The Second Book of Kings continues the narrative of the First, of which it is really a part. Naturally, in the history of a decline which it records, things grow darker with the deepening apostasy. But morally the end was seen in Solomon's fearful backsliding, as governmentally its consequences appeared in the disruption of the kingdom. All this we have seen in the First Book.

There, too, we saw the mercy of God in sending prophets to witness for Himself and against the people. Elijah stands forth prominently, exhibiting in himself, as John the Baptist in a later and similar time, the character of one who would walk in separation from all that against which he testified.

For purposes of convenience the book may be divided into two parts:(i) Chaps. 1:-17:-The downward progress of the nation, ending in the captivity of Israel by the Assyrians ; (2) Chaps. 18:-25:-Further subsequent decay in Judah, and the Babylonian captivity. The narrative is a continuous one, passing from Israel to Judah. In the first division the northern kingdom is prominent, while, of course, in the second part we have only Judah.

Elisha is the chief prophet here, as Elijah was in the first book. Chap. 1:shows us the prophet of judgment in a characteristic attitude, calling down fire from heaven. In chap. 2:we see him passing into heaven, translated as was Enoch. His mantle of service falls upon Elisha, who takes up his ministry from God.

Elisha emphasizes mercy rather than judgment. His miracles show this, and are calculated to quicken into flame any smoldering embers of repentance or faith lingering in the hearts of the people. Alas, though they doubtless witnessed to the faith of individuals here and there, nationally the people follow their kings, who without a single exception walk in the ways and sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

There are some beautiful gospel pictures here, and lessons for the people of God:the victory over the king of Edom (Chap. 3:); the widow's oil, and the Shunamite woman (Chap. 4:); Naaman (Chap. 5:); the siege of Samaria relieved (Chaps. 6:, 7:). But in spite of all these witnesses of God's willingness to bless and help, both Israel and Judah go on in their own course (chap. 8:).

Hope temporarily revives with the new dynasty of Jehu, but his zeal is of a fleshly character and is not mixed with faith; so, though his family remain on the throne during four generations, the disintegration of the nation proceeds (Chaps. 9:, 10:).

Turning to Judah, chap. 11:gives the account of God's preservation of the seed of David when, through the wicked Athaliah, a deliberate attempt is made to exterminate it. Joash the young king, thus spared, shows good energy in restoring the service of the temple, but his faith weakens in the presence of the enemy, and he sacrifices his treasures in fear of Hazael, king of Syria. Solemnly enough he meets the end which he had escaped at the beginning. God protects the helpless child, and permits the strong man to be assassinated (Chaps. 11:, 12:). The remainder of this portion (Chaps. 13:-17:) continues the narrative of both kingdoms until the ten tribes are carried away captive. Chap. 17:shows the origin of the Samaritans of the New Testament. They were heathen brought into the land in place of the departed Israelites. They assumed the name of Israel ("our father Jacob," John 4:), but were never anything but aliens. Hence our Lord would not recognize the claim of the woman of Samaria to kinship with Israel-" Ye worship ye know not what . . . salvation is of the Jews."

The second division of the book offers some relief to the prevailing darkness, in the bright faith of Hezekiah, whose reign is narrated at some length (Chaps. 18:-20:). But he is succeeded by a monster in wickedness, Manasseh-"forgetting," and how appropriate his name-he forgot his father's example and his father's God (Chap. 21:).

Josiah comes in next, and personally his faith is bright. The temple is cleansed, and the book of the law found in it, read and obeyed. How truly all recovery to God is marked by a turning to His Word in obedience. But although the king is faithful, the evil day cannot be postponed, and after his' death-a sad one, with a touch of pride, the only blot recorded in this good man's life-the feeble and unbelieving successors quickly follow one another till the people and the land are under the iron heel of the king of Babylon (Chaps. 22:-25:).

We will but briefly mention the prophet Jeremiah (Chaps. 1:-31:). This will be found a fitting companion to the Book of Kings, and gives glimpses of the heart of God speaking through His servant, pleading with a disobedient and gainsaying people. The importance of the prophets cannot be overestimated. They not only give the moral and spiritual condition of the people, of which their external history was the setting, but they lay down principles-of government, judgment, pleading, and mercy-that obtain for all time. This is particularly true of the, present day, when indeed there might appropriately be many weeping with Jeremiah and declaring his testimony to a Church that has well-nigh apostatized from God.