Chapter LXX.
DECLINE OF THE KINGDOM OF JUDA— THE PROPHETS JOEL
AND MICHEAS. (790-730 B. C.)
[4 Kings 14—18. Joel. Micheas.]
GOD also sent to the inhabitants of the kingdom of Juda a great number of prophets, whose powerful voice was heard throughout the land calling them to repentance, by proclaiming and foretelling the judgments of God. Many times did their words produce the desired effect, and bring the people to repentance, and for a while they served God with fidelity and sincerity.
Unhappily these returns to virtue and religion were of short duration[1]. Then it was that the prophets, with sorrowful hearts, began to announce to the rebellious people the gradual downfall[2] of their country, and the only consolation left to the prophets was the thought of the Messias, whose coming they saw more clearly as time went on.
The prophet Joel spoke to the people in these terms : “Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Blow the trumpet in Sion, sound an alarm in my holy mountain; because the day of the Lord comes; because it is nigh at hand. A day of darkness and of gloom; a day of clouds and whirlwinds; a numerous people and a strong people, as the morning spread upon the mountains. Before the face thereof a devouring fire and behind it a burning flame. Sacrifices and oblations have ceased to be offered in the house of the Lord. Rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God. Between the porch and the altar, the priests,
- ↑ Of short duration. Terrible impurity, sorcery, and superstitions of all kinds reigned among the chosen people. Of the twenty kings who ruled over Juda the greater number shamelessly served idols. Achaz and Manasses even offered up their own children in sacrifice to the false god, Moloch. Achaz closed the Temple; Manasses set up altars to the false gods in the outer court of it.
- ↑ The gradual downfall. Foretelling such punishments as invasions of the enemy, despoiling of cities, devastation of the country &c. &c. Manasses was cast into prison, loaded with chains, and carried off to Babylon; and many kings were murdered by conspirators.
