A.C. 1321-1281.]

people for 20 years, when they repented and were again delivered.

Who delivered

them.

They were delivered this time by Deborah, a prophetess, and Barak, a military chief, who collected an army, and boldly marched against Sis'era, the captain of Jabin's army.

Issue of the

conflict.

The two armies met; the Canaanites were routed, and Sis'era fled for refuge to the tent of Heber, the Kenite.

entertained.

How he was He was received with great hospitality; but Jael, the wife of Heber, murdered him while he slept, by driving a tent-nail through his temples. After which, the land again had rest for 40 years. (B.C. 1281.)

Deborah composed a song on this occasion, which is one of the most beautiful compositions in the world. (See Judges, chapter v.)

oppression.

The fourth The fourth oppression occurred soon after the death of Deborah, when the people "again did evil in the sight of the Lord."

were punished.

By whom they They were then delivered for chastisement into the hands of the Midianites, who held them in servitude for seven years. (B.c. 1248.)

This oppression was so grievous that the people fled to the mountains, and sought refuge in caves. During this dreadful affliction, Elimelech and Nao'mi, the parents of Ruth, migrated to the land of Moab.

delivered.

How they were The people at length asked God to help them, and He sent an angel to tell Gideon to lead them forth to battle.

Gideon makes

a request.

Gideon requested that God would shew him a sign in confirmation of his appointment, and God consented to do so.

request.

Nature of the The request was this: that a certain fleece of wool exposed in the fields all night, might become saturated with dew, while the field itself remained perfectly dry.

Noticed and commented on in Dr. Brewer's Guide to Science, p. 218.

What oc- God performed this miracle, and

curred.

then Gideon requested that the converse might occur next night; viz., that the fleece might remain dry, while the earth was covered with dew.

Gideon con

vinced.

This second miracle fully satisfied Gideon that his commission was from God; and he immediately set about it.

How Gideon proceeded.

He first raised an army of 32,000 men to go against the Midianites; but as God wished to convince the people that He was himself the giver of all victory, he had the number reduced to 300.

reduced.

How it was When the army was assembled, Gideon gave all those who had the least fear leave to depart, upon which 22,000 went away to their homes.

still further

How it was He then led the residue to the reduced. bank of a river, and selected those only who "lapped the water as a dog lappeth with his tongue;" by which means the 10,000 were reduced

to 300, and the rest were dismissed from the service.

His plan of

operation. His plan of operation was this: he divided his band into three equal parts, giving to every man a sword, a trumpet, and a pitcher, with a lighted lamp concealed in it.

Object of these

equipments.

The attack was to be made at night; and, at a given signal, every man 'was to blow a blast on his trumpet, to dash to pieces his pitcher, hold up his lantern, and rush on the foe, shouting, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon." The Midianites were so panicstruck with this strange occurrence, that a complete victory was obtained. (B.C. 1241.)

What oc

curred.

shewed their joy.

How the people The Israelites, infatuated with joy, urged Gideon, or one of his sons, to become their king; but he resolutely refused, saying, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my sons rule over you, but the Lord shall rule

over you.

A.c. 1201-1151.]

Gideon continued to judge Israel for nine years, and the land remained at peace for 40 years, during which time nothing of importance occurred.

pression.

The fifth op❤ The fifth oppression was from the Ammorites and Philistines combined. It was more severe than any of the preceding, because the sins of the people were more grievous.

By whom they were delivered.

The deliverer from this bondage was Jephthah, who made a vow, if he prospered, to devote to God whatever creature first came to greet him after the battle. (Judges xi. 30, 31.)

What oc

curred.

Jephthah gained the victory, and his daughter was the first to come and greet him with timbrels and dances. Jephthah was very sad, but at his daughter's request, "did unto her according to his vow." (B.C. 1183.)

HIM (i.e. the Lord) "and I will offer IT

The last clause of v. 31, should be translated thus and I will offer up to a burnt-offering; instead of, up FOR a burnt-offering."

A person devoted to God was never allowed to marry, but lived as a religieuse in the service of God; as the vestal virgins among the Romans,