m>k ( 8 true greatness t he always has 8 eye fix$ on a ,high] ,p[]4 ,he kn[s t ,god is 9 ! project1 & !re=e he is sure t x mu/ prosp]4 ,:5 a man c rea* ?is conviction1 mock]y & insult d n move him4 ,he has climb$ to a s]5e altitude1 f :i* he c look d[n ) equanimity on ! boil+ cl\ds t are n[ f> b5ea? 8 feet4 ,hav+ ?is sublime gr\nd ( confid5ce1 ,nehemiah is able to proce$ to 8 second po9t--8 ass]tion ( ! det]m9ation ( ! ,jews to arise & build4 ,?is is q positive & absolute4 ,! brave man /ates x1 too1 9 ! cle>e/ possible language4 ,n[ ! "w is ab\t to beg9 !re is to be no subt]fuge or disguise4 ,nehemiah's unfl9*+ det]m9ation is bas$ on ! religi\s confession t prec$es x4 ,! ,jews are ,god's s]vants2 !y are engag$ 9 ,8 "w2 !y "k ,he w prosp] !m2 !re=e !y mo/ c]ta9ly w n /ay _! h& = all ! gibes & taunts ( _! neighb\rs4 ,la/ly1 ,nehemiah contemptu\sly repudiates ! claim ( ^! imp]t95t intrud]s to int]f]e 9 ! "w ( ! ,jews2 he tells !m t !y h no excuse = _! m$dl+1 = !y own no prop]ty 9 ,j]usalem1 !y h no "r ( citiz5%ip or ( control f )\t1 & !re are no tombs ( _! ance/ors 9 ! sacr$ city4 #ahd ,neh4 ii4 #bj4 ,9 ?is message ( ,nehemiah's we seem to he> an e*o ( ! old words ) :i* ! temple-build]s reject$ ! (f] ( assi/ance f ! ,sam>itans1 & :i* 7 ! beg9n+ ( ! :ole c\rse ( jeal\s antagonism on ! "p ( ! irritat$ neighb\rs4 ,b ! circum/ances are entirely alt]$4 ,x is n a fri5dly (f] ( co-op]ation1 b its v opposite1 a ho/ile & insult+ message design$ to h9d] ! ,jews1 t is "h s pr\dly res5t$4 ,9 ! reply ( ,nehemiah we he> ! ,*ur* refus+ to b5d to ! w ( ! _w1 because ! _w has no "r to trespass on h] t]ritory4 ,god's "w is n to be tamp]$ ) by insol5t m$dl]s4 ,jewi% exclusiv5ess is pa9fully n>r[1 at lea/ 9 our e/imation ( x1 :5 x refuses to welcome /rang]s or to recognise ! good t lies outside ! sacr$ enclosure2 b ?is same *>act]i/ic becomes a noble quality1 ) high e?ical & religi\s aims1 :5 x firmly refuses to surr5d] its duty to ,god at ! bidd+ ( ! outside _w4 ,! ,*ri/ian c sc>cely imitate ,nehemiah's tone & temp] 9 ?is matt]2 & yet if he is loyal to 8 ,god he w feel t he mu/ be equally decid$ & uncompromis+ 9 decl9+ to give up any "p ( :at he believes to be 8 s]vice ( ,*ri/ to please m5 :o unhappily z yet h no "p1 or "r1 or memorial 9 ! ,new ,j]usalem2 al?\gh1 unlike ! ,jew ( old1 he w be only too glad t all m5 %\ld come 9 & %>e 8 privileges4 ,aft] receiv+ an annoy+ answ] x 0 only natural t ! antagoni/ic neighb\rs ( ! ,jews %\ld be /ill m embitt]$ 9 _! animosity4 ,at ! fir/ news ( 8 com+ to befri5d ! *ildr5 ( ,israel1 z ,nehemiah says1 ,sanballat & ,tobiah 7 griev$2 b :5 ! build+ op]ations 7 actually 9 process ! ,sam>itan lead] pass$ f vexation to rage--he 0 wro? & took great indignation4#ahe ,?is man n[ assum$ ! lead 9 opposition to ! ,jews4 ,8 mock]y became m bitt] & insult+4 ,9 ?is he 0 jo9$ by 8 fri5d ! ,ammonite1 :o decl>$ t if only "o ( ! foxes t pr[l on ! neighb\r+ hills 7 to jump ^u ! wall ! creature w\ld break x d[n4#ahf ,p]haps he _h receiv$ a h9t f "s ( 8 spies t ! new "w t _h be5 s ha/ily press$ =w>d 0 n any too solid4 ,! ,pale/9e ,exploration ,fund has br\ght to light ! f\ndations ( :at is believ$ to be a "p ( ,nehemiah's wall at ,ophel1 & ! base ( x is se5 to be ( rubble1 n f\nd$ on ! rock1 b built on ! clay above1 s t x has be5 possible to drive a m9e "u x f "o side to ! o!r--a r\gh piece ( "w1 v diff]5t f ! beautifully f9i%$ temple walls4#ahg #ahe ,neh4 iv4 #a4 #ahf ,neh4 iv4 #c4 #ahg ,cond]1 ,bible ,geography1 p4 #aca ,nehemiah met ! r5ew$ %[] ( insults 9 a />tl+ mann]4 ,he curs$ 8 enemies4#ahh ,deplor+ be=e ,god ! contempt t 0 heap$ on ! ,jews1 he pray$ t ! reproa* ( ! enemies might be turn$ on _! own head1 devot$ !m to ! horrors ( a new captivity1 & ev5 w5t s f> z to beg t no atonem5t might be f\nd = _! iniquity1 t _! s9 might n be blott$ out4 ,9 a ^w1 in/ead ( himself =giv+ 8 enemies1 he bes\ght t !y might n be =giv5 by ,god4 ,we %udd] z we read 8 t]rible words4 ,?is is n ! ,*ri/ _s4 ,x is ev5 contr>y to ! less m]ciful _s ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,yet1 to be j to ,nehemiah1 we mu/ consid] ! :ole case4 ,x is mo/ unfair to te> 8 curse out ( ! hi/ory & gibbet x z a specim5 ( ,jewi% piety4 ,ev5 /rong m5 :o w n give way be=e ridicule may feel its /abs--= /r5g? is n inconsi/5t ) s5sitiv5ess4 ,evid5tly ,nehemiah 0 irritat$2 b !n he 0 mu* provok$4 ,= ! mom5t he lo/ 8 self-possession4 ,we mu/ rememb] t ! /ra9 ( 8 great und]tak+ 0 mo/ exhau/+1 & we mu/ be pati5t ) ! utt]ances ( "o s sorely tri$4 ,if le?>gic p criticise adv]sely ! ha/y utt]ances ( a m int5se nature1 !y =get t1 ?\gh !y may nev] lose _! self-control1 nei!r d !y ev] r\se !mselves to ! d>+ en]gy ( ! man ^: fail+s !y blame4 ,!n x 0 n any p]sonal insults hurl$ aga9/ himself t ,nehemiah res5t$ s fi]cely4 ,x 0 8 "w t ! ,sam>itans 7 try+ to h9d]4 ,?is he believ$ to be really ,god's "w1 s t ! insults (f]$ to ! ,jews 7 also direct$ aga9/ ,god1 :o mu/ h be5 angry also4 ,we _c ju/ify ! curse by ! /&>d ( ! ,*ri/ian law2 b x is n reasonable to apply t /&>d to x4 ,we mu/ set x by ! side ( ! ,mal$ictory ,psalms4 ,f ! /&po9t ( its au?or x c be fully acc\nt$ =4 ,to say t ev5 9 ?is way x c be def5d$1 h[ev]1 is to g too f>4 ,we h no occasion to p]suade ourselves t any ( ! ,old ,te/am5t sa9ts 7 immaculate1 ev5 9 ! light ( ,judaism4 ,nehemiah 0 a great & good man1 yet he 0 n an ,old ,te/am5t ,*ri/4 #ahh ,neh4 iv4 #d4 ,b n[ m s]i\s opposition 0 to be enc\nt]$4 ,su* enemies z ^? angry m5 ( ,sam>ia 7 n likely to be cont5t ) v5t+ _! sple5 9 idle mock]y4 ,:5 !y saw t ! ke5e/ %afts ( _! wit fail$ to /op ! "w ( ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem1 ,sanballat & 8 fri5ds f\nd x necess>y to proce$ to m active measures1 & accord+ly !y ent]$ into a conspiracy = ! d\ble purpose ( c>ry+ on actual w>f>e & ( intrigu+ ) disaffect$ citiz5s ( ,j]usalem--to cause confusion !re94#ahi ,nehemiah 0 too obs]vant & p5etrat+ a /atesman n to become aw>e ( :at 0 go+ on2 ! k t ! plots exi/$ reveal$ ! ext5t ( 8 dang]1 & compell$ him to make active prep>ations = ?w>t+ !m4 ,we may notice sev]al important po9ts 9 ! process ( ! def5ce4 #ahi ,neh4 iv4 #h1 #aa4 #a4 ,pray]4--,?is 0 ! fir/1 & 9 ,nehemiah's m9d ! mo/ ess5tial def5sive measure4 ,we f9d him resort+ to x 9 e important juncture ( 8 life4 ,x is 8 %eet-an*or4 ,b n[ he uses ! plural numb]4 ,hi!rto we h met only ) 8 private pray]s4 ,9 ! pres5t case he says1 ,we made our pray] unto our ,god4#aij ,_h ! infection ( 8 pray]ful _s rea*$ 8 fell[-citiz5s1 s t !y n[ %>$ x8 ,0 x t ! imm95ce ( fe>ful dang] drove to pray] m5 :o "u ord9>y circum/ances =got _! ne$ ( ,god8 ,or 7 bo? influ5ces at "w8 ,h[ev] x 0 br\ght ab\t1 ?is association 9 pray] ( "s ( ! ,jews ) _! gov]nor mu/ h be5 ! greate/ com=t to him1 z x 0 ! be/ gr\nd = ! hope t ,god w\ld n n[ let !m fall into ! h&s ( ! enemy4 ,hi!rto !re _h be5 a melan*oly solit>9ess ab\t ! e>ne/ devotion ( ,nehemiah4 ,! success ( 8 mission began to %[ itself :5 ! citiz5s began to p>ticipate 9 ! same _s ( devotion4 #aij ,neh4 iv4 #i4 #b4 ,wat*fulness4--,nehemiah 0 n ! fanatic to blund] into ! delusion t pray] 0 a sub/itute = duty1 in/ead ( be+ its inspiration4 ,all t foll[$ ! pray] 0 really bas$ ^u x4 ,! calmness1 hope1 & c\rage won 9 ! high act ( communion ) ,god made x possible to take ! necess>y /eps 9 ! out] _w4 ,s9ce ! greate/ dang] 0 n expect$ z an op5 assault1 x 0 mo/ necess>y t an unbrok5 wat* %\ld be ma9ta9$1 day & night4 ,nehemiah _h spies out 9 ! surr\nd+ c\ntry1 :o report$ to him e plann$ attack4 ,s ?or\gh 0 ?is sy/em ( espionage1 t ?\gh no less ?an t5 plots 7 concoct$ by ! enemy1 !y 7 all discov]$ to ,nehemiah1 & all fru/rat$ by him4 #c4 ,enc\ragem5t4--,! ,jews 7 los+ he>t4 ,! m5 ( ,judah came to ,nehemiah ) ! compla9t t ! lab\r]s :o 7 at "w on ! great heaps ( rubbi% 7 suff]+ f exhau/ion4 ,! r$uction 9 ! numb]s ( workm51 ow+ to ! appo9tm5t ( ! gu>d1 w\ld h /ill fur!r increas$ ! /ra9 ( ^? :o 7 left to toil among ! m\nds4 ,b x w\ld h be5 fatal to draw back at ?is juncture4 ,t w\ld h be5 to invite ! enemy to ru% 9 & complete ! discomfiture ( ! ,jews4 ,on ,nehemiah came ! obligation ( *e]+ ! dispirit$ citiz5s4 ,ev5 ! lead+ m51 :o %\ld h ralli$ ! p1 l (fic]s at ! head ( _! troops1 %>$ ! g5]al depression4 ,nehemiah 0 aga9 alone--or at be/ support$ by ! sil5t sympa?y ( 8 companions 9 pray]4 ,!re 0 v ne>ly a panic2 & = "o man to /& out "u su* circum/ances z ^! 9 solit>y c\rage1 n only resi/+ ! /rong contagion ( fe>1 b /emm+ ! tide & c\nt]act+ its movem5t1 ?is w\ld be inde$ ! sublimity ( h]oism4 ,x 0 a sev]e te/ = ,nehemiah2 & he came out ( x triumphant4 ,8 fai? 0 ! inspiration ( 8 own c\rage1 & x became ! gr\nd = ! enc\ragem5t ( o!rs4 ,he address$ ! p & _! nobles 9 a spirit$ appeal4 ,fir/1 he exhort$ !m to bani% fe>4 ,! v tone ( 8 voice mu/ h be5 reassur+2 ! pres5ce ( "o brave man 9 a cr[d ( c[>ds (t5 %ames !m out ( _! weakness4 ,b ,nehemiah proce$$ to give reasons = 8 enc\ragem5t4 ,let ! m5 rememb] _! ,god ,jehovah1 h[ great & t]rible ,he is6 ,! cause is ,81 & ,8 might & t]ror w def5d x4 ,let !m ?9k ( _! p & _! families1 & fight = bre?r5 & *ildr51 = wives & homes6 ,c[>dice is unbelief & selfi%ness comb9$4 ,tru/ 9 ,god & a s5se ( duty to o!rs w ma/] ! weakness4 #d4 ,arms4--,nehemiah gave ! fir/ place to ! spiritual & moral def5ces ( ,j]usalem4 ,yet 8 mat]ial def5ces 7 none ! less ?or\gh on acc\nt ( 8 pray]s to ,god or 8 eloqu5t exhortation ( ! p & _! lead]s4 ,!y 7 mo/ complete4 ,8 arrangem5ts = ! milit>y protection ( ,j]usalem conv]t$ ! :ole city into an arm$ camp4 ,half ! citiz5s 9 turn 7 to leave _! "w1 & /& at arms ) swords & spe>s & b[s4 ,ev5 9 ! mid/ ( ! build+ op]ations ! clatt] ( weapons 0 he>d among ! /ones1 because ! masons at "w on ! walls & ! lab\r]s :ile !y pois$ on _! heads baskets full ( rubbi% f ! excavations _h swords atta*$ to _! sa%es4 ,resid5ts ( ! suburbs 7 requir$ to /ay 9 ! city in/ead ( return+ home = ! night1 & no man c\ld put (f a s+le article ( clo?+ :5 he lay d[n to sleep4 ,nor 0 ?is m>tial array deem$ suffici5t )\t "s special provision aga9/ a surprise4 ,nehemiah !re=e w5t ab\t ) a trumpet]1 ready to summon all h&s to any po9t ( dang] on ! fir/ al>m4 ,/ill1 ?\gh ! ,jews 7 hamp]$ ) ^! prep>ations = battle1 tir$ ) toil & wat*+1 & tr\bl$ by dreadful appreh5sions1 ! "w w5t on4 ,?is is a great pro( ( ! excell5cy ( ,nehemiah's g5]al%ip4 ,he did n sacrifice ! build+ to ! fight+4 ,! =m] 0 itself design$ to produce a p]man5t def5ce1 :ile ! arms 7 only = tempor>y use4 ,:5 ! walls 7 up ! citiz5s c\ld give ! laugh back to _! foes4 ,b 9 itself ! v act ( work+ 0 reassur+4 ,idl5ess is a prey to fe>s :i* indu/ry has no "t to ent]ta94 ,e man :o tries to d 8 duty z a s]vant ( ,god is unconsci\sly build+ a wall ab\t himself t w be 8 %elt] 9 ! h\r ( p]il4 ,,*apt] ,,xxii4 ,,usury4 ,,nehemiah v4 ,we op5 ! fif? *apt] ( ,nehemiah ) a %ock ( pa94 ,! previ\s *apt] describ$ a sc5e ( patriotic devotion 9 :i* ne>ly all ! p 7 unit$ = ! prosecution ( "o great purpose4 ,!re we saw ! prie/s & ! weal?y citiz5s side by side ) _! humble bre?r5 engag$ 9 ! common task ( build+ ! walls ( ,j]usalem & gu>d+ ! city aga9/ assault4 ,! he>t9ess ) :i* ! "w 0 fir/ und]tak51 ! read9ess ( all classes to resume x aft] tempor>y disc\ragem5ts1 & ! m>tial _s %[n by ! :ole population 9 /&+ "u arms 9 ! prosecution ( x1 det]m9$ to resi/ any int]f]5ce f )\t1 7 all signs ( a l>ge-m9d$ zeal 9 :i* we %\ld h expect$ private int]e/s to h giv5 place to ! public necessities ( ! h\r4 ,b n[ we are compell$ to look at ! seamy side ( city life4 ,9 ! mid/ ( ! unavoidable toils & dang]s occasion$ by ! animosity ( ! ,sam>itans1 mis]able int]nal tr\bles _h brok5 out among ! ,jews2 & ! p]plex+ problems :i* seem to be insep>able f ! ga!r+ toge!r ( a numb] ( p "u any kn[n pa/ or pres5t social sy/em _h develop$ 9 ! mo/ acute =m4 ,! gulf betwe5 ! ri* & ! poor _h wid5$ om9\sly2 = :ile ! poor _h be5 driv5 to ! la/ extremity1 _! m =tunate fell[-citiz5s _h tak5 a mon/r\sly cruel advantage ( _! helplessness4 ,fam9e-/rick5 m5 & wom5 n only cri$ to ,nehemiah = ! means ( gett+ corn = !mselves & _! families2 !y _h a compla9t to make aga9/ _! bre?r54 ,"s _h lo/ _! l&s aft] mortgag+ !m to ri* ,jews4 ,o!rs _h ev5 be5 =c$ by ! money-l5d]s to sell _! sons & daught]s into slav]y4 ,!y mu/ h be5 on ! br9k ( />vation be=e resort+ to su* an unnatural exp$i5t4 ,h[ wond]fully1 !n1 d !y exhibit ! pati5ce ( ! poor 9 _! endurance ( ^! agonies6 ,!re 7 no bread-riots4 ,! p simply appeal$ to ,nehemiah1 :o _h already prov$ himself _! dis9t]e/$ fri5d1 & :o1 z gov]nor1 0 responsible = ! welf>e ( ! city4 ,x is n difficult to see h[ x came ab\t t _m ( ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem 7 9 ?is desp]ate plight4 ,9 all probability mo/ ( ,z]ubbabel's & ,ezra's pilgrims _h be5 9 humble circum/ances4 ,x is true successive exp$itions _h gone up ) contributions to ! ,j]usalem colony2 b mo/ ( ! /ores !y _h convey$ _h be5 devot$ to public works1 & ev5 any?+ t may h be5 di/ribut$ among ! citiz5s c\ld only h af=d$ tempor>y relief4 ,w> utt]ly p>alyses indu/ry & comm]ce4 ,9 ,juda ! unsettl$ /ate ( ! c\ntry mu/ h s]i\sly imp$$ agricultural & pa/oral occupations4 ,!n ! importation ( corn into ,j]usalem w\ld be almo/ impossible :ile rov+ enemies 7 on ! wat* 9 ! op5 c\ntry1 s t ! price ( bread w\ld rise z a result ( sc>city4 ,at ! same "t ! pres5ce ( p]sons f ! outly+ t[ns w\ld increase ! numb] ( m\?s to be f$ )9 ! city4 ,moreov]1 ! att5tion giv5 to ! build+ ( ! walls & ! def5ce ( ,j]usalem f assault w\ld prev5t artisans & tradesm5 f foll[+ ! occupations by :i* !y usually e>n$ _! liv+4 ,la/ly1 ! =m] gov]nors _h impov]i%$ ! population by exact+ griev\sly heavy tribute4 ,! inevitable result ( all ?is 0 debt & its mis]able consequ5ces4 ,j z 9 ! e>ly hi/ory ( ,a!ns & lat] at ,rome1 ! tr\bles to ! /ate aris+ f ! condition ( ! debtors 7 n[ ( ! mo/ s]i\s "*4 ,no?+ disorganises society m hopelessly ?an bad arrangem5ts ) respect to debts & pov]ty4 ,nehemiah 0 ju/ly indignant :5 ! dreadful tru? 0 made kn[n to him4 ,we may wond] :y he _h n discov]$ x e>li]1 s9ce he _h be5 go+ 9 & out among ! p4 ,0 !re a c]ta9 alo(ness 9 8 attitude8 ,8 lonely night ride sugge/s some?+ ( ! k9d4 ,9 any case 8 absorb+ devotion to 8 "o task ( rebuild+ ! city walls c\ld h left him little leisure = o!r int]e/s4 ,! man :o is engag$ 9 a gr& s*eme = ! public good is frequ5tly ! la/ to notice individual cases ( ne$4 ,! /atesman is 9 dang] ( ignor+ ! social condition ( ! p 9 ! pursuit ( political ends4 ,x us$ to be ! mi/ake ( mo/ gov]nm5ts t _! =eign policy absorb$ _! att5tion to ! neglect ( home int]e/s4 ,nehemiah 0 n sl[ 9 recognis+ ! public ne$1 :5 x 0 br\ght "u 8 notice by ! cry ( ! di/ress$ debtors4 ,accord+ to ! truly mod]n cu/om ( 8 "t 9 ,j]usalem1 he call$ a public meet+1 expla9$ ! :ole situation1 & appeal$ to ! cr$itors to give back ! mortgag$ l&s & remit ! int]e/ on _! loans4 ,?is 0 agre$ to at once1 ! popul> consci5ce evid5tly approv+ ( ! proposal4 ,nehemiah1 h[ev]1 0 n cont5t to let ! matt] re/ "h4 ,he call$ ! prie/s1 & put !m on _! oa? to see t ! promise ( ! cr$itors 0 c>ri$ out4 ,?is appeal to ! prie/hood is v significant4 ,x %[s h[ rapidly ! gov]nm5t 0 t5d+ t[>ds a sac]dotal !ocracy4 ,b x is important to notice t x 0 a social & n a purely political matt] 9 :i* ,nehemiah look$ to ! prie/s4 ,! social ord] ( ! ,jews 0 m especially b\nd up ) _! religion1 or r ) _! law & its regulations1 :ile z yet que/ions ( quasi-=eign policy 7 freely relegat$ to ! purely civil au?orities1 ! heads ( families1 ! nobles1 & ! supreme gov]nor "u ! ,p]sian adm9i/ration4 ,nehemiah foll[$ ! example ( ! anci5t prophets 9 8 symbolical me?od ( d5\nc+ any ( ! cr$itors :o w\ld n keep ! promise he _h extract$ f !m4 ,%ak+ out 8 mantle1 z ?\gh to ca/ (f :atev] _h be5 wrapp$ 9 its folds1 he exclaim$1 ,s ,god %ake out e man f 8 h\se1 & f 8 lab\r1 t p]=me? n ?is promise2 ev5 ?us be he %ak5 out1 & empti$4#aia ,?is 0 virtually a ?reat ( confiscation & excommunication4 ,yet ! ,ecclesia gladly ass5t$1 cry+ ,am5 & prais+ ! ,"l4 #aia ,neh4 v4 #ac4 ,! extreme position "h tak5 up by ,nehemiah & freely conc$$ by ! p may seem to u unreasonable unless we h consid]$ all ! circum/ances4 ,nehemiah d5\nc$ ! conduct ( ! money-l5d]s z morally wrong4 ,! ?+ t ye d is n good1 he said4 ,x 0 oppos$ to ! w ( ,god4 ,x provok$ ! reproa* ( ! hea!n4 ,x 0 v diff]5t f 8 own conduct1 9 r$eem+ captives & support+ ! poor out ( 8 private means4 ,n[1 :]e9 0 ! real evil ( ! conduct ( ^! cr$itors8 ,! primitive law ( ! ,cov5ant =bad ! ,jews to take int]e/ = loans among _! bre?r54#aib ,b :y s8 ,is !re n a manife/ conv5i5ce 9 ! arrangem5ts by :i* ^? p :o possess a sup]fluity may l5d to ^? :o are tempor>ily emb>rass$8 ,if no int]e/ is to be paid = su* loans1 is x to be expect$ t ri* p w run ! risk & put !mselves to ! c]ta9 inconv5i5ce !y involve8 ,! man :o saves g5]ally does s 9 ord] t 8 sav+s may be ( advantage to him4 ,if he cons5ts to def] ! enjoym5t ( !m1 mu/ n ?is be = "s consid]ation8 ,9 proportion z ! advantages ( sav+ are r$uc$ ! inducem5ts to save w be dim9i%$1 & !n ! available l5d+ fund ( ! community w be less5$1 s t few] p]sons 9 ne$ ( tempor>y accommodation w be able to receive x4 ,f ano!r po9t ( view1 may x n be urg$ t if a man obta9s ! assi/ance ( a loan he %\ld be z will+ to pay = x z he w\ld be to pay = any o!r di/9ct advantage8 ,he does n get ! conv5i5ce ( a coa*-ride = no?+3 :y %\ld he n expect to pay any?+ = a lift along a difficult bit ( 8 f9ancial c\rse8 ,sometimes a loan may be reg>d$ z an act ( p>tn]%ip4 ,! tradesman :o has n suffici5t capital to c>ry on 8 bus9ess borr[s f a neighb\r :o possesses money :i* he desires to inve/4 ,is n ?is an arrangem5t 9 :i* l5d+ at int]e/ is mutually advantage\s8 ,9 su* a case ! l5d] is really a sort ( sleep+ p>tn]1 & ! int]e/ he receives is m]ely 8 %>e 9 ! bus9ess1 because x is ! return :i* has come back to him ?r\gh ! use ( 8 money4 ,:]e is ! wrong ( su* a transaction8 ,ev5 :5 ! t]ms are m h>d on ! debtor1 may x n be urg$ t he does n accept !m bl9dfold8 ,he kn[s :at he is do+ :5 he takes ^u himself ! obligations ( 8 debt & its accompany+ int]e/2 he will+ly ent]s into ! bond1 believ+ t x w be = 8 own advantage4 ,h[ !n c he be reg>d$ z ! victim ( cruelty8 #aib ,exod4 xxii4 #be4 ,?is is "o side ( ! subject1 & x is n to be d5i$ t x exhibits a consid]able am\nt ( tru? f its own po9t ( view4 ,ev5 on ?is gr\nd1 h[ev]1 x may be d\bt$ :e!r ! advantages ( ! debtor are z great z !y are repres5t$4 ,! sy/em ( c>ry+ on bus9ess by means ( borr[$ capital is answ]able = mu* ( ! /ra9 & anxiety ( mod]n life1 & n a little ( ! di%one/y to :i* trad]s are n[ tempt$ :5 h>d press$4 ,! (f] ( tempor>y accommodation is invit+1 b x may be que/ion$ :e!r ?is is n m (t5 ?an n a curse to ^? :o accept x4 ,v frequ5tly x only po/pones ! evil day4 ,c]ta9ly x is n f\nd t ! multiplication ( pawn-%ops t5ds to ! com=t & well-be+ ( ! p among :om !y spr+ up1 & possibly1 if we c\ld look beh9d ! sc5es1 we %\ld discov] t l5d+ ag5cies 9 high] comm]cial circles 7 n mu* m b5eficial to ! community4 ,/ill1 x may be urg$1 ev5 if ! sy/em ( borr[+ & l5d+ is (t5 c>ri$ too f>1 !re are cases 9 :i* x is manife/ly b5eficial4 ,! borr[] may be really help$ ov] a tempor>y difficulty4 ,9 a "t ( desp]ate ne$ he may ev5 be sav$ f />vation4 ,?is is n to be d5i$4 ,we mu/ look at ! sy/em z a :ole1 h[ev]1 r ?an only at its fav\rable in/ances4 ,! /r5g? ( ! case = l5d+ money at int]e/ re/s ^u c]ta9 pla9 laws ( ,political ,economy4 ,n[ x is absurd to d5\nce ! sci5ce ( ,political ,economy z diabolical4 ,no sci5ce c be ei!r good or bad1 = by its nature all sci5ce deals only ) tru? & k4 ,we d n talk ( ! morality ( *emi/ry4 ,! facts may be repreh5sible2 b ! sci5tific co-ord9ation ( !m1 ! discov]y ( ! pr9ciples :i* gov]n !m1 _c be morally culpable4 ,nev]!less ,political ,economy is only a sci5ce on ! gr\nd ( c]ta9 pre-suppositions4 ,remove ^? pre-suppositions1 & ! :ole fabric falls to ! gr\nd4 ,x is n !n morally condemn$2 x is simply inapplicable1 because its data h disappe>$4 ,n[ "o ( ! lead+ data ( ?is sci5ce is ! pr9ciple ( self-int]e/4 ,x is assum$ ?r\gh\t t m5 are simply produc+ & trad+ = _! own advantage4 ,if ?is assumption is all[$1 ! laws & _! results foll[ ) ! iron necessity ( fate4 ,b if ! self-seek+ pr9ciple c be remov$1 & a social pr9ciple be made to take its place1 ! :ole process w be alt]$4 ,we see ?is happ5+ ) ,nehemiah1 :o is will+ to l5d free ( int]e/4 ,9 8 case ! /rong pleas = ! reasonabl5ess1 = ! v necessity ( ! o!r sy/em fall to ! gr\nd4 ,if ! contagion ( 8 example 7 univ]sal1 we %\ld h to alt] our books ( ,political ,economy1 & write on ! subject f ! new /&po9t ( bro!rly k9dness4 ,we h n yet rea*$ ! bottom ( ?is "q4 ,x may /ill be urg$ t1 ?\gh x 0 v graci\s ( ,nehemiah to act z he did1 x 0 n !re=e culpable 9 o!rs :o fail$ to %>e 8 views & means n to foll[ suit4 ,9 "s cases ! l5d] might be dep5d+ = a livelihood on ! produce ( 8 loans4 ,if s1 7 he to decl9e to exact x1 he himself w\ld be absolutely impov]i%$4 ,we mu/ meet ?is position by tak+ into acc\nt ! actual results ( ! money-l5d+ sy/em practis$ by ! ,jews 9 ,j]usalem 9 ! days ( ,nehemiah4 ,! int]e/ 0 high--! hundr$? "p ( ! money#aic--;i4e41 ) ! mon?ly paym5ts usual 9 ! ,ea/1 equival5t to twelve p] c5t4 annual int]e/4 ,!n ^? :o c\ld n pay ?is int]e/1 hav+ already pl$g$ _! e/ates1 =feit$ ! prop]ty4 ,a wise regulation ( ,deut]onomy--unhappily nev] practis$--_h requir$ ! return ( mortgag$ l& e sev5 ye>s4#aid ,?is m]ciful regulation 0 evid5tly int5d$ to prev5t ! accumulation ( l>ge e/ates 9 ! h&s ( ri* m5 :o w\ld add field to field 9 a way d5\nc$ by ! prophets ) indignation4#aie ,?us ! t5d5cy to inequality ( lots w\ld be avoid$1 & tempor>y emb>rassm5t c\ld n lead to ! p]man5t ru9 ( a man & 8 *ildr5 aft] him4 ,x 0 felt1 too1 t !re 0 a sacr$ "* 9 ! l&1 :i* 0 ! ,"l's possession4 ,x 0 n possible = a man to :om a portion _h be5 allott$ to :olly ali5ate x2 = x 0 n 8 to dispose (1 x 0 only 8 to hold4 ,?is my/ical ?\ght w\ld help to ma9ta9 a /urdy race ( peasants--,nabo?1 = example--:o w\ld feel _! duty to _! l& to be ( a religi\s nature1 & :o w\ld !re=e be elevat$ & /r5g!n$ 9 "* by ! v possession ( x4 ,all ^! advantages 7 miss$ by ! cu/oms t 7 f\nd to be preval5t 9 ! "t ( ,nehemiah4 #aic ,neh4 v4 #aa4 #aid ,deut4 xv4 #a-f4 #aie ,e4g41 ,isa4 v4 #h4 ,f> worse ?an ! ali5ation ( _! e/ates 0 ! sell+ ( _! *ildr5 by ! h>d-press$ cr$itors4 ,an anci5t law ( rude times recognis$ ! fact & regulat$ x 9 reg>d to daught]s2#aif b x is n easy to see h[ 9 an age ( civilisation any p>5ts possess$ ( natural feel+ c\ld br+ !mselves to cons5t to su* a b>b>ity4 ,t "s did s is a pro( ( ! morally degrad+ effect ( absolute p5ury4 ,:5 ! wolf is at ! door1 ! hungry man himself becomes wolfi%4 ,! horrible /ories ( mo!rs 9 besieg$ cities boil+ & eat+ _! own *ildr5 c only be acc\nt$ = by "s su* explanation z ?is4 ,"h we h ! sev]e/ condemnation ( ! social sy/em :i* p]mits ( ! utt] de/itution ( a l>ge portion ( ! community4 ,x is mo/ hurtful to ! *>act]s ( its victims2 x de-humanises !m1 x r$uces !m to ! level ( bea/s4 #aif ,exod4 xxi4 #g4 ,did ,ezra's /]n re=mation prep>e ! way = ?is mis]able condition ( affairs8 ,he _h d>$ to tamp] ) ! mo/ sacr$ dome/ic ties4 ,he _h attack$ ! sanctities ( ! home4 ,may we suppose t "o result ( 8 success 0 to l[] ! s5se ( home duties1 & ev5 to /ifle ! deepe/ natural affections8 ,?is is at lea/ a melan*oly possibility1 & x w>ns u ( ! dang] ( any invasion ( family claims & duties by ! ,*ur* or ! ,/ate4 ,n[ x 0 9 face ( ! t]rible mis]y ( ! ,jews t ,nehemiah d5\nc$ ! :ole practice ( usury :i* 0 ! root ( x4 ,he 0 n contemplat+ ^? h>mless comm]cial transactions by :i*1 9 our day1 capital passes f "o h& to ano!r 9 a way ( bus9ess t may be equally advantage\s to borr[] & l5d]4 ,all he saw 0 a /ate ( utt] ru9--l& ali5at$ f its old families1 boys & girls sold into slav]y1 & ! un=tunate debtors1 9 spite ( all _! sacrifices1 /ill on ! br9k ( />vation4 ,9 view ( su* a frightful condition1 he naturally d5\nc$ ! :ole sy/em t l$ to x4 ,:at else c\ld he h done8 ,?is 0 no "t = a nice discrim9ation betwe5 ! use & ! abuse ( ! sy/em4 ,nehemiah saw no?+ b abuse 9 x4 ,moreov]1 x 0 n 9 accordance ) ! ,hebrew way ev] to draw f9e di/9ctions4 ,if a cu/om 0 f\nd to be work+ badly1 t cu/om 0 reprobat$ entirely2 no attempt 0 made to save f ! wreck any good elem5ts t might h be5 discov]$ 9 x by a cool sci5tific analysis4 ,9 ,! ,law1 !re=e1 z well z 9 ! p>ticul> cases dealt ) by ,nehemiah1 l5d+ at int]e/ among ,jews 0 =bidd51 because z usually practis$ x 0 a cruel1 hurtful practice4 ,nehemiah ev5 ref]s to l5d+ on a pl$ge1 )\t m5tion+ ! int]e/1 z an evil ?+1 because x 0 tak5 = grant$ t usury w5t ) x4#aig ,b t usury 0 n ?\ght to be morally wrong 9 itself we may le>n f ! fact t ,jews 7 p]mitt$ by _! law to practise x ) =eign]s1#aih :ile !y 7 n all[$ to d any really wrong ?+ to !m4 ,?is di/9ction betwe5 ! treatm5t ( ! ,jew & t ( ! ,g5tile ?r[s "s light on ! "q ( usury4 ,x %[s t ! real gr\nd ( condemnation 0 t ! practice 0 contr>y to bro!rhood4 ,s9ce !n ,*ri/ianity enl>ges ! field ( bro!rhood1 ! limits ( exactions are proportionately ext5d$4 ,!re are _m ?+s t we _c d to a man :5 we reg>d him z a bro!r1 al?\gh we %\ld h _h no compunction 9 p]=m+ !m be=e we _h own$ ! close relation%ip4 #aig ,neh4 v4 #g1 #aj1 :]e in/ead ( usury 7,a4,v47 we %\ld read pl$ge4 #aih ,deut4 xv4 #c-f4 ,we see !n t :at ,nehemiah & ! ,jewi% law really condemn$ 0 n s mu* ! practice ( tak+ int]e/ 9 ! ab/ract z ! c>ry+ on ( cruel usury among bro!rs4 ,! evil t lies 9 t also appe>s 9 deal+s t are n directly f9ancial4 ,! _w ?9ks ( ! ,jew too mu* z ( a ,%ylock :o makes 8 money bre$ by h>% exactions practis$ on ,*ri/ians4 ,b :5 ,*ri/ians gr[ ri* by ! ill-requit$ toil ( _! oppress$ fell[-,*ri/ians1 :5 !y exact m ?an _! p\nd ( fle%1 :5 drop by drop !y squeeze ! v life-blood out ( _! victims1 !y are guilty ( ! abom9ation ( usury--9 a new =m1 b ) few ( its evils light5$4 ,to take advantage ( ! helpless condition ( a fell[-man is exactly ! wick$ness d5\nc$ by ,nehemiah 9 ! he>tless ri* m5 ( 8 day4 ,x is no excuse = ?is t we are )9 our rights4 ,x is n always "r to insi/ ^u our rights4 ,:at is legally innoc5t may be morally crim9al4 ,x is ev5 possible to get ?r\gh a c\rt ( ju/ice :at is no?+ bett] ?an a !ft 9 ! sight ( ,heav54 ,x c nev] be "r to pu% any "o d[n to 8 ru94 ,b1 x may be said1 ! mis]able man br\ght 8 tr\ble ^u himself by 8 own recklessness4 ,be x s4 ,/ill he is our bro!r1 & we %\ld treat him z su*4 ,we may ?9k we are "u no obligation to foll[ ! example ( ,nehemiah1 :o refus$ 8 pay f ! impov]i%$ citiz5s1 r$eem$ ,israelites f slav]y 9 =eign l&s1 l5t money free ( int]e/1 & ent]ta9$ a numb] ( ,jews at 8 table--all out ( ! sav+s ( 8 old c\rti] days at ,susa4 ,& yet a true ,*ri/ian _c escape f ! belief t !re is a real obligation ly+ on him to imitate ?is royal b\nty z f> z 8 means p]mit4 ,! law 9 ,deut]onomy comm&$ ! ,israelite to l5d will+ly to ! ne$y1 & n h>d5 8 he>t or %ut up 8 h&s f 8 poor bro!r4#aii ,our ,"l goes fur!r1 = ,he di/9ctly requires ,8 disciples to l5d :5 !y d n expect t ! loan w ev] be return$--,if ye l5d to !m ( :om ye hope to receive1 ,he asks1 :at ?anks h ye8 ev5 s9n]s l5d to s9n]s1 to receive aga9 z mu*4#bjj ,& ,/4 ,paul is ?9k+ ( no "w ( sup]]ogation :5 he writes1 ,be> ye "o ano!r's burd5s1 & s fulfil ! law ( ,*ri/4#bja ,yet if somebody sugge/s t ^! precepts %\ld be tak5 s]i\sly & put 9 practice to-day1 he is %\t$ d[n z a fanatic4 ,:y is ?is8 ,w ,*ri/ be satisfi$ ) less ?an ,8 own requirem5ts8 #aii ,deut4 xv4 #g1 #h4 #bjj ,luke vi4 #cd4 #bja ,gal4 vi4 #b4 ,,*apt] ,,xxiii4 ,,wise ,,z ,,s]p5ts4 ,,nehemiah vi4 ,op5 opposition _h totally fail$4 ,! wat*ful g>rison _h n once p]mitt$ a surprise4 ,9 spite ( ! p]si/5t malignity ( 8 enemies1 ,nehemiah _h rais$ ! walls all r\nd ! city till n a brea* rema9$ any:]e4 ,! doors _h yet to be hung at ! great gateways1 b ! =tification ( ,j]usalem _h proce$$ s f> t x 0 hopeless = ! enemy to attempt any long] to h9d] x by viol5ce4 ,accord+ly ! lead+ antagoni/s *ang$ _! tactics4 ,!y turn$ f =ce to fraud--a me?od ( /rategy :i* 0 a confession ( weakness4 ,! antagonism to ! ,jews 0 n[ 9 a v diff]5t position f t :i* x _h atta9$ be=e ,nehemiah _h appe>$ on ! sc5e1 & :5 all ,syria 0 mov$ & ,artax]xes himself won ov] to ! ,sam>itan view4 ,x _h no support f ! ,satrap4 ,x 0 directly aga9/ ! policy sanction$ by ! k+4 ,9 its impot5ce x 0 driv5 to adopt humiliat+ devices ( cunn+ & deceit2 & ev5 ^! exp$i5ts prov$ to be ineffectual4 ,x has be5 well rem>k$ t ! ru/ic trick/]s f ,sam>ia 7 no mat* = a tra9$ c\rti]4 ,nehemiah easily detect$ ! clumsy sn>es t 7 set to entrap him4 ,?us he illu/rates t wisdom ( ! s]p5t :i* our ,"l comm5ds to ,8 disciples z a useful weapon = meet+ ! temptations & dang]s !y mu/ be prep>$ to enc\nt]4 ,! s]p5t1 repulsive & noxi\s1 ! common symbol ( s91 to "s ! v inc>nation ( ! devil1 0 cr$it$ ) a quality wor?y ( imitation by ,"o :o c\ld see ! s\l ( goodness 9 ?+s evil4 ,! subtlety ( ! ke5-ey$1 s9u\s bea/ appe>$ to ,him 9 ! light ( a real excell5ce1 :i* %\ld be rescu$ f its degradation 9 ! crawl+ reptile & set to a wor?y use4 ,he rejoic$ 9 ! revelation made to babes2 b x w\ld be an insult to ! *ildr5 :om ,he set be=e u z ! typical memb]s ( ! k+dom ( heav5 to mi/ake ?is = a b5$iction ( /upidity4 ,! fact is1 dulness is (t5 no?+ b ! result ( indol5ce2 x (t5 comes f neglig5ce 9 ! cultivation ( faculties ,god has giv5 to m5 m g5]\sly ?an !y w ackn[l$ge4 ,surely1 true religion1 s9ce x consi/s 9 a ,div9e life1 mu/ br+ vitality to ! :ole man1 & ?us quick5 ! intellect z well z ! he>t4 ,/4 ,james ref]s to ! highe/ wisdom z a gift :i* ,god be/[s lib]ally & )\t upbraid+ on ^? :o ask = x4#bjb ,our pla9 duty1 !re=e1 is n to p]mit ourselves to be befool$ to our ru94 #bjb ,james i4 #e4 ,b :5 we comp>e ! wisdom ( ,nehemiah ) ! cunn+ ( 8 enemies we notice a broad di/9ction betwe5 ! two qualities4 ,sanballat & 8 fell[-conspirator1 ! ,arab ,ge%em1 condesc5d to ! meanness ( deceit3 !y try to allure _! victim into _! p[]2 !y invite him to tru/ himself to _! hospitality :ile int5d+ to rew>d 8 confid5ce ) trea*]y2 !y concoct false reports to black5 ! reputation ( ! man :om !y d>e n op5ly attack2 ) diabolical craft "o ( _! ag5ts endeav\rs to tempt ,nehemiah to an act ( c[>dice t w\ld involve app>5tly a culpable brea* ( religi\s propriety1 9 ord] t 8 influ5ce may be und]m9$ by ! de/ruction ( 8 reputation4 ,f beg9n+ to end ?is is all a policy ( lies4 ,on ! o!r h&1 !re is n a %ad[ ( ins9c]ity 9 ,nehemiah's me?od ( fru/rat+ x4 ,he uses 8 ke5 intellig5ce 9 discov]+ ! plots ( 8 foes2 he nev] degrades x by weav+ c\nt]plots4 ,9 ! game ( diplomacy he outwits 8 oppon5ts at e /age4 ,if he w\ld l5d himself to _! m5daci\s me?ods1 he might turn !m r\nd 8 f+]4 ,b he w d no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,"o aft] ano!r he breaks up ! petty s*emes ( ! di%one/ m5 :o cont9ue to worry him ) _! devices1 & quietly h&s !m back ! fragm5ts1 to _! bitt] *agr94 ,8 replies are p]fectly frank2 8 policy is cle> z ! day4 ,wise z ! s]p5t1 he is h>mless z ! dove4 ,a man ( a/\nd+ disc]nm5t1 he is nev]!less an ,israelite inde$1 9 :om !re is no guile4 ,! fir/ proposal _h dang] writt5 on ! face ( x1 & ! p]si/5ce ) :i* s lame a device 0 repeat$ does n d mu* cr$it to ! +5uity ( ! conspirators4 ,_! v malignity seems to h bl9d$ !m to ! fact t !y 7 n deceiv+ ,nehemiah4 ,p]haps !y ?\ght t he w\ld yield to %e] importunity4 ,_! sugge/ion 0 t he %\ld come out ( ,j]usalem & conf] ) ,sanballat & 8 fri5ds "s miles away 9 ! pla9 ( ,%>on4#bjc ,! ,jews 7 kn[n to be h>d-press$1 we>y1 & fam9e-/rick51 & any ov]tures t promis$ an amicable settlem5t1 or ev5 a tempor>y truce1 might be view$ acceptably by ! anxi\s gov]nor on ^: sole c>e ! social tr\bles ( ! citiz5s z well z ! milit>y protection ( ! city dep5d$4 ,v likely in=mation glean$ f spies )9 ,j]usalem guid$ ! conspirators 9 *oos+ ! opportunities = _! successive ov]tures4 ,^! w\ld seem mo/ timely :5 ! social tr\bles ( ! ,jews 7 mo/ s]i\s4 ,9 ano!r way ! invitation to a p>ley might be ?\ght attractive to ,nehemiah4 ,x w\ld appeal to 8 nobl] feel+s4 ,a g5]\s man is unwill+ to suspect ! di%one/y ( 8 neighb\rs4 #bjc ,at ,ono4 ,?is place has n yet be5 f\nd4 ,x _c well be ,beit ,unia1 nor?-we/ ( ,j]usalem1 ne> ,beit9 7,be!l74 ,its association ) ,lod 7,lydda7 9 #a ,*ron4 viii4 #ab & ,neh4 xi4 #ce1 po9ts to ! neighb\rhood ( ! latt] place4 ,b ,nehemiah 0 n caught by ! confid5ce trick4 ,he knew ! conspirators int5d$ to d him mis*ief4 ,yet z ?is int5tion 0 n actually prov$ aga9/ !m1 he put no accusation into 8 reply4 ,! inf]5ce f x 0 cle> en\gh4 ,b ! message itself c\ld n be con/ru$ into any indication ( disc\rtesy4 ,nehemiah 0 do+ a great "w4 ,!re=e he c\ld n come d[n4 ,?is 0 a p]fectly g5u9e answ]4 ,= ! gov]nor to h left ,j]usalem at ! pres5t crisis w\ld h be5 disa/r\s to ! city4 ,! conspirators !n tri$ ano!r plan = gett+ ,nehemiah to meet !m outside ,j]usalem4 ,!y pret5d$ t x 0 report$ t 8 "w 9 =tify+ ! city 0 c>ri$ on ) ! object ( rebell+ aga9/ ! ,p]sian gov]nm5t1 & t ?is report _h gone s f> z to convey ! impression t he _h induc$ prophets to prea* 8 k+%ip4 ,"s su* suspicion _h be5 h9t$ at be=e1 at ! "t ( ,nehemiah's com+ up to ,j]usalem1#bjd b !n its own absurdity _h prev5t$ x f tak+ root4 ,n[ ! actual appe>ance ( ! walls r\nd ! once ru9\s city1 & ! ris+ reputation ( ,nehemiah z a man ( res\rce & en]gy1 might give "s col\r to ! calumny4 ,! po9t ( ! conspirators' device1 h[ev]1 is n to be f\nd 9 ! actual spread+ ( ! dang]\s rum\r1 b 9 ! al>m to be sugge/$ to ,nehemiah by ! ?\ght t x 0 be+ spread4 ,nehemiah w\ld "k v well h[ mu* mis*ief is wr\ght by idle & q gr\ndless talk4 ,! libel may be totally false1 & yet x may be impossible = its victim to foll[ x up & cle> 8 "* 9 e nook & cranny to :i* x p5etrates4 ,a lie1 l a we$1 if x is n nipp$ 9 ! bud1 %$s se$s :i* e w9d ( gossip w spread f> & wide1 s t x soon becomes impossible to /amp x out4 #bjd ,neh4 ii4 #ai4 ,9 _! ef=t to fright5 ,nehemiah ! conspirators sugge/$ t ! rum\r w\ld rea* ! k+4 ,!y z mu* z h9t$ t !y w\ld und]take ! bus9ess ( report+ x !mselves if he w\ld n come to t]ms ) !m4 ,?is 0 an attempt at extract+ blackmail4 ,hav+ fail$ 9 _! appeal to 8 g5]\s in/9cts1 ! conspirators tri$ to "w on 8 fe>s4 ,= any "o ( less h]oic m9d ?an ,nehemiah _! diabolical ?reat w\ld h be5 ov]:elm+ly p[]ful4 ,ev5 he c\ld n b feel ! =ce ( x4 ,x calls to m9d ! la/ ^w ( ! ,jews t det]m9$ ,pilate to surr5d] ,jesus to ! dea? he knew 0 n m]it$3 ,if ?\ let ?is ,man g1 ?\ art n ,cs>'s fri5d4 ,! suspicion t always haunts ! m9d ( an autocratic sov]eign gives undue weight to any *>ges ( treason4 ,artax]xes 0 n a ,tib]ius4 ,b ! good-natur$ mon>* 0 liable to p]suasion4 ,nehemiah mu/ h _h occasion to witness _m in/ances ( ! fatal consequ5ces ( royal displeasure4 ,c\ld he rely on ! cont9uance ( 8 ma/]'s fav\r n[ he 0 f> f ! c\rt1 :ile ly+ tongues 7 try+ to poison ! e>s ( ! k+8 ,be=e fir/ speak+ ( 8 project = help+ 8 p1 he _h trembl$ at ! risk he 0 ab\t to incur2 h[ !n c\ld he n[ le>n ) equanimity t a cruelly m5daci\s repres5tation ( x 0 be+ made to ,artax]xes8 ,8 s5se ( ! gravity ( ! situation is se5 9 ! way 9 :i* he met x4 ,nehemiah indignantly repudiat$ ! *>ge4 ,he boldly ass]t$ t x _h be5 inv5t$ by ! conspirators4 ,to !m he %[$ an unwav]+ front4 ,b we are able to look beh9d ! sc5es4 ,x is "o advantage ( ?is autobiographical sket* ( ,nehemiah's t 9 x ! writ] repeat$ly lifts ! veil & reveals to u ! secret ( 8 ?\ghts4 ,h]oic 9 ! _w1 be=e m51 he /ill knew 8 real human weakness4 ,b he knew too t 8 /r5g? 0 9 ,god4 ,su* h]oism z 8 is n l ! /olidity ( ! lifeless rock4 ,x resembles ! /r5g? ( ! liv+ oak1 :i* gr[s m massive j 9 proportion z x is suppli$ ) fre% sap4 ,accord+ to 8 cu/om 9 e critical mom5t ( 8 life1 ,nehemiah resort$ to pray]1 & ?us aga9 we come ^u "o ( ^? brief ejaculations utt]$ 9 ! mid/ ( ! /ress & /ra9 ( a busy life t light up ! pages ( 8 n>rative f "t to "t4 ,! po9t ( 8 pray] is simple & def9ite4 ,x is j t 8 h&s may be /r5g!n$4 ,?is w\ld h a tw(old be>+4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 x w\ld c]ta9ly seek a revival ( inw>d en]gy4 ,nehemiah waits on ! ,"l t ,he may r5ew 8 /r5g?4 ,he kn[s t ,god helps him ?r\gh 8 own ex]cise ( en]gy1 s t if he is to be protect$ he mu/ be made /rong4 ,b ! pray] means m ?an ?is4 ,= ! h&s to be /r5g!n$ is = _! "w to prosp]4 ,nehemiah craves ! aid ( ,god t all may g "r 9 spite ( ! t]rible dang] f ly+ calumnies ) :i* he is confront$2 & 8 pray] 0 answ]$4 ,! second device 0 fru/rat$4 ,! ?ird 0 manag$ v diff]5tly4 ,?is "t ,nehemiah 0 attack$ )9 ! city1 = x 0 n[ app>5t t no attempts to lure him outside ! walls c\ld succe$4 ,a curi\s *>act]i/ic ( ! new incid5t is t ,nehemiah himself paid a visit to ! man :o 0 ! trea*]\s in/rum5t ( 8 enemies' devices4 ,he w5t 9 p]son to ! h\se ( ,%emaiah ! prophet--a mo/ my/]i\s proce$+4 ,we h no explanation ( 8 reason = go+4 ,_h ! prophet s5t = ,nehemiah8 or is x possible t 9 ! dread p]plexity ( ! crisis1 amid ! sn>es t surr\nd$ him1 oppress$ ) ! lonel9ess ( 8 position ( supreme responsibility1 ,nehemiah hung]$ = a ,div9e message f an inspir$ oracle8 ,x is pla9 f ?is *apt] t ! common1 e-day prophets--s mu* bel[ ! great mess5g]s ( ,jehovah ^: writ+s repres5t ,hebrew prophecy to u to-day--_h surviv$ ! captivity1 & 7 /ill practis+ div9ation mu* aft] ! mann] ( hea!n soo?say]s1 z _! fa!rs _h done be=e !m f ! "t :5 a "y f>m]'s son 0 s5t to ,samuel to le>n ! :]eab\ts ( a lo/ team ( asses4 ,if ,nehemiah _h resort$ to ! prophet ( 8 own accord1 8 dang] 0 inde$ s]i\s4 ,9 ?is case x w\ld be ! m to 8 cr$it t he did n p]mit himself to be dup$4 ,ano!r feature ( ! /range incid5t is n v cle> to u4 ,nehemiah tells u t ! prophet 0 %ut up4#bje ,:at does ?is mean8 ,0 ! man c]emonially unclean8 or ill8 or 9 cu/ody "u "s accusation8 ,none ( ^! ?ree explanations c be accept$1 because ,%emaiah propos$ to proce$ at once to ! temple ) ,nehemiah1 & ?us confess$ 8 seclusion to be volunt>y4 ,c we give a metaphorical int]pretation to ! expression1 & und]/& ! prophet to be repres5t+ himself z "u a ,div9e compulsion1 ! ?\ght ( :i* may give ! m urg5cy to ! advice he t5d]s to ,nehemiah8 ,9 ?is case we %\ld look = a m explicit /atem5t1 = ! :ole =ce ( 8 message w\ld dep5d ^u ! au?ority ?us attribut$ to x4 ,a simpl] int]pretation1 to :i* ! language ( ,%emaiah po9ts1 & "o 9 accordance ) all ! wret*$1 s*em+ policy ( ! enemies ( ,nehemiah1 is t ! prophet pret5d$ t he 0 himself 9 p]sonal dang] z a fri5d & support] ( ! gov]nor1 & t !re=e he f\nd x necess>y to keep himself 9 seclusion4 ,?us by 8 own attitude he w\ld try to "w on ! fe>s ( ,nehemiah4 #bje ,neh4 vi4 #aj4 ,! proposal t ! prophet %\ld accompany ,nehemiah to ! %elt] ( ! temple1 ev5 into ! ,holy ,place1 0 tempt+ly plausible4 ,! hea!n reg>d$ ! %r9es ( _! gods z sanctu>ies1 & simil> notions seem to h atta*$ !mselves to ! ,jewi% alt>4 ,moreov]1 ! massive /ructure ( ! temple 0 itself a def5ce--! temple ( ,h]od 0 ! la/ =tress to be tak5 9 ! great f9al siege4 ,9 ! temple1 too1 ,nehemiah might hope to be safe f ! surprise ( a /reet meute among ! disaffect$ sections ( ! population4 ,above all1 ! pres5ce & c\nsel ( a prophet w\ld seem to sanction & au?orise ! c\rse indicat$4 ,yet x 0 all a cruel sn>e4 ,?is "t ! purpose 0 to discr$it ,nehemiah 9 ! eyes ( ! ,jews1 inasmu* z 8 influ5ce dep5d$ l>gely on 8 reputation4 ,b aga9 ,nehemiah c\ld see ?r\gh ! tricks ( 8 enemies4 ,he 0 nei!r bl9d$ by self-int]e/ nor ov]aw$ by prophetic au?ority4 ,! use ( t au?ority 0 ! la/ arr[ 9 ! quiv] ( 8 foes4 ,!y w\ld attack him ?r\gh 8 religi\s fai?4 ,_! mi/ake 0 t !y took too l[ a view ( t fai?4 ,?is is ! common mi/ake ( ! irreligi\s 9 _! treatm5t ( truly dev\t m54 ,nehemiah knew t a prophet c\ld err4 ,_h !re n be5 ly+ prophets 9 ! days ( ,j]emiah8 ,x is a pro( ( 8 true spiritual insight t he c\ld disc]n "o 9 8 pret5d$ protector4 ,! te/ is cle> to a man ) s true a consci5ce z we see 9 ,nehemiah4 ,if ! prophet says :at we "k to be morally wrong1 he _c be speak+ f ,god4 ,x is n ! tea*+ ( ! ,bible--n ! tea*+ ( ! ,old ,te/am5t any m ?an t ( ! ,new--t revelation sup]s$es consci5ce1 t we are ev] to take on au?ority :at our moral nature abhors4 ,! humility t w\ld lay consci5ce "u ! heel ( au?ority is false & degrad+1 & x is utt]ly contr>y to ! :ole t5or ( ,scripture4 ,"o great sign ( ! wor? ( a prophecy is its "*4 ,?us ! dev\t man is to try ! spirits1 :e!r !y be ( ,god4#bjf ,nehemiah has ! cle>1 s]5e consci5ce t detects s9 :5 x appe>s 9 ! guise ( sanctity4 ,he sees at a glance t x w\ld be wrong = him to foll[ ,%emaiah's advice4 ,x w\ld involve a c[>dly des]tion ( 8 po/4 ,x w\ld also involve a desecration ( ! sacr$ temple enclosure4 ,h[ c\ld he1 be+ su* z he 0--i4e41 a layman--g into ! temple1 ev5 to save 8 life8#bjg ,b did n our ,"l excuse ,david = an analog\s action 9 eat+ ! %ewbread8 ,true4 ,b ,nehemiah did n enjoy ! primitive fre$om ( ,david1 nor ! lat] enlight5$ lib]ty ( ,*ri/4 ,9 8 int]m$iate position1 9 8 age ( nasc5t c]emonialism1 x 0 impossible = him to see t simple human necessities c\ld ev] ov]ride ! claims ( ritual4 ,8 duty 0 %ap$ to him by 8 beliefs4 ,s is x ) e man4 ,to him t e/eeme? any?+ s9 x is s94#bjh #bjf #a ,john iv4 #a4 #bjg ,neh4 vi4 #aa4 #bjh ,rom4 xiv4 #ad4 ,nehemiah's answ] to ! proposal ( ! wily prophet is v blunt--,i w n g 94 ,bluntness is ! be/ reply to sophi/ry4 ,! :ole s*eme 0 op5 to ,nehemiah4 ,he p]ceiv$ t ,god _h n s5t ! prophet1 t ?is man 0 b a tool 9 ! h&s ( ! ,sam>itan conspirators4 ,9 solemnly committ+ ! lead]s ( ! vile conspiracy to ! judgm5t ( ,heav51 ,nehemiah includes a prophetess1 ,noadiah--deg5]ate successor ( ! patriotic ,deborah6--& ! :ole gang ( corrupt1 traitor\s prophets4 ,?us ! wrongness ( ,%emaiah's proposal n only discr$it$ 8 mission2 x also reveal$ ! secret ( 8 :ole und]tak+ & t ( 8 unwor?y coadjutors4 ,:ile ,nehemiah detect$ ! "* ( ! false prophecy by means ( 8 cle> p]ceptions ( "r & wrong1 ^? p]ceptions help$ him to discov] ! hidd5 h& ( 8 foe4 ,he 0 n to be %elt]$ 9 ! temple1 z ,%emaiah sugge/$2 b he 0 sav$ ?r\gh ! ke5ness ( 8 own consci5ce4 ,9 ?is case ! wisdom ( ! s]p5t 9 him 0 ! direct outcome ( 8 high moral nature & ! c>e ) :i* he kept consci5ce z ! noontide cle>4 ,nehemiah adds two items by way ( po/scripts to 8 acc\nt ( ! build+ ( ! walls4 ,! fir/ is ! completion ( ! "w1 ) its effect on ! jeal\s enemies ( ! ,jews4 ,x 0 f9i%$ 9 fifty-two days--an almo/ incr$ibly %ort "t1 especially :5 ! h9drances ( int]nal tr\bles & ext]nal attacks are tak5 into acc\nt4 ,! build+ mu/ h be5 ha/y & r\gh4 ,/ill x 0 suffici5t = its purpose4 ,! moral effect ( x 0 ! *ief result ga9$4 ,! s5se ( disc\ragem5t n[ pass$ ov] to ! enemy4 ,x 0 ! natural reaction f ! mock]y ) :i* !y _h assail$ ! comm5cem5t ( ! "w1 t at ! sight ( ! completion ( x !y %\ld be mu* ca/ d[n4#bji ,we c imag9e ! grim satisfaction ) :i* ,nehemiah w\ld write ^! words4 ,b !y tell ( m ?an ! humiliation ( insult+ & deceitful enemies2 !y complete an act 9 a great drama ( ,provid5ce1 9 :i* ! c\rage t /&s to duty 9 face ( all dang] & ! fai? t looks to ,god 9 pray] are v9dicat$4 #bji ,neh4 vi4 #af4 ,! second po/script describes yet ano!r s\rce ( dang] to ,nehemiah--"o possibly rema9+ aft] ! walls 7 up4 ,tobiah1 ! s]vant1 _h n be5 includ$ 9 ! previ\s conspiracies4 ,b he 0 play+ a little game ( 8 own4 ,! int]m>riage ( lead+ ,jewi% families ) =eign]s 0 be>+ dang]\s fruit 9 8 case4 ,tobiah _h m>ri$ a ,jewess1 & 8 son _h foll[$ 8 example4 ,9 ea* case ! alliance _h br\ght him into connection ) a well-kn[n family 9 ,j]usalem4 ,^! two families plead$ 8 m]its ) ,nehemiah1 & at ! same "t act$ z spies & report$ ! words ( ! gov]nor to ,tobiah4 ,! consequ5ce 0 ! receipt ( al>mi/ lett]s f ?is man by ,nehemiah4 ,! wor/ dang] might ?us be f\nd among ! disaffect$ citiz5s )9 ! walls :o 7 irritat$ at ! rigor\sly exclusive policy ( ,ezra1 :i* ,nehemiah _h n disc\rag$1 al?\gh he _h n yet _h occasion to pu% x fur!r4 ,! /\te/ walls w n protect f treason )9 ! ramp>ts4 ,s aft] all ! lab\r ( complet+ ! =tifications ,nehemiah's tru/ mu/ /ill be 9 ,god alone4 ,,*apt] ,,xxiv4 ,,! ,,law4 ,,nehemiah viii4 #a-h4 ,! fragm5t>y nature ( ! *ronicl]'s "w is n[h]e m app>5t ?an 9 t portion ( x :i* treats ( ! ev5ts imm$iately foll[+ on ! completion ( ! =tifications ( ,j]usalem4 ,9 ,nehemiah vii4 we h a cont9uation ( ! gov]nor's p]sonal n>rative ( 8 "w1 describ+ h[ ! wat* 0 organis$ aft] ! walls _h be5 built & ! gates set up4#baj ,?is is foll[$ by a rem>k on ! sp>s5ess ( ! city population1#baa :i* leads ,nehemiah to ins]t ! li/ ( ,z]ubbabel's pilgrims t ! *ronicl] subsequ5tly copies out 9 8 acc\nt ( ,z]ubbabel's exp$ition4#bab ,"h ! subject is dropp$1 to be resum$ at ,nehemiah xi41 :]e ! arrangem5ts = increas+ ! population ( ,j]usalem are describ$4 ,?us we might read "r on ) a cont9u\s n>rative--all[+ = ! ins]tion ( ! g5ealogical record1 ! reason = :i* is obvi\s--& omit ! ?ree int]m$iate *apt]s )\t any p]ceptible hiatus1 b1 on ! contr>y1 ) a ga9 9 consecutiv5ess4 #baj ,neh4 vii4 #a-c4 #baa ,neh4 vii4 #d4 #bab ,neh4 vii4 #e-gc ,ezra ii4 ,^! ?ree *apt]s /& by !mselves1 & !y are devot$ to ano!r matt]1 & t a matt] m>k$ by a c]ta9 unity & di/9ctive "* ( its own4 ,!y are writt5 9 ! ?ird p]son1 by ! *ronicl] himself4 ,9 !m ,ezra sudd5ly reappe>s )\t any introduction1 tak+ ! lead+ place1 :ile ,nehemiah rec$es into ! backgr\nd1 only to be m5tion$ once or twice1 & !n z ! loyal support] ( ! fam\s scribe4 ,! /yle has a /rik+ resemblance to t ( ,ezra1 f :om !re=e1 x has be5 conjectur$1 ! *ronicl] may h d]iv$ 8 mat]ials4 ,^! facts & m9or po9ts t seem to support !m1 h rais$ ! "q :e!r ! section ,nehemiah viii4-x4 is f\nd 9 its "r place2 :e!r x %\ld n h be5 jo9$ on to ! ,book ( ,ezra z a description ( :at foll[$ imm$iately aft] ! ev5ts !re record$ & be=e ! adv5t ( ,nehemiah to ,j]usalem4 ,ezra br\ght ! book ( ,! ,law ) him f ,babylon4 ,x w\ld be mo/ reasonable to suppose t he w\ld seize ! fir/ opportunity = mak+ x kn[n4 ,accord+ly we f9d t ! correspond+ section 9 #a ,esdras is 9 ?is position4#bac ,nev]!less x is n[ g5]ally agre$ t ! ?ree *apt]s z !y /& 9 ! ,book ( ,nehemiah are 9 _! true *ronological position4 ,twice ,nehemiah himself appe>s 9 ! c\rse ( ! n>rative !y conta94 ,he is associat$ ) ,ezra & ! ,levites 9 tea*+ ,! ,law1#bad & 8 "n /&s fir/ 9 ! li/s ( ! cov5ant]s4#bae ,! admission ( ^! facts is only avoid$ 9 #a ,esdras by an alt]ation ( ! text4 ,if we 7 to suppose t ! exi/5ce ( ! "n 9 our n>rative is ! result ( an int]polation by a lat] h&1 x w\ld be difficult to acc\nt = ?is1 & x w\ld be /ill m difficult to discov] :y ! *ronicl] %\ld introduce confusion into 8 n>rative by an aimless misplacem5t ( x4 ,8 me?ods ( proc$ure are sometimes curi\s1 x mu/ be admitt$1 & t we met ) a misplac$ section 9 an e>li] *apt] _c be reasonably que/ion$4#baf ,b ! motive :i* probably prompt$ t peculi> arrangem5t does n apply "h4 ,9 ! pres5t case x w\ld result 9 no?+ b confusion4 #bac #a ,esdras ix4 #cg-ee4 #bad ,neh4 viii4 #i4 #bae ,neh4 x4 #a4 #baf ,ezra iv4 #g-bc4 ,! "q is ( f> m ?an lit]>y int]e/4 ,! "t :5 ,! ,law 0 fir/ made kn[n to ! p 9 its entirety is a l&m>k ( ! fir/ importance = ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,!re is a pr(\nd significance 9 ! fact t ?\gh ,ezra _h long be5 a dilig5t /ud5t & a c>eful1 lov+ scribe1 ?\gh he _h c>ri$ up ! preci\s roll to ,j]usalem1 & ?\gh he _h be5 9 great p[] & influ5ce 9 ! city1 he _h n f\nd a fitt+ opportunity = reveal+ 8 secret to 8 p be=e all 8 re=m+ ef=ts 7 arre/$1 & ! city & its inhabitants trampl$ "u foot by _! envi\s neighb\rs4 ,!n came ,nehemiah's recon/ruction4 ,/ill ! consid]ation ( ,! ,law rema9$ 9 abeyance4 ,:ile ,j]usalem 0 an arm$ camp1 & :ile ! citiz5s 7 toil+ at ! walls or m\nt+ gu>d by turn1 !re 0 no opportunity = a c>eful att5tion to ! sacr$ docum5t4 ,all ?is "t ,ezra 0 out ( sight1 & 8 "n n once m5tion$4 ,yet he 0 f> too brilliant a /> to h be5 eclips$ ev5 by ! ris+ ( ,nehemiah4 ,we c only acc\nt = ! sudd5 & absolute vani%+ ( ! greate/ figure ( ! age by suppos+ t he _h retir$ f ! sc5e1 p]haps gone back to ,babylon alone ) 8 grief & disappo9tm5t4 ,^? 7 n days = ! s*ol>'s mission4 ,b n[1 ) ! return ( "s am\nt ( security & its accompany+ leisure1 ,ezra em]ges aga91 & imm$iately he is accord$ ! front place & ,nehemiah--! ,savi\r ( ,society--mode/ly assumes ! attitude ( 8 disciple4 ,a high] tribute to ! exalt$ position tacitly all[$ to ! scribe or a f9] pro( ( ! unselfi% humility ( ! "y /atesman _c be imag9$4 ,?\gh at ! height ( 8 p[]1 hav+ fru/rat$ ! _m evil designs ( 8 enemies & complet$ 8 /up5d\s task ( =tify+ ! city ( 8 fa!rs 9 spite ( ! mo/ vexati\s difficulties1 ! successful patriot is n 9 ! lea/ degree flu%$ ) victory4 ,9 ! quiete/ mann] possible he /eps aside & yields ! fir/ place to ! recluse1 ! /ud5t1 ! writ]1 ! tea*]4 ,?is is a sign ( ! importance t ideas w assume 9 ! new age4 ,! man ( action gives place to ! man ( ?\ght4 ,/ill m is x a h9t ( ! com+ ecclesia/icism ( ! new ,jewi% ord]4 ,z ! civil rul] ?us takes a l[] gr\nd 9 ! pres5ce ( ! religi\s lead]1 we seem to be anticipat+ ^? days ( ! triumph ( ! ,*ur* :5 a k+ w\ld /& l a groom to hold ! horse ( a pope4 ,& yet ?is is n (ficially arrang$4 ,x is n =mally conc$$ on ! "o side1 nor is x =mally dem&$ on ! o!r side4 ,! situation may be r comp>$ ) t ( ,savon>ola 9 ,flor5ce :5 by %e] moral =ce he ov]topp$ ! p[] ( ! ,m$ici1 or t ( ,calv9 at ,g5eva :5 ! municipal c\ncil will+ly yield$ to ! comm&+ _s ( ! m9i/] ( religion because x recognis$ ! supremacy ( religion4 ,9 su* a condition ( affairs ! city 0 ripe = ! public exposition ( ,! ,law4 ,b ev5 !n ,ezra only publi%$ x aft] hav+ be5 reque/$ to d s by ! p4 ,we _c assign ?is delay ( 8 to any reluctance to let 8 fell[-c\ntrym5 "k ! law :i* he _h long lov$ & /udi$ 9 private4 ,we may r conclude t he p]ceiv$ ! utt] inutility ( any attempt to ?ru/ x ^u inatt5tive he>]s--nay1 ! positive mis*iev\sness ( su* a proce$+4 ,?is w\ld approa* ! folly describ$ by our ,"l :5 ,he w>n$ ,8 disciples aga9/ ca/+ pe>ls be=e sw9e4 ,v mu* ( ! popul> indiff]5ce to ! ,bible among l>ge sections ( ! population to-day mu/ be laid at ! doors ( ^? unwise zealots :o h d9n$ ! m]e lett] ( x into ! e>s ( unwill+ auditors4 ,! conduct ( ,ezra %[s t1 ) all 8 rev]5ce = ,! ,law1 ! ,great ,scribe did n consid] t x 0 to be impos$1 l a civil code1 by magi/]ial au?ority4 ,! decree ( ,artax]xes _h au?oris$ him to en=ce x 9 ?is way on e ,jew we/ ( ! ,euphrates4#bag ,b ei!r ! unsettl$ /ate ( ! c\ntry or ! wisdom ( ,ezra _h n p]mitt$ ! application ( ! p[] ?us conf]r$4 ,! ,law 0 to be volunt>ily adopt$4 ,x 0 to be receiv$1 z all true religion mu/ be receiv$1 9 liv+ fai?1 ) ! acquiesc5ce ( ! consci5ce1 judgm5t1 & w ( ^? :o ackn[l$g$ its obligations4 #bag ,ezra vii4 #be1 #bf4 ,! occasion = su* a reception ( x 0 f\nd :5 ! ,jews 7 fre$ f ! toil & anxiety t accompani$ ! build+ ( _! city walls4 ,! *ronicl] says t ?is 0 9 ! sev5? mon?2 b he does n give ! ye>4 ,consid]+ ! abrupt way 9 :i* he has introduc$ ! section ab\t ! read+ ( ,! ,law1 we _c be c]ta9 9 :at ye> ?is took place4 ,if we may v5ture to take ! n>rative cont9u\sly1 9 connection ) ,nehemiah's /ory 9 ! previ\s *apt]s1 we %all get ?is occurr5ce )9 a week aft] ! completion ( ! =tifications4 ,t 0 on ! tw5ty-fif? day ( ! mon? ,elul#bah--;i4e41 ! six? mon?4 ,! read+ began on ! fir/ day ( ! sev5? mon?4#bai ,t is to say1 on ?is supposition1 x foll[$ imm$iately on ! fir/ opportunity ( leisure4 ,!n ! "t 0 specially appropriate1 = x 0 ! day ( ! ,fea/ ( ,trumpets1 :i* 0 obs]v$ z a public holiday & an occasion = an assembly--a holy convocation4#bbj ,on ?is day ! citiz5s met 9 a fav\rite spot1 ! op5 space j inside ! ,wat] ,gate1 at ! ea/ end ( ! city1 close to ! temple1 & n[ "p ( ! ,h>am1 or sacr$ enclosure4 ,!y 7 unanim\s 9 _! desire to h no m delay be=e he>+ ! law :i* ,ezra _h br\ght up to ,j]usalem z mu* z ?irte5 ye>s be=e4 ,:y 7 !y all on a sudd5 ?us eag]1 aft] s long a p]iod ( indiff]5ce8 ,0 x t ! success ( ,nehemiah's "w _h giv5 !m a new hope & confid5ce1 a new idea1 inde$8 ,!y n[ saw ! compact unity ( ,j]usalem e/abli%$4 ,"h 0 ! seal & c5tre ( _! sep>at5ess4 ,accept+ ?is z an accompli%$ fact1 ! ,jews 7 ready & ev5 anxi\s to "k t sacr$ law 9 :i* _! di/9ction f o!r p & _! consecration to ,jehovah 7 set =?4 #bah ,neh4 vi4 #ae4 #bai ,neh4 viii4 #b4 #bbj ,lev4 xxiii4 #bd4 ,n less /rik+ is ! mann] 9 :i* ,ezra met ?is welcome reque/ ( ! ,jews4 ,! sc5e :i* foll[s is unique 9 hi/ory--! ,great ,scribe ) ! preci\s roll 9 8 h& /&+ on a tempor>y wood5 plat=m s t he may be se5 by ev]ybody 9 ! va/ cr[d--sev5 ,levites support+ him on ei!r side#bba--o!r select ,levites go+ ab\t among ! p aft] ea* section ( ,! ,law has be5 read 9 ord] to expla9 x to sep>ate gr\ps ( ! assembly#bbb--! motley ga!r+ compris+ ! bulk ( ! citiz5s1 n m5 only b wom5 also1 = ! brutal ,mohamm$an exclusiv5ess t conf9es k to "o sex 0 n anticipat$ by ! anci5t ,jews2 n adults only1 b *ildr5 also1 ^? t c\ld und]/&1 = ,! ,law is = ! simple/ m9ds1 ! religion ( ,israel is to be popul> & dome/ic--! :ole ( ?is multitude assembl+ 9 ! cool1 fre% morn+ :5 ! fir/ level rays ( ! sun smite ! city walls f ov] ! ,m\nt ( ,olives1 & /&+ rev]5tly h\r aft] h\r1 till ! hot autumn noon puts an end to ! l5g?y meet+4 #bba ,9 ,neh4 viii4 #d six names are giv5 = ! "r-h& cont+5t & sev5 = ! left-h&4 ,b s9ce 9 ! correspond+ acc\nt ( #a ,esdras f\rte5 names occur1 "o "n w\ld seem to h dropp$ out ( ,nehemiah4 ,! prom95ce giv5 to ! ,levites 9 all ^! sc5es & ! abs5ce ( ref]5ce to ! prie/s %\ld be not$4 ,! ,levites 7 /ill important p]sonages1 al?\gh degrad$ f ! prie/hood4 ,! prie/s 7 *iefly conf9$ to ritual functions2 lat] !y ent]$ on ! duties ( civil gov]nm5t4 ,! ,levites 7 occupi$ ) tea*+ ! p1 ) :om !y came into clos] contact4 ,_! "w correspond$ m to t ( ! pa/oral (fice4 ,9 ^! times1 too1 mo/ ( ! scribes seem to h be5 ,levites4 #bbb ,n translat+ x into ! ,aramaic dialect4 ,t w\ld h be5 a sup]flu\s task1 = ! ,jews c]ta9ly knew ,hebrew at ?is "t4 ,ezra & ,nehemiah & ! prophets d[n to ,mala*i wrote 9 ,hebrew4 ,9 all ?is ! fact :i* comes out mo/ prom95tly1 acc5tuat$ by e detail ( ! arrangem5ts1 is ! popul>isation ( ,! ,law4 ,its multiplex precepts 7 n only recit$ 9 ! he>+ ( m51 wom51 & *ildr52 !y 7 c>efully exp\nd$ to ! p4 ,hi!rto x _h be5 a matt] ( private /udy among le>n$ m52 its e>ly developm5t _h be5 conf9$ to a small gr\p ( fai?ful believ]s 9 ,jehovah2 its cu/om>y practices _h be5 privately elaborat$ ?r\gh ! ages almo/ l ! my/]ies ( a secret cult2 & !re=e its orig9 _h be5 buri$ 9 hopeless obscurity4 ,s x 0 l ! prie/ly ritual ( hea!nism4 ,! prie/ ( ,eleusis gu>d$ 8 secrets f all b ^? :o 7 fav\r$ by be+ solemnly initiat$ into !m4 ,n[ ?is un:olesome condition 0 to cease4 ,! mo/ sacr$ rites 7 to be exp\nd$ to all ! p4 ,ezra knew t ! only wor%ip ,god w\ld accept mu/ be (f]$ ) ! m9d & ! he>t4 ,moreov]1 ,! ,law conc]n$ ! actions ( ! p !mselves1 _! own m9ute obs]vance ( purifications & c>eful avoidance ( defilem5ts1 _! own (f]+s & fe/ivals4 ,no prie/ly p]=mances c\ld avail z a sub/itute = ^! popul> religi\s obs]vances4 ,yet mu* ( ,! ,law 0 occupi$ ) directions conc]n+ ! functions ( ! prie/s & ! sacrificial ritual4 ,by acqua9t+ ! laity ) ^! directions1 ,ezra & 8 help]s 7 do+ _! be/ to =tify ! nation aga9/ ! tyranny ( sac]dotalism4 ,! ,levites1 :o at ?is "t 7 probably /ill sore at ! ?\ght ( _! degradation1 & jeal\s ( ! fav\r$ l9e ( ,zadok1 w\ld naturally fall 9 ) su* a policy4 ,x 0 ! m rem>kable because ! new !ocracy 0 j n[ com+ into p[]4 ,"h w\ld be a p[]ful protection aga9/ ! abuse ( its privileges by ! hi]>*y4 ,prie/s1 all ! _w ov]1 h made capital out ( _! exclusive k ( ! ritual ( religion4 ,!y h jeal\sly gu>d$ _! secrets f ! un9itiat$ multitude1 s z to make !mselves necess>y to anxi\s wor%ipp]s :o dread$ to give (f5ce to _! gods or to fail 9 _! sacrifices ?r\gh ignorance ( ! prescrib$ me?ods4 ,by committ+ ! k ( ,! ,law to ! p1 ,ezra protect$ ! ,jews aga9/ ?is abuse4 ,ev]y?+ 0 to be above bo>d1 9 broad daylight2 & ! degradation ( ignorant wor%ip 0 n to be enc\rag$1 mu* z a corrupt prie/hood 9 lat] times might desire x4 ,an indirect consequ5ce ( ?is publication ( ,! ,law ) ! c>eful in/ruction ( ! p 9 its cont5ts 0 t ! elem5t ( k took a m exalt$ position 9 religion4 ,x is n ! magical prie/1 x is ! logical scribe :o really leads ! p n[4 ,ideas w mean m ?an 9 ! old days ( obscure ritual4 ,!re is an end to ! dim religi\s light4 ,h5ce=? ,torah--,in/ruction--is to be ! mo/ fundam5tal gr\nd ( fai?4 ,x is important t we %\ld see cle>ly :at 0 conta9$ 9 ?is roll ( ,! ,law out ( :i* ,ezra read to ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem4 ,! di/ress ) :i* its cont5ts 7 receiv$ w\ld lead u to suppose t ! grave m9atory passages ( ,deut]onomy 7 especially prom95t 9 ! read+4 ,we _c ga!r f ! pres5t sc5e any fur!r indications ( ! subjects br\ght be=e ! ,jews4 ,b f o!r p>ts ( ! ,book ( ,nehemiah we c le>n = c]ta9 t ! :ole ( ! ,p5tateu* 0 n[ introduc$ to ! p4 ,if x 0 n all read out 9 ! ,ecclesia1 x 0 all 9 ! h&s ( ,ezra1 & its sev]al p>ts 7 made kn[n f "t to "t z occasion requir$4 ,fir/1 we may inf] t 9 addition to ,deut]onomy ,ezra's law conta9$ ! anci5t ,jehovi/ic n>rative1 because ! treatm5t ( mix$ m>riages#bbc ref]s to ! cont5ts ( ?is portion ( ! ,p5tateu*4#bbd ,secondly1 we may see t x includ$ ,! ,law ( ,hol9ess1 because ! regulations conc]n+ ! sabbatic ye>#bbe are copi$ f t collection ( rules ab\t defilem5t & consecration4#bbf ,?irdly1 we may be equally sure t x did n lack ,! ,prie/ly ,code--! elaborate sy/em ( ritual :i* occupies ! great] "p ( ,numb]s & ,leviticus--because ! law ( ! fir/fruits#bbg is tak5 f t s\rce4#bbh ,"h1 !n1 we f9d allusions to ! pr9cipal con/itu5t elem5ts ( ! ,p5tateu* scatt]$ ov] ! brief ,book ( ,nehemiah4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t ! great accretion ( cu/oms & tea*+s1 :i* only rea*$ completion aft] ! close ( ! captivity1 0 ! treasure ,ezra n[ introduc$ to 8 p4 ,h5ce=? no?+ less c be und]/ood :5 ! title ,! ,law is us$4 ,f ?is "t ob$i5ce to ! ,torah w involve subjection to ! :ole sy/em ( prie/ly & sacrificial regulations1 to all ! rules ( cleanness & consecration & sacrifice conta9$ 9 ! ,p5tateu*4#bbi #bbc ,neh4 x4 #cj4 #bbd ,exod4 xxxiv4 #af4 #bbe ,neh4 x4 #ca4 #bbf ,lev4 xxv4 #b-g4 #bbg ,neh4 x4 #ce-ci4 #bbh ,lev4 xxvii4 #cj2 ,num4 xv4 #bj ff41 xviii4 #aa-cb4 #bbi ,/rictly speak+1 ! ,hexateu*1 z ,jo%ua 0 und\bt$ly includ$ 9 ! volume4 ,b ! famili> t]m ,p5tateu* may s]ve "h1 z x is to ! legal requirem5ts conta9$ 9 ! e>li] books t ref]5ce is made4 ,a m difficult po9t to be det]m9$ is1 h[ f> ?is ,p5tateu* 0 really a new ?+ :5 x 0 introduc$ by ,ezra4 ,"h we mu/ sep>ate two v diff]5t que/ions4 ,if !y _h always be5 kept ap>t1 mu* confusion w\ld h be5 avoid$4 ,! fir/ is ! "q ( ! novelty ( ,! ,law to ! ,jews4 ,!re is little difficulty 9 answ]+ ?is "q4 ,! v process ( read+ ,! ,law & expla9+ x goes on ! assumption t x is n kn[n4 ,! p receive x z some?+ /range & />tl+4 ,moreov]1 ?is sc5e ( ! revelation ( ,! ,law to ,israel is entirely 9 h>mony ) ! previ\s hi/ory ( ! nation4 ,:5ev] ,! ,law 0 %ap$ z we n[ "k x1 x is cle> t x 0 n practis$ 9 its pres5t =m by ! ,jews be=e ,ezra's day4 ,we h no contempor>y evid5ce ( ! use ( x 9 ! e>li] p]iod4 ,we h cle> evid5ce t conduct contr>y to _m ( its precepts 0 c>ri$ on ) impunity1 & ev5 enc\rag$ by prophets & religi\s lead]s )\t any prote/ f prie/s or scribes4 ,! complete law is new to ,israel4 ,b !re is a second "q--viz41 h[ f> 0 ?is law new 9 itself8 ,nobody c suppose t x 0 an absolutely novel creation ( ! exile1 ) no roots 9 ! pa/4 ,_! repeat$ ref]5ces to ,moses %[ t its support]s relegat$ its orig9 to a dim antiquity1 & we %\ld belie all we "k ( _! "* if we did n all[ t !y 7 act+ 9 good fai?4 ,b we h no evid5ce t ,! ,law _h be5 complet$1 codifi$1 & writt5 out 9 full be=e ! "t ( ,ezra4 ,9 antiquity1 :5 writ+ 0 economis$ & memory cultivat$ to a degree ( accuracy t seems to u almo/ miracul\s1 x w\ld be possible to h& d[n a consid]able sy/em ( ritual or ( jurisprud5ce by tradition4 ,ev5 ?is /up5d\s act ( memory w\ld n exce$ t ( ! rhapsodi/s :o pres]v$ & transmitt$ ! unwritt5 ,iliad4 ,b we are n driv5 to su* an extreme view4 ,we d n "k h[ mu* ( ,! ,law may h be5 committ$ to writ+ 9 e>li] ages4 ,"s ( x 01 c]ta9ly4 ,x be>s evid5ce ( its hi/ory 9 ! sev]al /rata ( :i* x is compos$1 & :i* mu/ h be5 deposit$ successively4 ,deut]onomy1 9 its ess5ce & orig9al =m1 0 c]ta9ly kn[n be=e ! captivity4 ,s 7 ! ,jehovi/ic n>rative & ! ,law ( ! ,cov5ant4 ,! only "q z reg>ds ,ezra's day turns on ! novelty ( ! ,prie/ly ,code1 ) ! ,law ( ,hol9ess1 & ! f9al edit+ & r$action ( ! :ole4 ,?is is adumbrat$ 9 ,ezekiel & ! degradation ( ! ,levites1 :o are id5tifi$ ) ! prie/s 9 ,deut]onomy1 b set 9 a l[] rank 9 ,leviticus1 assign$ to its hi/orical occasion4 ,"h1 !n1 we see ! late/ "p ( ,ezra's law 9 ! mak+4 ,x 0 n creat$ by ! scribe4 ,x 0 =m$ out ( traditional usages ( ! prie/s1 modifi$ by rec5t directions f a prophet4 ,! orig9 ( ^! usages 0 lo/ 9 antiquity1 & !re=e x 0 natural to attribute !m to ,moses1 ! great f\nd] ( ! nation4 ,we _c ev5 affirm t ,ezra c>ri$ out ! la/ r$action ( ,! ,law ) 8 own h&1 t he codifi$ ! traditional usages1 ! ,common ,law ( ,israel4 ,:at we "k is1 t he publi%$ ?is law4 ,t he also edit$ x is an inf]5ce drawn f 8 intimate connection ) ! "w z /ud5t & scribe1 & support$ by ! curr5t ( lat] traditions4 ,b :ile ?is is possible1 :at is indubitable is t to ,ezra is due ! glory ( promulgat+ ! law & mak+ x pass into ! life ( ! nation4 ,h5ce=? ,judaism is legalism4 ,we "k ?is 9 its imp]fection & its diff]5ce f ! spiritual fai? ( ,*ri/4 ,to ! contempor>ies ( ,ezra x indicat$ a /age ( progress--k 9 place ( sup]/iti\s bondage to ! prie/hood1 consci5ti\s ob$i5ce to ord9ances in/itut$ = ! public welf>e in/ead ( c>eless indiff]5ce or ob/9ate self-w4 ,!re=e its appe>ance m>k$ a =w>d /ep 9 ! c\rse ( ,div9e revelation4 ,,*apt] ,,xxv4 ,,! ,,joy ,,( ,,! ,,"l4 ,,nehemiah viii4 #i-ah4 ,all ! p wept :5 !y he>d ! words ( ! law4 ,0 x = ?is m\rnful end t ,ezra _h /udi$ ! sacr$ law & gu>d$ x ?r\gh ! long ye>s ( political unre/1 until at l5g? he 0 able to make x kn[n ) all ! pomp & circum/ance ( a national fe/ival8 ,evid5tly ! lead]s ( ! p _h expect$ no su* result4 ,b1 disappo9t+ z x 01 x might h be5 worse4 ,! read+ might h be5 li/5$ to ) indiff]5ce2 or ! great1 /]n law might h be5 reject$ ) execration1 or sc(f$ at ) incr$ulity4 ,no?+ ( ! k9d happ5$4 ,!re 0 no d\bt z to ! rightness ( ,! ,law1 no reluctance to submit to its yoke1 no disposition to ignore its requirem5ts4 ,?is law _h come ) all ! au?ority ( ! ,p]sian gov]nm5t to sanction x2 & yet x is evid5tly no fe> ( ! magi/rate1 b _! own convictions1 _! confirm+ consci5ces1 t "h influ5ce ! p & det]m9e _! attitude to x4 ,?us ,ezra's lab\rs 7 really hon\r$ by ! ,jews1 ?\gh _! fruits 7 receiv$ s sorr[fully4 ,we mu/ n suppose t ! ,jews ( ,ezra's day anticipat$ ! ideas ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,x 0 n a ,*ri/ian objection to law t tr\bl$ !m2 !y did n compla9 ( its ext]nalism1 its bondage1 its =mal requirem5ts & m9ute details4 ,to imag9e t ^! features ( ,! ,law 7 reg>d$ ) disapproval by ! fir/ he>]s ( x is to cr$it !m ) an imm5se advance 9 ?\ght beyond _! lead]s--,ezra1 ,nehemiah1 & ! ,levites4 ,x is cle> t _! grief arose simply f _! p]ception ( _! own mis]able imp]fections 9 contra/ to ! l(ty requirem5ts ( ,! ,law1 & 9 view ( its sombre ?reats ( puni%m5t = disob$i5ce4 ,! discov]y ( a new ideal ( conduct above t ) :i* we h hi!rto be5 satisfi$ naturally provokes pa9ful /+s ( consci5ce1 :i* ! old salve1 comp\nd$ ( ! com=table little notions we once *]i%$1 w n neutralise4 ,9 ! new light ( ! high] tru? we sudd5ly discov] t ! robe ( righte\sness 9 :i* we h be5 p>ad+ is b z fil?y rags4 ,!n our once vaunt$ atta9m5ts become despicable 9 our own eyes4 ,! em95ce on :i* we h be5 /&+ s pr\dly is se5 to be a wret*$ mole-hill comp>$ ) ! awful sn[-peak f :i* ! cl\ds h j disp]s$4 ,c we ev] climb t8 ,goodness n[ seems to be hopelessly unatta9able2 yet nev] be=e 0 x s desirable1 because nev] be=e did x %9e ) s r>e & fasc9at+ a lu/re4 ,b1 x may be object$1 0 n ! religi\s & moral "* ( ! tea*+ ( ! great prophets--( ,hosea1 ,isaiah1 ,micah1 ,j]emiah--l>g] & high] & m spiritual ?an ! legalism ( ! ,p5tateu*8 ,t may be grant$2 b x is n to ! po9t "h4 ,! l(ty prophetic tea*+ _h nev] be5 accept$ by ! nation4 ,! prophets _h be5 voices cry+ 9 ! wild]ness4 ,_! great spiritual ?\ghts _h nev] be5 s]i\sly foll[$ except by a small gr\p ( dev\t s\ls4 ,x 0 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* t fir/ built on ! f\ndation ( ! prophets4 ,b 9 ,ezra's day ! ,jews z a body frankly accept$ ,! ,law4 ,:e!r ?is 7 high] or l[] ?an ! ideal ( prophetism does n affect ! case4 ,! significant fact is t is 0 high] ?an any ideal ! p _h hi!rto adopt$ 9 practice4 ,! p]ception ( ?is fact 0 mo/ di/ress+ to !m4 ,nev]!less ! ,israelite lead]s did n %>e ! feel+ ( grief4 ,9 _! eyes ! sorr[ ( ! ,jews 0 a great mi/ake4 ,x 0 ev5 a wrong ?+ = !m ?us to di/ress !mselves4 ,ezra lov$ ,! ,law1 & !re=e x 0 to him a dreadful surprise to discov] t ! subject ( 8 devot$ /udies 0 reg>d$ s diff]5tly by 8 bre?r54 ,nehemiah & ! ,levites %>$ 8 m *e]ful view ( ! situation4 ,lyrics ( ?is & subsequ5t ages be> te/imony to ! passionate devotion ) :i* ! sacr$ ,torah 0 *]i%$ by loyal disciples4 ,! au?or ( ! hundr$ & n9ete5? ,psalm ransacks 8 vocabul>y = v>y+ phrases on :i* to r+ ! *anges 9 praise ( ! law1 ! judgm5ts1 ! /atutes1 ! comm&m5ts ( ,god4 ,he cries3-- ,i w delight 9 ,?y /atutes3 ,i w n =get ,?y ^w4 99 99 99 99 ,op5 ,?\ m9e eyes1 t ,i may behold ,wondr\s ?+s out ( ,?y law4 99 99 99 99 ,unless ,?y law _h be5 my delight1 ,i %\ld h p]i%$ 9 m9e affliction4 99 99 99 99 ,great peace h !y t love ,?y law1 ,& !y h none occasion ( /umbl+4 ,moreov]1 ! /ud5t ( ,! ,law to-day c p]ceive t its int5tion 0 b5efic5t4 ,x ma9ta9$ righte\sness2 & righte\sness is ! *ief good4 ,x regulat$ ! mutual relations ( m5 ) reg>d to ju/ice2 x orda9$ purity2 x conta9$ _m humane rules = ! protection ( m5 & ev5 ( animals2 x condesc5d$ to mo/ :olesome sanit>y directions4 ,!n x decl>$ t he :o kept its ord9ances %\ld live1 n m]ely by reason ( an arbitr>y arrangem5t1 b because x po9t$ out ! natural & necess>y way ( life & heal?4 ,! ,div9e ,_s t _h guid$ ! developm5t ( x _h presid$ ov] some?+ m invit+ ?an ! =g+ ( fett]s = a ho/ ( mis]able slaves1 some?+ m useful ?an ! creation ( a tantalis+ exempl> t %\ld be ! despair ( e copyi/4 ,ezra & 8 fell[-lead]s knew ! int5tion ( ,! ,law4 ,?is 0 ! gr\nd ( _! joy\s confid5ce 9 contemplation ( x4 ,!y 7 among ^? :o _h be5 l$ by _! p]sonal religion into possession ( ! secret ( ! ,"l4 ,!y _h acqua9t$ !mselves ) ,him1 & !re=e !y 7 at peace4 ,_! example tea*es u t we mu/ p5etrate beyond ! lett] to ! _s ( revelation if we w\ld discov] its hidd5 ?\ghts ( love4 ,:5 we d s ev5 ,! ,law w be f\nd to en%r9e an evangel4 ,n t ^! m5 ( ! old5 times p]ceiv$ ! fanciful symbolism :i* _m ,*ri/ians h delight$ to extract f ! mo/ me*anical details ( ! tab]nacle ritual4 ,_! eyes 7 fix$ on ! graci\s ,div9e purpose ( creat+ a holy nation--sep>ate & pure--& ,! ,law seem$ to be ! be/ in/rum5t = accompli%+ t purpose4 ,mean:ile its impracticability did n /rike !m1 because !y ?\ght ( ! ?+ 9 itself r ?an ( ! relation ( m5 to x4 ,religi\s melan*oly spr+s f habits ( subjectivity4 ,! joy\s _s is t :i* =gets self 9 ! contemplation ( ! ?\ghts ( ,god4 ,x is our m$itation ( ,him--n ( self--t is sweet4 ,( c\rse ?is w\ld h be5 unreasonable if x _h totally ignor$ human conditions & _! relation to ! ,div9e4 ,9 t case ,ezra & 8 companions w\ld h be5 va9 dream]s1 & ! sorr[+ multitude p ( common-s5se p]ceptions4 ,b we mu/ rememb] t ! new religi\s movem5t 0 inspir$ by fai?4 ,x is fai? t bridges ! va/ *asm betwe5 ! real & ! ideal4 ,god _h giv5 ,! ,law 9 lov+k9dness & t5d] m]cy4 ,!n ,god w\ld make ! atta9m5t ( ,8 w reveal$ 9 x possible4 ,! "p ( brave & humble m5 0 to look away f !mselves to ! revelation ( ,god's ?\ght conc]n+ !m ) grateful admiration ( its glori\s p]fection4 ,:ile consid]ations ( ?is sort w\ld make x possible = ! lead]s to reg>d ,! ,law 9 a v diff]5t _s f t manife/$ by ! re/ ( ! ,jews1 o!r reflections l$ !m to g fur!r & *eck ! outbur/ ( grief z bo? unseemly & hurtful4 ,x 0 unseemly1 because x 0 m>r+ ! beauty ( a great fe/ival4 ,! ,jews 7 to /ay _! grief see+ t ! day 0 holy unto ! ,"l4#bcj ,?is 0 z mu* z to say t sorr[ 0 defil+4 ,! _w _h to wait = ! religion ( ! cross reveal to x ! sanctity ( sorr[4 ,und\bt$ly ! ,jewi% fe/ivals 7 joy\s celebrations4 ,x is ! greate/ mi/ake to repres5t ! religion ( ! ,old ,te/am5t z a gloomy cult ov]%ad[$ by ! ?und]-cl\ds ( ,s9ai4 ,on ! contr>y1 its greate/ (fices 7 celebrat$ ) music1 danc+1 & fea/+4 ,! high day 0 a holiday1 sunny & mir?ful4 ,x w\ld be a pity to spoil su* an occasion ) unseasonable lam5tations4 ,b ,nehemiah & ,ezra mu/ h _h a deep] ?\ght ?an ?is 9 _! deprecation ( grief at ! fe/ival4 ,to all[ su* behavi\r is to ent]ta9 unwor?y feel+s t[>ds ,god4 ,a day sacr$ to ! ,"l is a day 9 :i* ,8 pres5ce is especially felt4 ,to draw ne> to ,god ) no o!r feel+s ?an emotions ( fe> & grief is to misappreh5d ,8 nature & ,8 disposition t[>ds ,8 p4 ,wor%ip %\ld be inspir$ ) ! gladness ( grateful he>ts prais+ ,god1 because o!rwise x w\ld discr$it ,8 goodness4 #bcj ,neh4 viii4 #i4 ,?is leads to a ?\ght ( wid] range & /ill m pr(\nd significance1 a ?\ght t fla%es out ( ! sacr$ page l a brilliant gem1 a ?\ght s ri* & glad & b\ntiful t x speaks = its own inspiration z "o ( ! great ,div9e ideas ( ,scripture--,! joy ( ! ,"l is y\r /r5g?4 ,?\gh ! unseeml9ess ( m\rn+ on a fea/ day 0 ! fir/ & mo/ obvi\s consid]ation urg$ by ! ,jewi% lead]s 9 _! expo/ulation ) ! di/ress$ multitude1 ! real ju/ification = _! rebukes & exhortations is to be f\nd 9 ! magnific5t spiritual idea t !y "h give expression to4 ,9 view ( su* a conviction z !y n[ gladly decl>e !y w\ld reg>d ! lam5tation ( ! ,jews z m ?an unseemly1 z positively hurtful & ev5 wrong4 ,by ! expression ! joy ( ! ,"l x seems cle> t ,nehemiah & 8 associates meant a joy :i* may be exp]i5c$ by m5 ?r\gh _! fell[%ip ) ,god4 ,! phrase c\ld be us$ = ! gladness ( ,god ,himself2 z we speak ( ! righte\sness ( ,god or ! love ( ,god1 s we might speak ( ,8 joy 9 ref]5ce to ,8 own inf9ite life & consci\sness4 ,b 9 ! case be=e u ! drift ( ! passage directs our ?\ghts to ! moods & feel+s ( m54 ,! ,jews are giv+ way to grief1 & !y are rebuk$ = s do+ & enc\rag$ to rejoice4 ,9 ?is situation "s ?\ghts fav\rable to joy on _! "p are naturally suitable4 ,accord+ly !y are call$ to ent] into a pure & l(ty gladness 9 :i* !y are assur$ !y w f9d _! /r5g?4 ,?is joy ( ! ,"l1 !n1 is ! joy t spr+s up 9 our he>ts by means ( our relation to ,god4 ,x is a ,god-giv5 gladness1 & x is f\nd 9 communion ) ,god4 ,nev]!less ! o!r joy ( ! ,"l is n to be left out ( acc\nt :5 we ?9k ( ! gladness :i* comes to u f ,god1 = ! highe/ joy is possible to u j because x is fir/ exp]i5c$ by ,god4 ,!re c\ld be no joy 9 communion ) a morose div9ity4 ,! s]vice ( ,molo* mu/ h be5 a t]ror1 a p]fect agony to 8 mo/ loyal devotees4 ,! feel+s ( a wor%ipp] w always be reflections f :at he ?9ks he p]ceives 9 ! c\nt5ance ( 8 god4 ,!y w be gloomy if ! god is a sombre p]sonage1 & *e]ful if he is a glad be+4 ,n[ ! revelation ( ,god 9 ! ,bible is ! unveil+ ) gr[+ cle>ness ( a c\nt5ance ( unspeakable love & beauty & gladness4 ,he is made kn[n to u z ! bless$ ,god--! happy ,god4 ,!n ! joy ( ,8 *ildr5 is ! ov]fl[ ( ,8 own deep gladness /ream+ d[n to !m4 ,?is is ! joy 9 ! pres5ce ( ! angels :i*1 spr++ f ! great he>t ( ,god1 makes ! happ9ess ( return+ p5it5ts1 s t !y %>e 9 _! ,fa!r's delight1 z ! prodigal %>es 9 ! home fe/ivities :5 ! fatt$ calf is kill$4 ,?is same communication ( gladness is se5 9 ! life ( our ,"l1 n only dur+ ^? e>ly sunny days 9 ,galilee :5 ,8 m9i/ry op5$ "u a cl\dless sky1 b ev5 amid ! d>kness ( ! la/ h\rs at ,j]usalem1 = 9 ,8 f9al disc\rse ,jesus pray$ t ,8 joy might be 9 ,8 disciples 9 ord] t _! joy might be full4 ,a m g5]\s p]ception ( ?is tru? w\ld make religion l sun%9e & music1 l ! bloom+ ( spr+ fl[]s & ! outbur/ ( woodl& melody ab\t ! pa? ( ! ,*ri/ian pilgrim4 ,x is cle> t ,jesus ,*ri/ expect$ ?is to be ! case s9ce ,he comm5c$ ,8 tea*+ ) ! ^w ,bless$4 ,/4 ,paul1 too1 saw ! same possibility1 z 8 repeat$ enc\ragem5ts to ,rejoice be> witness4 ,religion may be comp>$ to "o ( ^? ,italian city *ur*es :i* are left outw>dly b>e & gloomy1 :ile )9 !y are replete ) treasures ( art4 ,we mu/ cross ! ?re%old1 pu% aside ! heavy curta91 & tread ! sacr$ pavem5t1 if we w\ld see ! beauty ( sculptur$ column & mural fresco & jewell$ alt>-piece4 ,j 9 proportion z we draw ne> to ,god %all we behold ! joy & love t ev] dwell 9 ,him1 till ! vision ( ^! wond]s k9dles our love & gladness4 ,n[ ! great idea t is "h sugge/$ to u connects ?is ,div9e joy ) /r5g?--! joy is an inspiration ( en]gy4 ,by ! nature ( ?+s joy is exhil>at+1 :ile pa9 is depress+4 ,physiologi/s recognise x z a law ( animal organisms t happ9ess is a n]ve tonic4 ,x w\ld seem t ! same law obta9s 9 spiritual exp]i5ce4 ,on ! o!r h&1 no?+ is m c]ta9 ?an t !re are en]vat+ pleasures1 & t ! free indulg5ce 9 pleasure g5]ally weak5s ! "*2 ) ?is goes ! equally c]ta9 tru? t m5 may be brac$ by suff]+1 t ! ea/ w9d ( adv]sity may be a real /imulant4 ,h[ %all we reconcile ^! contradictory positions8 ,cle>ly !re are diff]5t k9ds & grades ( delight1 & diff]5t ways ( tak+ & us+ e =m ( gladness4 ,pure h$onism _c b be a weak sy/em ( life4 ,x is ! ,sp>tan1 n ! ,syb>ite1 :o is capable ( h]oic de$s4 ,ev5 ,epicurus1 ^: "n has be5 abus$ to %elt] l[ pleasure-seek+1 p]ceiv$1 z cle>ly z ,! ,prea*]1 ! melan*oly tru? t ! life t is giv5 ov] to ! satisfaction ( p]sonal desires is b vanity ( vanities4 ,! joy t exhil>ates is n s\ght z a f9al goal4 ,x comes 9 by ! way :5 we are pursu+ "s objective end4 ,!n ?is pure/ joy is z f> above ! pleasure ( ! self-indulg5t z heav5 is above hell4 ,x may ev5 be f\nd side by side ) bodily pa91 z :5 m>tyrs exult 9 _! flames1 or :5 /rick5 s\ls 9 m prosaic circum/ances awake to ! wond]ful p]ception ( a r>e ,div9e gladness4 ,x is ?is joy t gives /r5g?4 ,!re is en?usiasm 9 x4 ,su* a joy n be+ an end 9 itself is a means to a great practical end4 ,god's glad *ildr5 are /rong to d & be> ,8 w1 /rong 9 _! v gladness4 ,?is 0 good news to ! ,jews1 outw>dly b a feeble flock & a prey to ! rav5+ wolves f neighb\r+ l&s4 ,!y _h recov]$ hope aft] build+ _! walls2 b ^! ha/ily con/ruct$ =tifications did n af=d !m _! mo/ secure /ronghold4 ,_! refuge 0 ,god4 ,!y c>ri$ b[s & spe>s & swords2 b ! /r5g? ) :i* !y wield$ ^! weapons consi/$ 9 ! en?usiasm ( a ,div9e gladness--n ! orgia/ic fury ( ! hea!n1 b ! deep1 /rong joy ( m5 :o knew ! secret ( _! ,"l1 :o possess$ :at ,wordswor? calls inw>d glee4 ,?is joy 0 ess5tially a moral /r5g?4 ,x be/[$ ! p[] :]e) to keep ! law4 ,"h 0 ! answ] to ! disc\ragem5t ( ! p 9 _! dawn+ p]ception ( ! l(ty requirem5ts ( ,god's holy w4 ,! ,*ri/ian c be/ f9d en]gy = s]vice1 z well z ! calm /r5g? ( pati5ce1 9 t /ill ri*] ,div9e gladness :i* is p\r$ into 8 he>t by ! grace ( ,*ri/4 ,x is n only un=tunate = anybody to be a m\rnful ,*ri/ian2 x is dang]\s1 hurtful1 ev5 wrong4 ,!re=e ! gloomy s]vant ( ,god is to be rebuk$ = miss+ ! ,div9e gladness4 ,see+ t ! s\rce ( x is 9 ,god1 & n 9 ! ,*ri/ian himself1 x is atta9able & possible to ! mo/ sorr[ful4 ,he :o has f\nd ?is pe>l ( great price c af=d to miss mu* else 9 life & yet g on 8 way rejoic+4 ,x 0 natural t ! ,jews %\ld h be5 enc\rag$ to give expression to ! ,div9e joy at a great fe/ival4 ,! f9al h>ve/-home ( ! ye>1 ! m]ry celebration ( ! v9tage1 0 !n due4 ,no ,jewi% fea/ 0 m *e]ful ?an ?is1 :i* express$ gratitude = w9e t make? glad ! he>t ( man4 ,! sup]iority ( ,judaism ov] hea!nism is se5 9 ! trem5d\s contra/ betwe5 ! simple gaiety ( ! ,jewi% ,fea/ ( ,tab]nacles & ! gross debau*]y ( ! ,bac*analian orgies :i* disgrac$ a simil> occasion 9 ! pagan _w4 ,x is to our %ame 9 mod]n ,*ri/5dom t we d>e n imitate ! ,jews "h1 kn[+ too well t if we tri$ to d s we %\ld only s9k to ! hea!n level4 ,our ,fea/ ( ,tab]nacles w\ld c]ta9ly become a ,fea/ ( ,bac*us1 be/ial & wick$4 ,happily ! ,jews did n feel ! ,teutonic dang] ( intemp]ance4 ,_! fe/ival recognis$ ! ,div9e b\nty 9 nature1 9 its ri*e/1 ripe/ autumn fruitfulness1 :i* 0 l ! smile ( ,god break+ out ?r\gh ,8 works to *e] ,8 *ildr54 ,biv\ack+ 9 gre5wood b[]s1 ! ,jews did _! be/ to return to ! life ( nature & %>e its autumn gladness4 ,! *ronicl] in=ms u t s9ce ! days ( ,jo%ua ! ,jews _h nev] obs]v$ ! fea/ z !y did n[--nev] ) su* great gladness & nev] s truly aft] ! directions ( _! law4 ,al?\gh ! actual words he gives z f ,! ,law#bca are n to be f\nd 9 ! ,p5tateu*1 !y sum up ! regulations ( t "w4 ,?is !n is ! fir/ application ( ,! ,law :i* ! p h receiv$ ) s mu* di/ress4 ,x orda9s a glad fe/ival4 ,s mu* bright] is religion :5 x is und]/ood & practis$ ?an :5 x is only contemplat$ f af>6 ,n[ ! read+ ( ,! ,law c g on day by day1 & be receiv$ ) joy4 #bca ,neh4 viii4 #ad1 #ae ,f9ally1 l ! ,*ri/ians :o collect$ food & money at ! ,agap = _! poor] bre?r5 & = ! m>tyrs 9 prison1 ! ,jews 7 to s5d portions to ! ne$y4#bcb ,! rejoic+ 0 n to be selfi%2 x 0 to /imulate practical k9dness4 ,"h 0 its safegu>d4 ,we %r9k f accept+ joy too freely le/ x %\ld be foll[$ by "s t]rible ,nemesis2 b if1 in/ead ( gloat+ ov] x 9 secret1 selfi%ly & gre$ily1 we use x z a tal5t1 & endeav\r to less5 ! sorr[s ( o!rs by invit+ !m to %>e x1 ! hea!ni% dread is gr\ndless4 ,he :o is do+ 8 utmo/ to help 8 bro!r may d>e to be v happy4 #bcb ,neh4 viii4 #ab4 ,,*apt] ,,xxvi4 ,,! ,,religion ,,( ,,hi/ory4 ,,nehemiah ix4 ,aft] ! c>nival--,l5t4 ,?is ,ca?olic proc$ure 0 anticipat$ by ! ,jews 9 ! days ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,! m]ry fea/ ( ,tab]nacles 0 sc>cely ov]1 :51 p]mitt+ an int]val ( b a s+le day1 ! citiz5s ( ,j]usalem plung$ into a demon/ration ( m\rn+--fa/+1 sitt+ 9 sackclo?1 ca/+ du/ on _! heads1 abjur+ =eign connections1 confess+ _! own & _! fa!rs' s9s4 ,al?\gh ! s+ul> revulsion ( feel+ may h be5 q spontane\s on ! "p ( ! p1 ! viol5t reaction to :i* x gave rise 0 sanction$ by ! au?orities4 ,9 an op5-air meet+ :i* la/$ = six h\rs--?ree ( ,bible-read+ & ?ree ( confession & wor%ip--! ,levites took ! lead1 z !y _h done at ! publication ( ,! ,law a few weeks e>li]4 ,b ^! v m5 _h rebuk$ ! =m] outbur/ ( lam5tation4 ,mu/ we suppose t _! only objection on t occasion 0 t ! m\rn+ 0 !n untimely1 because x 0 indulg$ 9 at a fe/ival1 :]eas x ought to h be5 po/pon$ to a fa/ day8 ,if t 7 all1 we %\ld h to contemplate a mis]ably artificial condition ( affairs4 ,real emotions refuse to come & g at ! bidd+ ( (ficials p$antically set on regulat+ _! alt]nate recurr5ce 9 accordance ) a cal5d> ( ! *ur* ye>4 ,a !atrical repres5tation ( feel+ may be drill$ into "s su* ord]ly procession4 ,b true feel+ itself is ( all ?+s 9 ! univ]se ! mo/ re/ive "u direct ord]s4 ,we mu/ look a little deep]4 ,! ,levites _h giv5 a great spiritual reason = ! re/ra9t ( grief 9 _! wond]ful utt]ance1 ,! joy ( ! ,"l is y\r /r5g?4 ,?is noble ?\ght is n an elixir to be adm9i/]$ or )held accord+ to ! recurr5ce ( ecclesia/ical dates4 ,if x is true at all1 x is et]nally true4 ,al?\gh ! application ( x is n always a fact ( exp]i5ce1 ! reason = ! fluctuations 9 our p]sonal relations to x is n to be look$ = 9 ! almanack2 x w be f\nd 9 ^? d>k passages ( human life :i*1 ( _! own accord1 %ut out ! sunlight ( ,div9e gladness4 ,!re is !n no absolute inconsi/5cy 9 ! action ( ! ,levites4 ,& yet p]haps !y may h p]ceiv$ t !y _h be5 ha/y 9 _! repression ( ! fir/ outbur/ ( grief2 or at all ev5ts t !y did n !n see ! :ole tru? ( ! matt]4 ,!re 0 "s gr\nd = lam5tation aft] all1 & ?\gh ! expression ( sorr[ at a fe/ival seem$ to !m untimely1 !y 7 b\nd to admit its fitness a little lat]4 ,x is to be obs]v$ t ano!r subject 0 n[ br\ght "u ! notice ( ! p4 ,! contemplation ( ! revelation ( ,god's w %\ld n produce grief4 ,b ! consid]ation ( man's conduct _c b lead to t result4 ,at ! read+ ( ,div9e law ! ,jews' lam5tation 0 rebuk$2 at ! recital ( _! own hi/ory x 0 enc\rag$4 ,yet ev5 "h x 0 n to be abject & hopeless4 ,! ,levites exhort$ ! p to %ake (f ! le?>gy ( sorr[1 to /& up & bless ! ,"l _! ,god4 ,ev5 9 ! v act ( confess+ s9 we h a special reason = prais+ ,god1 because ! consci\sness ( our guilt 9 ,8 sight mu/ height5 our appreciation ( ,8 m>vell\s =be>ance4 ,! ,jews' confession ( s9 l$ up to a pray] :i* ! ,septuag9t ascribes to ,ezra4 ,x does s1 h[ev]1 9 a phrase t manife/ly breaks ! context1 & ?us betrays its orig9 9 an int]polation4#bcc ,nev]!less ! tone ( ! pray]1 & ev5 its v language1 rem9d u =cibly ( ! ,great ,scribe's outp\r+ ( s\l ov] ! mix$ m>riages ( 8 p record$ 9 ,ezra ix4 ,no "o 0 m fitt$ to lead ! ,jews 9 ! lat] act ( devotion1 & x is only reasonable to conclude t ! "w 0 und]tak5 by ! "o man to ^: lot x w\ld naturally fall4 #bcc ,,lxx4 ,ezra ix4 #f-ae4 ,! pray] is v l "s ( ! hi/orical psalms4 ,by po9t+ to ! v>iegat$ picture ( ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel1 x %[s h[ ,god reveals ,himself ?r\gh ev5ts4 ,?is sugge/s ! probability t ! ?ree h\rs' read+ ( ! fa/ day _h be5 tak5 f ! hi/orical p>ts ( ! ,p5tateu*4 ,! religi\s tea*]s ( ,israel knew :at ri*es ( in/ruction 7 buri$ 9 ! hi/ory ( _! nation1 & !y _h ! wisdom to une>? ^? treasures = ! b5efit ( _! own age4 ,x is /range t we ,engli% h made s little use ( a national hi/ory t is n a :it less provid5tial1 al?\gh x does n glitt] ) visible miracles4 ,god has spok5 to ,engl& z truly ?r\gh ! defeat ( ! ,spani% ,armada1 ! ,puritan ,w>s1 & ! ,revolution1 z ev] ,he spoke to ,israel by means ( ! ,exodus1 ! ,captivity1 & ! ,return4 ,! arrangem5t & me?od ( ! pray] l5d !mselves to a s+ul>ly =cible pres5tation ( its ma9 topics1 ) height5+ effect z x proce$s 9 a recapitulation ( great hi/orical l&m>ks4 ,x op5s ) an outbur/ ( praise to ,god4 ,9 say+ t ,jehovah is ,god alone1 x makes m ?an a cold pron\ncem5t ( ,jewi% mono!ism2 x confesses ! practical supremacy ( ,god ov] ,8 univ]se1 & !re=e ov] ,8 p & _! enemies4 ,god is ador$ z ! ,creator ( heav52 &1 p]haps ) an allusion to ! preval5t ,g5tile title ,god ( heav51 z ev5 ! ,mak] ( ! heav5 ( heav5s1 ( t high] heav5 ( :i* ! />ry firmam5t is b ! gold-spr9kl$ floor4 ,!re1 9 ^? f>-(f1 unse5 heights1 ,he is ador$4 ,b e>? & sea1 ) all t inhabit !m1 are also ,god's works4 ,f ! highe/ to ! l[e/1 ov] great & small1 ,he reigns supreme4 ,?is gl[+ expression ( adoration con/itutes a suitable exordium4 ,x is "r & fitt+ t we %\ld approa* ,god 9 ! attitude ( pure wor%ip1 = ! mom5t entirely los+ ourselves 9 ! contemplation ( ,him4 ,?is is ! l(tie/ act ( pray]1 f> above ! selfi% %riek = help 9 dire di/ress to :i* unspiritual m5 conf9e _! utt]ance be=e ,god4 ,x is also ! mo/ enlight5+ prep>ation = ^? l[] =ms ( devotion t _c be neglect$ s long z we are engag$ on e>? ) our p]sonal ne$s & s9s1 because x is necess>y = u fir/ ( all to "k :at ,god is1 & to be able to contemplate ! ?\ght ( ,8 be+ & nature1 if we w\ld und]/& ! c\rse ( ,8 action among m51 or see our s9s 9 ! only true light--! light ( ,8 c\nt5ance4 ,we c be/ trace ! c\rse ( l[-ly+ valleys f a m\nta9 height4 ,! prim>y act ( adoration illum9es & directs ! ?anksgiv+1 confession1 & petition t foll[4 ,he :o has once se5 ,god kn[s h[ to look at ! _w & 8 own he>t1 )\t be+ misl$ by e>?ly glam\r or p]sonal prejudice4 ,9 track+ ! c\rse ( revelation ?r\gh hi/ory1 ! au?or ( ! pray] foll[s two ?reads4 ,fir/ "o & !n ! o!r is upp]mo/1 b x is ! int]weav+ ( !m t gives ! def9ite patt]n ( ! :ole picture4 ,^! are ,god's grace & man's s94 ,! me?od ( ! pray] is to br+ !m into view alt]nately1 z !y are illu/rat$ 9 ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,! result is l a drama ( sev]al acts1 & ?ree sc5es 9 ea* act4 ,al?\gh we see progress & a cont9u\s height5+ ( effect1 !re is a />tl+ resemblance betwe5 ! successive acts1 & ! relative *>act]s ( ! sc5es rema9 ! same ?r\gh\t4 ,9 ! fir/ sc5e we always behold ! free & g5]\s fav\r ( ,god (f]$ to ! p ,he condesc5ds to bless1 altoge!r ap>t f any m]its or claims on _! "p4 ,9 ! second we are =c$ to look at ! ugly picture ( ,israel's +ratitude & rebellion4 ,b ?is is inv>iably foll[$ by a ?ird sc5e1 :i* depicts ! wond]ful pati5ce & long-suff]+ ( ,god1 & ,8 active aid 9 deliv]+ ,8 guilty p f ! tr\bles !y h br\ght on _! own heads by _! s9s1 :5ev] !y turn to ,him 9 p5it5ce4 ,! recital op5s :]e ! ,jews delight$ to trace _! orig91 9 ,ur ( ! ,*aldees4 ,^! return$ exiles f ,babylon are rem9d$ t at ! v dawn ( _! ance/ral hi/ory ! same di/rict 0 ! />t+-po9t4 ,! guid+ h& ( ,god 0 se5 9 br++ up ! ,fa!r ( ! ,nation 9 t f>-(f tribal migration f ,*alda to ,canaan4 ,at fir/ ! ,div9e action did n ne$ to exhibit all ! traits ( grace & p[] t 7 se5 lat]1 because ,abraham 0 n a captive4 ,!n1 too1 !re 0 no rebellion1 = ,abraham 0 fai?ful4 ,?us ! fir/ sc5e op5s ) ! mild radiance ( e>ly morn+4 ,z yet !re is no?+ tragic on ei!r side4 ,! *ief *>act]i/ic ( ?is sc5e is its promise1 & ! au?or ( ! pray] anticipates "s ( ! lat] sc5es by int]ject+ a grateful recognition ( ! fai?fulness ( ,god 9 keep+ ,8 ^w4 ,= ,?\ art righte\s1 he says4#bcd ,?is tru? is ! keynote to ! pray]4 ,! ?\ght ( x is always pres5t z an und]tone1 & x em]ges cle>ly aga9 t[>ds ! conclusion1 :]e1 h[ev]1 x we>s a v diff]5t g>b4 ,!re we see h[ 9 view ( man's s9 ,god's righte\sness inflicts *a/isem5t4 ,b ! int5tion ( ! au?or is to %[ t ?r\gh\t all ! vicissitudes ( hi/ory ,god holds on to ,8 /raight l9e ( righte\sness1 unwav]+4 ,x is j because ,he does n *ange t ,8 action mu/ be modifi$ 9 ord] to adju/ itself to ! %ift+ behavi\r ( m5 & wom54 ,x is ! v immutability ( ,god t requires ,him to %[ ,himself fr[>d ) ! fr[>d1 al?\gh ,he is m]ciful ) ! m]ciful4 #bcd ,neh4 ix4 #h4 ,! *ief ev5ts ( ! ,exodus are next briefly recapitulat$1 9 ord] to enl>ge ! picture ( ,god's e>ly goodness to ,israel4 ,"h we may disc]n m ?an promise2 ! fulfilm5t n[ beg9s4 ,"h1 too1 ,god is se5 9 t specific activity ( deliv]ance :i* comes m & m to ! front z ! hi/ory proce$s4 ,:ile ! calamities ( ! p gr[ worse & worse1 ,god reveals ,himself ) ev]-increas+ =ce z ! ,r$eem] ( ,israel4 ,! plagues ( ,egypt1 ! passage ( ! ,r$ ,sea1 ! dr[n+ ( ! ,egyptians1 ! cl\d-pill> by day & ! pill> ( fire by night1 ! desc5t on ,s9ai = ! giv+ ( ,! ,law--9 :i* connection ! "o law ( ! ,sabba? is s+l$ out1 a po9t to be not$ 9 view ( ! great prom95ce giv5 to x lat] on--! manna1 & ! wat] f ! rock1 are all signs & pro(s ( ,god's exce$+ k9dness t[>ds ,8 p4 ,b n[ we are direct$ to a v diff]5t sc5e4 ,9 spite ( all ?is nev]-ceas+1 ?is ev]-accumulat+ goodness ( ,god1 ! infatuat$ p rebel1 appo9t a capta9 to take !m back to ,egypt1 & relapse into idolatry4 ,?is is ! human side ( ! hi/ory1 %[n up 9 its deep blackness aga9/ ! lum9\s spl5d\r ( ! heav5ly backgr\nd4 ,!n comes ! m>vell\s ?ird sc5e1 ! sc5e t %\ld melt ! h>de/ he>t4 ,god does n ca/ (f ,8 p4 ,! privileges enum]at$ be=e are c>efully repeat$1 to %[ t ,god has n )drawn !m4 ,/ill ! cl\d-pill> guides by day & ! fire-pill> by night4 ,/ill ! manna & ! wat] are suppli$4 ,b ?is is n all4 ,betwe5 ^! two pairs ( fav\rs a new "o is n[ ins]t$4 ,god gives ,8 good ,_s to in/ruct ! p4 ,! au?or does n seem to be ref]r+ to any "o specific ev5t1 z t ( ! ,_s fall+ on ! eld]s1 or ! incid5t ( ! unau?oris$ prophet1 or ! be/[al ( ! ,_s on ! arti/s ( ! tab]nacle4 ,we %\ld r conclude f ! g5]ality ( 8 t]ms t he is ?9k+ ( ! gift ( ! ,_s 9 ea* ( ^! cases1 & also 9 e o!r way 9 :i* ! ,div9e ,pres5ce 0 felt 9 ! he>ts ( ! p4 ,prone to w&]1 !y ne$$ & !y receiv$ ?is inw>d monitor4 ,?us ,god %[$ ,8 great =be>ance1 by ev5 ext5d+ ,8 grace & giv+ m help because ! ne$ 0 great]4 ,f ?is picture ( ! wild]ness life we are l$ on to ! conque/ ( ! ,promis$ ,l&4 ,! ,israelites ov]?r[ ! k+s ea/ ( ! ,jordan1 & take possession ( _! t]ritories4 ,gr[+ 9 numb]s1 aft] a "t !y are en\gh to cross ! ,jordan1 seize ! l& ( ,canaan1 & subdue ! aborig9al inhabitants4 ,!n we see !m settl+ d[n 9 _! new home & inh]it+ ! products ( ! lab\rs ( _! m civilis$ pr$ecessors4 ,all ?is is a fur!r pro( ( ! fav\r ( ,god4 ,yet aga9 ! dreadful sc5e ( +ratitude is repeat$1 & t 9 an aggravat$ =m4 ,a wild fury ( rebellion takes hold ( ! wick$ p4 ,!y rise up aga9/ _! ,god1 fl+ ,8 ,torah beh9d _! backs1 murd] ! prophets ,he s5ds to w>n !m1 & s9k d[n into ! greate/ wick$ness4 ,! head & front ( _! (f5ce is ! rejection ( ! sacr$ ,torah4 ,! ^w ,torah--law or in/ruction--mu/ "h be tak5 9 its wide/ s5se to compreh5d bo? ! utt]ances ( ! prophets & ! tradition ( ! prie/s1 al?\gh x is repres5t$ to ! contempor>ies ( ,ezra by its cr[n & completion1 ! ,p5tateu*4 ,9 ?is second act ( height5$ en]gy on bo? sides1 :ile ! *>act]s ( ! actors are develop+ ) /rong] features1 we h a ?ird sc5e--=giv5ess & deliv]ance f ,god4 ,!n ! action moves m rapidly4 ,x becomes almo/ confus$4 ,9 g5]al t]ms1 ) a few swift /rokes1 ! au?or sket*es a succession ( simil> movem5ts--inde$ he does little m ?an h9t at !m4 ,we _c see h[ (t5 ! ?reefold process 0 repeat$2 only we p]ceive t x always recurr$ 9 ! same =m4 ,yet ! v monotony deep5s ! impression ( ! :ole drama--s madly p]si/5t 0 ! backslid+ habit ( ,israel1 s gr&ly cont9u\s 0 ! pati5t long-suff]+ ( ,god4 ,we lose all c\nt ( ! alt]nat+ sc5es ( light & d>kness z we look at !m d[n ! long vi/a ( ! ages4 ,& yet x is n necess>y t we %\ld assort !m4 ,! p]spective may escape u2 all ! m mu/ we feel ! =ce ( ! process :i* is *>act]is$ by s p[]ful a unity ( movem5t4 ,com+ ne>] to 8 own "t1 ! au?or ( ! pray] exp&s into detail aga94 ,:ile ! k+dom la/$ ,god did n cease to plead ) 8 p4 ,!y disreg>d$ ,8 voice1 b ,8 ,_s 0 9 ! prophets1 & ! long l9e ( heav5ly mess5g]s 0 a liv+ te/imony to ! ,div9e =be>ance4 ,he$less ( ?is greate/ & be/ means ( br++ !m back to _! =sak5 allegiance1 ! ,jews 7 at l5g? giv5 ov] to ! hea!n4 ,yet t trem5d\s calamity 0 n )\t its mitigations4 ,!y 7 n utt]ly consum$4 ,ev5 n[ ,god did n =sake !m4 ,he foll[$ !m into _! captivity4 ,?is 0 app>5t 9 ! cont9u\s adv5t ( prophets--su* z ! ,second ,isaiah & ,ezekiel--:o appe>$ & deliv]$ _! oracles 9 ! l& ( exile2 x 0 mo/ glori\sly manife/ 9 ! return "u ,cyrus4 ,su* long-cont9u$ goodness1 beyond ! utmo/ excess ( ! nation's s91 surpass$ all t c\ld h be5 hop$ =4 ,x w5t beyond ! promises ( ,god2 x c\ld n be :olly compreh5d$ 9 ,8 fai?fulness4 ,!re=e ano!r ,div9e attribute is n[ reveal$4 ,at fir/ ! pray] made m5tion ( ,god's righte\sness1 :i* 0 se5 9 ! gift ( ,canaan z a fulfilm5t ( ! promise to ,abraham1 s t ! au?or rem>k$1 9 reg>d to ! p]=mance ( ! ,div9e ^w1 = ,?\ art righte\s4 ,b n[ he reflects on ! great] k9dness1 ! uncov5ant$ k9dness ( ! ,exile & ! ,return2 = ,?\ art a graci\s & m]ciful ,god4#bce ,we c only acc\nt = su* ext5d$ goodness by ascrib+ x to ! inf9ite love ( ,god4 #bce ,neh4 ix4 #ca4 ,hav+ ?us br\ght 8 review d[n to 8 own day1 9 ! conclud+ passage ( ! pray] ! au?or appeals to ,god ) ref]5ce to ! pres5t tr\bles ( ,8 p4 ,9 do+ s he fir/ returns to 8 contemplation ( ! nature ( ,god4 ,?ree ,div9e *>act]i/ics rise up be=e him1--fir/1 maje/y 7! great1 ! mighty1 ! t]rible ,god72 second1 fidelity 7keep+ cov5ant72 ?ird1 compassion 7keep+ m]cy74#bcf ,on ?is ?reefold plea he besee*es ,god t all ! national tr\ble :i* has be5 endur$ s9ce ! fir/ ,assyrian invasion may n seem little to ,him4 ,! greatness ( ,god might appe> to induce disreg>d ( ! tr\bles ( ,8 poor human *ildr51 & yet x w\ld really lead to ! opposite result4 ,x is only ! limit$ faculty t _c /oop to small ?+s because its att5tion is conf9$ to l>ge affairs4 ,inf9ity rea*es to ! inf9itely little z readily z to ! inf9itely great4 ,) ! appeal = compassion goes a confession ( s91 :i* is national r ?an p]sonal4 ,all sections ( ! community on :i* ! calamities h fall5--) ! significant exception ( ! prophets :o _h possess$ ,god's ,_s1 & :o _h be5 s griev\sly p]secut$ by _! fell[-c\ntrym5--all are unit$ 9 a common guilt4 ,! solid>ity ( ! ,jewi% race is "h app>5t4 ,we saw 9 ! e>li] case ( ! s9-(f]+ t ! religion ( ,israel 0 national r ?an p]sonal4 ,! puni%m5t ( ! captivity 0 a national discipl9e2 n[ ! confession is = national s94 ,& yet ! s9 is confess$ di/ributively1 ) reg>d to ! sev]al sections ( society4 ,we _c feel our national s9 9 ! bulk4 ,x mu/ be br\ght home to u 9 our sev]al walks ( life4 #bcf ,neh4 ix4 #cb4 ,aft] ?is confession ! pray] deplores ! pres5t /ate ( ! ,jews4 ,no ref]5ce is n[ made to ! tempor>y annoyance occasion$ by ! attacks ( ! ,sam>itans4 ,! build+ ( ! walls has put an end to t nuisance4 ,b ! p]man5t evil is m deeply root$4 ,! ,jews are m\rnfully consci\s ( _! subject /ate b5ea? ! ,p]sian yoke4 ,!y h return$ to _! city2 b !y are no m free m5 ?an !y 7 9 ,babylon4 ,l ! fellahe5 ( ,syria to-day1 !y h to pay heavy tribute1 :i* takes ! be/ ( ! produce ( _! lab\r4 ,!y are subject to ! conscription1 hav+ to s]ve 9 ! armies ( ! ,great ,k+--,h]odotus tells u t !re 7 ,syrians ( ,pale/9e 9 ! army ( ,x]xes4#bcg ,_! cattle are seiz$ by ! (fic]s ( ! gov]nm5t1 arbitr>ily1 at _! pleasure4 ,did ,nehemiah "k ( ?is compla9t8 ,if s1 might !re n be "s gr\nd = ! suspicion ( ! in=m]s aft] all8 ,0 t suspicion "o reason = 8 recall to ,susa8 ,we _c answ] ^! que/ions4 ,z to ! pray]1 ?is leaves ! :ole case ) ,god4 ,x w\ld h be5 dang]\s to h said m 9 ! he>+ ( ! spies :o haunt$ ! /reets ( ,j]usalem4 ,& x 0 ne$less4 ,x is n ! bus9ess ( pray] to try to move ! h& ( ,god4 ,x is en\gh t we lay b>e our /ate be=e ,him1 tru/+ ,8 wisdom z well z ,8 grace--n dictat+ to ,god1 b confid+ 9 ,him4 #bcg ,h]odotus1 vii4 #hi4 ,,*apt] ,,xxvii4 ,,! ,,cov5ant4 ,,nehemiah x4 ,! t5? *apt] ( ,nehemiah introduces u to "o ( ! mo/ vital crises 9 ! ,hi/ory ( ,israel4 ,x %[s u h[ ! secret cult ( ! prie/s ( ,jehovah became a popul> religion4 ,! process 0 br\ght to a focus 9 ! public read+ ( ,! ,law2 x 0 complet$ 9 ! acceptance ( ,! ,law :i* ! seal+ ( ! cov5ant ratifi$4 ,?is ev5t may be comp>$ ) ! e>li] sc5e1 :5 ! law-book discov]$ 9 ! temple by ,hilkiah 0 accept$ & en=c$ by ,josiah4 ,und\bt$ly t book is includ$ 9 ,ezra's complete edition ( ,! ,law4 ,g5]ations be=e ,ezra1 !n1 ?\gh no?+ m ?an ,deut]onomy may h be5 =?com+1 t vital section ( ,! ,law1 conta9+ z x did ! ess5tial pr9ciples ( ,judaism1 0 adopt$4 ,b h[ 0 ?is result br\ght ab\t8 ,n by ! intellig5t conviction1 nor by ! volunt>y action ( ! nation4 ,x 0 ! "w ( a k+1 :o ?\ght to drive 8 ideas into 8 subjects4 ,no d\bt ,josiah act$ 9 a _s ( g5u9e loyalty to ,jehovah2 & yet ! me?od he foll[$ c\ld n lead to success4 ,! transi5t "* ( 8 spasmodic attempt to save 8 p at ! elev5? h\r1 foll[$ by ! total collapse ( ! fabric he _h built up1 %[s h[ insecure a f\ndation he _h obta9$4 ,x 0 a royal re=mation1 n a revival ( religion on ! "p ( ! nation4 ,we h an in/ance ( a simil> c\rse ( action 9 ! ,engli% re=mation "u ,edw>d ,,vi41 :i* 0 swept away 9 a mom5t :5 8 ,ca?olic si/] succe$$ to ! ?rone1 because x 0 a movem5t orig9at+ 9 ! c\rt & n support$ by ! c\ntry1 z 0 t "u ,elizabe? :5 ,m>y _h op5$ ! eye ( ! ,engli% nation to ! "* ( ,romanism4 ,b n[ a v diff]5t sc5e pres5ts itself to our notice4 ,! seal+ ( ! cov5ant signifies ! volunt>y acceptance ( ,! ,law by ! p ( ,israel1 & _! solemn promise to submit to its yoke4 ,!re are two sides to ?is cov5ant arrangem5t4 ,! fir/ is se5 9 ! conduct ( ! p 9 ent]+ into ! cov5ant4 ,?is is absolutely an act ( free w on _! "p4 ,we h se5 t ,ezra nev] attempt$ to =ce ,! ,law ^u 8 fell[-c\ntrym5--t he 0 sl[ 9 produc+ x2 t :5 he read x he only did s at ! urg5t reque/ ( ! p2 & t ev5 aft] ?is he w5t no fur!r1 b left x ) ! audi5ce = !m to d ) x z !y ?\ght fit4 ,x came ) ! au?ority ( ! w ( ,god1 :i* to religi\s m5 is ! highe/ au?ority2 b x 0 n back$ by ! secul> arm1 ev5 ?\gh ,ezra possess$ a firman f ! ,p]sian c\rt :i* w\ld h ju/ifi$ him 9 call+ 9 ! aid ( ! civil gov]nm5t4 ,n[ ! acceptance ( ,! ,law is to be 9 ! same _s ( fre$om4 ,( c\rse somebody mu/ h />t$ ! idea ( =m+ a cov5ant4 ,possibly x 0 ,nehemiah :o did s4 ,/ill ?is 0 :5 ! p 7 ripe = ent]+ into x1 & ! :ole process 0 volunt>y on _! "p4 ,! only religion t c be real to u is t :i* we believe 9 ) p]sonal fai? & surr5d] ourselves to ) will+ ob$i5ce4 ,ev5 :5 ! law is record$ on p>*m5t1 x mu/ also be writt5 on ! fle%y table ( ! he>t if x is to be effective4 ,b !re is ano!r side to ! cov5ant-seal+4 ,! v exi/5ce ( a cov5ant is significant4 ,! ^w cov5ant sugge/s an agreem5t betwe5 two p>ties1 a mutual arrangem5t to :i* ea* is pl$g$4 ,s pr(\nd 0 ! conviction ( ,israel t 9 com+ to an agreem5t ) ,god x 0 n possible = man to b>ga9 ) 8 ,mak] on equal t]ms1 t 9 translat+ ! ,hebrew "n = cov5ant into ,greek ! writ]s ( ! ,septuag9t did n use ! t]m t else:]e /&s = an agreem5t among equals 7,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,sigma,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,upsilon ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,nu,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,!ta ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,eta ,,) ,,dasia,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,kappa ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,nu71 b employ$ "o indicative ( an arrangem5t made by "o p>ty to ! transaction & submitt$ to ! o!r 7,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,delta ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,iota,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,alpha ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,!ta,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,eta ,,) ,,dasia ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,kappa,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,nu ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,delta,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,iota ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,alpha,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,!ta ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,eta ,,) ,,dasia,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,kappa ,,greek ,,small ,,lett] ,,nu74 ,! cov5ant1 !n1 is a ,div9e disposition1 a ,div9e ord9ance4 ,ev5 :51 z 9 ! pres5t in/ance1 x is =mally made by m51 ?is is /ill on l9es laid d[n by ,god2 ! cov5ant+ is a volunt>y act ( adhesion to a law :i* comes f ,god4 ,!re=e ! t]ms ( ! cov5ant are fix$1 & n to be discuss$ by ! signatories4 ,?is is ( ! v ess5ce ( ,judaism z a religion ( ,div9e law4 ,!n ?\gh ! seal+ is volunt>y1 x entails a great obligation2 h5ce=? ! cov5ant p are b\nd by ! cov5ant :i* !y h delib]ately ent]$ into4 ,?is1 too1 is a *>act]i/ic ( ! religion ( law4 ,x is a bondage1 ?\gh a bondage will+ly submitt$ to by ^? :o /oop to its yoke4 ,to ,/4 ,paul x became a cru%+ slav]y4 ,b ! burd5 0 n felt at fir/1 simply because nei!r ! range ( ,! ,law1 nor ! se>*+ =ce ( its requirem5ts1 nor ! weakness ( m5 to keep _! v[s1 0 yet p]ceiv$ by ! sangu9e ,jews :o s unhesitat+ly surr5d]$ to x4 ,z we look back to _! position f ! vantage gr\nd ( ,*ri/ian lib]ty1 we are a/\nd$ at ! ,jewi% love ( law1 & we rejoice 9 our fre$om f its irksome re/ra9ts4 ,& yet ! ,*ri/ian is n an ant9omian2 he is n a sort ( free lance1 sworn to no ob$i5ce4 ,he too has 8 obligation4 ,he is b\nd to a l(ty s]vice--n to a law1 inde$1 b to a p]sonal ,ma/]2 n 9 ! s]vitude ( ! lett]1 b1 ?\gh ) ! fre$om ( ! _s1 really ) f> high] obligations ( love & fidelity ?an 7 ev] recognis$ by ! mo/ rigor\s cov5ant-keep+ ,jews4 ,?us he has a new cov5ant1 seal$ 9 ! blood ( 8 ,savi\r2 & 8 communion ) 8 ,"l implies a sacram5tal v[ ( loyalty4 ,! ,*ri/ian cov5ant1 h[ev]1 is n visibly exhibit$1 because a =mal pl$ge is sc>cely 9 accordance ) ! _s ( ! gospel4 ,we f9d x bett] to take a m self-di/ru/ful c\rse1 "o m>k$ by great] dep5d5ce ( fai? on ! pres]v+ grace ( ,god1 by turn+ our v[s into pray]s4 ,:ile ! ,jews ent]$ into a curse & into an oa? to keep ! law1 we %r9k f any?+ s t]rible2 yet our duty is n ! less because we limit our pr(essions ( x4 ,! ,jews 7 prep>$ = _! cov5ant by two ess5tial prelim9>ies4 ,! fir/ 0 k4 ,! read+ ( ,! ,law prec$$ ! cov5ant1 :i* 0 ent]$ into intellig5tly4 ,!re is no idea ( :at is call$ implicit fai?4 ,! :ole situation is cle>ly survey$1 & ,! ,law is adopt$ ) a consci\sness ( :at x means z f> z ! und]/&+ ( its requirem5ts by ! p w yet p5etrate into its signification4 ,x is necess>y to c\nt ! co/ be=e ent]+ on a c\rse ( religi\s s]vice4 ,) a view to ?is our ,"l spoke ( ! n>r[ way & ! cross1 mu* to ! disappo9tm5t ( ,8 m sangu9e disciples1 b z a real security = g5u9e loyalty4 ,) religion1 ( all ?+s1 x is fooli% to take a leap 9 ! d>k4 ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity absolutely contradict ! idea t ,ignorance is ! "m ( devotion4 ,! second prep>ation consi/$ 9 ! moral effect on ! ,jews ( ! review ( _! hi/ory 9 ! light ( religion1 & _! consequ5t confession ( s9 & ackn[l$gm5t ( ,god's goodness4 ,"h 0 ! ju/ification = ! writt5 law4 ,! old me?ods _h fail$4 ,! p _h n kept ! desultory ,torah ( ! prophets4 ,!y ne$$ a m =mal sy/em ( discipl9e4 ,"h too 7 ! motives = adopt+ ! cov5ant4 ,p5it5ce = ! nation's mis]able pa/ prompt$ ! desire = a bett] future1 & gratitude = ! ov]:elm+ goodness ( ,god r\s$ an en?usiasm ( devotion4 ,no?+ urges u to surr5d] ourselves to ,god s mu* z ^! two motives--our rep5tance & ,8 goodness4 ,!y are ! two p[]ful magnets t draw s\ls to ,*ri/4 ,! *ronicl]--always delight+ 9 any opportunity to ins]t 8 li/s ( names--records ! names ( ! signatories ( ! cov5ant4 ,! seals ( ^! m5 7 ( importance s long z ! orig9al docum5t to :i* !y 7 affix$ 0 pres]v$1 & s long z any recognis$ desc5dants ( ! families !y repres5t$ 7 liv+4 ,to u !y are ( int]e/ because !y indicate ! ord]ly arrangem5t ( ! nation & ! ?or\ghness ( proc$ure 9 ! ratification ( ! cov5ant4 ,nehemiah1 :o is aga9 call$ by 8 ,p]sian title ,tir%a?a1 appe>s fir/4 ,?is fact is to be not$ z a sign t z yet ev5 9 a religi\s docum5t ! civil rul] takes prec$5ce ( ! hi]>*y4 ,at pres5t x is all[$ = a layman to head ! li/ ( lead+ ,israelites4 ,we might h look$ = ,ezra's "n 9 ! fir/ place1 = he x 0 :o _h tak5 ! lead 9 ! introduction ( ,! ,law1 :ile ,nehemiah _h retreat$ into ! backgr\nd dur+ ! :ole mon?'s proce$+s4 ,b ! "n ( ,ezra does n appe> any:]e on ! docum5t4 ,! probable explanation ( its abs5ce is t only heads ( h\ses affix$ _! seals1 & t ,ezra 0 n acc\nt$ "o ( !m4 ,nehemiah's position 9 ! docum5t is (ficial4 ,! next "n1 ,z$ekiah1 possibly /&s = ,zadok ! ,scribe m5tion$ lat]1#bch :o may h be5 ! writ] ( ! docum5t1 or p]haps ,nehemiah's secret>y4 ,!n come ! prie/s4 ,x 0 n ! bus9ess ( ^! m5 to assi/ 9 ! read+ ( ,! ,law4 ,:ile ! ,levites act$ z scribes & in/ructors ( ! p1 ! prie/s 7 *iefly occupi$ ) ! temple ritual & ! p]=mance ( ! o!r c]emonies ( religion4 ,! ,levites 7 tea*]s ( ,! ,law2 ! prie/s 7 its adm9i/rators4 ,9 ! "q ( ! execution ( ,! ,law1 !re=e1 ! prie/s h a prom95t place1 & aft] rema9+ 9 obscurity dur+ ! previ\s engagem5ts1 !y naturally come to ! front :5 ! national acceptance ( ! ,p5tateu* is be+ confirm$4 ,! hi]>*y is s f> e/abli%$ t1 ?\gh ! prie/s foll[ ! lay rul] ( ,j]usalem1 !y prec$e ! g5]al body ( citiz5s1 & ev5 ! nobility4 ,no d\bt _m ( ! high] families 7 9 ! l9e ( ! prie/hood4 ,b ?is 0 n ! case ) all ( !m1 & !re=e we mu/ see "h a di/9ct cl]ical prec$5ce ov] all b ! v highe/ rank4 #bch ,neh4 xiii4 #ac4 ,mo/ ( ! names 9 ?is li/ ( prie/s occur aga9 9 a li/ ( ^? :o came up ) ,z]ubbabel & ,je%ua1#bci f :i* fact we mu/ inf] t !y repres5t families1 n individuals4 ,b "s ( ! names 9 ! o!r li/ are miss+ "h4 ,a mo/ significant omission is t ( ! high-prie/4 ,are we m]ely to suppose t "s names h dropp$ out 9 c\rse ( transcription8 ,or 0 ! high-prie/1 ) "s ( 8 bre?r51 unwill+ to sign ! cov5ant8 ,we h _h e>li] signs t ! high-prie/ did n enjoy ! full confid5ce ( ,ezra4#bdj ,! heads ( ! hi]>*y may h res5t$ ! popul>is+ ( ,! ,law4 ,s9ce =m]ly1 :ile ! p 7 (t5 fav\r$ ) ! moral ,torah ( ! prophets1 ! c]emonial ,torah ( ! prie/s 0 kept among ! arcana ( ! initiat$1 ! *ange may n h be5 pleas+ to its old cu/odians4 ,!n ^! cons]vatives may n h approv$ ( ,ezra's late/ rec5sion ( ,! ,law4 ,a mu* m s]i\s difficulty lay ) ^? prie/s :o _h contract$ =eign m>riages1 & :o _h fav\r$ ! policy ( alliance ) neighb\r+ peoples :i* ,ezra _h s fi]cely oppos$4 ,old animosities f ?is s\rce 7 /ill sm\ld]+ 9 ! bosoms ( "s ( ! prie/s4 ,b ap>t f any specific gr\nds ( disaffection1 x is cle> t !re nev] 0 mu* sympa?y betwe5 ! scribes & ! prie/s4 ,putt+ all ^! consid]ations toge!r1 x is sc>cely too mu* to conjecture t ! abs5tees 7 design$ly hold+ back :5 ! cov5ant 0 sign$4 ,! only wond] is t ! disaffect$ m9ority 0 s small4 #bci ,neh4 xii4 #a-g4 #bdj ,e4g41 ,ezra viii4 #cc2 :]e ! high-prie/ is pass$ ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,accord+ to ! new ord] advis$ by ,ezekiel & n[ e/abli%$1 ! ,levites take ! second place & come aft] ! prie/s1 z a sep>ate & inf]ior ord] ( cl]gy4 ,yet ! hi]>*y is s f> hon\r$ t ev5 ! l[e/ ( ! cl]gy prec$e ! g5]al body ( ! laity4 ,we come d[n to ! port]s1 ! *ori/]s1 & ! temple-helots be=e we he> ( ! mass ( ! p4 ,:5 ?is lay elem5t is rea*$1 ! :ole ( x is includ$4 ,m51 wom51 & *ildr5 are all repres5t$ 9 ! cov5ant4 ,! ,law _h be5 read to all classes1 & n[ x is accept$ by all classes4 ,?us aga9 ! rights & duties ( wom5 & *ildr5 9 religion are recognis$1 & ! ?or\ghly dome/ic "* ( ,judaism is provid$ =4 ,!re is a solidity 9 ! compact4 ,a common obligation draws all :o are includ$ 9 x toge!r4 ,! population g5]ally foll[s ! example ( ! lead]s4 ,!y clave to _! bre?r51 _! nobles1#bda says ! *ronicl]4 ,! mo/ effective unify+ influ5ce is a common en?usiasm 9 a great cause4 ,! unity ( ,*ri/5dom w only be re/or$ :5 ! passion ( loyalty to ,*ri/ is supreme 9 e ,*ri/ian1 & :5 e ,*ri/ian ackn[l$ges t ?is is ! case ) all 8 bro!r-,*ri/ians4 #bda ,neh4 x4 #bi4 ,x is cle> t ! obligation ( ! cov5ant ext5d$ to ! :ole law4 ,?is is call$ ,god's law1 :i* 0 giv5 by ,moses ! s]vant ( ,god4#bdb ,no?+ c be cle>] ?an t 9 ! eyes ( ! *ronicl]1 at all ev5ts1 x 0 ! ,mosaic law4 ,we h se5 _m indications ( ?is view 9 ! *ronicl]s n>rative4 ,c we resi/ ! conclusion t x 0 held by ! contempor>ies ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah8 ,we are repeat$ly w>n$ aga9/ ! mi/ake ( suppos+ t ! ,p5tateu* 0 accept$ z a br&-new docum5t4 ,on ! contr>y1 x 0 c]ta9ly receiv$ on ! au?ority ( ! ,mosaic orig9 ( its cont5ts1 & because ( ! ,div9e au?ority t accompani$ ?is orig94 ,by ! ,jews x 0 view$ z ! law ( ,moses1 j z 9 ,roman jurisprud5ce e law 0 consid]$ to be d]iv$ f ! ,twelve ,tables4 ,no d\bt ,ezra also consid]$ x to be a true int]pretation ( ! g5ius ( ,mosaism adapt$ to mod]n requirem5ts4 ,if we keep ?is cle>ly be=e our m9ds1 ! ,p5tateu*al controv]sy w lose its %>pe/ po9ts ( conflict4 ,! tru? "h not$ once m is s (t5 disreg>d$ t x ne$s to be repeat$ly insi/$ on at ! risk ( tautology4 #bdb ,ibid4 ,aft] ! g5]al acceptance ( ! :ole law1 ! cov5ant specifies c]ta9 important details4 ,fir/ comes ! sep>ation f ! hea!n--! burn+ "q ( ! day4 ,next we h ,sabba? obs]vance--also made especially important1 because x 0 di/9ctive ( ,judaism z well z ne$ful = ! relief ( poor & oppress$ lab\r]s4 ,b ! pr9cipal "p ( ! s*$ule is occupi$ ) pl$ges = ! provision ( ! temple s]vices4 ,imm5se supplies ( fuel w\ld be requir$ = ! num]\s sacrifices1 & !re=e consid]able prom95ce 0 giv5 to ! collect+ ( wood2 subsequ5tly a fe/ival 0 e/abli%$ to celebrate ?is action4 ,accord+ to a lat] tradition1 ,nehemiah k9dl$ ! flames on ! great alt> ( ! burnt-(f]+s ) sup]natural fire4#bdc ,l ! ,ve/al virg9s at ,rome1 ! temple (ficials 7 to t5d ! sacr$ fire z a high duty1 & nev] let x g out4 ,fire %all be kept burn+ ^u ! alt> cont9ually1#bdd 0 ! ,levitical rule4 ,?us ! v greate/ hon\r 0 giv5 to ! rite ( sacrifice4 ,z ! re/oration ( ! religion ( ,israel began ) ! erection ( ! alt> be=e ! temple 0 built1 s ! pres]vation ( t religion 0 c5tr$ 9 ! alt> fire--& s1 we may add1 its completion 0 atta9$ 9 ! supreme sacrifice ( ,*ri/4 #bdc #b ,macc4 i4 #ai-bb4 #bdd ,lev4 vi4 #ac4 ,f9ally1 special c>e 0 tak5 = :at we may call ,*ur* f9ance 9 ! collection ( ! ti!s4 ,?is comes la/2 yet x has its place4 ,n only is x necess>y = ! sake ( ! "w t is to be c>ri$ on2 x is also important 9 reg>d to ! religi\s obligation ( ! wor%ipp]4 ,! cry = a *eap religion is irreligi\s1 because real religion dem&s sacrifices1 &1 inde$1 necess>ily promotes ! lib]al _s f :i* ^? sacrifices fl[4 ,b if ! contributions are to come )9 ! range ( religi\s duties1 !y mu/ be volunt>y4 ,cle>ly ?is 0 ! case ) ! ,jewi% ti!s1 z we may see = two reasons4 ,fir/1 !y 7 includ$ 9 ! cov5ant2 & adhesion to ?is 0 entirely volunt>y4 ,secondly1 ,mala*i rebuk$ ! ,jews = )hold+ ! paym5t ( ti!s z a s9 aga9/ ,god1#bde %[+ t ! paym5t only re/$ on a s5se ( moral obligation on ! "p ( ! p4 ,x w\ld h be5 difficult to g fur!r :ile a =eign gov]nm5t 0 9 p[]1 ev5 if ! religi\s lead]s _h desir$ to d s4 ,moreov]1 ,god c only accept ! (f]+s t are giv5 freely ) he>t & w1 = all ,he c>es = is ! _s ( ! gift4 #bde ,mal4 iii4 #h-ab4 ,,*apt] ,,xxviii4 ,,! ,,holy ,,city4 ,,nehemiah vii4 #a-d2 xi4 ,we h se5 t ?\gh ! two passages t deal ) ! sp>sity ( ! population ( ,j]usalem are sep>at$ 9 our ,bibles by ! ins]tion ( ! section on ! read+ ( ,! ,law & ! =mation ( ! cov5ant1 !y are1 9 fact1 s closely relat$ t1 if we skip ! int]m$iate section1 ! "o runs on into ! o!r q smoo?ly1 z by a cont9u\s n>rative2#bdf t is to say1 we may pass f ,nehemiah vii4 #d to ,nehemiah xi4 #a )\t ! slighte/ sign ( a junction ( sep>ate p>agraphs4 ,s naive & crude is ! *ronicl]'s /yle1 t he has left ! raw edges ( ! n>rative jagg$ & untrimm$1 & !reby he has help$ u to see di/9ctly h[ he has con/ruct$ 8 "w4 ,! =eign matt] :i* he has ins]t$ 9 ! great ga% is q diff]5t 9 /yle & cont5ts f t :i* prec$es & foll[s x4 ,?is is m>k$ ) ! ,ezra /amp1 :i* indicates t 9 all probability x is f\nd$ on notes left by ! scribe2 b ! brok5 n>rative 9 ! mid/ ( :i* x appe>s is d]iv$ f ,nehemiah1 ! fir/ "p consi/+ ( memoirs writt5 by ! /atesman himself1 & ! second "p be+ an abbreviation ( ! cont9uation ( ,nehemiah's writ+4 ,! beg9n+ ( ?is second "p directly l9ks x on to ! fir/ "p1 = ! ^w & has no sort ( connection ) ! imm$iately prec$+ ,ezra section1 :ile x exactly fits into ! brok5 end ( ! previ\s ,nehemiah section2 only ) 8 *>act]i/ic indiff]5ce to secul> affairs1 9 comp>ison ) matt]s t\*+ ,! ,law & ! temple wor%ip1 ! *ronicl] abbreviates ! conclusion ( ,nehemiah's /ory4 ,x is easy to see h[ he con/ructs 8 book 9 ?is place4 ,he has be=e him two docum5ts--"o writt5 by ,nehemiah1 ! o!r writt5 ei!r by ,ezra or by "o ( 8 close associates4 ,at fir/ he foll[s ,nehemiah1 b sudd5ly he discov]s t he has rea*$ ! date :5 ! ,ezra record %\ld come 94 ,!re=e1 )\t any conc]n = ! irregul>ity ( /yle t he is p]petrat+1 he sudd5ly breaks (f ,nehemiah's n>rative to ins]t ! ,ezra mat]ial1 at ! end ( :i* he simply goes back to ! ,nehemiah docum5t1 & resumes x exactly :]e he has left x1 except t n[1 aft] introduc+ x 9 ! language ( ! orig9al writ]1 he compresses ! fragm5t1 s t ! composition passes ov] into ! ?ird p]son4 ,x is n to be suppos$ t ?is is done arbitr>ily or = no good reason4 ,! *ronicl] "h int5ds to tell 8 /ory 9 *ronological ord]4 ,he %[s t ! c\rse ( ev5ts ref]r$ to at ! op5+ ( ! sev5? *apt] really 0 brok5 by ! occurr5ces ! record ( :i* !n foll[s4 ,! int]ruptions 9 ! n>rative j correspond to ! real int]ruptions 9 ! hi/orical facts4 ,hi/ory is n a smoo?-fl[+ riv]2 its c\rse is repeat$ly brok5 by rocks & %oals1 & sometimes entirely deflect$ by impassable cliffs4 ,9 ! e>li] "p ( ! n>rative we read ( ,nehemiah's anxiety on acc\nt ( ! sp>sity ( ! population ( ,j]usalem2 b be=e he 0 able to c>ry out any plans = ! increase ( ! numb] ( inhabitants ! "t ( ! great autumn fe/ivals 0 ^u him1 & ! p 7 eag] to take advantage ( ! public holidays t !n fell due 9 ord] to induce ,ezra to read to !m ! wond]ful book he _h br\ght up f ,babylon ye>s be=e1 & ( :i* he _h n yet divulg$ ! cont5ts4 ,?is 0 n wa/e "t z reg>ds ,nehemiah's project4 ,?\gh ! civil gov]nor /ood 9 ! backgr\nd dur+ ! c\rse ( ! great religi\s movem5t1 he he>tily second$ ! cl]ical lead]s ( x 9 _! ef=ts to enlight5 & enc\rage ! p1 & he 0 ! fir/ to seal ! cov5ant :i* 0 its fruit4 ,!n ! p :o _h be5 in/ruct$ 9 ! pr9ciples ( _! fai? & consecrat$ to its l(ty requirem5ts 7 fitt$ to take _! places z citiz5s ( ! ,holy ,city4 #bdf ,pages #bga-bgc4 ,! population "q :i* tr\bl$ ,nehemiah at ?is "t is s exactly opposite to t :i* gives conc]n to /ud5ts ( social problems 9 our own day1 t we ne$ to look into ! circum/ances 9 :i* x em]g$ 9 ord] to und]/& its be>+s4 ,! p[]ful suction ( great t[ns1 deplet+ ! rural di/ricts & gorg+ ! urban1 is a s\rce ( ! greate/ anxiety to all :o s]i\sly contemplate ! /ate ( mod]n society2 & consequ5tly "o ( ! mo/ press+ que/ions ( ! day is h[ to scatt] ! p ov] ! l&4 ,ev5 9 new c\ntries ! same s]i\s condition is exp]i5c$--9 ,au/ralia1 = in/ance1 :]e ! cr[d+ ( ! p into ,melb\rne is rapidly pil+ up ! v difficulties sangu9e m5 hop$ ! colonies w\ld escape4 ,if we only _h ^! mod]n facts to draw ^u1 we might conclude t a c5tripetal movem5t ( population 0 inevitable4 ,t x is n altoge!r a novelty we may le>n f ! v5]able /ory ( ! ,t[] ( ,babel1 f :i* we may also ga!r t x is ,god's w t m5 %\ld spread abroad & repl5i% ! e>?4 ,x is "o ( ! advantages ( ! /udy ( hi/ory t x lifts u out ( our n>r[ grooves & reveals to u an imm5se v>iety ( modes ( life1 & ?is is n ! lea/ ( ! _m elem5ts ( pr(it t come to u f ! hi/orical embodim5t ( revelation z we h x 9 ! ,bible4 ,! wid? ( vision t we may ?us atta9 to w h a d\ble effect4 ,x w save u f be+ w$d$ to a fix$ policy "u all circum/ances2 & x w deliv] u f ! despair into :i* we %\ld settle d[n1 if we did n see t :at looks to u l a hopeless & int]m9able drift 9 ! wrong direction is n ! p]man5t c\rse ( human developm5t4 ,x is necess>y to consid] t if ! dang]s ( a gr[+ population are s]i\s1 ^? ( a dw9dl+ population are mu* m grave4 ,nehemiah 0 9 a position to see ! positive advantages ( city life1 & he reg>d$ x z 8 bus9ess to make ! mo/ ( !m = ! b5efit ( 8 fell[-c\ntrym54 ,we h se5 t ea* ( ! ?ree great exp$itions f ,babylon up to ,j]usalem _h its sep>ate & di/9ctive purpose4 ,! aim ( ! fir/1 "u ,z]ubbabel & ,je%ua1 0 ! rebuild+ ( ! temple2 ! object ( ! second1 "u ,ezra1 0 ! e/abli%m5t ( ,! ,law2 & ! end ( ! ?ird1 "u ,nehemiah1 0 ! =tification & /r5g!n+ ( ! city4 ,?is end 0 be=e ! patriotic /atesman's m9d f ! v fir/ mom5t :5 he 0 />tl$ & griev$ at he>+ ! report ( ! ru9\s condition ( ! walls ( ,j]usalem :i* 8 bro!r br\ght to him 9 ! palace at ,susa4 ,we may be sure t ) s practical a man x 0 m ?an a s5tim5tal rev]5ce = v5]at$ sites t l$ ,nehemiah to und]take ! great "w ( =tify+ ! city ( 8 fa!rs' sepul*res4 ,he _h some?+ else 9 view ?an to con/ruct a huge mausoleum4 ,8 aim _h too mu* to d ) ! liv+ pres5t to resemble t ( ,rizpah gu>d+ ! corpses ( h] sons f ! hov]+ vultures4 ,nehemiah believ$ 9 ! future ( ,j]usalem1 & !re=e he w\ld n p]mit h] to rema9 a city ( ru9s1 ungu>d$1 & a prey to e *ance com]4 ,he saw t %e _h a great de/9y yet to fulfil1 & t %e mu/ be made /rong if ev] %e 0 to accompli% x4 ,x is to ! cr$it ( 8 ke5 disc]nm5t t he p]ceiv$ ?is ess5tial condition ( ! firm e/abli%m5t ( ,israel z a di/9ctive p 9 ! l& ( ,pale/9e4 ,ezra 0 too lit]>y1 too ab/ract1 too mu* ( an ideali/ to see x1 & !re=e he /ruggl$ on ) 8 tea*+ & exhort+ till he 0 simply sil5c$ by ! unlook$-= logic ( facts4 ,nehemiah p]fectly compreh5d$ ?is logic1 & knew h[ to turn x to ! advantage ( 8 own cause4 ,! fi]ce antagonism ( ! ,sam>itans is an indirect confirmation ( ! wisdom ( ,nehemiah's plans4 ,sanballat & 8 associates saw cle>ly en\gh t1 if ,j]usalem 7 to become /rong aga91 ! metropolitan pre-em95ce--:i* _h %ift$ f ?is city to ,sam>ia aft] ! ,babylonian conque/--w\ld rev]t to its old seat among ! hills ( ,judah & ,b5jam94 ,n[ ?is pre-em95ce 0 ( vital importance to ! de/9ies ( ,israel4 ,x 0 n possible = ! p 9 ^? e>ly days to rema9 sep>ate & compact1 & to "w out _! own peculi> mission1 )\t a /rong & safe c5tre4 ,we h se5 ,judaism blossom+ aga9 z a di/9ctive ph5om5on 9 ! lat] hi/ory ( ! ,jews1 aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem by ! ,romans4 ,b ?is mo/ wond]ful fact 9 e?nology is indirectly due to ! "w ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,! read9ess to int]m>ry ) =eign]s %[n by ! contempor>ies ( ! two great re=m]s proves conclusively t1 unless ! mo/ /r+5t measures _h be5 tak5 = ! pres]vation ( its di/9ctive life1 ,israel w\ld h melt$ away into ! g5]al mass ( amalgamat$ races t made up ! ,*aldan & ,p]sian empires4 ,! milit>y protection ( ,j]usalem enabl$ h] citiz5s to ma9ta9 an indep5d5t position 9 defiance ( ! ho/ile criticism ( h] neighb\rs1 & ! civil importance ( ! city help$ to give moral weight to h] example 9 ! eyes ( ! scatt]$ ,jewi% population outside h] walls4 ,!n ! wor%ip at ! temple 0 a vital elem5t 9 ! newly modell$ religi\s organisation1 & x 0 absolutely ess5tial t ?is %\ld be plac$ beyond ! dang] ( be+ tamp]$ ) by =eign influ5ces1 & at ! same "t t x %\ld be adequately support$ by a suffici5t numb] ( resid5t ,jews4 ,some?+ l ! motive t induces ! ,pope to desire ! re/oration ( ! temporal p[] ( ! ,papacy--p]fectly wise & reasonable f 8 po9t ( view--w\ld urge ! lead]s ( ,judaism to secure z f> z possible ! political indep5d5ce ( ! c5tre ( _! religion4 ,x is to be obs]v$ t ,nehemiah desir$ an increase ( ! population = ! imm$iate purpose ( /r5g!n+ ! g>rison ( ,j]usalem4 ,! city _h be5 little bett] ?an a lodge 9 a g>d5 ( cucumb]s till h] new gov]nor _h put =? /up5d\s ef=ts :i* result$ 9 conv]t+ h] into a =tress4 ,n[ ! =tress requir$ to be mann$4 ,ev]y?+ indicates anxiety ab\t ! means ( def5ce4 ,nehemiah plac$ two m5 at ! head ( ?is vital function--8 own bro!r ,hanani1 ^: conc]n ab\t ! city _h be5 ev9c$ 9 8 report ( its condition to ,nehemiah at ,susa1 & ,hananiah ! comm&ant ( ! citadel4 ,?is ,hananiah 0 kn[n to be fai?ful--a great po9t :ile traitors 9 ! highe/ places 7 intrigu+ ) ! enemy4 ,he 0 also exceptionally ,god-fe>+1 describ$ z "o :o fe>$ ,god above _m--ano!r po9t recognis$ by ,nehemiah z ( supreme importance 9 a milit>y (fic]4 ,"h we h an anticipation ( ! ,puritan _s :i* requir$ ! ,cromwellian soldi]s to be m5 ( /]l+ religi\s "*4 ,nehemiah w\ld h _h no hesitation if he _h be5 plac$ 9 ! dilemma ( ! ,a!nians :5 !y 7 call$ to *oose betwe5 ,ari/ides ! good & ,!mi/ocles ! clev]4 ,) him--mu* z bra9s 7 ne$$1 & he %[$ ?is 9 8 own sleepless a/ut5ess--integrity & religion 7 ! fir/ requisites = an (fice ( responsibility4 ,! dang] ( ! times is fur!r indicat$ by ! new rule ) reg>d to ! op5+ ( ! gates4 ,ori5tal cu/om w\ld h p]mitt$ ?is at dawn4 ,nehemiah w\ld n all[ x be=e ! full daytime1 until ! sun be hot4 ,levites 7 to m\nt gu>d by day--an indication ( ! p>tially ecclesia/ical "* ( ! civil gov]nm5t4 ,! city 0 a sort ( ext5d$ temple1 & its citiz5s con/itut$ a ,*ur* wat*$ ov] by ! cl]gy4 ,at night ! citiz5s !mselves 7 to gu>d ! walls1 z m wat*]s w\ld be ne$$ dur+ ! h\rs ( d>kness to protect ! city aga9/ an assault by surprise4 ,n[ ^! facts po9t to s]i\s dang] & ardu\s toil4 ,naturally _m m5 w\ld %r9k f ! yoke ( citiz5%ip "u su* circum/ances4 ,x 0 s mu* pleasant]1 s mu* easi]1 s mu* quiet] = p to live 9 ! outly+ t[ns & villages1 ne> to _! own f>ms & v9ey>ds4 ,!re=e x 0 necess>y to take a t5? ( ! rural population 9 ord] to increase t ( ! t[n4 ,! *ronicl] expressly notes t ! rul]s ( ! p 7 already dwell+ 9 ,j]usalem4 ,^! m5 realis$ _! responsibility4 ,! (fic]s 7 to ! =e2 ! m5 :o ne$$ to be urg$ to _! duty 7 ! privates4 ,no d\bt !re 0 m to attract ! upp] classes to ! capital1 :ile _! agricultural occupations w\ld naturally draw _m ( ! poor] p into ! c\ntry1 & we mu/ n altoge!r condemn ! latt] z less patriotic ?an ! =m]4 ,we _c judge ! relative m]its ( p :o act diff]5tly till we "k _! sev]al circum/ances4 ,/ill x rema9s true t x is (t5 ! man ) ! "o tal5t :o buries 8 *>ge1 because ) him ! s5se ( p]sonal insignificance becomes a temptation to ! neglect ( duty4 ,h5ce arises "o ( ! mo/ s]i\s dang]s to a democracy4 ,:5 ?is dang] is n ma/]$1 ! managem5t ( public affairs falls into ! h&s ( self-seek+ politicians1 :o are ready to wreck ! /ate = _! private advantage4 ,x is mo/ ess5tial1 !re=e1 t a public consci5ce %\ld be ar\s$ & t p %\ld realise _! duty to _! community--to ! t[n 9 :i* !y live1 ! c\ntry to :i* !y belong4 ,nehemiah's simple exp$i5t succe$$1 & praise 0 e>n$ by ^? ,jews :o yield$ to ! sacr$ decision ( ! lot & ab&on$ _! pleasant ru/ic retreats to take up ! m try+ po/s ( s5t9els 9 a g>rison4 ,accord+ to 8 cu/om1 ! *ronicl] proce$s to %[ u h[ ! p 7 organis$4 ,8 _m names h long ceas$ to convey ! liv+ int]e/ t mu/ h clu/]$ r\nd !m :5 ! families !y repres5t$ 7 /ill able to recognise _! ance/ors 9 ! roll ( hon\r4 ,b incid5tally he imports into 8 regi/] a note ab\t ! ,great ,k+'s conc]n = ! temple wor%ip1 f :i* we le>n t ,artax]xes made special provision = ! support ( ! *ori/]s1 & t he ent]ta9$ a ,jewi% repres5tative 9 8 c\rt to keep him in=m$ on ! condition ( ! di/ant city4 ,?us we h ano!r indication ( ! royal patronage :i* 0 beh9d ! :ole movem5t = ! re/oration ( ! ,jews4 ,nev]!less ! pite\s pla9t ( ! ,jews on _! great fa/ day %[s u t _! s]vitude gall$ !m sorely4 ,m5 :o c\ld utt] t cry w\ld n be brib$ into a /ate ( *e]ful satisfaction by ! k9dness ( _! ma/] 9 subscrib+ to _! *oir fund1 al?\gh d\btless ! contribution 0 made 9 a _s ( well-mean+ g5]osity4 ,! ideal ,city ( ,god _h n yet appe>$1 & ! h9t ( ! dep5d5ce ( ,j]usalem on royal patronage is a significant rem9d] ( ! sad fact4 ,x nev] did appe>1 ev5 9 ! brighte/ days ( ! e>?ly ,j]usalem4 ,b ,god 0 tea*+ ,8 p ?r\gh ! hi/ory ( t unhappy city h[ high ! true ideal mu/ be1 & s prep>+ !m = ! heav5ly city1 ! ,new ,j]usalem4 ,n[ we may take ! high ideal t 0 sl[ly em]g+ ?r\gh\t ! ages1 & see h[ ,god int5ds to h x realis$ 9 ! ,city ( ,god :i*1 f ! days ( ,sa9t ,augu/9e1 we h le>nt to look = 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/4 ,! two lead+ ?\ghts connect$ ) ! ,holy ,city 9 ! phase ( h] hi/ory t is n[ pass+ "u our notice are s+ul>ly applicable to ! ,*ri/ian community4 ,fir/1 ! *>act]i/ic life ( ! city4 ,enclos$ )9 walls ! city ga9$ a peculi> "* & p]=m$ a di/9ctive mission ( h] own4 ,our ,"l 0 n satisfi$ to rescue /ray %eep on ! m\nta9s only to br& !m ) ,8 m>k & !n turn !m out aga9 to graze 9 solitude4 ,he drew !m z a flock aft] ,himself1 & ,8 disciples ga!r$ !m into ! fold ( ,*ur* fell[%ip4 ,?is is ( z vital importance to ! cause ( ,*ri/ianity z ! civic organisation ( ,j]usalem 0 to t ( ,judaism4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,city ( ,god /&s out be=e ! _w on h] l(ty f\ndation1 ! ,rock ( ,ages--a beacon ( sep>ation f s91 a te/imony to ! grace ( ,god1 a c5tre = ! confession ( fai?1 a home = social wor%ip1 a rally+ po9t = ! =ces ( holy w>f>e1 a sanctu>y = ! helpless & oppress$4 ,second1 ! public duty ( a citiz5%ip4 ,! reluctance ( ,*ri/ians to accept ! responsibilities ( ,*ur* memb]%ip may be comp>$ to ! backw>dness ( ! ,jews to dwell 9 _! metropolis4 ,l ,j]usalem 9 ! "t ( ,nehemiah1 ! ,city ( ,god to-day is an outpo/ 9 ! battle-field1 a =tress surr\nd$ by ! enemy's t]ritory4 ,x is traitor\s to retire to ! calm cultivation ( "o's private g>d5-plot 9 ! h\r ( /ress & /ra9 :5 ! citadel is ?reat5$ on all sides4 ,x is ! pla9 duty ( ! p ( ,god to m\nt gu>d & take _! turn z wat*m5 on ! walls ( ! ,holy ,city4 ,may we c>ry ! analogy "o /ep fur!r8 ,! k+ ( ,p]sia1 ?\gh 8 realm /ret*$ f ! ,tigris to ! gean1 c\ld n give mu* effectual help to ! true ,city ( ,god4 ,b ! ,div9e ,k+ ( k+s s5ds h] con/ant supplies1 & %e too1 l ,j]usalem1 has h] ,repres5tative at c\rt1 ,"o :o ev] lives to make int]cession = h]4 ,,*apt] ,,xxix4 ,,beg9n+s4 ,,nehemiah xii4 #bg-dg4 ,a curi\s feature ( ! hi/ory ( ! re/oration ( ,israel already met ) sev]al times is po/ponem5t4 ,?us 9 ! days ( ,cyrus ,z]ubbabel leads up an exp$ition = ! express purpose ( build+ ! temple at ,j]usalem2 b ! "w is n execut$ until ! reign ( ,d>ius4 ,aga91 ,ezra br+s ! book ( ,! ,law ) him :5 he comes to ! city2 yet he does n f9d an opportunity = publi%+ x till "s ye>s lat]4 ,once m1 ,nehemiah sets to "w on ! =tifications ) ! promptitude ( a practical man & executes 8 task ) a/oni%+ cel]ity2 /ill1 ev5 9 8 case ! usual brea* ( sequ5ce occurs2 "h1 too1 we h int]ruption & ! intrusion ( ali5 matt]s1 s t ! cr[n+ act ( ! d$ication ( ! walls is delay$4 ,9 ?is f9al in/ance we d n "k h[ long a po/ponem5t !re 04 ,t[>ds ! end ( 8 "w ! *ronicl] is exceptionally abrupt & disconnect$4 ,9 ! section xii4 #bg-dc he gives u an extract f ,nehemiah's memoirs1 b )\t any note ( "t4 ,! pres]vation ( ano!r bit ( ! patriot's orig9al writ+ is int]e/+1 n only because ( its assur$ hi/oricity1 b fur!r because exceptional importance is giv5 to ! records t h be5 judg$ wor?y ( be+ extract$ & made portions ( p]man5t scripture1 al?\gh o!r s\rces are only us$ by ! *ronicl] z mat]ials out ( :i* to con/ruct 8 own n>rative 9 ! ?ird p]son4 ,:ile we _c assign its exact date to ! subject ( ?is important fragm5t1 "o ?+ is cle> f its position 9 ! /ory ( ! days ( ,nehemiah4 ,! read+ ( ,! ,law1 ! great fa/1 ! seal+ ( ! cov5ant1 ! c5sus1 & ! regulations = peopl+ ,j]usalem1 all came betwe5 ! completion ( ! =tifications & ! d$ication ( !m4 ,! int]ruption & ! consequ5t delay 7 n )\t mean+ & object4 ,aft] :at _h occurr$ 9 ! int]val1 ! p 7 bett] prep>$ to ent] into ! c]emony ( d$ication ) intellig5ce & e>ne/ness ( purpose4 ,?is act1 al?\gh x 0 imm$iately direct$ to ! wall1 01 z a matt] ( fact1 ! re-consecration ( ! city2 because ! walls 7 built 9 ord] to pres]ve ! di/9ct individuality1 unique integrity ( :at !y includ$4 ,n[ ! ,jews ne$$ to "k ,! ,law 9 ord] to und]/& ! de/9y ( ,j]usalem2 !y ne$$ to devote !mselves p]sonally to ! s]vice ( ,god1 s t !y might c>ry out t de/9y2 & !y ne$$ to recruit ! =ces ( ! ,holy ,city1 = ! purpose ( giv+ /r5g? & volume to its future4 ,?us ! po/ponem5t ( ! d$ication made t ev5t1 :5 x came ab\t1 a mu* m real ?+ ?an x w\ld h be5 if x _h foll[$ imm$iately on ! build+ ( ! walls4 ,may we n say t 9 e simil> case ! p]sonal consecration mu/ prec$e ! mat]ial8 ,! city is :at its citiz5s make x4 ,!y1 & n its site or its build+s1 give x its true "*4 ,j]usalem & ,babylon1 ,a!ns & ,rome1 are n to be di/+ui%$ 9 _! topography & ar*itecture 9 any?+ approa*+ ! degree 9 :i* !y are individualis$ by ! mann]s & de$s ( _! respective peoples4 ,mo/ assur$ly ! ,new ,j]usalem w j reflect ! *>act]s ( h] citiz5s4 ,?is ,city ( ,god w be fair & spotless only :5 !y :o tread h] /reets are clad 9 ! beauty ( hol9ess4 ,9 small] details1 too1 & 9 p]sonal matt]s1 we c only d$icate aright t :i* we are h&l+ 9 a _s ( e>ne/ devotion4 ,! mis]able sup]/ition t cl\ds our ideas ( ?is subject rises out ( ! totally errone\s notion t x is possible to h holy ?+s )\t holy p]sons1 t a my/ical sanctity c atta* itself to any objects ap>t f an intellig5t p]ception ( "s sacr$ purpose = :i* !y are to be us$4 ,?is mat]iali/ic notion degrades religion into magic2 x is next door to feti*ism4 ,x is important1 !n1 t we %\ld und]/& :at we mean by d$ication4 ,un=tunately 9 our ,engli% ,bible ! ^w d$icate is made to /& = two totally di/9ct ,hebrew t]ms1 "o#bdg ( :i* means to consecrate1 to make holy1 or set ap>t = ,god2 :ile ! o!r#bdh means to initiate1 to m>k ! beg9n+ ( a ?+4 ,! fir/ is us$ ( functions ( ritual1 prie/ly & sacrificial2 b ! second has a mu* wid] application1 "o t is n always directly connect$ ) religion4 ,?us we meet ) ?is second ^w 9 ! regulations ( ,deut]onomy :i* lay d[n ! conditions on :i* c]ta9 p]sons are to be excus$ f milit>y s]vice4 ,! man :o has built a new h\se b :o has n d$icat$ x is plac$ side by side ) "o :o has plant$ a v9ey>d & ) a ?ird :o is on ! eve ( 8 m>riage4#bdi ,n[ ! fir/ ^w--t describ+ real consecration--is us$ ( ! prie/s' action 9 reg>d to _! portion ( ! wall1 & 9 ?is place our translators h r5d]$ x sanctifi$4#bej ,b 9 ! n>rative ( ! g5]al d$ication ( ! walls ! second & m secul> ^w is us$4 ,! same ^w is us$1 h[ev]1 we mu/ notice1 9 ! acc\nt ( ! d$ication ( ! temple4#bea ,9 bo? ^! cases1 & 9 all o!r cases ( ! employm5t ( ! ^w1 ! *ief mean+ convey$ by x is j initiation4#beb ,x signalises a comm5cem5t4 ,!re=e ! c]emony at ! new walls 0 design$ 9 ! fir/ in/ance to direct att5tion to ! v fact ( _! newness1 & to call up ^? ?\ghts & feel+s t are suitable 9 ! consid]ation ( a "t ( comm5cem5t4 ,we mu/ all ackn[l$ge t su* a "t is "o = v e>ne/ ?\ght4 ,all our beg9n+s 9 life--! bir? ( a *ild1 a "y man's />t 9 ! _w1 ! w$d+ t f\nds ! home1 ! occupation ( a new h\se1 ! entrance on a fre% l9e ( bus9ess--all su* beg9n+s come to r\se u f ! indiff]5ce ( r\t9e1 to speak to u ) ! voice ( ,provid5ce1 to bid u look =w>d & prep>e ourselves = ! future4 ,we h r\nd$ a corn]1 & a new vi/a has op5$ up to our view4 ,z we gaze d[n ! long aisle we mu/ be he$less inde$ if we c contemplate ! vision )\t a ?rill ( emotion1 )\t a ?\ght ( anticipation4 ,! new dep>ture 9 ext]nal affairs is an opportunity = a new turn 9 our inn] life1 & x calls = a reconsid]ation ( our res\rces & me?ods4 #bdg ,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,q(,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,dalet,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,%9 ,piel ( ,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,q(,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,dalet ,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,%9 #bdh ,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,het,,hebrew ,,po9t ,,qamats,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,nun ,,hebrew ,,po9t ,,patah,,hebrew ,,lett] ,,f9al ,,kaf ,,hebrew ,,po9t ,,%eva #bdi ,deut4 xx4 #e-g4 #bej ,neh1 iii4 #a4 #bea ,ezra vi4 #af4 #beb ,/ill 9 ! e>li] sc5e1 ! d$ication ( ! temple1 ! sacr$ use ( ! build+ makes ! act ( initiation to be equival5t to consecration4 ,!re ! connection gives ! special association4 ,"o ( ! *>ms ( ! ,bible is t1 l nature1 x is full ( fre% />ts4 ,inasmu* z a p]5nial brea? ( new life plays among ! pages ( ^! anci5t scriptures1 we h only to dr9k x 9 to feel :at inspiration !re is "h = e mom5t\s beg9n+4 ,j z ! fad+1 dank autumn gives way to ! desolation ( w9t] 9 ord] t 9 due "t ! sleep+ se$s & buds may bur/ out 9 ! bir? ( spr+ ) ! fre%ness ( ,ed51 ,god has orda9$ t ! decay+ old ?+s ( human life %all fall away & be =gott51 :ile ,he calls u into ! h]itage ( ! new--giv+ a new cov5ant1 creat+ a new he>t1 promis+ a new heav5 & a new e>?4 ,! mi/ake ( our torpor & timidity is t we w cl+ to ! rags ( ! pa/ & only pat* !m ) %r$s ( ! lat] age1 in/ead ( boldly fl++ !m on to clo! ourselves 9 ! new g>m5t ( praise :i* is to take ! place ( ! old _s ( heav9ess4 ,! me?od 9 :i* a new beg9n+ 0 celebrat$ by ! ,jews 9 relation to _! re/or$ walls is illu/rative ( ! _s 9 :i* su* an ev5t %\ld always be contemplat$4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 z a prep>ation = ! :ole ( ! subsequ5t c]emonies1 ! prie/s & ,levites c>ri$ out a great "w ( purification4 ,!y began ) !mselves1 because ! m5 :o are fir/ 9 any deal+s ) religion mu/ be fir/ 9 purity4 ,judg$ by ! highe/ /&>d1 ! only real diff]5ce ( rank 9 ! ,*ur* is det]m9$ by v>y+ degrees ( hol9ess2 m]ely (ficial di/9ctions & ^? t arise f ! unequal di/ribution ( gifts _c affect anybody's position ( hon\r 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,! functions ( ! recognis$ m9i/ry1 9 p>ticul>1 dem& purity ( "* = _! "r dis*>ge4 ,!y t be> ! vessels ( ! ,"l mu/ be clean4 ,& n only s 9 g5]al2 especially 9 ! matt] ( purification is x necess>y t ^? :o c>ry out ! "w %\ld fir/ be pure !mselves4 ,:at "h appli$ to prie/s & ,levites c]emonially applies 9 prosaic e>ne/ to all :o feel call$ to purge society 9 ! int]e/ ( true morality4 ,:o c br+ a clean ?+ out ( an unclean8 ,! lead]s ( moral re=ms mu/ be !mselves morally clean4 ,only reg5]ate m5 & wom5 c reg5]ate society4 ,if ! salt has lo/ its sav\r x w n arre/ corruption 9 ! sacrifice t is salt$ ) x4 ,b ! purification does n cease ) ! lead]s4 ,9 c]emonial symbolism all ! p & ev5 ! v walls are also cleans$4 ,?is is done 9 view ( ! new dep>ture1 ! fre% beg9n+4 ,su* an occasion calls = mu* he>t-se>*+ & spiritual cleans+--a tru? :i* mu/ h be5 sugge/$ to ! m9ds ( ?\ghtful p by ! ,levitical c]emonies4 ,x is a %ame to br+ ! old /a9s into ! new sc5es4 ,! fre%1 clean />t calls = a new & bett] life4 ,next1 x is to be obs]v$1 !re 0 an organis$ procession r\nd ! walls1 a procession t includ$ citiz5s ( e rank--pr9ces1 prie/s1 ,levites1 & repres5tatives ( ! g5]al community1 describ$ z ,judah & ,b5jam94 ,/>t+ at ! we/ end ( ! city1 ^! p 7 divid$ into two sections1 "o l$ by ,nehemiah go+ r\nd by ! nor?1 & ! o!r conduct$ by ,ezra proce$+ by ! s\?1 s t !y met at ! ea/]n side ( ! city2 :]e opposite ! ,m\nt ( ,olives & close to ! temple1 !y all unit$ 9 an en?usia/ic outbur/ ( praise4 ,?is arrangem5t 0 n c>ri$ out = any ( ! idle ends ( a popul> pageant--to glorify ! processioni/s1 or to amuse ! spectators4 ,x 0 to s]ve an important practical purpose4 ,by p]sonal p>ticipation 9 ! c]emony ( initiation1 all sections ( ! community w\ld be br\ght to p]ceive its real significance4 ,s9ce ! walls 7 9 ! keep+ ( ! citiz5s1 x 0 necess>y t ! citiz5s %\ld ackn[l$ge _! privileges & responsibilities4 ,m5 & wom5 ne$ to come individually & directly face to face ) new conditions ( life4 ,m]e dulness ( imag9ation enc\rages ! lazy s5se ( indiff]5ce ) :i* s _m p p]mit !mselves to ignore ! claims ( duty1 & ! same cause acc\nts = a melan*oly failure to appreciate ! new bless+s t come f ! untir+ b\nty ( ,god4 ,9 ! ?ird place1 ! behavi\r ( ! processioni/s invites our att5tion4 ,! :ole c]emony 0 "o ( praise & gratitude4 ,levites 7 call$ 9 f ! outly+ t[ns & villages :]e !y _h got !mselves homes1 & ev5 f t "p ( ! ,jordan valley t lay ne>e/ to ,j]usalem4 ,_! pr9cipal function 0 to swell ! *orus ( ! temple s+]s4 ,musical in/rum5ts add$ emphasis to ! %\t ( human voices2 cla%+ cymbals & f9] ton$ h>ps support$ ! *oral song ) a ri* & p[]ful or*e/ral accompanim5t1 :i* 0 augm5t$ f ano!r qu>t] by a "y b& ( trumpet]s consi/+ ( "s ( ! prie/s' sons4 ,! imm$iate aim ( ! music & s++ 0 to %[ =? ! praises ( ,god4 ,! two great companies 7 to give ?anks :ile !y w5t r\nd ! walls4 ,sacrifices ( ?anksgiv+ complet$ ! c]emony :5 ! processions 7 unit$ & br\ght to a /&/ill ne> ! temple4 ,! ?anksgiv+ w\ld arise out ( a grateful ackn[l$gm5t ( ! goodness ( ,god 9 lead+ ! "w ( build+ ! walls ?r\gh _m p]ils & disappo9tm5ts to its pres5t consummation4 ,r>ely does any?+ new spr+ up all ( a sudd5 )\t "s relation to our own pa/ life & action2 b ev5 t :i* is ! greate/ novelty & wond] to u mu/ h a cause some:]e4 ,if we h done no?+ to prep>e = ! happy surprise1 ,god has done mu*4 ,?us ! new />t is an occasion = giv+ ?anks to its great ,orig9ator4 ,b ! ?ankfulness also looks =w>d4 ,! city 0 n[ 9 a v mu* m hopeful condition ?an :5 ,nehemiah took 8 lonely night ride among its gho/ly ru9s4 ,by ?is "t x 0 a compact & /rongly =tifi$ c5tre1 ) solid def5ces & a good body ( devot$ citiz5s pl$g$ to d _! "p 9 pursu+ its unique de/9y4 ,! prospect ( a happy future :i* ?is wond]ful trans=mation sugge/$ af=d$ suffici5t reasons = ! greate/ ?ankfulness4 ,! _s ( praise ?us call$ =? w\ld be "o ( ! be/ gu>antees ( ! fulfilm5t ( ! high hopes t x inspir$4 ,!re is no?+ t s surely =$ooms p to failure z a despair+ bl9dness to any p]ception ( _! advantages4 ,! grateful s\l w always h mo/ gr\nd = a r5ewal ( gratitude4 ,x is only j & reasonable t ,god %\ld enc\rage ^? ( ,8 *ildr5 :o ackn[l$ge ,8 goodness1 ) fre% acts ( fav\r ov] & above :at ,he does = all 9 mak+ ,8 sun to %9e & ,8 ra9 to fall on ! bad z well z ! good4 ,b ap>t f consid]ations ( self-int]e/1 ! true _s ( praise w delight to p\r itself out 9 adoration ( ! great & good ,fa!r ( all bless+s4 ,x is a sign ( s9 or selfi%ness or unbelief :5 ! elem5t ( praise fails 9 our wor%ip4 ,?is is ! pure/ & highe/ "p ( a religi\s s]vice1 & x %\ld take ! fir/ place 9 ! e/imation ( ! wor%ipp]s4 ,x w d s directly a "r s5se ( ! goodness ( ,god is atta9$4 ,surely ! be/ wor%ip is t 9 :i* man's ne$s & hopes & fe>s are all swall[$ up 9 ! vision ( ,god's love & glory1 z ! fields & woods are lo/ 9 a dim purple haze :5 ! sky is agl[ ) ! rose & saffron ( a brilliant sunset4 ,fur!r1 x is to be obs]v$ t a note ( gladness r+s ?r\gh ! :ole c]emony4 ,! acc\nt ( ! d$ication concludes ) ! p]fectly jubilant v]se1 ,& !y (f]$ great sacrifices t day1 & rejoic$2 = ,god _h made !m rejoice ) great joy2 & ! wom5 also & ! *ildr5 rejoic$3 s t ! joy ( ,j]usalem 0 he>d ev5 af> (f4#bec ,! joy w\ld be m+l$ ) ! praise1 because :5 p see ! goodness ( ,god en\gh to praise ,him f _! he>ts !y _c b rejoice2 & !n ! joy w\ld react on ! praise1 because ! m bless$ness ,god s5ds ! m he>tily mu/ ,8 grateful *ildr5 ?ank ,him4 ,n[ ! outbur/ ( joy 0 accompani$ ) sacrifices4 ,9 ! deepe/ s5se1 a s5se almo/ unkn[n till x 0 reveal$ by ,*ri/1 !re is a gr&1 solemn joy 9 sacrifice4 ,b ev5 to ^? :o h only rea*$ ! ,jewi% /&po9t1 ! self-surr5d] express$ by a c]emonial sacrifice z a symbol ( glad ?ankfulness 9 turn affects ! (f]] s z to height5 8 gladness4 ,no d\bt !re 7 mundane & secul> elem5ts 9 ?is joy ( a jubilant city4 ,a labori\s & dang]\s task _h be5 complet$2 ! city _h be5 =tifi$ & made able to def5d itself aga9/ ! horrors ( an assault2 !re 0 a fair prospect ( com=t & p]haps ev5 hon\r = ! oppress$ & despis$ citiz5s ( ,j]usalem4 ,b beyond all ?is & b5ea? x1 d\btless _m _h discov]$ ,nehemiah's great secret = !mselves2 !y _h f\nd _! /r5g? 9 ! joy ( ! ,"l4 ,9 face ( hea!ni% pleasures & sup]/iti\s t]rors x 0 mu* to "k t ,god expect$ ,8 holy p to be happy1 & m1 to f9d t ! direct road to happ9ess 0 hol9ess4 ,?is 0 ! be/ "p ( ! joy :i* all ! p exp]i5c$ ) m or less ?\ght & appreciation ( its mean+4 ,joy is contagi\s4 ,"h 0 a city full ( gladness4 ,nehemiah expressly takes note ( ! fact t ! wom5 & *ildr5 %>$ 9 ! univ]sal joy4 ,!y mu/ h be5 among ! mo/ pitiable suff]]s 9 ! previ\s calamities2 & !y _h tak5 _! place 9 ! great ,ecclesia :5 ,! ,law 0 read1 & aga9 :5 ! sad confession ( ! nation's s9 0 p\r$ =?4 ,x 0 well t !y %\ld n be left out ( ! lat] sc5e1 :5 joy & praise fill$ ! /age4 ,= *ildr5 especially :o w\ld n covet ?is gladness 9 religion8 ,x is only a mis]able %ort-sight$ness t all[s any "o to put be=e *ildr5 ideas ( ,god & spiritual ?+s :i* mu/ repel1 because ( _! gloom & /]nness4 ,let u res]ve ^! ideas = ! ca/igation ( ,ph>isees4 ,a sc5e ( joy\s wor%ip is truly typical ( ! p]fect ,city ( ,god ( :i* *ildr5 are ! typical citiz5s--! ,new ,j]usalem ( ^: inhabitants x is said1 ,god %all wipe away all te>s f _! eyes2 & !re %all be no m dea?1 nei!r sorr[1 nor cry+1 nei!r %all !re be any m pa92 = ! =m] ?+s are pass$ away4 #bec ,neh4 xii4 #dc4 ,la/ly1 foll[+ 8 extract f ! memoirs ( ,nehemiah1 ! *ronicl] %[s h[ ! glad _s ( ?is great day ( d$ication fl[$ out & manife/$ itself 9 ^? engagem5ts to :i* he 0 always delight$ to turn--! ,levitical s]vices4 ,?us ! ti! ga!r+ & ! temple psalmody 7 help$ =w>d4 ,! gladness ( religion is n conf9$ to set s]vices ( public wor%ip2 b :5 ^? s]vices are held x mu/ flood !m ) ! music ( praise4 ,x is impossible = ! wor%ip ( ,god's h\se to be limp & depress$ :5 ! s\ls ( ,8 *ildr5 are joy\s & eag]4 ,a half-he>t$1 melan*oly fai? may be cont5t ) neglect$ *ur*es & slov5ly s]vices--b n a joy\s religion :i* m5 & wom5 love & glory 94 ,:ile ,! joy ( ! ,"l has _m happy effects on ! _w1 x also cr[ds *ur*es1 fills treasuries1 su/a9s v>i\s m9i/ries1 inspires hymns ( praise1 & br+s life & vig\r into all ! "w ( religion4 ,,*apt] ,,xxx4 ,,! ,,rig\r ,,( ,,! ,,re=m]4 ,,nehemiah xiii4 ,!re is no f9ality 9 hi/ory4 ,! *apt] t seems to be r\nd$ on ) a p]fect conclusion always leaves room = an app5dix1 :i* 9 its turn may s]ve z an introduction to ano!r *apt]4 ,ezra's & ,nehemiah's "w seem$ to h rea*$ its climax 9 ! happy sc5e ( ! d$ication ( ! walls4 ,all difficulties _h vani%$2 ! new ord] _h be5 greet$ ) widespread en?usiasm2 ! future promis$ to be smoo? & prosp]\s4 ,if ! *ronicl] _h laid d[n 8 p5 at ?is po9t1 z any dramati/ be=e ,ibs5 :o 0 n b\nd by ! exig5cies ( prosaic facts w\ld h done1 8 "w might h pres5t$ a mu* m arti/ic appe>ance ?an x n[ we>s4 ,& yet x w\ld h be5 artificial1 & !re=e false to ! highe/ art ( hi/ory4 ,9 add+ a fur!r extract f ,nehemiah's memoirs t discloses a revival ( ! old tr\bles1 & s %[s t ! evils aga9/ :i* ! re=m]s cont5d$ _h n be5 /amp$ out1 ! writ] m>s ! lit]>y effect ( 8 record ( _! triumph2 b1 at ! same "t1 he satisfies u t he is 9 contact ) real life1 its imp]fections & its disappo9tm5ts4 ,x is n easy to settle ! "t ( ! incid5t m5tion$ 9 *apt] xiii4 #a-c4 ,! phrase on t day ) :i* ! passage op5s seems to po9t back to ! previ\s *apt]4 ,if s x _c be tak5 lit]ally1 because :at x describes mu/ be assign$ to a lat] p]iod ?an ! cont5ts ( ! p>agraph t foll[s x4 ,x =ms an introduction to ! extract f ,nehemiah's memoirs1 & its *ronological position is ev5 lat] ?an ! date ( ! fir/ "p ( ! extract1 because t beg9s ) ! words ,& be=e ?is1#bed i4e41 be=e ! incid5t t op5s ! *apt]4 ,n[ x is cle> t ,nehemiah's n>rative "h ref]s to a "t consid]ably aft] ! transactions ( ! previ\s *apt]1 inasmu* z he /ates t :5 ! fir/ ( ! occurr5ces he n[ records happ5$ he 0 away 9 ! c\rt ( ,artax]xes4#bee ,/ill lat]1 !n1 mu/ t ev5t be plac$ be=e :i* ?is new incid5t occurr$4 ,we might p]haps suppose t ! phrase at t day is c>ri$ ov] directly f ! *ronicl]'s orig9al s\rce & belongs to its antec$5ts 9 t docum5t2 b s clumsy a piece ( jo9]y is sc>cely admissible4 ,x is bett] to take ! phrase q g5]ally4 ,:atev] x meant :5 fir/ p5n$1 x is cle> t ! ev5ts x introduces belong only indef9itely to ! times previ\sly m5tion$4 ,we are really l&$ by !m 9 a new /ate ( affairs4 ,"h we mu/ notice t ! introductory passage is imm$iately connect$ ) ! ,nehemiah record4 ,x tells h[ ! law f ,deut]onomy requir+ ! exclusion ( ! ,ammonite & ! ,moabite 0 read & act$ on4 ,?is is to be rememb]$ :5 we are /udy+ ! subsequ5t ev5ts4 #bed ,neh4 xiii4 #d4 #bee ,neh4 xiii4 #f4 ,:5 ,nehemiah's ext5d$ leave ( abs5ce _h come to an end1 or :5 p]haps he _h be5 expressly summon$ back by ,artax]xes1 8 return to ,babylon 0 foll[$ by a melan*oly relapse 9 ! re=m$ city ( ,j]usalem4 ,?is is n by any means a/oni%+4 ,no?+ s h9d]s & di/resses ! mission>y z ! repeat$ outbreak ( _! old hea!n vices among 8 conv]ts4 ,! drunk>d _c be reckon$ safe directly he has sign$ ! pl$ge4 ,old habits may be damp$ d[n )\t be+ ext+ui%$1 & :5 ?is is ! case !y w flame up aga9 z soon z ! repressive influ5ce is remov$4 ,9 ! pres5t in/ance !re 0 a di/9ct p>ty 9 ! city1 consi/+ ( "s ( ! mo/ prom95t & influ5tial citiz5s1 :i* disapprov$ ( ! sep>ati/1 puritanical policy ( ! re=m]s & advocat$ a m lib]al c\rse4 ,"s ( its memb]s may h be5 consci5ti\s m51 :o hone/ly deplor$ :at !y w\ld reg>d z ! disa/r\s /ate ( isolation br\ght ab\t by ! action ( ,ezra & ,nehemiah4 ,aft] hav+ be5 sil5c$ = a "t by ! p[]ful pres5ce ( ! great re=m]s1 ^! p w\ld come out & decl>e !mselves :5 ! re/ra9+ influ5ces 7 remov$4 ,mean:ile we he> no m ( ,ezra4 ,l ,z]ubbabel 9 ! e>li] p]iod1 he drops out ( ! hi/ory )\t a h9t z to 8 end4 ,he may h return$ to ,babylon1 ?9k+ 8 "w complete2 possibly he _h be5 recall$ by ! k+4 ,x is likely t "s rum\rs ( ! decl5sion ( ,j]usalem rea*$ ,nehemiah at ! ,p]sian c\rt4 ,b he did n discov] ! :ole ext5t ( ?is retrograde movem5t until he 0 once m 9 ! city1 ) a second leave ( abs5ce f ,artax]xes4 ,!n !re 7 f\r evils t he p]ceiv$ ) great grief4 ,! fir/ 0 t ,tobiah _h got a foot+ 9 ! city4 ,9 ! e>li] p]iod ?is s]vant _h be5 c>ry+ on intrigues ) "s memb]s ( ! ari/ocracy4 ,! p>ty ( opposition _h done its be/ to repres5t him 9 a fav\rable light to ,nehemiah1 & all ! :ile ?is p>ty _h be5 traitor\sly keep+ ,tobiah in=m$ ( ! /ate ( affairs 9 ! city4 ,b n[ a fur!r /ep 0 tak54 ,?\gh "o ( ! ?ree lead+ enemies ( ,nehemiah1 ! ally & support] ( ! ,sam>itan gov]nor ,sanballat1 ?is man 0 actually p]mitt$ to h a lodg+ 9 ! prec9cts ( ! temple4 ,! locality 0 select$1 d\btless1 because x 0 )9 ! imm$iate jurisdiction ( ! prie/s1 among :om ! ,jewi% oppon5ts ( ,nehemiah 7 f\nd4 ,x is z ?\gh1 9 8 qu>rel ) ,h5ry1 ,?omas ,becket _h lodg$ a papal envoy 9 ! ca!dral close at ,cant]bury4 ,to a ,jew :o did n treat ! ord9ances ( religion ) ! ,sadducean laxity t 0 always to be f\nd 9 "s ( ! lead+ memb]s ( ! prie/hood1 ?is 0 mo/ abhorr5t4 ,he saw 9 x a defilem5t ( ! neighb\rhood ( ! temple1 if n ( ! sacr$ enclosure itself1 z well z an insult to ! =m] gov]nor ( ! city4 ,tobiah may h us$ 8 room = ! purpose ( ent]ta9+ visitors 9 /ate2 b x may only h be5 a w>eh\se = trade /ores1 z x _h previ\sly be5 a place 9 :i* ! bulky sacrificial gifts 7 /[$ away4 ,su* a degradation ( x1 sup]s$+ its previ\s sacr$ use1 w\ld aggravate ! evil 9 ! sight ( s /rict a man z ,nehemiah4 ,! outrage 0 easily acc\nt$ =4 ,tobiah 0 alli$ by m>riage to ! prie/ :o 0 ! /ew>d ( ?is *amb]4 ,?us we h a cle> case ( tr\ble aris+ out ( ! sy/em ( =eign m>riages :i* ,ezra _h s /r5u\sly oppos$4 ,x seems to h op5$ ! eyes ( ! y\ng] re=m] to ! evil ( ^! m>riages1 = hi!rto we h n f\nd him tak+ any active "p 9 fur!r+ ! action ( ,ezra ) reg>d to !m4 ,possibly he _h n come across an e>li] in/ance4 ,b n[ x 0 pla9 en\gh t ! effect 0 to br+ a pron\nc$ enemy ( all he lov$ & advocat$ into ! he>t ( ! city1 ) ! rights ( a t5ant1 too1 to back him up4 ,if evil communications corrupt good mann]s1 ?is 0 mo/ injuri\s to ! cause ( ! re=mation4 ,! "t _h n arriv$ :5 a g5]\s _s c\ld d>e to welcome all-com]s to ,j]usalem4 ,! city 0 /ill a =tress 9 dang] ( siege4 ,m ?an t1 x 0 a ,*ur* ?reat5$ ) dissolution by reason ( ! admission ( unfit memb]s4 ,:atev] we may say to ! social & political aspects ( ! case1 ecclesia/ically reg>d$1 laxity at ! pres5t /age w\ld h be5 fatal to ! future ( ,judaism1 & ! m]e pres5ce ( su* a man z ,tobiah1 op5ly sanction$ by a lead+ prie/1 0 a gl>+ in/ance ( laxity2 ,nehemiah 0 b\nd to /op ! mis*ief4 ,! second evil 0 ! neglect ( ! paym5ts due to ! ,levites4 ,x is to be obs]v$ aga9 t ! ,levites are mo/ closely associat$ ) ! re=m+ position4 ,religi\s laxity & indiff]5ce _h _h an effect on ! treasury = :i* ^! m5 7 ! collectors4 ,! f9ancial !rmomet] is a v r\gh te/ ( ! spiritual condition ( a religi\s community1 & we (t5 read x errone\sly1 n only because we _c gauge ! am\nt ( sacrifice made by p 9 v diff]5t circum/ances1 nor j because we are unable to discov] ! motives t prompt ! giv+ ( alms be=e m52 b also1 :5 e all[ance is made = ^! causes ( unc]ta9ty1 because ! gifts :i* are usually consid]$ mo/ g5]\s r>ely involve en\gh /ra9 & ef=t to br+ ! deepe/ spr+s ( life into play4 ,& yet x mu/ be all[$ t a decl9+ subscription li/ is usually to be reg>d$ z "o sign ( wan+ int]e/ on ! "p ( ! support]s ( any public movem5t4 ,:5 we consid] ! matt] f ! o!r side1 we mu/ ackn[l$ge t ! be/ way to improve ! pecuni>y position ( any religi\s ent]prise is n to "w ! exhau/$ pump m vigor\sly1 b to drive ! well deep] & tap ! res\rces ( g5]osity t lie ne>] ! he>t--n to beg h>d]1 b to awak5 a bett] _s ( devotion4 ,! ?ird indication ( backslid+ t vex$ ! s\l ( ,nehemiah 0 ,sabba? pr(anation4 ,he saw lab\r & comm]ce bo? proce$+ on ! day ( re/--,jews tread+ ! w9epress1 c>ry+ ! %eaves1 lad+ _! asses1 & br++ loads ( w9e1 grapes1 & figs1 & all sorts ( w>es1 into ,j]usalem = sale2 & fi%mong]s & p$l>s f ,tyre--n1 ( c\rse1 !mselves to be blam$ = fail+ to respect ! fe/ival ( a p ^: religion !y did n %>e--p\r+ into ! city1 & op5+ _! m>kets z on any weekday4 ,nehemiah 0 greatly al>m$4 ,he w5t at once to ! nobles1 :o seem to h be5 gov]n+ ! city1 z a sort ( olig>*y1 dur+ 8 abs5ce1 & expo/ulat$ ) !m on _! dang] ( provok+ ! wra? ( ,god aga91 urg+ t ,sabba?-break+ _h be5 "o ( ! (f5ces :i* _h call$ d[n ! judgm5t ( ,heav5 on _! fa!rs4 ,!n he took means to prev5t ! com+ ( =eign trad]s on ! ,sabba?1 by ord]+ ! gates to be kept clos$ f ,friday ev5+ till ! sacr$ day 0 ov]4 ,once or twice ^! p came up z usual1 & camp$ j outside ! city2 b z ?is 0 di/urb+ to ! peace ( ! day1 ,nehemiah ?reat5$ t if !y repeat$ ! annoyance he w\ld lay h&s on !m4 ,la/ly1 he *>g$ ! ,levites1 fir/ to cleanse !mselves t !y might be ready to und]take a "w ( purification1 & !n to take *>ge ( ! gates on ! ,sabba? & see t ! day 0 hall[$ 9 ! cessation ( all lab\r4 ,?us bo? by p]suasion & by vigor\s active measures ,nehemiah put an end to ! disord]4 ,! importance atta*$ to ?is matt] is a sign ( ! prom95ce giv5 to ,sabba?-keep+ 9 ,judaism4 ,! same ?+ 0 se5 e>li] 9 ! selection ( ! law ( ! ,sabba? z "o ( ! two or ?ree rules to be specially not$1 & to :i* ! ,jews 7 to p>ticul>ly pl$ge !mselves 9 ! cov5ant4#bef ,ref]5ce 0 !n made to ! v act ( ! ,tyrians n[ compla9$ (1 ! (f]+ ( w>es & food = sale 9 ,j]usalem on ! ,sabba? day4 ,putt+ ^! two passages toge!r1 we c see :]e ! ,sabba?-break+ came f4 ,x 0 ! invasion ( a =eign cu/om--l ! dread$ introduction ( ! ,cont95tal ,sunday into ,engl&4 ,n[ to ,nehemiah ! fact ( ! =eign orig9 ( ! cu/om w\ld be a heavy condemnation = x4 ,next to circumcision1 ,sabba?-keep+ 0 ! pr9cipal m>k ( ! ,jew4 ,9 ! days ( our ,"l x 0 ! mo/ highly priz$ feature ( ! anci5t fai?4 ,?is 0 !n s obvi\s t x 0 laid hold ( by ,roman satiri/s1 :o knew little ab\t ! /range trad]s 9 ! ,ghetto except t !y sabbatis$4 ,nehemiah saw t if ! sacr$ day ( re/ 7 to be ab&on$1 "o ( 8 bulw>ks ( sep>ation w\ld be lo/4 ,?us = him1 ) 8 fix$ policy1 & 9 view ( ! dang]s ( 8 age1 !re 0 a v urg5t reason = ma9ta9+ ! ,sabba?1 a reason :i* ( c\rse does n apply to u 9 ,engl& to-day4 ,we mu/ pass on to ! tea*+ ( ,*ri/ to h ?is "q put on a wid] & m p]man5t basis4 ,) t ,div9e insight ( ,8 :i* p5etrat$ to ! root ( e matt]1 our ,"l saw ?r\gh ! mis]able =malism t made an idol ( a day1 & 9 s do+ turn$ a boon into a burd52 at ! same "t ,he rescu$ ! sublimely simple tru? :i* conta9s bo? ! ju/ification & ! limitation ( ! ,sabba?1 :5 ,he decl>$1 ,! ,sabba? 0 made = man1 & n man = ! ,sabba?4 ,9 resi/+ ! rig\r ( legal-m9d$ ,sabbat>ianism1 ! mod]n m9d seems to h conf9$ its att5tion to ! second clause ( ?is great utt]ance1 to ! neglect ( its fir/ clause4 ,is x no?+1 !n1 t ,jesus said1 ,! ,sabba? 0 made = man--n = ! ,jew only1 b = man8 ,al?\gh we may feel free f ! religion ( law 9 reg>d to ! obs]vance ( days z mu* z 9 o!r ext]nal matt]s1 is x n fooli% = u to m9imise a bless+ t ,jesus ,*ri/ expressly decl>$ to be = ! good ( ! human race8 ,if ! re/ day 0 ne$$ by ! ,ori5tal 9 ! sl[-mov+ life ( antiquity1 is x any less requisite = ! ,we/]n 9 ! ru% ( ^! lat] times8 ,b if x is necess>y to our welf>e1 ! neglect ( x is s9ful4 ,?us n because ( ! inh]5t sanctity ( seasons1 b on our ,"l's own gr\nd ( ! highe/ utilit>ianism--a utilit>ianism :i* rea*es to o!r p1 & ev5 to animals1 & affects ! s\l z well z ! body--! res]vation ( "o day 9 sev5 = re/ is a sacr$ duty4 ,! _w is too mu* ) u = ! six days4 ,we c ill af=d to lose ! recurr5t escape f its blight+ companion%ip orig9ally provid$ by ! sev5? & n[ enjoy$ on our ,sunday4 #bef ,neh4 x4 #ca4 ,la/ly1 ,nehemiah 0 confront$ by ! social effects ( =eign m>riage alliances4 ,^! alliances _h be5 contract$ by ,jews resid5t 9 ! s\?-we/]n corn] ( ,juda1 :o may n h come "u ! influ5ce ( ,ezra's dra/ic re=mation 9 ,j]usalem1 & :o probably 7 n m>ri$ till aft] t ev5t4 ,!y af=d ano!r evid5ce ( ! c\nt] curr5t t 0 runn+ s /rongly aga9/ ! regulations ( ! p>ty ( rig\r :ile ,nehemiah 0 away4 ,! laxity ( ! bord] p may be acc\nt$ = )\t call+ 9 any subtle motives4 ,b _! fault 0 %>$ by a memb] ( ! g5s ( ! high-prie/1 :o _h actually w$d$ ! daught] ( ,nehemiah's ar*-enemy ,sanballat6 ,cle>ly ?is 0 a political alliance1 & x indicat$ a defiant rev]sal ( ! policy ( ! re=m]s 9 ! v highe/ circles4 ,! (f5d]1 aft] be+ expell$ f ,j]usalem1 is said to h be5 ! f\nd] ( ! ,sam>itan temple on ,m\nt ,g]izim4 ,!n ! social mis*ief ( ! mix$ m>riages 0 %[+ itself 9 ! corruption ( ! ,hebrew language4 ,! ,phili/9e language 0 n alli$ to ! ,egyptian1 z "s h ?\ght1 nor 0 x ,indo-,g]manic1 z o!rs h suppos$1 b x 0 ,semitic1 & only a diff]5t dialect f ! ,hebrew2 & yet ! difficulty p]sons f ! s\? ( ,engl& feel 9 und]/&+ ! spee* ( ,york%irem5 9 remote p>ts ( ! c\nty w help u to acc\nt = a practical loss ( mutual intellig5ce betwe5 p ( diff]5t dialects1 :5 ^! dialects 7 /ill m isolat$ by hav+ gr[n up 9 two sep>ate & ho/ile nations4 ,= ! *ildr5 ( ,jewi% p>5ts to be talk+ ) ! tones & acc5ts ( ! h]$it>y enemies ( ,israel 0 intol]able4 ,:5 he he>d ! hat$ s\nds1 ,nehemiah simply lo/ 8 temp]4 ,) a curse on 8 lips he ru%$ at ! fa!rs1 /rik+ !m & te>+ _! hair4 ,x 0 ! rage ( bitt] disappo9tm5t2 b beh9d x lay ! grim set purpose 9 hold+ to :i* ) dogg$ t5acity ,ezra & ,nehemiah sav$ ,judaism f ext9ction4 ,sep>atism is nev] graci\s2 yet x may be "r4 ,! re=m] is n g5]ally ( a mild temp]am5t4 ,we may regret 8 h>%ness2 b we %\ld rememb] t ! _w has only se5 "o p]fectly meek & yet ?or\ghly effective ,revolutioni/1 only "o ,lamb ( ,god :o c\ld be also nam$ ! ,lion ( ! tribe ( ,judah4 ,! :ole situation 0 disappo9t+ to ,nehemiah1 & 8 memoir ends 9 a pray] b5ea? :i* we c detect an und]tone ( melan*oly4 ,?ree times dur+ ?is la/ section he appeals to ,god to rememb] him--n to wipe out 8 good de$s1#beg to sp>e him accord+ to ! greatness ( ! ,div9e m]cy1#beh & f9ally to rememb] him = good4#bei ,! memories ( ! ,j]usalem cov5ant]s _h be5 brief2 dur+ ! %ort int]val ( _! lead]'s abs5ce !y _h =gott5 8 discipl9e & fall5 back into neglig5t ways4 ,x 0 va9 to tru/ to ! fickle fancies ( m54 ,) a s5se ( we>y lonel9ess1 taught to feel 8 own insignificance 9 t great tide ( human life t fl[s on 9 its own c\rse ?\gh ! mo/ prom95t figures drop out ( notice1 ,nehemiah turn$ to 8 ,god1 ! "o ,fri5d :o nev] =gets4 ,he 0 le>n+ ! vanity ( ! _w's fame2 yet he %rank f ! idea ( fall+ into oblivion4 ,!re=e x 0 8 pray] t he might abide 9 ! memory ( ,god4 ,?is 0 by itself a re/ful ?\ght4 ,x is *e]+ to ?9k t we may dwell 9 ! memory ( ^? we love4 ,b to be held 9 ! ?\ght ( ,god is to h a place 9 ! he>t ( inf9ite love4 ,& yet ?is 0 n ! conclusion ( ! :ole matt] to ,nehemiah4 ,x is really no?+ bett] ?an a frivol\s vanity1 t c induce any "o to be will+ to sacrifice ! prospect ( a real et]nal life 9 ex*ange = ! pallid %ad[ ( immortality ascrib$ to ! *oir invisible ( ^? :o are only ?\ght ( z liv+ 9 ! memory ( ! _w !y h influ5c$ en\gh to w9 a ni*e 9 ! temple ( fame4 ,:at is fame to a dead man m\ld]+ 9 8 c(f98 ,ev5 ! high] ?\ght ( be+ rememb]$ by ,god is a poor consolation 9 prospect ( blank non-exi/5ce4 ,nehemiah expects some?+ bett]1 = he begs ,god to rememb] him 9 m]cy & = good4 ,x is a v n>r[1 prosaic int]pretation ( ?is pray] to say t he only means t he desires a bless+ dur+ ! rema9d] ( 8 life 9 ! c\rt at ,susa4 ,on ! o!r h&1 x may be too mu* to ascribe ! def9ite hope ( a future life to ?is ,old ,te/am5t sa9t4 ,& yet1 vague z 8 ?\ght may be1 x is ! utt]ance ( a pr(\nd ye>n+ ( ! s\l t breaks out 9 mom5ts ( disappo9tm5t ) an int5sity nev] to be satisfi$ )9 ! range ( our cramp$ mortal /ate4 ,9 ?is utt]ance ( ,nehemiah we h1 at lea/1 a se$ ?\ght t %\ld g]m9ate into ! great hope ( immortality4 ,if ,god c\ld =get ,8 *ildr51 we might expect !m to p]i%1 swept aside l ! )]$ leaves ( autumn4 ,b if ,he cont9ues to rememb] !m1 x is n j to ,8 ,fa!rhood to *>ge ,him ) p]mitt+ su* a fate to fall ^u ,8 (fspr+4 ,no human fa!r :o is wor?y ( ! "n w\ld will+ly let g ! *ildr5 :om he *]i%es 9 m9d & he>t4 ,is x reasonable to suppose t ! p]fect ,div9e ,fa!r1 :o is bo? almighty & all-lov+1 w\ld be less con/ant8 ,b if ,he rememb]s ,8 *ildr51 & rememb]s !m = good1 ,he w surely pres]ve !m4 ,if ,8 memory is unfad+1 & if ,8 love & p[] are et]nal1 ^? :o h a place 9 ,8 immortal ?\ght mu/ also h a %>e 9 ,8 immortal life4 #beg ,neh4 xiii4 #ad4 #beh ,neh4 xiii4 #bb4 #bei ,neh4 xiii4 #ca4 ,,*apt] ,,xxxi4 ,,! ,,book ,,( ,,e/h]3 ,,introductory4 ,!re is a /rik+ contra/ betwe5 ! high e/imation 9 :i* ! ,book ( ,e/h] is n[ *]i%$ among ! ,jews & ! slight+ treatm5t t is (t5 met$ out to x 9 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,accord+ to ! great ,maimonides1 ?\gh ! ,prophets & ! ,hagiographa w pass away :5 ! ,messiah comes1 ?is "o book w %>e ) ,! ,law 9 ! hon\r ( be+ reta9$4 ,x is kn[n z ,! ,roll p> excell5ce1 & ! ,jews h a prov]b1 ,! ,prophets may fail1 b n ,! ,roll4 ,! peculi> importance atta*$ to ! book may be expla9$ by its use 9 ! ,fea/ ( ,purim--! fe/ival :i* is suppos$ to commemorate ! deliv]ance ( ! ,jews f ! murd]\s designs ( ,haman1 & _! triumph ov] _! ,g5tile enemies--= x is !n read ?r\gh 9 ! synagogue4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! grave d\bts :i* 7 once felt by "s ( ! ,jews h be5 reta9$ & ev5 /r5g!n$ 9 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,e/h] 0 omitt$ f ! ,canon by "s ( ! ,ori5tal ,fa!rs4 ,lu!r1 ) ! d>+ fre$om he always manife/$ 9 pron\nc+ s5t5ce on ! books ( ! ,bible1 aft] ref]r+ to ! ,second ,book ( ,maccabees1 says1 ,i am s ho/ile to ?is book & t ( ,e/h]1 t ,i wi% !y did n exi/2 !y are too ,judais+1 & conta9 _m hea!ni% improprieties4 ,9 our own day two classes ( objections h be5 rais$4 ,! fir/ is hi/orical4 ,by _m ! ,book ( ,e/h] is reg>d$ z a fanta/ic romance2 by "s x is ev5 relegat$ to ! category ( a/ronomical my?s2 & by o!rs x is consid]$ to be a my/ical allegory4 ,ev5 ! mo/ sob] criticism is tr\bl$ at its cont5ts4 ,!re c be no "q t ! ,ahasu]us 7,aha%v]o%7 ( ,e/h] is ! well-kn[n ,x]xes ( hi/ory1 ! invad] ( ,greece :o is describ$ 9 ! pages ( ,h]odotus4 ,b !n1 x is ask$1 :at room h we = ! /ory ( ,e/h] 9 ! life ( t mon>*8 ,8 wife 0 a cruel & sup]/iti\s woman1 nam$ ,ame/ris4 ,we _c id5tify h] ) ,e/h]1 because %e 0 ! daught] ( "o ( ! ,p]sian g5]als1 & also because %e 0 m>ri$ to ,x]xes _m ye>s be=e ! date ( ,e/h]'s appe>ance on ! sc5e4 ,two ( h] sons accompani$ ! exp$ition to ,greece1 :i* mu/ h prec$$ ! introduction ( ,e/h] to ! h>em4 ,moreov]1 x 0 contr>y to law = a ,p]sian sov]eign to take a wife except f 8 own family1 or f "o ( five noble families4 ,c ,ame/ris be id5tifi$ ) ,va%ti8 ,if s1 x is c]ta9 t %e mu/ h be5 re/or$ to fav\r1 because ,ame/ris held ! que5's place 9 ! lat] ye>s ( ,x]xes1 :5 ! uxori\s mon>* came m & m "u h] influ5ce4 ,e/h]1 x is cle>1 c only h be5 a second>y wife 9 ! eyes ( ! law1 :atev] position %e may h held = a season 9 ! c\rt ( ! k+4 ,! pr$ecessors ( ,x]xes _h sev]al wives2 our n>rative makes x evid5t t ,ahasu]us foll[$ ! ,ori5tal cu/om ( keep+ a l>ge h>em4 ,to ,e/h]1 at be/1 !re=e1 mu/ be assign$ ! place ( a fav\rite memb] ( ! s]aglio4 ,!n x is difficult to ?9k t ,e/h] w\ld n h be5 recognis$ z a ,jewess by ,haman1 s9ce ! nationality ( ,mordecai1 ^: relation%ip to h] _h n be5 hidd51 0 kn[n 9 ! city ( ,susa4 ,moreov]1 ! appall+ massacre ( _! enemies by ! ,jews1 c>ri$ on 9 cold blood1 & expressly includ+ wom5 & *ildr51 has be5 reg>d$ z highly improbable4 ,f9ally1 ! :ole /ory is s well knit toge!r1 its successive incid5ts arrange !mselves s p]fectly & lead up to ! conclusion ) su* neat precision1 t x is n easy to assign x to ! normal c\rse ( ev5ts4 ,we d n expect to meet ) ?is sort ( ?+ outside ! realm ( fairy tales4 ,putt+ all ^! facts toge!r1 we mu/ feel t !re is "s =ce 9 ! cont5tion t ! book is n /rictly hi/orical4 ,b !re is ano!r side to ! "q4 ,?is book is m>vell\sly true to ,p]sian mann]s4 ,x is r$ol5t ( ! atmosph]e ( ! c\rt at ,susa4 ,its accuracy 9 ?is respect has be5 trac$ d[n to ! mo/ m9ute details4 ,! "* ( ,ahasu]us is drawn to ! life2 po9t aft] po9t 9 x may be mat*$ 9 ! ,x]xes ( ,h]odotus4 ,! op5+ s5t5ce ( ! book %[s t x 0 writt5 "s "t aft] ! date ( ! k+ 9 ^: reign ! /ory is set1 because x describes him 9 language only suit$ to a lat] p]iod--?is is ,ahasu]us :i* reign$ f ,india unto ,e?iopia1 etc4 ,b ! writ] c\ld n h be5 f> remov$ f ! ,p]sian p]iod4 ,! book be>s evid5ce ( hav+ be5 writt5 9 ! he>t ( ,p]sia1 by a man :o 0 intimately acqua9t$ ) ! sc5]y he describ$4 ,!re seems to be "s reason = believ+ 9 ! sub/antial accuracy ( a n>rative t is s true to life 9 ^! respects4 ,! simple/ way out ( ! dilemma is to suppose t ! /ory ( ,e/h] /&s ^u a hi/orical basis ( fact1 & t x has be5 work$ up into its pres5t lit]>y =m by a ,jew ( lat] days :o 0 liv+ 9 ,p]sia1 & :o 0 p]fectly famili> ) ! records & traditions ( ! reign ( ,x]xes4 ,x is only an unw>rantable1 a priori !ory t c be upset by our acceptance ( ?is conclusion4 ,we h no "r to dem& t ! ,bible %all n conta9 any?+ b :at is /rictly hi/orical4 ,! ,book ( ,job has long be5 accept$ z a sublime poem1 f\nd$ on fact p]haps1 b ow+ its *ief value to ! div9ely inspir$ ?\ghts ( its au?or4 ,! ,book ( ,jonah is reg>d$ by _m cauti\s & dev\t read]s z an allegory replete ) important lessons conc]n+ a v ugly aspect ( ,jewi% selfi%ness4 ,^! two works are n ! less valuable because m5 are com+ to und]/& t _! places 9 ! libr>y ( ! ,hebrew ,canon are n among ! /rict records ( hi/ory4 ,& ! ,book ( ,e/h] ne$ n be di%on\r$ :5 "s room is all[$ = ! play ( ! creative imag9ation ( its au?or4 ,9 ^! days ( ! !ological novel we are sc>cely 9 a position to object to :at may be ?\ght to p>take ( ! "* ( a romance1 ev5 if x is f\nd 9 ! ,bible4 ,no "o asks :e!r our ,"l's p>able ( ! ,prodigal ,son 0 a true /ory ( "s ,galilean family4 ,! ,pilgrim's ,progress has its mission1 ?\gh x is n to be v]ifi$ by any au!ntic ,annals ( ,el/[4 ,x is r pleas+ ?an o!rwise to see t ! compil]s ( ! ,jewi% ,canon 7 n prev5t$ by ,provid5ce f includ+ a little anticipation ( t "w ( ! imag9ation :i* has blossom$ s abundantly 9 ! highe/ & be/ culture ( our own day4 ,a mu* m s]i\s objection is urg$ on religi\s & moral gr\nds4 ,x is indisputable t ! book is n *>act]is$ by ! pure & l(ty _s t gives its /amp to mo/ ( ! o!r cont5ts ( ! ,bible4 ,! abs5ce ( ! "n ( ,god f its pages has be5 (t5 comm5t$ on4 ,! ,jews long ago recognis$ ?is fact1 & !y tri$ to discov] ! sacr$ "n 9 acro/ic =m at "o or two places :]e ! initial lett]s ( a gr\p ( words 7 f\nd to spell x4 ,b q ap>t f all su* fanta/ic trifl+1 x has be5 cu/om>y to argue t1 ?\gh unnam$1 ! pres5ce ( ,god is felt ?r\gh\t ! /ory 9 ! wond]ful ,provid5ce t protects ! ,jews & fru/rates ! designs ( _! ar*-enemy ,haman4 ,! difficulty1 h[ev]1 is wid] & deep]4 ,!re is no ref]5ce to religion1 x is said1 ev5 :]e x is mo/ call$ =2 no ref]5ce to pray] 9 ! h\r ( dang]1 :5 pray] %\ld h be5 ! fir/ res\rce ( a dev\t s\l2 9 fact no indication ( dev\tness ( ?\ght or conduct4 ,mordecai fa/s2 we are n told t he prays4 ,! :ole n>rative is imm]s$ 9 a secul> atmosph]e4 ,! religi\s "* ( apocryphal additions t 7 ins]t$ by lat] h&s is a tacit witness to a defici5cy felt by pi\s ,jews4 ,^! *>ges h be5 met by ! hypo!sis t ! au?or f\nd x necess>y to disguise 8 religi\s beliefs 9 a "w t 0 to come "u ! eyes ( hea!n read]s4 ,/ill we _c imag9e t an ,isaiah or an ,ezra w\ld h treat$ 8 subject 9 ! /yle ( our au?or4 ,x mu/ be admitt$ t we h a composition on a l[] plane ?an t ( ! prophetic & prie/ly hi/ories ( ,israel4 ,! !ory t all p>ts ( ! ,bible are inspir$ ) an equal measure ( ! ,div9e ,_s halts at ?is po9t4 ,b :at 0 to prev5t a composition analog\s to secul> lit]ature tak+ its place 9 ! ,hebrew ,scriptures8 ,h we any evid5ce t ! obscure scribes :o arrang$ ! ,canon 7 infallibly inspir$ to include only devotional works8 ,x is pla9 t ! ,book ( ,e/h] 0 valu$ on national r ?an on religi\s gr\nds4 ,! ,fea/ ( ,purim 0 a social & national occasion ( rejoic+1 n a solemn religi\s c]emony l ! ,passov]2 & ?is docum5t obta9s its place ( hon\r ?r\gh its connection ) ! fea/4 ,! book1 !n1 /&s to ! ,hebrew ,psalms some:at z ,macaulay's ballad ( ! ,armada /&s to ! hymns ( ,watts & ! ,wesleys4 ,x is ma9ly patriotic r ?an religi\s2 its purpose is to /ir ! s\l ( national en?usiasm ?r\gh ! long ages ( ! oppression ( ,israel4 ,x is n j1 h[ev]1 to ass]t t !re are no evid5ces ( religi\s fai? 9 ! /ory ( ,e/h]4 ,mordecai w>ns 8 c\s9 t if %e w n ex]t h]self to def5d h] p1 !n %all !re relief & deliv]ance arise to ! ,jews f ano!r place4#bfj ,:at c ?is be b a res]v$ utt]ance ( a dev\t man's fai? 9 t ,provid5ce :i* has always foll[$ ! fav\r$ p8 ,moreov]1 ,mordecai seems to p]ceive a ,div9e de/9y 9 ! exaltation ( ,e/h] :5 he asks1 ,& :o kn[e? :e!r ?\ art come to ! k+dom = su* a "t z ?is8#bfa ,! old comm5tators 7 n wrong :5 !y saw ! h& ( ,provid5ce 9 ! :ole /ory4 ,if we are to all[ "s lic5ce to ! imag9ation ( ! au?or 9 ! %ap+ & arrangem5t ( ! n>rative1 we mu/ assign to him also a real fai? 9 ,provid5ce1 = he describes a wond]ful int]l9k+ ( ev5ts all lead+ up to ! deliv]ance ( ! ,jews4 ,long be=e ,haman has any qu>rel ) ,mordecai1 ! disgu/+ degradation ( a dr9k+ b\t issues 9 an insult (f]$ to a fav\rite que54 ,?is %ameful occurr5ce is ! occasion ( ! selection ( a ,jewess1 ^: high position at c\rt ?us acquir$ enables h] to save h] p4 ,b !re is a second>y plot4 ,mordecai's discov]y ( ! conspirators :o w\ld h assass9at$ ,ahasu]us gives him a claim on ! k+'s g5]osity1 & s prep>es ! way1 n only = 8 escape f ! clut*es ( ,haman1 b also = 8 triumph ov] 8 enemy4 ,& ?is is br\ght ab\t--z we %\ld say--by accid5t4 ,if ,x]xes _h n _h a sleepless night j at ! "r "t1 if ! "p ( 8 /ate records select$ = read+ to him 9 8 wakefulness _h n be5 j t :i* told ! /ory ( ,mordecai's great s]vice1 ! occasion = ! turn 9 ! tide ( ! =tune ( ! ,jews w\ld n h aris54 ,b all 0 s fitt$ toge!r z to lead /ep by /ep on to ! victori\s conclusion4 ,no ,jew c\ld h p5n$ su* a /ory z ?is )\t hav+ int5d$ 8 co-religioni/s to recognise ! unse5 pres5ce ( an ov]-rul+ ,provid5ce ?r\gh\t ! :ole c\rse ( ev5ts4 #bfj ,e/h] iv4 #ad4 #bfa ,ibid4 ,b ! grave/ *>ge has yet to be consid]$4 ,x is urg$ aga9/ ! ,book ( ,e/h] t ! moral tone ( x is unwor?y ( ,scripture4 ,x is d$icat$ to no?+ high] ?an ! exaltation ( ! ,jews4 ,o!r books ( ! ,bible reveal ,god z ! ,supreme1 & ! ,jews z ,8 s]vants1 (t5 ,8 unwor?y & unfai?ful s]vants4 ,?is book sets ! ,jews 9 ! fir/ place2 & ,provid5ce1 ev5 if tacitly recognis$1 is q subs]vi5t to _! welf>e4 ,israel does n "h appe> z liv+ = ! glory ( ,god1 b all hi/ory works = ! glory ( ,israel4 ,9 accordance ) ! _s ( ! /ory1 ev]y?+ t opposes ! ,jews is condemn$1 ev]y?+ t fav\rs !m is hon\r$4 ,wor/ ( all1 ?is practical deification ( ,israel p]mits a tone ( he>tless cruelty4 ,! doctr9e ( sep>atism is mon/r\sly exagg]at$4 ,! ,jews are se5 to be surr\nd$ by _! enemies4 ,haman1 ! *ief ( !m1 is n only puni%$ z he ri*ly des]ves to be puni%$1 b he is made ! recipi5t ( unre/ra9$ scorn & rage1 & 8 sons are impal$ on _! fa!r's huge /ake4 ,! ,jews def5d !mselves f ?reat5$ massacre by a legalis$ slaught] ( _! enemies4 ,we _c imag9e a sc5e m =eign to ! pati5ce & g5tl5ess inculcat$ by our ,"l4 ,yet we mu/ rememb] t ! qu>rel did n beg9 ) ! ,jews2 or if we mu/ see ! orig9 ( x 9 ! pride ( a ,jew1 we mu/ recollect t 8 (f5ce 0 slight & only ! act ( "o man4 ,z f> z ! n>rative %[s1 ! ,jews 7 engag$ 9 _! peaceable occupations :5 !y 7 ?reat5$ ) ext9ction by a viol5t outbur/ ( ! mad ,jud5hetze t has pursu$ ?is unhappy p ?r\gh all ! c5turies ( hi/ory4 ,9 ! fir/ in/ance1 _! act ( v5geance 0 a measure ( self-def5ce4 ,if !y fell ^u _! enemies ) fi]ce ang]1 x 0 aft] an ord] ( ext]m9ation _h driv5 !m to bay4 ,if !y indulg$ 9 a :olesale blood%$1 n ev5 sp>+ wom5 or *ildr51 exactly ! same doom _h be5 hang+ ov] _! own heads1 & _! own wives & *ildr5 _h be5 includ$ 9 its f]oci\s s5t5ce4 ,?is fact does n excuse ! savag]y ( ! action ( ! ,jews2 b x amply acc\nts = _! conduct4 ,!y 7 wild ) t]ror1 & !y def5d$ _! homes ) ! fury ( madm54 ,_! action did n g beyond ! pray] ( ! ,psalmi/ :o wrote1 9 trim metrical ord]1 conc]n+ ! hat$ ,babylon-- ,happy %all he be1 t take? & da%e? ?y little ones ,aga9/ ! rock4#bfb #bfb ,psalm cxxxvii4 #i4 ,x is m difficult to acc\nt = ! responsible "p tak5 by ,mordecai & ,e/h] 9 begg+ p]mission = ?is awful massacre4 ,! la/ pages ( ! ,book ( ,e/h] reek ) blood4 ,a :ole empire is conv]t$ into %ambles = human slaught]4 ,we turn ) loa?+ f ?is gigantic horror1 glad to take refuge 9 ! hope t ! au?or has dipp$ 8 bru% 9 d>k] col\rs ?an ! real ev5ts w\ld w>rant4 ,nev]!less su* a massacre z ?is is unhappily n at all beyond ! kn[n facts ( hi/ory on o!r occasions--n 9 its ext5t2 ! means by :i* x is "h c>ri$ out are d\btless exceptional4 ,x]xes himself 0 s he>tless & s caprici\s t any act ( folly or wick$ness c\ld be cr$it$ ( him4 ,aft] all t c be said = x1 cle>ly ?is ,book ( ,e/h] _c claim ! v5]ation t we atta* to ! m *oice utt]ances ( ,old ,te/am5t lit]ature4 ,x nev] lifts u ) ! inspiration ( prophecy2 x nev] comm&s ! rev]5ce :i* we feel 9 /udy+ ! hi/orical books4 ,yet we mu/ n !re=e assume t x has n its use4 ,x illu/rates an important phase 9 ! developm5t ( ,jewi% life & ?\ght4 ,x also introduces u to *>act]s & incid5ts t reveal human nature 9 v v>i\s lights4 ,to contemplate su* a revelation %\ld n be )\t pr(it4 ,aft] ! ,bible1 :at book %\ld we reg>d z1 on ! :ole1 mo/ s]viceable = our enlight5m5t & nurture8 ,s9ce next to ! k ( ,god ! k ( man is mo/ important1 might we n assign ?is second place ( hon\r to ! works ( ,%akespe>e r ?an to any !ological treatise8 ,& if s may we n be grateful t some?+ aft] ! ord] ( a ,%akespe>ian revelation ( man is conta9$ ev5 9 "o book ( ! ,bible8 ,x may be be/ to treat a book ( ?is "* 9 a diff]5t mann] f ! weighty hi/orical "w t prec$es x1 &1 in/ead ( exp\nd+ its *apt]s s]iatim1 to ga!r up its lessons 9 a s]ies ( brief "* /udies4 ,,*apt] ,,xxxii4 ,,ahasu]us ,,& ,,va%ti4 ,,e/h] i4 ,! "* ( ,ahasu]us illu/rates ! ,nemesis ( absolutism1 by %[+ h[ unlimit$ p[] is cru%$ & dissolv$ b5ea? ! weight ( its own imm5sity4 ,! v va/ness ( 8 doma9s ov]:elms ! despot4 ,:ile he ?9ks himself free to disport accord+ to 8 w1 he is 9 reality ! slave ( 8 own ma*9]y ( gov]nm5t4 ,he is s entirely dep5d5t = in=mation on subord9ates1 :o c deceive him to suit _! own private ends1 t he (t5 becomes a m]e puppet ( ! political wire-pull]s4 ,9 ! fury ( 8 passion he issues 8 t]rible m&ates1 ) ! confid5ce ( a ma/] ^: slighte/ :im is a law to ! nations1 & yet t v passion has be5 clev]ly work$ up by "s ( 8 s]vants1 :o are laugh+ 9 _! sleeves at ! simplicity ( _! dupe1 ev5 :ile !y are fawn+ on him ) obsequi\s flatt]y4 ,9 ! /ory ( ,e/h] ,ahasu]us is turn$ ab\t hi!r & ?i!r by 8 c\rti]s1 accord+ z "o or ano!r is clev] en\gh to obta9 a tempor>y he>+4 ,9 ! op5+ sc5e he is ! victim ( a h>em plot :i* deprives him ( 8 fav\rite consort4 ,subsequ5tly ,haman poisons 8 m9d ) calumnies ab\t a loyal1 indu/ri\s section ( 8 subjects4 ,he is only undeceiv$ by ano!r movem5t 9 ! h>em4 ,ev5 ! jeal\sly gu>d$ wom5 ( ! royal h\sehold "k m ( ! actual /ate ( affairs 9 ! outside _w ?an ! bewild]$ mon>*4 ,! k+ is s high above 8 realm t he _c see :at is go+ on 9 x2 & all t he c le>n ab\t x passes ?r\gh su* a v>iety ( int]m$i>y ag5ts t x is col\r$ & di/ort$ 9 ! process4 ,b ?is is n all4 ,! man :o is exalt$ to ! p$e/al ( a god is made dizzy by 8 own altitude4 ,absolutism drove ! ,roman ,emp]or ,caligula mad2 x puni%$ ! ,x]xes ( ,h]odotus ) *ildi%ness4 ,! silly mon>* :o w\ld decorate a tree ) ! jewell]y ( a pr9ce 9 rew>d = its fruitfulness1 & flog & *a9 ! ,hellespont z a puni%m5t = its tempe/u\sness1 is n fit to be let out ( ! nurs]y4 ,su* conduct z 8 discov]s an ineptitude t is next door to idiocy4 ,:5 ! same man appe>s on ! pages ( ,scripture "u ! "n ( ,ahasu]us1 8 weakness is despicable4 ,! mo/ ke5-sight$ rul] ( millions is liable to be mis9=m$2 ! /ronge/ adm9i/rator ( a gigantic empire is compell$ to move ) difficulty 9 ! mid/ ( ! elaborate organisation ( 8 gov]nm5t4 ,b ,ahasu]us is nei!r ke5-sight$ nor /rong4 ,he is a victim ( ! la/ c\rt intrigue1 a believ] 9 ! idle/ gossip2 & he is worse1 = ev5 on ! suppositions pres5t$ to him he behaves ) folly & s5seless fury4 ,8 conduct to ,va%ti is fir/ insult+ & !n ungrateful2 = fidelity to h] wor?less husb& w\ld prompt h] to decl9e to risk h]self among a crew ( drunk5 revell]s4 ,8 cons5t to ! diabolical proposal ( 8 gr& vizi] = a massacre1 )\t an atom ( pro( t ! victims are guilty1 exhibits a hopeless /ate ( m5tal feebl5ess4 ,8 equal read9ess to transf] ! m&ate ( :olesale murd] to p]sons describ$ indef9itely z ! enemies ( ^! p %[s h[ completely he is twi/$ ab\t by ! late/ breeze4 ,z ! palace plots develop we see ?is great k+ 9 all 8 pride & maje/y toss$ to & fro l a %uttle-cock4 ,& yet he c /+4 ,x is a dang]\s game = ! play]s1 & ! object ( x is to get ! deadly v5om ( ! royal rage to light on ! head ( ! opposite p>ty4 ,we c\ld n h a m c]ta9 pro( ( ! vanity ( ambition t o'erleaps itself ?an ?is conv]sion ( immeasurable p[] into helpless weakness on ! "p ( ! ,p]sian sov]eign4 ,we naturally />t ) ?is gl>+ exhibition ( ! irony ( fate 9 our /udy ( ,ahasu]us1 because x is ! mo/ pron\nc$ factor 9 8 "* & c>e]4 ,!re are o!r elem5ts ( ! picture1 h[ev]1 :i* are n1 l ?is1 conf9$ to ! abnormal exp]i5ce ( solit>y rul]s4 ,next to ! rev5ge ( absolutism on its possessor1 ! m vulg> effects ( extravagant luxury & self-indulg5ce are to be se5 9 ! degrad$ ,p]sian c\rt life4 ,v likely ! writ] ( our ,book ( ,e/h] introduces ^! matt]s ) ! prim>y object ( enhanc+ ! significance ( 8 ma9 !me by mak+ u feel h[ great a dang] ! ,jews 7 91 & h[ magnific5t a triumph 0 won = !m by ! h]oic ,jewess ( ! h>em4 ,b ! sc5e t he ?us br+s be=e u ?r[s light on ! situation all r\nd4 ,x]xes' idea ( unbridl$ p[] is t x admits ( unlimit$ pleasure4 ,our au?or's picture ( ! spl5did palace1 ) its ri*ly col\r$ awn+s /ret*$ across f m>ble pill>s to silv] rods ov] ! tesselat$ pavem5t1 :]e ! mo/ exalt$ gue/s recl9e 9 ! %ade on gold & silv] seats1 :ile !y fea/ hugely & dr9k heavily day aft] day1 %[s u h[ ! prov9ces 7 be+ dra9$ to enri* ! c\rt1 & h[ ! royal treasury 0 be+ lavi%$ on idle fe/ivity4 ,t 0 bad en\gh1 b its effects 7 worse4 ,! law 0 lic5ce4 ,! dr9k+ 0 accord+ to ! law1 & ?is law 0 t !re %\ld be no limit to x1 ev]ybody tak+ j z mu* w9e z he pleas$4 ,naturally su* a rule o/5tati\sly p>ad$ be=e a dissolute company l$ to a sc5e ( d[nright be/ial debau*]y4 ,accord+ to ,h]odotus1 ! ,p]sians 7 addict$ to drunk5ness1 & ! incid5t describ$ 9 ! fir/ *apt] ( ,e/h] is q 9 accordance ) ! ,greek hi/orian's acc\nt ( ! foll[]s ( ,x]xes4 ,! wor/ effect ( ?is vice ( drunk5ness is its degrad+ influ5ce on ! conduct & "* ( m54 ,x robs its victims ( self-respect & manl9ess1 & s5ds !m to wall[ 9 ! mire ) sw9i% obsc5ity4 ,:at !y w\ld n dream ( /oop+ to 9 _! sob] mom5ts1 !y revel 9 ) %ameless o/5tation :5 _! bra9s are cl\d$ ) intoxicat+ dr9k4 ,husb&s1 :o are g5tle & consid]ate at o!r times1 are !n trans=m$ into brutes1 :o c take pleasure 9 trampl+ on _! wives4 ,x is no excuse to plead t ! drunk>d is a madman unacc\ntable = 8 actions2 he is acc\ntable = hav+ put himself 9 8 degrad$ condition4 ,if he is tempor>ily insane1 he has poison$ 8 own intellect by swall[+ a noxi\s drug ) 8 eyes op54 ,he is responsible = t action1 & !re=e he mu/ be held to be responsible = its consequ5ces4 ,if he _h giv5 due consid]ation to 8 conduct1 he might h =ese5 :i!r x 0 t5d+4 ,! man :o has be5 fooli% en\gh to laun* 8 boat on ! rapids _c div]t its c\rse :5 he is />tl$ by ! ?und] ( ! falls he is approa*+2 b he %\ld h ?\ght ( t be=e leav+ ! safety ( ! %ore4 ,! imm$iate consequ5ce ( ! disgu/+ degradation ( drunk5ness1 9 ! case ( ,ahasu]us1 is t ! mon>* grossly insults 8 que54 ,a mom5t's consid]ation w\ld h sugge/$ ! dang] z well z ! sc&al ( 8 behavi\r4 ,b 9 8 he$less folly ! debau*ee hurls himself ov] ! precipice1 f ! height ( 8 royal dignity d[n to ! v pit ( ignom9y1 & !n he is only enrag$ t ,va%ti refuses to be dragg$ d[n ) him4 ,x is a revolt+ sc5e1 & "o to %[ h[ ! awful vice ( drunk5ness levels all di/9ctions2 "h x outrages ! mo/ sacr$ rules ( ,ori5tal etiquette4 ,! seclusion ( ! h>em is to be violat$ = ! amusem5t ( ! dissolute k+'s boon companions4 ,9 ! /ory ( ,e/h] poor ,va%ti's fall is only introduc$ 9 ord] to make way = h] ,hebrew rival4 ,b aft] ages h naturally sid$ ) ! wrong$ que54 ,0 x true mode/y t prompt$ h] d>+ refusal1 or ! lawful pride ( womanhood8 ,if s1 all wom5 %\ld hon\r ,va%ti z ! v9dicator ( _! dues4 ,:atev] woman's rights may be ma9ta9$ 9 ! field ( politics1 ! v exi/5ce ( ! home1 ! basis ( society itself1 dep5ds on ^? m pr(\nd & inali5able rights t t\* ! "* ( pure womanl9ess4 ,! fir/ ( a woman's rights is ! "r to h] own p]son4 ,b ?is "r is ignor$ 9 ,ori5tal civilisation4 ,! sweet ,engli% ^w home is unkn[n 9 ! c\rt ( su* a k+ z ,ahasu]us4 ,to ?9k ( x 9 ?is connection is z incongru\s z to imag9e a daisy spr++ up ?r\gh ! bo>ds ( a danc+ saloon4 ,! unhappy ,va%ti _h nev] kn[n ?is *oice/ ( words2 b %e may h _h a due conception ( a woman's true dignity1 z f> z ! p]v]t$ ideas ( ! ,ea/ p]mitt$4 ,& yet ev5 "h a pa9ful suspicion obtrudes itself on our notice4 ,va%ti _h be5 fea/+ ) ! wom5 ( ! h>em :5 %e receiv$ ! brutal m&ate f h] "l4 ,_h %e too lo/ h] balance ( judgm5t "u ! bewit*+ influ5ce ( ! w9e-cup8 ,0 %e r5d]$ reckless by ! excitem5t ( h] fe/ivities8 ,0 h] refusal ! result ( ! factiti\s c\rage t spr+s f an un:olesome excitem5t or an equally effective m5tal /upor8 ,s9ce "o ( ! commone/ results ( intoxication is a qu>relsom5ess ( temp]1 x mu/ be admitt$ t ,va%ti's flat refusal to obey may h "s connection ) h] previ\s fe/ivities4 ,9 t case1 ( c\rse1 some?+ mu/ be detract$ f h] glory z ! m>tyr ( womanl9ess4 ,a horrible picture is ?is--a drunk5 k+ qu>rell+ ) 8 drunk5 que52 ^! two p1 set 9 ! highe/ places 9 _! va/ realm1 desc5d+ f ! v p9nacle ( greatness to grovel 9 debas$ intemp]ance6 ,x w\ld n be fair to ! poor1 wrong$ que5 to ass]t s mu* )\t any cle> evid5ce 9 support ( ! d>k] view ( h] conduct4 ,/ill x mu/ be admitt$ t x is difficult = any ( ! memb]s ( a dissolute society to keep _! g>m5ts clean4 ,unhappily x is only too frequ5tly ! case t1 ev5 9 a ,*ri/ian l&1 womanhood is degrad$ by becom+ ! victim ( intemp]ance4 ,no sight on e>? is m sick5+4 ,a woman may be load$ ) insults1 & yet %e may keep h] s\l :ite z ! s\l ( ,/4 ,agnes4 ,x is n an outrage on h] dignity1 (f]$ by ! drunk5 k+ to 8 que51 t really m>ks h] degradation4 ,to all fair judgm5ts1 t only degrades ! brute :o (f]s x2 b ! :ite lily is bruis$ & trampl$ 9 ! du/ :5 %e :o we>s x h]self cons5ts to fl+ x away4 ,! action ( ,ahasu]us on receipt ( 8 que5's refusal reveals ano!r trait 9 8 weak "*4 ,jeal\s eyes--always wat*+ ! fav\rite ( ! h>em--discov] an opportunity = a gleeful triumph4 ,! advis]s ( ! k+ are cunn+ en\gh to set ! action ( ,va%ti 9 ! light ( a public example4 ,if a woman 9 s exalt$ a position is p]mitt$ to disobey h] husb& ) impunity1 o!r wives w appeal to h] case & break out ( b\nds4 ,x is a mean plea1 ! plea ( weakness on ! "p ( ! speak]1 ,memucan1 ! la/ ( ! sev5 pr9ces4 ,is ?is man only f9d+ an excuse = ! k+8 or may x be suppos$ t 8 ?\ghts are travell+ away to a %rew 9 8 own home8 ,! /range ?+ is t ! k+ is n cont5t wreak+ 8 v5geance on ! pr\d ,va%ti4 ,he is p]suad$ to utilise ! occasion ( h] act ( insubord9ation 9 ord] to issue a decree comm&+ ! subjection ( all wives to _! husb&s4 ,! que5's conduct is treat$ z an in/ance ( a gr[+ _s ( indep5d5ce on ! "p ( ! wom5 ( ,p]sia1 :i* mu/ be cru%$ =?)4 ,"o w\ld ?9k t ! wom5 7 slaves1 & t ! pr9ces 7 act+ l ! ,romans :5 !y issu$ repressive measures f dread ( a ,s]vile ,w>4 ,if su* a law z ?is _h ev] be5 pass$1 we might well und]/& ! compla9t ( ^? :o say x is unju/ t ! function ( legislation %\ld be monopolis$ by "o sex4 ,ev5 9 ! ,we/1 :]e wom5 are comp>atively free & are suppos$ to be treat$ on an equality ) m51 wrong is (t5 done because ! laws :i* conc]n !m m especially are all made by m54 ,9 ! ,ea/1 :]e !y are reg>d$ z prop]ty1 l _! husb&s' camels & ox51 cruel inju/ice is inevitable4 ,b ?is inju/ice _c g unpuni%$4 ,x mu/ react on its p]petrators1 blunt+ _! f9] feel+s1 l[]+ _! bett] nature1 robb+ !m ( ^? sacr$ confid5ces ( husb& & wife :i* nev] spr+ up on ! t]ritory ( ! slave-driv]4 ,b we h only to consid] ! dome/ic edict ( ,ahasu]us to see its fro?y vanity4 ,:5 x 0 issu$ x mu/ h /ruck ev]ybody :o _h ! fa9te/ s5se ( hum\r z simply ridicul\s4 ,x is n by ! r\gh in/rum5tality ( ! law t difficult que/ions ( ! relations betwe5 ! sexes c be adju/$4 ,! law c see t a =mal contract is n violat$ ) impunity4 ,! law c protect ! individual p>ties to ! contract f ! mo/ brutal =ms ( cruelty--?\gh ev5 ?is is v difficult betwe5 husb& & wife4 ,b ! law _c secure real ju/ice 9 ! home4 ,?is mu/ be left to ! work+ ( pr9ciples ( righte\sness & to ! mutual consid]at5ess ( ^? :o are conc]n$4 ,:]e ^! elem5ts are want+1 no legislation on matrimony c re/ore ! peace ( a %att]$ home4 ,! ord] ( ,ahasu]us1 h[ev]1 0 too indef9ite to h v s]i\s results4 ,! tyrannical husb& w\ld n h wait$ = any su* excuse z x might af=d him = exact+ ob$i5ce f 8 oppress$ h\sehold drudge4 ,! /rong-m9d$ woman w\ld mock at ! k+'s ord]1 & h h] own way z be=e :o c\ld h9d] h]8 ,c]ta9ly n h] husb&4 ,! yoke ( ye>s ( meek submission 0 n to be brok5 9 a day by a royal proclamation4 ,b :]ev] ! true idea ( m>riage 0 realis$--& we mu/ h suffici5t fai? 9 human nature to be assur$ t ?is 0 sometimes ! case ev5 9 ! realm ( ,x]xes--! husb& & wife :o knew !mselves to be "o1 unit$ by ! close/ ties ( love & sympa?y & mutual confid5ce1 w\ld laugh 9 _! happ9ess & p]haps sp>e a ?\ght ( pity = ! poor1 silly k+ :o 0 adv]tis+ 8 dome/ic tr\bles to ! _w1 & !reby exhibit+ 8 %all[ notions ( w$d$ life--bl9d1 absolutely bl9d1 to ! sweet secret t 0 heav5 to !m4 ,we may be sure t ! s+ul> edict rema9$ a dead lett]4 ,b ! k+ w\ld be ma/] 9 8 own palace4 ,s ,va%ti fell4 ,we he> no m ( h] b we c guess too well :at h] mo/ probable fate mu/ h be54#bfc ,! gates ( dea? are nev] difficult to f9d 9 an ,ori5tal palace2 !re are always jeal\s rivals eag] to triumph ov] ! fall ( a royal fav\rite4 ,/ill ,ahasu]us _h be5 really fond ( ! que5 :o paid s de>ly = h] "o act ( indep5d5ce4 ,rep5t+ ( 8 drunk5 rage1 ! k+ let 8 ?\ghts rev]t to 8 =m] fav\rite1 a mo/ dang]\s ?+ = ^? :o _h ha/5$ h] removal4 ,! easie/ escape = !m 0 to play on 8 co>se nature by introduc+ to 8 notice a bevy ( girls f :om he might select a new fav\rite4 ,?is 0 by no means a dignifi$ proce$+ = ,e/h]1 ! maid5 to :om ! fir/ prize 9 ! exhibition ( beauty 0 aw>d$ by ! royal fanci]4 ,b x gave h] ! place ( p[] f :i* to help h] p 9 _! h\r ( desp]ate ne$4 ,& "h we come to "s r$eem+ features 9 ! "* ( ! k+4 ,he is n lack+ 9 g5]osity2 & he owns to a c]ta9 s5se ( ju/ice4 ,9 ! cr[d ( royal c>es & pleasures1 he has =gott5 h[ an obscure ,jew sav$ 8 life by reveal+ "o ( ! _m plots t make ! pleasures ( a despot z holl[ a mock]y z ! fea/ ( ,damocles4 ,on ! *ance discov]y ( 8 neglig5ce1 ,ahasu]us ha/5s to atone = x ) o/5tati\s g5]osity4 ,aga91 no soon] does he f9d t he has be5 dup$ by ,haman into an act ( cruel inju/ice ?an he tries to c\nt]act ! mis*ief by an equally savage measure ( retaliation4 ,a /range way ( adm9i/]+ ju/ice6 ,yet x mu/ be admitt$ t 9 ?is ! caprici\s1 blund]+ k+ means hone/ly4 ,! bitt] irony ( x all is t s awful a p[] ( life & dea? %\ld be lodg$ 9 ! h&s ( "o :o is s totally incapacitat$ = a wise use ( x4 #bfc ,on ! supposition t ! writ] is n "h record+ hi/orical facts 9 ! life ( ,ame/ris1 ! real que5 ( ,x]xes1 :o we "k 0 n murd]$4 ,,*apt] ,,xxxiii4 ,,haman4 ,,e/h] iii4 #a-f2 v4 #i-ad2 vii4 #e-aj4 ,haman is ! ,judas ( ,israel4 ,n t 8 conduct or 8 place 9 hi/ory w\ld br+ him into comp>ison ) ! traitor apo/le1 = he 0 an op5 foe & a =eign]4 ,b he is treat$ by popul> ,judaism z ! ,ar*-,enemy1 j z ,judas is treat$ by popul> ,*ri/ianity4 ,l ,judas1 he has assign$ to him a solit>y pre-em95ce 9 wick$ness1 :i* is almo/ inhuman4 ,z 9 ! case ( ,judas1 !re is ?\ght to be no call = *>ity or m]cy 9 judg+ ,haman4 ,he %>es ) ,judas ! curse ( ,ca94 ,b\ndless execration is heap$ on 8 head4 ,horror & hatr$ h almo/ trans=m$ him into ,satan4 ,he is call$ ,! ,agagite1 an obscure title :i* is be/ expla9$ z a lat] ,jewi% nickname d]iv$ f a ref]5ce to ! k+ ( ,amalek :o 0 hewn 9 pieces be=e ! ,"l4 ,9 ! ,septuag9t he is surnam$ ,! ,mac$onian1 because :5 t v]sion 0 made ! enemies ( ,israel 7 ! repres5tatives ( ! empire ( ,alex&] & 8 successors4 ,dur+ ! dramatic read+ ( ! ,book ( ,e/h] 9 a ,jewi% synagogue at ! ,fea/ ( ,purim1 ! congregation may be f\nd tak+ ! "p ( a *orus & exclaim+ at e m5tion ( ! "n ( ,haman1 ,may 8 "n be blott$ out1 ,let ! "n ( ! ungodly p]i%1 :ile boys ) mallets w p\nd /ones & bits ( wood on :i* ! odi\s "n is writt54 ,?is frantic extravagance w\ld be unacc\ntable b = ! fact t ! p ^: badge is suff]ance has summ$ up "u ! "n ( ! ,p]sian (ficial ! malignity ( _! enemies 9 all ages4 ,v (t5 ?is "n has s]v$ to veil a dang]\s ref]5ce to "s contempor>y foe1 or to height5 ! rage felt aga9/ an exceptionally odi\s p]son by its accumulation ( traditional hatr$1 j z 9 ,engl& on ! fif? ( ,novemb] ! ,guy may repres5t "s unpopul> p]son ( ! day4 ,:5 we turn f ?is unamiable indulg5ce ( spiteful passion to ! /ory t lies beh9d x1 we h en\gh t is odi\s )\t ! conception ( a %e] mon/] ( wick$ness1 a v demon4 ,su* a be+ w\ld /& outside ! range ( human motives1 & we c\ld contemplate him ) unconc]n & deta*m5t ( m9d1 j z we contemplate ! de/ructive =ces ( nature4 ,!re is a common temptation to cle> ourselves ( all semblance to ! guilt ( v bad p by mak+ x out to be inhuman4 ,x is m humiliat+ to discov] t !y act f q human motives--nay1 t ^? v motives may be detect$1 ?\gh ) o!r be>+s1 ev5 9 our own conduct4 ,= see :at 7 ! influ5ces t /irr$ 9 ! he>t ( ,haman4 ,he manife/s by 8 behavi\r ! intimate connection betwe5 vanity & cruelty4 ,! fir/ trait 9 8 "* to reveal itself is vanity1 a mo/ inord9ate vanity4 ,haman is introduc$ at ! mom5t :5 he has be5 exalt$ to ! highe/ position "u ! k+ ( ,p]sia2 he has j be5 made gr& vizi]4 ,! trem5d\s hon\r turns 8 bra94 ,9 ! consci\sness ( x he swells out ) vanity4 ,z a necess>y consequ5ce he is bitt]ly *agr9$ :5 a port] does n d homage to him z to ! k+4 ,8 elation is equally extravagant :5 he discov]s t he is to be ! only subject invit$ to meet ,ahasu]us at ,e/h]'s banquet4 ,:5 ! k+ inquires h[ exceptional hon\r is to be %[n to "s "o ^: "n is n yet reveal$1 ?is infatuat$ man jumps to ! conclusion t x c be = nobody b himself4 ,9 all 8 behavi\r we see t he is j possess$ by an absorb+ _s ( vanity4 ,!n at ! fir/ *eck he suff]s an annoyance proportionate to ! b\ndlessness ( 8 previ\s elation4 ,he _c endure ! sight ( indiff]5ce or indep5d5ce 9 ! meane/ subject4 ,! sl5d] fault ( ,mordecai is magnifi$ into a capital (f5ce4 ,?is aga9 is s huge t x mu/ be laid to ! *>ge ( ! :ole race to :i* ! (f5d] belongs4 ,! rage :i* x excites 9 ,haman is s viol5t t x w be satisfi$ ) no?+ %ort ( a :olesale massacre ( m51 wom51 & *ildr54 ,behold h[ great a matt] a little fire k9dle?--:5 x is fann$ by ! brea? ( vanity4 ,! cruelty ( ! va9 man is z limitless z 8 vanity4 ,?us ! /ory ( ,haman illu/rates ! close juxtaposition ( ^! two vices1 vanity & cruelty2 x helps u to see by a s]ies ( lurid pictures h[ fe>fully provocative ! "o is ( ! o!r4 ,z we foll[ ! incid5ts1 we c discov] ! l9ks ( connection betwe5 ! cause & its dire effects4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 x is cle> t vanity is a =m ( magnifi$ egotism4 ,! va9 man ?9ks supremely ( himself1 n s mu* 9 ! way ( self-int]e/1 b m especially = ! sake ( self-glorification4 ,:5 he looks out on ! _w1 x is always ?r\gh ! m$ium ( 8 own va/ly magnifi$ %ad[4 ,l ! ,brck5 ,gho/1 ?is %ad[ becomes a haunt+ pres5ce /&+ out be=e him 9 huge proportions4 ,he has no o!r /&>d ( measurem5t4 ,ev]y?+ mu/ be judg$ accord+ z x is relat$ to himself4 ,! good is :at gives him pleasure2 evil is :at is noxi\s to him4 ,?is self-c5tr$ attitude1 ) ! di/ortion ( vision t x induces1 has a d\ble effect1 z we may see 9 ! case ( ,haman4 ,egotism utilises ! suff]+s ( o!rs = its own ends4 ,no d\bt cruelty is (t5 a consequ5ce ( %e] call\sness4 ,! man :o has no p]ception ( ! pa9 he is caus+ or no sympa?y ) ! suff]]s w trample !m "u foot on ! lea/ provocation4 ,he feels supremely indiff]5t to _! agonies :5 !y are wri?+ b5ea? him1 & !re=e he w nev] consid] x incumb5t on him to adju/ 8 conduct ) ! lea/ ref]5ce to ! pa9 he gives4 ,t is an entirely irrelevant consid]ation4 ,! lea/ inconv5i5ce to himself outweighs ! greate/ di/ress ( o!r p1 = ! simple reason t t di/ress c\nts z no?+ 9 8 calculation ( motives4 ,9 ,haman's case1 h[ev]1 we d n meet ) ?is attitude ( simple indiff]5ce4 ,! gr& vizi] is irritat$1 & he v5ts 8 annoyance 9 a va/ explosion ( malignity t mu/ take acc\nt ( ! agony x produces1 = 9 t agony its own ?ir/ = v5geance is to be slak$4 ,b ?is only %[s ! pr$om9ant selfi%ness to be all ! great]4 ,x is s great t x rev]ses ! eng9es t drive society along ! l9e ( mutual helpfulness1 & ?w>ts & fru/rates any am\nt ( human life & happ9ess = ! sole purpose ( gratify+ its own desires4 ,!n ! selfi%ness ( vanity promotes cruelty /ill fur!r by ano!r ( its effects4 ,x de/roys ! s5se ( proportion4 ,self is n only reg>d$ z ! c5tre ( ! univ]se2 l ! sun surr\nd$ by ! planets1 x is tak5 to be ! greate/ object1 & ev]y?+ else is insignificant :5 comp>$ to x4 ,:at is ! slaught] ( a few ?\s& ,jews to s great a man z ,haman1 gr& vizi] ( ,p]sia8 ,x is no m ?an ! de/ruction ( z _m flies 9 a =e/ fire t ! settl] has k9dl$ to cle> 8 gr\nd4 ,! same self-magnification is visibly pres5t$ by ! ,egyptian bas-reliefs1 on :i* ! victori\s ,ph>aohs appe> z trem5d\s giants driv+ back hordes ( enemies or dragg+ pigmy k+s by _! heads4 ,x is b a /ep f ?is condition to insanity1 :i* is ! apo!osis ( vanity4 ,! *ief *>act]i/ic ( insanity is a diseas$ enl>gem5t ( self4 ,if he is elat$ ! madman reg>ds himself z a p]son ( supreme importance--z a pr9ce1 z a k+1 ev5 z ,god4 ,if he is depress$ he ?9ks t he is ! victim ( exceptional malignity4 ,9 t case he is beset by wat*]s ( evil int5t2 ! _w is conspir+ aga9/ him2 ev]y?+ t happ5s is "p ( a plot to d him h>m4 ,h5ce 8 suspici\sness2 h5ce 8 homicidal proclivities4 ,he is n s mad 9 8 inf]5ces & conclusions4 ,^! may be rational & j1 on ! gr\nd ( 8 premisses4 ,x is 9 ! fix$ ideas ( ^! premisses t ! root ( 8 insanity may be detect$4 ,8 awful fate is a w>n+ to all :o v5ture to indulge 9 ! vice ( excessive egotism4 ,9 ! second place1 vanity leads to cruelty ?r\gh ! entire dep5d5ce ( ! va9 p]son on ! good op9ion ( o!rs2 & ?is we may see cle>ly 9 ! c>e] ( ,haman4 ,vanity is diff]5tiat$ f pride 9 "o important p>ticul>--by its outw>d ref]5ce4 ,! pr\d man is satisfi$ ) himself2 b ! va9 man is always look+ outside himself ) fev]i% eag]ness to secure all ! hon\rs t ! _w c be/[ ^u him4 ,?us ,mordecai may h be5 pr\d 9 8 refusal to b[ be=e ! up/>t premi]3 if s 8 pride w\ld n ne$ to c\rt admiration2 x w\ld be self-conta9$ & self-suffici5t4 ,b ,haman 0 possess$ by an insatiable ?ir/ = homage4 ,if a s+le obscure individual refus$ him ?is hon\r1 a %ad[ re/$ on ev]y?+4 ,he c\ld n enjoy ! que5's banquet = ! slight (f]$ him by ! ,jew at ! palace gate1 s t he exclaim$1 ,yet all ?is availe? me no?+1 s long z ,i see ,mordecai ! ,jew sitt+ at ! k+'s gate4#bfd ,a selfi% man 9 ?is condition c h no re/ if any?+ 9 ! _w outside him fails to m9i/] to 8 hon\r4 ,:ile a pr\d man 9 an exalt$ position sc>cely deigns to notice ! dim common p1 ! va9 man betrays 8 vulg>ity by c>+ supremely = popul> adulation4 ,!re=e :ile ! haughty p]son c af=d to pass ov] a slight ) contempt1 ! va9 creature :o lives on ! brea? ( applause is mortally (f5d$ by x & r\s$ to av5ge ! insult ) correspond+ rage4 #bfd ,e/h] v4 #ac4 ,selfi%ness & dep5d5ce on ! ext]nal1 ^! attributes ( vanity inevitably develop into cruelty :]ev] ! aims ( vanity are oppos$4 ,& yet ! vice t conta9s s mu* evil is r>ely visit$ ) a becom+ sev]ity ( condemnation4 ,usually x is smil$ at z a trivial frailty4 ,9 ! case ( ,haman x ?reat5$ ! ext]m9ation ( a nation1 & ! reaction f its m5ace issu$ 9 a t]rific slaught] ( ano!r section ( society4 ,hi/ory records w> aft] w> t has be5 f\ght on ! gr\nd ( vanity4 ,9 milit>y affairs ?is vice we>s ! "n ( glory2 b its nature is unalt]$4 ,= :at is ! mean+ ( a w> t is wag$ = la gloire b "o t is design$ 9 ord] to m9i/] to ! vanity ( ! p :o und]take x8 ,a m fe>ful wick$ness has nev] black5$ ! pages ( hi/ory4 ,! v frivolity ( ! occasion height5s ! guilt ( ^? :o plunge nations into mis]y on su* a paltry pretext4 ,x is vanity t urges a savage w>rior to collect skulls to adorn ! walls ( 8 hut ) ! gha/ly trophies2 x is vanity t impels a re/less conqu]or to m>* to 8 own triumph ?r\gh a sea ( blood2 x is vanity t r\ses a nation to fl+ itself on its neighb\r 9 ord] to exalt its fame by a great victory4 ,ambition at its be/ is fir$ by ! pride ( p[]2 b 9 its mean] =ms ambition is no?+ b an upris+ ( vanity clam\r+ = wid] recognition4 ,! fam\s invasion ( ,greece by ,x]xes 0 evid5tly little bett] ?an a huge exhibition ( regal vanity4 ,! *ildi% fatuity ( ! k+ c\ld seek = no exalt$ ends4 ,8 assemblage ( sw>ms ( m5 ( all races 9 an ill-discipl9$ army too big = practical w>f>e %[$ t ! ?ir/ = display occupi$ ! pr9cipal place 9 8 m9d1 to ! neglect ( ! m sob] aims ( a really great conqu]or4 ,& if ! vanity t lives on ! _w's admiration is s fruitful 9 evil :5 x is all[$ to deploy on a l>ge scale1 its ess5tial "* w n be improv$ by ! limitation ( its scope 9 humbl] sph]es ( life4 ,x is always mean & cruel4 ,two o!r features 9 ! "* ( ,haman may be notic$4 ,fir/1 he %[s en]gy & det]m9ation4 ,he bribes ! k+ to obta9 ! royal cons5t to 8 deadly design1 bribes ) an enorm\s pres5t equal to ! rev5ue ( a k+dom1 ?\gh ,ahasu]us p]mits him to rec\p himself by seiz+ ! prop]ty ( ! proscrib$ nation4 ,!n ! murd]\s m&ate goes =?3 x is translat$ into e language ( ! subject peoples2 x is c>ri$ to ! remote/ p>ts ( ! k+dom by ! po/s1 ! excell5t organisation ( :i*1 "u ! ,p]sian gov]nm5t has become fam\s4 ,?us f> ev]y?+ is on a l>ge scale1 betok5+ a m9d ( res\rce & d>+4 ,b n[ turn to ! sequel4 ,& ! k+ & ,haman sat d[n to dr9k4#bfe ,x is a horrible picture--! k+ ( ,p]sia & 8 gr& vizi] at ?is crisis delib]ately ab&on+ !mselves to _! national vice4 ,! decree is out2 x _c be recall$--let x g & d its fell "w4 ,z = its au?ors1 !y are dr[n+ all ?\ght ( its effect on public op9ion 9 ! w9e-cup2 !y are booz+ toge!r 9 a disgu/+ companion%ip ( debau*]y on ! eve ( a sc5e ( :olesale blood%$4 ,?is is :at ! glory ( ! ,great ,k+ has come to4 ,?is is ! anti-climax ( 8 m9i/]'s vanity at ! mom5t ( supreme success4 ,aft] su* an exhibition we ne$ n be surpris$ at ! abject humiliation1 ! t]ror ( c[>dice1 ! frantic ef=t to extort pity f a woman ( ! v race ^: ext]m9ation he _h plott$1 manife/$ by ,haman 9 ! h\r ( 8 exposure at ,e/h]'s banquet4 ,b5ea? all 8 bragg>t en]gy he is a weak man4 ,9 mo/ cases self-indulg5t1 va91 & cruel p are ess5tially weak at he>t4 #bfe ,e/h] iii4 #ae4 ,look+ at ! /ory ( ,haman f ano!r po9t ( view1 we see h[ well x illu/rates ! conf\nd+ ( evil devices & ! puni%m5t ( _! au?or 9 ! drama ( hi/ory4 ,x is "o ( ! mo/ /rik+ in/ances ( :at is call$ poetic ju/ice1 ! ju/ice depict$ by ! poets1 b n always se5 9 prosaic lives1 ! ju/ice t is itself a poem because x makes a h>mony ( ev5ts4 ,haman is ! typical example ( ! s*em] :o falls into 8 own pit1 ( ! villa9 :o is hoi/$ on 8 own pet>d4 ,?ree times ! same process occurs1 to impress its lesson ) ?reefold emphasis4 ,we h x fir/ 9 ! mo/ mod]ate =m :5 ,haman is =c$ to assi/ 9 be/[+ on ,mordecai ! hon\rs he has be5 covet+ = himself1 by lead+ ! horse ( ! hat$ ,jew 9 8 triumphant procession ?r\gh ! city4 ,! same lesson is impress$ ) tragic =ce :5 ! gr& vizi] is condemn$ to be impal$ on ! /ake erect$ by him 9 read9ess = ! man :om he has be5 compell$ to hon\r4 ,la/ly1 ! design ( murd]+ ! :ole race to :i* ,mordecai belongs is fru/rat$ by ! slaught] ( ^? :o sympa?ise ) ,haman's attitude t[>ds ,israel--! ,hamanites1 z !y h be5 call$4 ,we r>ely meet ) su* a complete rev]sal ( fate1 su* a climax ( v5geance4 ,9 consid]+ ! c\rse ( ev5ts "h set =? we mu/ di/+ui% betwe5 ! old ,jewi% view ( x & ! significance ( ! process itself4 ,! ,jews 7 taught to look on all ?is ) fi]ce1 v9dictive glee1 & to see 9 x ! prophecy ( ! l fate t 0 treasur$ up = _! enemies 9 lat] times4 ,?is rage ( ! oppress$ aga9/ _! oppressors1 ?is almo/ fi5di% delight 9 ! complete ov]?r[ ( ! enemies ( ,israel1 ?is total ext9ction ( any s5tim5t ( pity ev5 = ! helpless & innoc5t suff]]s :o are to %>e ! fate ( _! guilty relatives--9 a ^w1 ?is utt]ly un-,*ri/like _s ( rev5ge1 mu/ be odi\s 9 our eyes4 ,we _c und]/& h[ good m5 c\ld /& by ) fold$ arms :ile !y saw wom5 & *ildr5 toss$ into ! see?+ cauldron ( v5geance2 /ill less h[ !y c\ld !mselves p]petrate ! dreadful de$4 ,b !n we _c und]/& t trag$y ( hi/ory1 ! oppression ( ! ,jews1 & its det]iorat+ influ5ce on its victims1 nor ! h>d1 cruel _s ( blank indiff]5ce to ! suff]+s ( o!rs t prevail$ almo/ ev]y:]e be=e ,*ri/ came to tea* ! _w pity4 ,:5 we turn to ! ev5ts !mselves1 we mu/ take ano!r view ( ! situation4 ,"h 0 a r\gh & sweep+1 b /ill a complete & /rik+ puni%m5t ( cruel wrong4 ,! ,jews expect$ ?is too frequ5tly on e>?4 ,we h le>nt t x is m (t5 res]v$ = ano!r _w & a future /ate ( exi/5ce4 ,yet sometimes we are />tl$ to see h[ apt x c be ev5 9 ?is pres5t life4 ,! cruel man bre$s foes by 8 v cruelty2 he r\ses 8 own execution]s by ! rage t he provokes 9 !m4 ,x is ! same ) respect to _m o!r =ms ( evil4 ,?us vanity is puni%$ by ! humiliation x receives f ^? p :o are irritat$ at its pret5sions2 x is ! la/ fail+ t ! _w w readily =give1 p>tly p]haps because x (f5ds ! simil> fail+ 9 o!r p4 ,!n we see meanness *a/is$ by ! odium x excites1 ly+ by ! di/ru/ x provokes1 c[>dice by ! attacks x invites1 coldness ( he>t by a correspond+ indiff]5ce on ! side ( o!r p4 ,! result is n always s neatly effect$ nor s visibly demon/rat$ z 9 ! case ( ,haman2 b ! t5d5cy is always pres5t1 because !re is a ,p[] t makes = righte\sness presid+ ov] society & inh]5t 9 ! v con/itution ( nature4 ,,*apt] ,,xxxiv4 ,,que5 ,,e/h]4 ,,e/h] iv4 #aj-v42 vii4 #a-d2 ix4 #ab1 #ac4 ,! "y ,jewess :o w9s ! admiration ( ! ,p]sian k+ above all ! *os5 maid5s ( 8 realm1 & :o !n deliv]s h] p 9 ! crisis ( supreme dang] at ! risk ( h] own life1 is ! c5tral figure 9 ! /ory ( ! orig9 ( ,purim4 ,x 0 a j p]ception ( ! situation t l$ to ! *oice ( h] "n z ! title ( ! book t records h] fam\s a*ievem5ts4 ,e/h] fir/ appe>s z an obscure orphan :o has be5 br\ght up 9 ! humble home ( h] c\s9 ,mordecai4 ,aft] h] gu>dian has secur$ h] admission to ! royal h>em--a d\btful hon\r6 we might ?9k1 b a v real hon\r 9 ! eyes ( an anci5t ,ori5tal--%e receives a ye>'s tra9+ ) ! use ( ! fragrant ungu5ts t are e/eem$ s highly 9 a voluptu\s ,ea/]n c\rt4 ,we %\ld n expect to see any?+ bett] ?an ! *>ms ( physical beauty aft] su* a process ( developm5t1 *>ms n ( ! highe/ type--languid1 lusci\s1 s5su\s4 ,! new "n be/[$ on ?is f9i%$ product ( ! *ief art cultivat$ 9 ! palace ( ,ahasu]us po9ts to no?+ high]1 = ,e/h] 7,i/>7 is ! "n ( a ,babylonian goddess equival5t to ! ,greek ,aphrodite4 ,& yet our ,e/h] is a h]o9e--capable1 en]getic1 brave1 & patriotic4 ,! spl5d\r ( h] c>e] is se5 9 ?is v fact1 t %e does n succumb to ! luxury ( h] surr\nd+s4 ,! royal h>em among ! lily-b$s ( ,%u%an is l a palace 9 ! l& ( ! lotus-eat]s1 :]e x is always aft]noon2 & its inmates1 9 _! dreamy indol5ce1 are tempt$ to =get all obligations & int]e/s beyond ! obligation to please ! k+ & _! own int]e/ 9 secur+ e com=t weal? c lavi% on !m4 ,we d n look = a ,boadicea 9 su* a hot-h\se ( n>cotics4 ,& :5 we f9d !re a /rong1 unselfi% woman su* z ,e/h]1 conqu]+ almo/ insup]able temptations to a life ( ease1 & *oos+ a c\rse ( t]rible dang] to h]self = ! sake ( h] oppress$ p1 we c e*o ! admiration ( ! ,jews = _! national h]o9e4 ,x is a woman1 !n1 :o plays ! lead+ "p 9 ?is drama ( ,jewi% hi/ory4 ,f ,eve to ,m>y1 wom5 h repeat$ly appe>$ 9 ! mo/ prom95t places on ! pages ( ,scripture4 ,! hi/ory ( ,israel f9ds "s ( its mo/ p[]ful situations 9 ! exploits ( ,deborah1 ,jael1 & ,judi?4 ,on ! side ( evil1 ,delilah1 ,a?aliah1 & ,jezebel are n less conspicu\s4 ,!re 0 a fre$om enjoy$ by ! wom5 ( ,israel t 0 n all[$ 9 ! m elaborate civilisation ( ! great empires ( ! ,ea/1 & ?is develop$ an indep5d5t _s & a vig\r n usually se5 9 ,ori5tal wom54 ,9 ! case ( ,e/h] ^! good qualities 7 able to survive ! ext]nal re/ra9ts & ! int]nal relax+ atmosph]e ( h] c\rt life4 ,! sc5e ( h] /ory is laid 9 ! h>em4 ,! plots & intrigues ( ! h>em furni% its pr9cipal incid5ts4 ,yet if ,e/h] _h be5 a %eph]dess f ! m\nta9s ( ,judah1 %e c\ld n h prov$ h]self m en]getic4 ,b h] c\rt life _h taught h] skill 9 diplomacy1 = %e _h to pick h] way among ! greate/ dang]s l a p]son walk+ among conceal$ knives4 ,! beauty ( ,e/h]'s "* is ?is1 t %e is n spoil$ by h] great elevation4 ,to be ! "o fav\rite out ( all ! select maid5s ( ! k+dom1 & to "k t %e owes h] privileg$ position solely to ! k+'s fancy = h] p]sonal *>ms1 might h spoilt ! grace ( a simple ,jewess4 ,haman1 we saw1 0 ru9$ by 8 hon\rs becom+ too great = 8 self-control4 ,b 9 ,e/h] we d n light on a trace ( ! silly vanity t became ! mo/ m>k$ *>act]i/ic ( ! gr& vizi]4 ,x speaks well = ,mordecai's s\nd tra9+ ( ! orphan girl t 8 w>d prov$ to be ( /able "* :]e a weak] p]son w\ld h be5 dizzy ) selfi% elation4 ,! un*ang$ simplicity ( ,e/h]'s "* is fir/ app>5t 9 h] submissive ob$i5ce to h] gu>dian ev5 aft] h] high position has be5 atta9$4 ,?\gh %e is treat$ z 8 ,que5 by ! ,great ,k+1 %e does n =get ! k9d port] :o has br\ght h] up f *ildhood4 ,9 ! old days %e _h be5 accu/om$ to obey ?is grave ,jew1 & %e has no idea ( ?r[+ (f ! yoke n[ t he has no long] any recognis$ p[] ov] h]4 ,! habit ( ob$i5ce p]si/s 9 h] aft] ! necessity = x has be5 remov$4 ,?is w\ld n h be5 s rem>kable if ,e/h] _h be5 a weak-m9d$ woman1 readily subdu$ & kept 9 subjection by a ma/]ful w4 ,b h] en]gy & c\rage at a mom5t\s crisis entirely =bid any su* e/imate ( h] "*4 ,x mu/ h be5 g5u9e humility & unselfi%ness t prev5t$ h] f rebell+ aga9/ ! old home au?ority :5 a heavy injunction 0 laid ^u h]4 ,%e und]takes ! dang]\s "p ( ! *ampion ( a ?reat5$ race solely at ! in/ance ( ,mordecai4 ,he urges ! duty ^u h]1 & %e accepts x meekly4 ,%e is no r\gh ,amazon4 ,) all h] greatness & p[]1 %e is /ill a simple1 unassum+ woman4 ,b :5 ,e/h] has ass5t$ to ! dem&s ( ,mordecai1 %e appe>s 9 h] p's cause ) ! _s ( true patriotism4 ,%e scorns to =get h] humble orig9 9 all ! spl5d\r ( h] lat] advancem5t4 ,%e w own h] despis$ & hat$ p be=e ! k+2 %e w plead ! cause ( ! oppress$1 ?\gh at ! risk ( h] life4 ,%e is aw>e ( ! dang] ( h] und]tak+2 b %e says1 ,if ,i p]i%1 ,i p]i%4 ,! habit ( ob$i5ce c\ld n h be5 /rong en\gh to c>ry h] ?r\gh ! t]rible ordeal if ,mordecai's h>d requirem5t _h n be5 second$ by ! voice ( h] own consci5ce4 ,%e kn[s t x is "r t %e %\ld und]take ?is difficult & dang]\s "w4 ,h[ naturally might %e h %runk back ) regret = ! seclusion & obscurity ( ! old days :5 h] safety lay 9 h] insignificance8 ,b %e saw t h] new privileges involv$ new responsibilities4 ,a royal h>em is ! la/ place 9 :i* we %\ld look = ! recognition ( ?is tru?4 ,e/h] is to be hon\r$ because ev5 9 t palace ( idle luxury %e c\ld ackn[l$ge ! /]n obligation t s _m 9 h] position w\ld nev] h glanc$ at4 ,x is always difficult to p]ceive & act on ! responsibility t c]ta9ly accompanies fav\r & p[]4 ,?is difficulty is "o reason :y x is easi] = a camel to g ?r\gh ! eye ( a ne$le1 ?an = a ri* man to ent] into ! k+dom ( ,god4 ,= :ile unusual prosp]ity br+s unusual responsibility1 simply because x af=ds unusual opportunities = do+ good1 x t5ds to cultivate pride & selfi%ness1 & ! mis]able worldly _s t is fatal to all high endeav\r & all real sacrifice4 ,our ,"l's great pr9ciple1 ,unto :om mu* is giv51 ( him %all mu* be requir$1 is cle> z a ma!matical axiom :5 we look at x 9 ! ab/ract2 b no?+ is h>d] ?an = p to apply x to _! own cases4 ,if x 7 freely admitt$1 ! ambition t grasps at ! fir/ places w\ld be %am$ into sil5ce4 ,if x 7 g5]ally act$ on1 ! wide social cleft betwe5 ! =tunate & ! mis]able w\ld be spe$ily bridg$ ov]4 ,! total ignor+ ( ?is trem5d\s pr9ciple by ! great majority ( ^? :o enjoy ! privileg$ positions 9 society is und\bt$ly "o ( ! *ief causes ( ! om9\s unre/ t is gr[+ m & m di/urb+ 9 ! less fav\r$ ranks ( life4 ,if ?is sup]cili\s contempt = an imp]ative duty cont9ues1 :at c be ! end b an awful retribution8 ,0 x n ! wilful bl9dness ( ! danc]s 9 ! ,tuil]ies to ! mis]y ( ! s]fs on ! fields t caus$ revolution>y ,france to run r$ ) blood8 ,e/h] 0 wise 9 tak+ ! sugge/ion ( h] c\s9 t %e _h be5 rais$ up = ! v purpose ( sav+ h] p4 ,"h 0 a fai?1 res]v$ & retic5t1 b real & p[]ful4 ,x 0 no idle *ance t _h toss$ h] on ! cre/ ( ! wave :ile s _m ( h] si/]s 7 welt]+ 9 ! d>k floods b5ea?4 ,a cle>1 high purpose 0 lead+ h] on to a /range & mighty de/9y1 & n[ ! de/9y 0 appe>+1 sublime & t]rible1 l "s awful m\nta9 peak t mu/ be climb$ unless ! s\l t has come ?us f> w turn traitor & fall back into failure & ignom9y4 ,:5 ,e/h] saw ?is1 %e act$ on x ) ! promptitude ( ! f\nd] ( h] nation1 :o e/eem$ ! reproa* ( ,*ri/ great] ri*es ?an ! treasures ( ,egypt2 b ) ?is diff]5ce1 t1 :ile ,moses r5\nc$ 8 high rank 9 ,ph>aoh's c\rt 9 ord] to id5tify himself ) 8 p1 ! ,que5 ( ,ahasu]us reta9$ h] p]il\s position & turn$ x to good acc\nt 9 h] sav+ mission4 ,?us !re are two ways 9 :i* an exalt$ p]son may s]ve o!rs4 ,he may come d[n f 8 high e/ate l ,moses1 l ,*ri/ :o 0 ri* & = our sakes became poor2 or he may take advantage ( 8 privileg$ position to use x = ! good ( 8 bre?r51 reg>d+ x z a tru/ to be held = ^? :om he c b5efit1 l ,joseph1 :o 0 able 9 ?is way to save 8 fa!r & 8 bro!rs f fam9e1 & l ,e/h] 9 ! pres5t case4 ,circum/ances w guide ! will+ to a decision z to :i* ( ^! c\rses %\ld be *os54 ,we mu/ n turn f ?is subject )\t rememb]+ t ,mordecai pli$ ,e/h] ) o!r consid]ations besides ! ?\ght ( h] my/]i\s de/9y4 ,he w>n$ h] t %e %\ld n escape if %e dis[n$ h] p4 ,he express$ 8 confid5ce t if %e %rank f h] high mission deliv]ance w\ld come f ano!r place1 to h] et]nal %ame4 ,duty is difficult1 & !re is (t5 a call = ! comp>atively l[]1 because m selfi%1 consid]ations t urge to x4 ,! reluctant horse requires ! spur4 ,& yet ! noble c\rage ( ,e/h] c\ld n h come *iefly f fe> or any o!r selfi% motive4 ,x mu/ h be5 a s5se ( h] high duty & wond]ful de/9y t inspir$ h]4 ,!re is no inspiration l t ( ! belief t we are call$ to a great mission4 ,?is is ! secret ( ! fanatical h]oism ( ! ,madhi/ d]vi%es4 ,9 a m holy w>f>e x makes h]oes ( ! weake/4 ,hav+ once accept$ h] dreadful task1 ,e/h] proce$$ to c>ry x out ) c\rage4 ,x 0 a d>+ act = h] to ent] ! pres5ce ( ! k+ unsummon$4 ,:o c\ld tell b t ! fickle mon>* might take (f5ce at ! presumption ( 8 new fav\rite1 z he _h done 9 ! case ( h] pr$ecessor8 ,h] lonely position might h made ! /ronge/ ( wom5 quail z %e /epp$ =? f h] seclusion & v5tur$ to approa* h] "l4 ,h] motive might be %amefully miscon/ru$ by ! l[-m9d$ mon>*4 ,w\ld ! k+ hold out ! gold5 sceptre to h]8 ,! *ances ( life & dea? hung on ! answ] to t "q4 ,nehemiah1 ?\gh a c\rage\s man & a fav\rite ( 8 royal ma/]1 0 fill$ ) appreh5sion at ! prospect ( a f> less dang]\s int]view ) a mu* m reasonable rul] ?an ! half-mad ,x]xes4 ,^! ,ori5tal autocrats 7 %r\d$ 9 ! t]ror ( div9ities4 ,_! absolute p[] left ! lives ( all :o approa*$ !m at ! m]cy ( _! caprice4 ,ahasu]us _h j sanction$ a s5seless1 blood?ir/y decree4 ,v possibly he _h murd]$ ,va%ti1 & t on ! (f5ce ( a mom5t4 ,e/h] 0 9 fav\r1 b %e belong$ to ! doom$ p1 & %e 0 committ+ an illegal action delib]ately 9 ! face ( ! k+4 ,%e 0 ,fatima risk+ ! wra? ( ,bluebe>d4 ,we "k h[ ,nehemiah w\ld h act$ at ?is try+ mom5t4 ,he w\ld h /r5g!n$ 8 he>t ) "o ( ^? sudd5 ejaculations ( pray] t 7 always ready to spr+ to 8 lips on any em]g5cy4 ,x is n 9 accordance ) ! secul> tone ( ! /ory ( ,e/h]'s great und]tak+ t any h9t ( su* an action on h] "p %\ld h be5 giv54 ,!re=e we _c say t %e 0 a woman ( no religion1 t %e 0 pray]less1 t %e laun*$ on ?is great ent]prise entirely rely+ on h] own /r5g?4 ,we mu/ di/+ui% betwe5 res]ve & coldness 9 reg>d to religion4 ,! fire burns :ile ! he>t muses1 ev5 ?\gh ! lips are /ill4 ,at all ev5ts1 if x is ! int5tion ( ! writ] to tea* t ,e/h] 0 my/]i\sly rais$ up = ! purpose ( sav+ h] p1 x is a natural inf]5ce to conclude t %e 0 support$ 9 ! execution ( x by unse5 & sil5t aid4 ,h] "n does n appe> 9 ! hon\r roll ( ,hebrews xi4 ,we _c ass]t t %e act$ 9 ! /r5g? ( fai?4 ,& yet !re is m evid5ce ( fai?1 ev5 ?\gh x is n pr(ess$1 9 conduct t is true & loyal1 brave & unselfi%1 ?an we c f9d 9 ! l\de/ pr(ession ( a cre$ )\t ! confirmation ( correspond+ conduct4 ,i w %[ my fai? by my works1 says ,/4 ,james1 & he may %[ x )\t once nam+ x4 ,x is to be not$1 fur!r1 t ,e/h] 0 a woman ( res\rces4 ,%e did n tru/ to h] c\rage alone to secure h] end4 ,x 0 n en\gh t %e own$ h] p1 & 0 will+ to plead _! cause4 ,%e _h ! def9ite purpose ( sav+ !m to effect4 ,%e 0 n cont5t to be a m>tyr to patriotism2 a s5sible1 practical woman1 %e did h] utmo/ to be successful 9 effect+ ! deliv]ance ( ! ?reat5$ ,jews4 ,) ?is end 9 view1 x 0 necess>y = h] to proce$ w>ily4 ,h] fir/ /ep 0 ga9$ :5 %e _h secur$ an audi5ce ) ! k+4 ,we may surmise t h] beautiful c\nt5ance 0 lit up ) a new1 r>e radiance :5 all self-seek+ 0 bani%$ f h] m9d & an int5se1 noble aim fir$ h] s\l2 & ?us1 x may be1 h] v l(t9ess ( purpose help$ to secure its success4 ,beauty is a gift1 a tal5t1 to be us$ = good1 l any o!r ,div9e end[m5t2 ! highe/ beauty is ! spl5d\r ( s\l t sometimes irradiates ! mo/ commonplace c\nt5ance1 s t1 l ,/eph5's1 x %9es z ! face ( an angel4 ,in/ead ( degrad+ h] beauty ) fooli% vanity1 ,e/h] consecrat$ x to a noble s]vice1 & !reby x 0 glorifi$4 ,?is "o tal5t 0 n lodg$ ) h] useless4 ,! fir/ po9t 0 ga9$ 9 secur+ ! fav\r ( ,ahasu]us4 ,b all 0 n yet won4 ,x w\ld h be5 mo/ unwise = ,e/h] to h bur/ out ) h] d>+ plea = ! condemn$ p 9 ! mom5t ( ! k+'s surpris$ welcome4 ,b %e 0 pati5t & skilful 9 manag+ h] delicate bus9ess4 ,%e knew ! k+'s weakness = good liv+1 & %e play$ ^u x = h] great purpose4 ,ev5 :5 %e _h got him to a fir/ banquet1 %e did n v5ture to br+ out h] reque/4 ,p]haps h] c\rage fail$ h] at ! la/ mom5t4 ,p]haps1 l a ke51 obs]vant woman1 %e p]ceiv$ t %e _h n yet :e$l$ ! k+ r\nd to ! condition 9 :i* x w\ld be safe to approa* ! dang]\s topic4 ,s %e po/pon$ h] attempt to ano!r day & a second banquet4 ,!n %e seiz$ h] opportunity4 ,) great tact1 %e began by plead+ = h] own life4 ,h] pite\s entreaty amaz$ ! d5se-m9d$ mon>*4 ,at ! same "t ! ang] ( 8 pride 0 r\s$4 ,:o w\ld d>e to t\* 8 fav\rite que58 ,x 0 a well-*os5 mom5t to br+ su* a notion into ! m9d ( a k+ :o 0 *angeable z a *ild4 ,we may be sure t ,e/h] _h be5 do+ h] v be/ to please him ?r\gh\t ! two banquets4 ,!n %e _h ,haman on ! spot4 ,he1 too1 prime m9i/] ( ,p]sia z he 01 _h to f9d t = once 9 8 life he _h be5 outwitt$ by a woman4 ,e/h] meant to /rike :ile ! iron 0 hot4 ,s ! ar*-enemy ( h] p 0 !re1 t ! k+ might c>ry out ! ord]s to :i* %e 0 skilfully lead+ him on )\t ! delay :i* w\ld give ! p>ty ( ,haman an opportunity to turn him ! o!r way4 ,haman saw x all 9 a mom5t4 ,he confess$ t ! que5 0 mi/ress ( ! situation by appeal+ to h] = m]cy1 9 ! fr5zy ( 8 t]ror ev5 s f> =gett+ 8 place z to fl+ himself on h] c\*4 ,t only aggravat$ ! rage ( ! jeal\s k+4 ,haman's fate 0 seal$ on ! spot4 ,e/h] 0 completely triumphant4 ,aft] ?is x is pa9ful to see h[ ! woman :o _h sav$ h] p at ! risk ( h] own life pu%$ h] advantage to ! extremity ( a blood?ir/y v5geance4 ,x is all v well to say t1 z ! laws ( ! ,m$es & ,p]sians c\ld n be alt]$1 !re 0 no alt]native b a def5sive slaught]4 ,we may try to %elt] ,e/h] "u ! cu/oms ( ! times2 we may call to m9d ! fact t %e 0 act+ on ! advice ( ,mordecai1 :om %e _h be5 taught to obey f *ildhood1 s t 8 0 by f> ! great] weight ( responsibility4 ,/ill1 z we gaze on ! portrait ( ! /rong1 brave1 unselfi% ,jewess1 we mu/ confess t b5ea? all ! beauty & nobility ( its expression c]ta9 h>d l9es betray ! fact t ,e/h] is n a ,madonna1 t ! h]o9e ( ! ,jews does n rea* ! ,*ri/ian ideal ( womanhood4 ,,*apt] ,,xxxv4 ,,mordecai4 ,,e/h] ii4 #e1 #f2 iv4 #a1 #b2 vi4 #aj1 #aa2 ix4 #a-d4 ,! hectic en?usia/ :o inspires ,daniel ,d]onda ) 8 passionate ideas is evid5tly a reflection 9 mod]n lit]ature ( ! ,mordecai ( ,scripture4 ,x mu/ be admitt$ t ! reflection approa*es a c>icature4 ,! dream9ess & morbid excitability ( ,george ,eliot's consumptive h]o h no c\nt]p>t 9 ! wise1 /rong ,m5tor ( ,que5 ,e/h]2 & ! ,engli% writ]'s agno/icism has l$ h] to exclude all ! ,div9e elem5ts ( ! ,jewi% fai?1 s t on h] pages ! sole object ( ,israelite devotion is ! race ( ,israel4 ,b ! v extravagance ( ! portraiture ke5ly acc5tuates :at is1 aft] all1 ! mo/ rem>kable trait 9 ! orig9al ,mordecai4 ,we are n 9 a position to d5y t ?is man _h a liv+ fai? 9 ! ,god ( 8 fa!rs2 we are simply ignorant z to :at 8 attitude t[>ds religion 01 because ! au?or ( ! ,book ( ,e/h] draws a veil ov] ! religi\s relations ( all 8 *>act]s4 ,/ill ! "o ?+ prom95t & pron\nc$ 9 ,mordecai is patriotism1 devotion to ,israel1 ! exp5diture ( ?\ght & ef=t on ! protection ( 8 ?reat5$ p4 ,! fir/ m5tion ( ! "n ( ,mordecai introduces a h9t ( 8 national connections4 ,we read1 ,!re 0 a c]ta9 ,jew 9 ,%u%an ! palace1 ^: "n 0 ,mordecai1 ! son ( ,jair1 ! son ( ,%imei1 ! son ( ,ki%1 a ,b5jamite2 :o _h be5 c>ri$ away f ,j]usalem ) ! captives :i* _h be5 c>ri$ away ) ,jeconiah k+ ( ,judah1 :om ,nebu*adnezz> ! k+ ( ,babylon _h c>ri$ away4#bff ,curi\s freaks ( exegesis h be5 display$ 9 deal+ ) ?is passage4 ,x has be5 ?\ght t ! ,ki% m5tion$ 9 x is no o!r ?an ! fa!r ( ,saul1 9 :i* case ! ages ( ! ance/ors ( ,mordecai mu/ rival ^? ( ! ant$iluvians2 & x has be5 sugge/$ t ,mordecai is "h repres5t$ z "o ( ! orig9al captives f ,j]usalem 9 ! reign ( ,jeconiah1 s t at ! "t ( ,x]xes he mu/ h be5 a m>vell\sly old man1 tott]+ on ! br9k ( ! grave4 ,on ^! gr\nds ! g5ealogical note has be5 treat$ z a fanciful fiction inv5t$ to magnify ! importance ( ,mordecai4 ,b !re is no necessity to take up any su* position4 ,x w\ld be /range to d]ive ,mordecai f ! f>-(f ,b5jamite f>m] ,ki%1 :o %9es only 9 ! reflect$ glory ( 8 son1 :]eas we h no m5tion ( ,saul himself4 ,!re is no reason to say t ano!r ,ki% may n h be5 f\nd among ! captives4 ,!n x is q possible to dispose ( ! second difficulty by connect+ ! relative clause at ! beg9n+ ( v]se #f--:o _h be5 c>ri$ away--) ! ne>e/ antec$5t 9 ! previ\s s5t5ce--viz41 ,ki% ! ,b5jamite4 ,if we remove ! semi-colon f ! end ( v]se #e1 ! clauses w run on q smoo?ly & !re w be no reason to g back to ! "n ( ,mordecai = ! antec$5t ( ! relative2 we c read ! words ?us--,ki% ! ,b5jamite :o _h be5 c>ri$ away1 etc4 ,9 ?is way all difficulty vani%es4 ,b ! passage /ill reta9s a special significance4 ,mordecai 0 a true ,jew1 ( ! once royal tribe ( ,b5jam91 a desc5dant ( "o ( ! captive contempor>ies ( ,jeconiah1 & !re=e mo/ likely a scion ( a pr9cely h\se4 ,! pres]vation ( 8 ance/ral record gives u a h9t ( ! sort ( m5tal pabulum on :i* ! man _h be5 nurtur$4 ,liv+ 9 ! palace1 app>5tly z a port]1 & possibly z a eunu* ( ! h>em1 ,mordecai w\ld h be5 tempt$ to =get 8 p4 ,nev]!less x is pla9 t he _h *]i%$ traditions ( ! sad pa/1 & tra9$ 8 s\l to cl+ to ! /ory ( 8 fa!rs' suff]+s 9 spite ( all ! di/ractions & dissipations ( a ,p]sian c\rt life4 ,?\gh 9 a humbl] sph]e1 he ?us resembl$ ,artax]xes' cup-be>]1 ! great patriot ,nehemiah4 #bff ,e/h] ii4 #e1 #f4 ,! peculi>ity ( ,mordecai's "p 9 ! /ory is ?is1 t he is ! mov+ _s ( all t is done = ! deliv]ance ( ,israel at a "t ( desp]ate p]il )\t be+ at fir/ a prom95t "*4 ,?us he fir/ appe>s z ! gu>dian ( 8 "y c\s91 :om he has *]i%$ & tra9$1 & :om he n[ introduces to ! royal h>em :]e %e w play h] m conspicu\s "p4 ,?r\gh\t ! :ole c\rse ( ev5ts ,mordecai's voice is repeat$ly he>d1 b usually z t ( ,e/h]'s prompt]4 ,he haunts ! prec9cts ( ! h>em1 if by *ance he may cat* a glimpse ( 8 fo/] *ild4 ,he is a lonely man n[1 = he has p>t$ ) ! light ( 8 home4 ,he has done ?is volunt>ily1 unselfi%ly--fir/1 to advance ! lovely creature :o has be5 committ$ to 8 *>ge1 & secondly1 z x turns out1 = ! sav+ ( 8 p4 ,ev5 n[ 8 *ief ?\ght is n = ! *e]+ ( 8 own solitude4 ,8 con/ant aim is to guide 8 "y c\s9 9 ! difficult pa? ( h] new c>e]4 ,subsequ5tly he receives ! highe/ hon\rs ! k+ c be/[2 b he nev] seeks !m1 & he w\ld be q cont5t to rema9 9 ! backgr\nd to ! end1 if only 8 eag] desire = ! good ( 8 p c\ld be accompli%$ by ! que5 :o has le>nt to lean ^u 8 c\nsel f h] *ildhood4 ,su* self-effacem5t is mo/ r>e & beautiful4 ,a subtle temptation to self-reg>d+ ambition besets ! pa? ( e man :o attempts "s great public "w = ! good ( o!rs 9 a way t necess>ily br+s him "u obs]vation4 ,ev5 ?\gh he believes himself to be inspir$ by ! pure/ patriotism1 x is impossible = him n to p]ceive t he is expos+ himself to admiration by ! v dis9t]e/$ness ( 8 conduct4 ,! r>e ?+ is to see ! same e>ne/ness on ! "p ( a p]son 9 an obscure place1 will+ t ! :ole ( 8 en]gy %\ld be devot$ to ! tra9+ & guid+ ( ano!r1 :o alone is to become ! visible ag5t ( "s great "w4 ,! "o action 9 :i* ,mordecai mom5t>ily takes ! fir/ place ?r[s light on ano!r side ( 8 "*4 ,!re is a second>y plot 9 ! /ory4 ,mordecai saves ! k+'s life by discov]+ to him a conspiracy4 ,! value ( ?is s]vice is /rik+ly illu/rat$ by ! hi/orical fact t1 at a lat] "t1 j ano!r su* conspiracy issu$ 9 ! assass9ation ( ,x]xes4 ,9 ! di/ractions ( 8 =eign exp$itions & 8 ab&onm5t to self-indulg5ce at home1 ! k+ =gets ! :ole affair1 & ,mordecai goes on 8 quiet way z be=e1 nev] dream+ ( ! hon\r ) :i* x is to be rew>d$4 ,n[ ?is incid5t seems to be introduc$ to %[ h[ ! intricate :eels ( ,provid5ce all "w on = ! ultimate deliv]ance ( ,israel4 ,! accid5tal discov]y ( ,mordecai's unrequit$ s]vice :5 ! k+ is beguil+ ! long h\rs ( a sleepless night by li/5+ to ! *ronicles ( 8 reign leads to ! recognition ( ,mordecai & ! fir/ humiliation ( ,haman1 & prep>es ! k+ = fur!r measures4 ,b ! incid5t reflects a side light on ,mordecai 9 ano!r direction4 ,! humble port] is loyal to ! great despot4 ,he is a passionately patriotic ,jew2 b 8 patriotism does n make a rebel ( him1 nor does x p]mit him to /& aside sil5tly & see a villa9\s intrigue g on unmole/$1 ev5 ?\gh x is aim$ at ! mon>* :o is hold+ 8 p 9 subjection4 ,mordecai is ! humble fri5d ( ! great ,p]sian k+ 9 ! mom5t ( dang]4 ,?is is ! m rem>kable :5 we comp>e x ) 8 ru?less ?ir/ = v5geance aga9/ ! kn[n enemies ( ,israel4 ,x %[s t he does n treat ,ahasu]us z an enemy ( 8 p4 ,no d\bt ! writ] ( ?is n>rative wi%$ x to be se5 t ! mo/ patriotic ,jew c\ld be p]fectly loyal to a =eign gov]nm5t4 ,! %9+ examples ( ,joseph & ,daniel h set ! same idea be=e ! _w = ! v9dication ( a grossly malign$ p1 :o1 l ! ,*ri/ians 9 ! days ( ,tacitus1 h be5 mo/ unju/ly hat$ z ! enemies ( ! human race4 ,! capacity to adapt itself loyally to ! s]vice ( =eign gov]nm5ts1 )\t ab&on+ "o iota ( its religion or its patriotism1 is a unique trait 9 ! g5ius ( ?is wond]ful race4 ,! ,zealot is n ! typical ,jew-patriot4 ,he is a secretion ( diseas$ & decay$ patriotism4 ,true patriotism is l>ge en\gh & pati5t en\gh to recognise ! duties t lie outside its imm$iate aims4 ,its f9e p]fection is atta9$ :5 x c be flexible )\t becom+ s]vile4 ,we see t 9 ,mordecai ! flexibility ( ,jewi% patriotism 0 consi/5t ) a pr\d scorn ( ! lea/ approa* to s]vility4 ,he w\ld n kiss ! du/ at ! approa* ( ,haman1 gr& vizi] ?\gh ! man 04 ,x may be t he reg>d$ ?is act ( homage z idolatr\s--= x w\ld seem t ,p]sian mon>*s 7 n unwill+ to accept ! adulation ( ,div9e hon\rs2 & ! va9 m9i/] 0 ap+ ! airs ( 8 royal ma/]4 ,b1 p]haps1 l ^? ,greeks :o w\ld n humble _! pride by pro/rat+ !mselves at ! bidd+ ( an ,ori5tal b>b>ian1 ,mordecai held himself up f a s5se ( self-respect4 ,9 ei!r case x mu/ be evid5t t he %[$ a d>+ly indep5d5t _s4 ,he c\ld n b "k t su* an affront z he v5tur$ to (f] to ,haman w\ld annoy ! great man4 ,b he _h n calculat$ on ! unfa?omable dep?s ( ,haman's vanity4 ,nobody :o cr$its 8 fell[s ) rational motives w\ld dream t s simple an (f5ce z ?is ( ,mordecai's c\ld provoke s va/ an act ( v5geance z ! massacre ( a nation4 ,:5 he saw ! outrage\s consequ5ces ( 8 mild act ( indep5d5ce1 ,mordecai mu/ h felt x d\bly incumb5t ^u him to /ra9 e n]ve to save 8 p4 ,_! dang] 0 indirectly due to 8 conduct4 ,/ill he c\ld nev] h =ese5 su* a result1 & !re=e he %\ld n be held responsible = x4 ,! trem5d\s disproportion betwe5 motive & action 9 ! behavi\r ( ,haman is l "o ( ^? fanta/ic freaks t ab\nd 9 ! impossible _w ( ,! ,arabian ,nights1 b = ! occurr5ce ( :i* we make no provision 9 real life1 simply because we d n act on ! assumption t ! univ]se is no?+ bett] ?an a huge lunatic asylum4 ,! escape f ?is altoge!r unexpect$ dang] is due to two c\rses ( ev5ts4 ,"o ( !m--9 accordance ) ! res]v$ /yle ( ! n>rative--appe>s to be q accid5tal4 ,mordecai got ! rew>d he nev] s\ght 9 :at seems to be ! mo/ casual way4 ,he _h no h& 9 obta9+ = himself an hon\r :i* looks to u qua9tly *ildi%4 ,= a few brief h\rs he 0 p>ad$ ?r\gh ! /reets ( ! royal city z ! man :om ! k+ delight$ to hon\r1 ) no less a p]son ?an ! gr& vizi] to s]ve z 8 groom4 ,x 0 ,haman's silly vanity t _h inv5t$ ?is frivol\s proce$+4 ,we c h>dly suppose t ,mordecai c>$ mu* = x4 ,aft] ! procession _h complet$ its r\nd1 9 true ,ori5tal fa%ion ,mordecai put (f 8 gorge\s robes1 l a poor actor return+ f ! /age to 8 g>ret1 & settl$ d[n to 8 l[ly (fice exactly z if no?+ _h happ5$4 ,?is mu/ seem to u a fooli% bus9ess1 unless we c look at x ?r\gh ! magnify+ glass ( an ,ori5tal imag9ation1 & ev5 !n !re is no?+ v fasc9at+ 9 x4 ,/ill x _h important consequ5ces4 ,=1 9 ! fir/ place1 x prep>$ ! way = a fur!r recognition ( ,mordecai 9 ! future4 ,he 0 n[ a m>k$ p]sonage4 ,ahasu]us knew him1 & 0 gratefully dispos$ t[>ds him4 ,! p und]/ood t ! k+ delight$ to hon\r him4 ,8 c\* w\ld n be ! s(t] nor 8 bread ! sweet]2 b all sorts ( future possibilities lay op5 be=e him4 ,to _m m5 ! possibilities ( life are m preci\s ?an ! actualities4 ,we _c say1 h[ev]1 t !y meant mu* to ,mordecai1 = he 0 n ambiti\s1 & he _h no reason to ?9k t ! k+s consci5ce 0 n p]fectly satisfi$ ) ! *eap settlem5t ( 8 debt ( gratitude4 ,/ill ! possibilities exi/$1 & be=e ! end ( ! tale !y _h blossom$ out to v brilliant results4 ,b ano!r consequ5ce ( ! pageant 0 t ! he>t ( ,haman 0 turn$ to gall4 ,we see him livid ) jeal\sy1 inconsolable until 8 wife--:o evid5tly kn[s him well--proposes to satisfy 8 spite by ano!r piece ( fanciful extravagance4 ,mordecai %all be impal$ on a mighty /ake1 s high t all ! _w %all see ! gha/ly spectacle4 ,?is may give "s com=t to ! w\nd$ vanity ( ! gr& vizi]4 ,b consolation to ,haman w be dea? & torm5t to ,mordecai4 ,n[ we come to ! second c\rse ( ev5ts t issu$ 9 ! deliv]ance & triumph ( ,israel1 & !re) 9 ! escape & exaltation ( ,mordecai4 ,"h ! wat*ful port] is at ! spr+ ( all t happ5s4 ,8 fa/+1 & ! e>ne/ c\nsels he lays ^u ,e/h]1 be> witness to ! int5sity ( 8 nature4 ,aga9 ! *>act]i/ic res]ve ( ! n>rative obscures all religi\s consid]ations4 ,b1 z we h se5 already1 ,mordecai is p]suad$ t deliv]ance w come to ,israel f "s qu>t]1 & he sugge/s t ,e/h] has be5 rais$ to h] high position = ! purpose ( sav+ h] p4 ,we _c b feel t ^! h9ts veil a v solid fai? 9 ! provid5ce ( ,god ) reg>d to ! ,jews4 ,on ! surface ( !m !y %[ fai? 9 ! de/9y ( ,israel4 ,mordecai n only loves 8 nation2 he believes 9 x4 ,he is sure x has a future4 ,x has surviv$ ! mo/ awful disa/]s 9 ! pa/4 ,x seems to possess a *>m$ life4 ,x mu/ em]ge safely f ! pres5t crisis4 ,b ,mordecai is n a fatali/ ^: cre$ p>alyses 8 en]gies4 ,he is mo/ di/ress$ & anxi\s at ! prospect ( ! great dang] t ?reat5s 8 p4 ,he is mo/ p]si/5t 9 press+ = ! execution ( measures ( deliv]ance4 ,/ill 9 all ?is he is buoy$ up by a /range fai? 9 8 nation's de/9y4 ,?is is ! fai? t ! ,engli% noveli/ has transf]r$ to h] mod]n ,mordecai4 ,x _c be ga9say$ t !re is mu* 9 ! m>vell\s hi/ory ( ! unique p1 ^: vitality & en]gy a/oni% u ev5 to-day1 to ju/ify ! sangu9e expectation ( prophetic s\ls t ,israel has yet a great de/9y to fulfil 9 future ages4 ,! ugly side ( ,jewi% patriotism is also app>5t 9 ,mordecai1 & x mu/ n be ignor$4 ,! indiscrim9ate massacre ( ! enemies ( ! ,jews is a savage act ( retaliation t f> exce$s ! necessity ( self-def5ce1 & ,mordecai mu/ be> ! *ief blame ( ?is crime4 ,b !n ! consid]ations 9 ext5uation ( its guilt :i* h already come "u our notice may be appli$ to him4#bfg ,! dang] 0 supreme4 ,! ,jews 7 9 a m9ority4 ,! k+ 0 cruel1 fickle1 s5seless4 ,x 0 a desp]ate case4 ,we _c be surpris$ t ! rem$y 0 desp]ate also4 ,!re 0 no mod]ation on ei!r side1 b !n sweet reasonabl5ess is ! la/ ?+ to be look$ = 9 any ( ! *>act]s ( ! ,book ( ,e/h]4 ,"h ev]y?+ is extravagant4 ,! c\rse ( ev5ts is too grotesque to be gravely weigh$ 9 ! scales t are us$ 9 ! judgm5t ( av]age m5 "u av]age circum/ances4 #bfg ,page #ceh4 ,! ,book ( ,e/h] closes ) an acc\nt ( ! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,fea/ ( ,purim & ! exaltation ( ,mordecai to ! vacant place ( ,haman4 ,! ,israelite port] becomes gr& vizi] ( ,p]sia6 ,?is is ! cr[n+ pro( ( ! triumph ( ! ,jews consequ5t on _! deliv]ance4 ,! :ole process ( ev5ts t issues s glori\sly is commemorat$ 9 ! annual ,fea/ ( ,purim4 ,x is true t d\bts h be5 ?r[n on ! hi/orical connection betwe5 t fe/ival & ! /ory ( ,e/h]4 ,x has be5 said t ! ^w ,purim may repres5t ! portions assign$ by lot1 b n ! lott]y itself2 t s trivial an accid5t z ! me?od foll[$ by ,haman 9 select+ a day = 8 massacre ( ! ,jews c\ld n give its "n to ! celebration ( _! escape f ! ?reat5$ dang]2 t ! fea/ 0 probably m anci5t1 & 0 really ! fe/ival ( ! new moon = ! mon? 9 :i* x occurs4 ,) reg>d to all ( ^! & any o!r objections1 !re is "o rem>k t may be made "h4 ,!y are solely ( ar*ological int]e/4 ,! "* & mean+ ( ! fea/ z x is kn[n to h be5 celebrat$ 9 hi/orical times is n t\*$ by !m1 because x is beyond d\bt t ?r\gh\t ! ages ,purim has be5 inspir$ ) passionate & almo/ dramatic rem9isc5ces ( ! /ory ( ,e/h]4 ,?us = all ! celebrations ( ! fea/ t come )9 our k5 ?is is its sole significance4 ,! wor?9ess ( ! fe/ival w v>y accord+ to ! ideas & feel+s t are enc\rag$ 9 connection ) x4 ,:5 x has be5 us$ z an opportunity = cultivat+ pride ( race1 hatr$1 contempt1 & gleeful v5geance ov] humiliat$ foes1 its effect mu/ h be5 injuri\s & degrad+4 ,:51 h[ev]1 x has be5 celebrat$ 9 ! mid/ ( griev\s oppressions1 ?\gh x has embitt]$ ! _s ( animosity t[>ds ! oppressor--! ,*ri/ian ,haman 9 mo/ cases--x has be5 ( real s]vice 9 *e]+ a cruelly afflict$ p4 ,ev5 :5 x has be5 c>ri$ ?r\gh ) no s]i\sness ( int5tion1 m]ely z a holiday devot$ to music & danc+ & games & all sorts ( m]ry-mak+1 its social effect 9 br++ a gleam ( light into lives t 7 z a rule dismally sordid may h be5 decid$ly heal?y4 ,b deep] ?\ghts mu/ be /irr$ 9 dev\t he>ts :5 brood+ ov] ! pr(\nd significance ( ! national fe/ival4 ,x celebrates a fam\s deliv]ance ( ! ,jews f a fe>ful dang]4 ,n[ deliv]ance is ! keynote ( ,jewi% hi/ory4 ,?is note 0 s\nd$ z ) a trumpet bla/ at ! v bir? ( ! nation1 :51 em]g+ f ,egypt no bett] ?an a body ( fugitive slaves1 ,israel 0 l$ ?r\gh ! ,r$ ,sea & ,ph>aoh's ho/s ) _! horses & *>iots 7 ov]:elm$ 9 ! flood4 ,! e*o ( ! triumphant bur/ ( praise t swell$ out f ! exodus peal$ d[n ! ages 9 ! noble/ songs ( ,hebrew ,psalmi/s4 ,successive deliv]ances add$ volume to ?is ri*e/ note ( ,jewi% poetry4 ,9 all :o look$ up to ,god z ! ,r$eem] ( ,israel ! music 0 inspir$ by pr(\nd ?ankfulness1 by true religi\s adoration4 ,& yet ,purim nev] became ! ,eu*>i/ ( ,israel4 ,x nev] approa*$ ! solemn gr&eur ( ,passov]1 t pr9ce ( fe/ivals1 9 :i* ! great primitive deliv]ance ( ,israel 0 celebrat$ ) all ! pomp & awe ( its ,div9e associations4 ,x 0 always 9 ! ma9 a secul> fe/ival1 relegat$ to ! l[] plane ( social & dome/ic ent]ta9m5ts1 l an ,engli% bank-holiday4 ,/ill ev5 on its own l9es x c\ld s]ve a s]i\s purpose4 ,:5 ,israel is practically idolis$ by ,israelites1 :5 ! glory ( ! nation is accept$ z ! highe/ ideal to "w up to1 ! true religion ( ,israel is miss$1 because t is no?+ less ?an ! wor%ip ( ,god z ,he is reveal$ 9 ,hebrew hi/ory4 ,nev]!less1 9 _! "r place1 ! privileges ( ! nation & its de/9ies may be made ! gr\nds ( v exalt$ aspirations4 ,! nation is l>g] ?an ! individual1 l>g] ?an ! family4 ,an en?usia/ic national _s mu/ ex]t an expansive influ5ce on ! n>r[1 cramp$ lives ( ! m5 & wom5 :om x deliv]s f selfi%1 dome/ic1 & p>o*ial limitations4 ,x 0 a lib]al education = ,jews to be taught to love _! race1 its hi/ory & its future4 ,if--z seems probable--our ,"l hon\r$ ! ,fea/ ( ,purim by tak+ "p 9 x1#bfh ,he mu/ h cr$it$ ! national life ( ,8 p ) a wor?y mission4 ,himself ! pure/ & be/ fruit ( ! /ock ( ,israel1 on ! human side ( ,8 be+1 ,he realis$ 9 ,8 own great mission ( r$emption ! end = :i* ,god _h repeat$ly r$eem$ ,israel4 ,?us ,he %[$ t ,god _h sav$ ,8 p1 n simply = _! own selfi% satisfaction1 b t ?r\gh ,*ri/ !y might c>ry salvation to ! _w4 #bfh ,john v4 #a4 ,purg$ f its base associations ( blood & cruelty1 ,purim may symbolise to u ! triumph ( ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/ ov] h] fi]ce/ foes4 ,! _s ( ?is triumph mu/ be ! v opposite ( ! _s ( wild v5geance exhibit$ by ,mordecai & 8 p 9 _! brief season ( unwont$ elation4 ,! ,israel ( ,god c nev] conqu] h] enemies by =ce4 ,! victory ( ! ,*ur* mu/ be ! victory ( bro!rly love1 because bro!rly love is ! note ( ! true ,*ur*4 ,b ?is victory ,*ri/ is w9n+ ?r\gh\t ! ages1 & ! hi/orical realisation ( x is to u ! ,*ri/ian c\nt]p>t ( ! /ory ( ,e/h]4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcrib]'s note3 ,v>iations 9 spell+ h be5 pres]v$ except 9 obvi\s cases ( typographical error4 ,hyph5ation is inconsi/5t4 ,page #cga3 ,z 9 ! case ( ,judas1 !re is ?\ght to be no call4444 ,miss+ ^w is has be5 ins]t$4