Elisha replied: "Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." answer. Elijah's "Thou hast asked a hard thing, (said Elijah); nevertheless if thou shalt see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be even so unto thee." How Elijah was removed from earth. As they continued their journey together, a chariot and horses of fire suddenly appeared, by which Elijah was carried to heaven in a whirlwind. What became of Elisha. Elisha, who was looking up, saw the translation; the mantle of Elijah fell upon him; and he forthwith succeeded to the prophetic office. (B.C. 892.) A.C. 874.] CHAPTER V. In Judah-JOASH reigned 40 years. B.C. 874 to 835. In Israel-JEHU reigned 28 years. B.C. 880 to 835. 2 KINGS X-XII. 2 CHRON. XXII-XXIV. COTEMPORARY EVENTS. 850. The 24th dynasty of Egypt began. 884. Lycurgus gave his code of laws to the Spartans. COTEMPORARY PROPHET-ELISHA. Ahaziah's death. What happened on On the death of Ahazi'ah, his mother Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, usurped the throne of Judah, and destroyed all the royal princes except the infant Joash. How Joash escaped. Joash was secretly preserved from this slaughter by his aunt, the wife of Jehoi'ada, the high priest. How long Atha liah reigned. Athali'ah continued to reign for six years; but rendered herself so hateful by her wickedness, that the high priest resolved to disseat her. How he ef. fected this. For this purpose he took Joash, when he was seven years old, into the temple, and anointed him king. Athaliah interferes. Athali'ah, suspecting what was being done, went in haste to prevent the ceremony; but was slain upon the steps of the sacred edifice. How Joash reigned. Joash reigned excellently well so long as his uncle Jehoi'ada lived; but on the death of that high priest, was led astray by evil counsellors. gan his reign. How Joash be- He began his reign by repairing the temple, which had become dilapidated; and by restoring the divine service, which had been sadly neglected for the last three years. What evils he On the death of Jehoi'ada, he committed. forsook the Lord; became an idolater; and went so far as to set up images of Baal even in the temple of God. Who reproved him for it. He was reproved for his impiety by the high priest, Zachari'ah, the son of Jehoiada; but the king's counsellors stoned the holy man to death for his pious zeal. punished. How Joash was God himself interfered at last to punish the wicked king; and sent against him Haz'ael, the king of Syria. How Hazael The invader first besieged Gath, and took it; he then marched against Jerusalem, intending to besiege that city also. proceeded. How Hazael was arrested. Joash, to rescue himself from the threatened danger, gave him all the money he could find in the temple, and all the royal treasures. What followed. met with. Hazael took the bribe, and returned to Syria; but next year sent another army against the sacred city. The success it The troops of Judah were defeated; and the victorious army entering Jerusalem, slew the princes, took great spoil, and treated the king with the greatest ignominy. What effect this had on Joash. Joash was so affected by this misfortune that he fell dangerously ill, and some of his servants murdered him in his bed. Who Jebu was. JEHU. REIGNED IN ISRAEL 28 YEARS. From 880 to 852. Jehu was captain of the Israelitish army; and was privately anointed king by the order of Elisha, while the army was besieging Ramoth-Gilead. Why he was made king. He was raised up expressly for two purposes: (1) To root out the posterity of Ahab; and (2) to extirpate from the land the worship of Baal. How he accomplished the former. He executed the former mission most completely: 1st. He shot with an arrow king Jeho'ram, the son of Ahab, as he was coming to meet him on his way home; (2.) He then rode full speed to the city of Jezreel, saw Jezebel, Ahab's |