|
So also in the kingdom of Judah pertaining to Jerusalem prophets were
not lacking even in the times of succeeding kings, just as it pleased
God to send them, either for the prediction of what was needful, or
for correction of sin and instruction in righteousness; for there,
too, although far less than in Israel, kings arose who grievously
offended God by their impieties, and, along with their people, who
were like them, were smitten with moderate scourges. The no small
merits of the pious kings there are praised indeed. But we read that
in Israel the kings were, some more, others less, yet all wicked.
Each part, therefore, as the divine providence either ordered or
permitted, was both lifted up by prosperity and weighed down by
adversity of various kinds; and it was afflicted not Only by foreign,
but also by civil wars with each other, in order that by certain
existing causes the mercy or anger of God might be manifested; until,
by His growing indignation, that whole nation was by the conquering
Chaldeans not only overthrown in its abode, but also for the most part
transported to the lands of the Assyrians, first, that part of the
thirteen tribes called Israel, but afterwards Judah also, when
Jerusalem and that most noble temple was cast down, in which lands it
rested seventy years in captivity. Being after that time sent forth
thence, they rebuilt the overthrown temple. And although very many
stayed in the lands of the strangers, yet the kingdom no longer had two
separate parts, with different kings over each, but in Jerusalem
there was one prince over them; and at certain times, from every
direction wherever they were, and from whatever place they could, they
all came to the temple of God which was there. Yet not even then were
they without foreign enemies and conquerors; yea, Christ found them
tributaries of the Romans.
|
|