Calendar:Dec. 16th to Jan. 15th

DAILY BIBLE READING:………. Dec. 16th, Isa. 37; Dec. 31st, Isa. 52; Jan. 15th, Jer. 1.

GOOD READING:… ."The Minor Prophets," by H. A. I. Pages 422-451.

Continuing our reading in Isaiah, chs. 37 and 38 conclude the section dealing with Hezekiah, his sickness and recovery, then failure in entertaining the ambassadors from Babylon. This gives occasion for the announcement of the Babylonish captivity and the desolation of Jerusalem.

The next section of the book (chs. 40-48) presents God's great controversy with His people concerning idolatry, His judgments because of it, yet also messages of comfort and promised restoration. This is followed by the introduction of the True Servant, seen in both His sufferings and final victory, and through whom Israel is brought into full salvation (chs. 49-60).

The closing division gives us the glorious completion of God's counsels, all His purposes concerning Israel and the nations finding fulfilment in the coming forth of the Deliverer out of Zion.

Our Good Reading

We complete, during this month, the reading of Mr. Ironside's book on the Minor Prophets. Malachi is the book before us. The following outline may serve as a help in following those Notes.

1. (ch. 1:1-5). Jehovah's expostulation with His people in which He gives proof of His love, and reproves their ingratitude, for He does not change.

2. (chs. 1:6-2:17). Jehovah's rebuke of priests and people.

1. (1:6-10). Jehovah dishonored:He is denied His rightful place of authority, and His love is requited with base ingratitude.

2. (1:11-14). Jehovah's name defiled:His service despised and His majesty condemned, as shown in their evil offerings by which their shameful disregard of His Word is made evident.

3. (2:1-10). Jehovah's covenant profaned by the priests; the unfaithful ministers of the sanctuary have utterly failed to bring glory to Jehovah as the responsible leaders and teachers of the people.

4. (2:11-17). The people unfaithful in their relationship with Jehovah:separation from evil not maintained, hypocrisy, injustice, and evil ways prevailing.

3. (chs. 3,4). Jehovah's coming to accomplish purification, and establish the spiritual condition suited to His name and glory.

1. (ch. 3:1-7). Jehovah unchanging, who in righteous judgment must purge out all that offends.
2. (ch. 3:8-15). Jehovah's claim:obedience to His word:to this He will respond in blessing and deliverance.

3. (ch. 3:16-18). Jehovah's treasure:they who fear Him, and make Him their refuge and strength.

4. (ch. 4:1-3). Jehovah's day:consuming judgment upon the wicked; healing, blessing, victory for those who fear Him.

5. (ch. 4:4-6). Jehovah's law:the divine interposition alone averting final divine retribution.