FIVE THOUSAND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 17. Had Balaam any power when he got there? -Only to say what God told him. Num. 22. 38. 18. Did he try by divination to accomplish Balak's wish?-Yes, while Balak offered sacrifice. Num. 23. 3, 15, 23; 24. 1. 19. Did he succeed?-No; God made him utter a blessing instead of a curse. Num. 23. 8-10, 20-24; 24. 2-9. 18. Was there any protection to be afforded to the murderer?-No. Num. 35. 16-21. 19. In what relationship did the "revenger of blood" stand to the slain person?-Next of kin. prove the wicked deed?-Two. 20. How many witnesses were necessary to 21. What event released the manslayer from large again without fear of death ?-The death the city of refuge, and permitted him to go at of the high priest. Num. 35. 25. 20. How did Balak feel when he found he had brought a blessing instead of a curse on his enemies?-He was angry with Balaam. Num. 24. 10. 21. When Balaam found that he could not pre--Of Christ, the sinner's refuge from Satan and 22. Of whom were those cities of refuge a type? vail by enchantment, did he yield himself to the the wrath to come. power of God?-Yes. Num. 24. 13, 14. 22. What beautiful prophecy did he utter of the glory of the Lord Jesus?-I see him, but not now (not as already come); I behold him, etc. Num. 24. 17. 23. How did he show he was a bad man?-By his infamous advice to Balak to tempt the children of Israel to sin. Num. 24. What was his end?-He was killed by the Israelites in battle with the Midianites. 31. 8. 25. Of whom is he a type?-Of the enemies of God. 26. Is he mentioned in the New Testament? Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. Jude 11. THE CITIES OF REFUGE. (Num. 26 and 27; 31-35.) 1. What does chap. 26 record?-The numbering of the Israelites. 2. After the numbering how many men were left of those who came out of Egypt with Moses? -Only two, Caleb and Joshua. Num. 26. 65. 3. How was this?-God had said that all the rest should die in the wilderness. Num. 26. 65. 4. What lesson should it teach us?-To beware of unbelief. Heb. 3. 7-19. 5. What kind of arrangement did the Lord make for one family when all the men of it were dead? That the property of the father should go to his daughters. Num. 27. 1-11. 6. What petition did Moses present to the Lord at the end of chap. 27?-That he would provide him a successor. Num. 27. 15-17. 7. Whom did the Lord appoint?-Joshua. 8. Of which tribe was Joshua?-Ephraim. 1 Chron. 7. 22-27. 9. How does Jacob allude to him and to the Lord Jesus (of whom Joshua was a type) in Gen. 49. 24?-His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob: (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel). 10. What does chap. 31 describe?-The defeat of the Midianites. 11. How was the spoil to be purified?-By fire or by water. 12. To what is the judgment of the last day compared ?-1 Cor. 3. 13-15. 13. Which of the children of Israel had their inheritance on the east of the Jordan?-Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh. Num. 32. 14. What do chaps. 33 and 34 describe?-The forty-two stages of the journey through the wilderness, and the boundaries of Canaan, and the officers appointed to divide it. 15. How many cities out of the tribes of Israel were to be given to the Levites?-Forty-eight. Num. 35. 7. 16. For what purpose were six of these cities to be separated?-For cities of refuge. Num. 35. 6. 17. Who had the privilege of fleeing thither?Any one who had accidentally killed another. Num. 35. 11, 12, 24-28. 24 refuge stood?-Three on the east of Jordan, in 23. Can you describe where those cities of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh; and three on the west, in Galilee, Samaria and Judah. Deut. 4. 41-43. And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in Mount Naphtali, and Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. Josh. 20. 7. seen. 24. Were they in valleys or on hills?-On hills. the self-destruction of sin. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. Hos. 13. 9. 28. Who is represented by the way to those cities?-Jesus Christ. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14. 6. By a new and living way, which he hath conse crated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. Heb. 10. 20. 29. Of what is the avenger a type?-Of the law, which requires us to do or die. Rom. 3. 9-19; Gal. 3. 22-24. often slumber and sleep. arouse awakening and enlightening Spirit. John 16. 7-9; None from Christ himself. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11. 28. 59. 16; 61. 4; 62. 7, 8; 71. 7; 91. 1, 2; 142. 4, 5?-To 33. To what is allusion made in Ps. 9. 9; 57. 1; the refuge we have in God, through Christ. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Ps. 9. 9. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Ps. 57. 1. DEUTERONOMY. (Deuteronomy.) 1. When was the book of Deuteronomy written? -A little before Moses' death. Deut. 1. 3. 2. Where were Moses and the children of Israel Jordan. Deut. 1. 1, 4, 5. at this time?-In the land of Moab, on the east of mary?-Of much of the history and the laws con3. Of what is the book of Deuteronomy a sumtained in the three foregoing books. 4. Of whom does Moses speak in Deut. 18. 15-19 as the prophet"?-Of Jesus Christ. Acts 3. 20. 22. land?-To bring a basket of firstfruits to the priest 6. What were the names of the two mountains ON THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. on which the blessing and the curse were to be written?-Gerizim and Ebal. Deut. 27. 1-8, 11-13. 7. What fearful prophecy and warning did Moses utter?-Curses of pestilence, drought, war, famine and other evils for disobedience of God's law. Deut. 28-30. 8. In what way (chap. 31) did the Lord signaly set apart Joshua to the office of leader?--By appearing to him in the tabernacle in the pillar of cloud. Deut. 31. 14, 15. 9. In what way did Moses preserve what he said to them?-By writing it and delivering it to the priests (Deut. 31. 9), to be put in the ark of the covenant. Deut. 31. 24-26. 10. What special song was he commanded to write and rehearse before them?-That contained in Deut. 32. 1-43; 31. 19. 11. Who assisted him in the task?-Joshua. Deut. 32. 44. 12. What did the Lord command Moses to do immediately after he had finished this work?To ascend Mount Nebo and die. Deut. 32. 48-52. 13. In pronouncing his dying blessing on the tribes of Israel which did he single out for peculiar honor?-Levi and Ephraim and Manasseh. 14. What spot on earth was appointed by God to be the place of the death of Moses?-The top of Pisgah. Deut. 34. 1. 15. What splendid prospect did the Lord give him ere he died?-A great part or the whole of the land of Canaan. Deut. 32. 2-4. 16. In what did Moses differ from any other prophet?-In God's speaking to him (as if) face to face. Deut. 34. 10. 17. How old was Moses when he died?-One undred and twenty years. Deut. 34. 7. 18. What special power was manifested in the Aeservation of his bodily strength?-The power of God, who prolonged his life and strength so nuch beyond the usual seventy years. come as a warrior?-No. 9. To what coming, then, does this type refer? -His coming to judgment. 10. Where is the Lord's second coming spoken of as a day of terror to his enemies?-Behold, he cometh with clouds: and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Rev. 1. 7. 11. To what glorious prospect have the followers of Jesus to look forward ?-The final triumph of Christ over all his and our enemies. Rev. 19. 19-21. THE TAKING OF JERICHO-THE SCARLET LINE. (Josh. 2; 5 and 6.) 1. Where did the city of Jericho stand?-Near the west side of the Jordan. 2. How did Joshua endeavor to ascertain the strength of the city? By sending two spies, 3. How were these men treated in Jericho? They were sheltered in the house of Rahab from the king of Jericho's messengers. 4. What promise did they make to the woman who had sheltered them?-To save the lives and property of her family on the taking of the city. Josh. 2. 12-14. 5. Did she avail herself of the token they gave? -She did. Josh. 2. 17-21. 6. What effect had their report on the people? -They were doubtless much encouraged." 7. What remarkable events happened on the plains of Jericho?-The keeping of the Passover, the ceasing of the manna, the appearance of a heavenly Being to Joshua. 8. Who appeared to Joshua when he was under the walls of Jericho?-The Son of God. 9. Did Joshua perceive, at first, who it was?No; he merely saw an armed man. 10. How did he find it out?-By his saying he was Captain of the Lord's host. 11. What directions did the Lord give him as to the taking of the city ?-To march round it with the ark and blowing of trumpets, and at last with a shout. Josh. 6. 3-5. 12. Did he and Israel obey the Lord ?-Yes. Josh. 6. 8-16, 20. 13. What was the result?-The wall fell down flat, and the city was taken and destroyed. Josh. 6. 20, 21, 24. 14. Did Rahab perish with the slain?-She was brought away safely. Josh. 6. 23. 15. What was her preservation?-Her faith and the scarlet-cord token that she had been directed to use. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Heb. 11. 31. 16. Of what is the destruction of Jericho a type?-Of the destruction of all the enemies of God. 17. Are we interested in this?--Yes, as sinners. 18. How?-We are exposed to God's wrath, and deeply interested to know how we may be saved. safeguard in the day of wrath ?-Rev. 7. 13, 14. 19. What does the Bible tell us must be our 20. Can we trust that word ?-He is faithful that promised. Heb. 10. 23. 21. Had Rahab any reason to regret her faith in the word of the spies?—No. 22. Are there many ways of escape, or only one?-There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts 4. 12. 23. Perhaps Rahab had been scoffed at for her scarlet line; did that deter her from trusting in it?-No. hinder us from trusting to the blood of Jesus for 24. Should the laugh and jeer of the world safety? The believer will enter into eternal joy, when the laughter ends in weeping and gnashing of teeth. 25. Was Rahab alone saved?-Her near relatives and her goods were saved with her. Josh. 6. 22, 23. 26. If we know a place of safety, should not we tell others of the same?-It is our duty and privilege to do so. 27. How can we do so?-By telling them of Jesus Christ, and getting them to read and hear about him; and by living ourselves as those should do who know him and love him and enjoy him. ACHAN'S SIN, AND THE TAKING OF AI. (Josh. 7 and 8.) 1. What special command was given to Israel at the destruction of Jericho?-To bring the silver and the gold into the treasury of the Lord. Josh. 6. 18, 19. FIVE THOUSAND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2. Who transgressed this command ?-Achan. 3. What punishment did this sin bring on all Israel?-A defeat by the men of Ai. Josh. 7. 4. How was the offender discovered ?-By drawing lots under the guidance of God. Josh. 7. 16-18. 5. To what honored tribe did he belong?Judah. Josh. 7. 1. 6. Did this preserve him?-No; honor and privilege often increase guilt. 7. What awful punishment was necessary to cleanse Israel from the sin Achan had brought on hem?-The destruction of himself and his family and goods by stoning and by fire. Josh. 7. 24, 25. 8. What view of God's character does this history give us?-His hatred of sin, especially of "covetousness, which is idolatry"; and his severity to the impenitent sinner: "our God is a consuming fire." Heb. 12. 29. 9. Will the riches of the sinner avail when God brings him into judgment?-Nothing at all. 10. Can we hide our sins from God?--O Lord, thou hast searched me, and know me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Ps. 139. 1-3. 11. When Achan's sin was wiped away, did God again give victory to Israel?-The city of Ai was taken and destroyed. Josh. 8. 12. Who bore the wrath of God and the punishment due to our sin?-Our Lord Jesus Christ. 13. Can God again smile on us?-Yes, in Christ Jesus, in whom he is " well pleased ". 14. After the destruction of Ai what solemn act of obedience did Joshua perform?-He wrote the law upon stone, and read its blessings and its curses on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal. Josh. 8. 30-35. 15. Where in the land of Canaan were those two mountains situated?-Near Samaria. 16. For what was Joshua remarkable as well as courage?-For obedience to the will of God. 17. Of whom was he a type in this?-Of Christ. Heb. 10. 7. THE GIBEONITES. (Josh. 9.) 1. How did the Gibeonites act when they saw the victories of the Israelites?-They sent to Joshua messengers, who pretended that the Gibeonites did not live in Canaan, so that Joshua might be at liberty to spare them. 2. Did they deceive Joshua and the elders of Israel?-Yes. Josh. 9. 15. 3. How came Joshua to fail in this particular? -Because he had not asked God's direction. Josh. 9. 14. 4. Who was the only Person who never failed? -Christ, who knew the hearts of men. 5. Were the Gibeonites spared?—Yes. 6. Why? Because of the league made with them, confirmed by oath. Josh. 9. 16. 19. 7. Was the Lord jealous when an oath was made in his name? Yes, very. Num. 30.2 8. What proof have we this in the case of the Gibeonites in the after-history of Israel?2 Sam. 21. 1, 2. 9. To what service were the Gibeonites appointed?-To be hewers of wood and drawers of water. Josh. 9. 21. THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE Kings: 1. What aid the rest of the kings of Canaan do when they found that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel?-Five of them joined in war against Gibeon. 2. To whom did the Gibeonites appeal?-To Joshua. Josh. 10. 6. 3. Who fought for and with Israel?-God did. Josh. 10. 10, 11. 4. What signal proofs did the Lord give of this in the battle with those kings ?-Showering heavy hailstones upon their enemies, and miraculously prolonging the light of the sun and of the moon upon the scene of battle and pursuit. Josh. 10. 11-14. 5. Is this ever after referred to in Scripture 7The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Hab. 3. 11. 6. Of what battle is this the type ?-Of the spir itual warfare in every converted heart. THE FINAL BATTLE WITH THE KINGS OF CANAAN. (Josh. 11.) 1. What commandment had the Lord given relative to the destruction of the Canaanites?— Ex. 34. 11-13; Deut. 7. 1, 2. 2. Why did the Lord thus deal with these nations?-Their wickedness had reached its height. The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Gen. 15. 16. Thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. Deut. 18. 9. 3. How is the host that mustered against Joshua described ?-As being numerous as the sand upon the seashore. Josh. 11. 4. 4. What great advantage had they over Israel? -The possession of chariots and horses. 5. And yet which conquered?-The Israelit. completely. Josh. 11. 8. 6. How was this?-If God be for us, who can be against us? Rom. 8. 31. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Ps. 118. 6. 7. What did Joshua do with the city of Hazor? -He burri it with fire. 8. Why Hazor in particular?-Because it was the head of all the kingdoms he had fought with. 9. Was this the last battle that Joshua fought? -No; he had a long war afterward, till he took the whole land. Josh. 11. 15-23. DIVIDING THE LAND, AND DEATH OF JOSHUA. (Josh. 12-24.) 1. What did Joshua begin as soon as the land had rest from war?-To divide it among the tribes. 2. Where was the tabernacle set up?—At Shiloh. Josh. 18. 1. 3. In which tribe was this?-Ephraim. 4. How many men did Joshua appoint to survey the land?-Three men from each of the last seven tribes. Josh. 18. 4. 5. How was it divided ?-By lot before the Lord. Josh. 18. 6. 6. How were their portions registered?--In▸ book. Josh. 18. 9. 7. Describe the position of all the tribes or the map.-Asher, half-Manasseh, Ephraim and Dan down the west coast, but Ephraim reaching to the Jordan; Naphtali, Zebulon, Issacha.r, Benjamin and Judah by the west border of the sea of Chinnereth, the Jordan and the Dead Sea; and Simeon below; half-Manasseh, Gal and Reuben on the east borders. 8. In which tribe had Joshua his inheritance? -Ephraim. 9. Why? Because of his own choice. Josh. 19. 49, 50. 10. What portion had Caleb ?-Hebron. Josh. 14. 12-14. ON THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. 11. Why? Because he chose it; and as he had wholly followed the Lord, Joshua confirmed his choice. 12. What was the next thing they did after dividing the land ?-They appointed the cities of refuge. 13. Which tribe was it that had no portion of the land set apart for them?-Levi. 14. How were they provided for?-Forty-eight eities were assigned to them by the tribes. 15. How many tribes had their inheritance on the east of Jordan?-Reuben, Gad and halfManasseh. Num. 32. 33. 16. What part of these tribes passed over Jordan with their brethren?-The armed men. Josh. 1. 14. 17. When did they return home to their families again?-After the end of the war and the division of the land. Josh. 22. 18. What unexpected act did they do which alarmed their brethren?-They built an altar of their own to the Lord. Josh. 22. 10. 19. How did they explain it?-They had not built it for burnt offering or sacrifice, but to remind them, and their children after them, of their connection with the true altar. Josh. 22. 26, 27. 20. Was it satisfactory?-Quite. Josh. 22, 30-33. 21. To what age had Joshua lived?-About one hundred and nine years. 22. What was the last act he performed?-He gave the elders of Israel (Josh. 23) a short history of their nation, and a solemn exhortation to renew their covenant with God. Josh. 24. 23. What solemn covenant did Israel enter into with him?-That they would serve idols no more. Josh. 24. 16-24. 24. Where did they make this covenant?-At Shechem. Josh. 24. 1. 25. Where was Shechem?-In Ephraim, or Samaria. 26. What token of remembrance did Joshua set up there?-A stone of witness. Josh. 24. 26, 27. 27. How old was Joshua when he died?-One hundred and ten years. 28. Where was he buried?-In Mount Ephraim. Josh. 24. 30. 29. What other illustrious person was buried in Mount Ephraim?-Eleazar. Josh. 24. 33. THE JUDGES.-BOCHIM, OR ISRAEL'S FAILURE. (Judg. 1; 2.) 1. What is the meaning of the word Bochim? Weepers." Judg. 2. 5, marg. 2. Why was the place so called?-Because the Israelites wept there. 3. What caused the weeping of Israel?-Sorrow for the sin for which an angel had rebuked them. Judg. 2. 1-4. 4. How had they transgressed?-By neglecting their covenant to make no league with the Canaanites, but to throw down their altars. 5. Ought not the affecting history of Israel to lead us to look into our own hearts?--That is what we should do whenever we read or hear of the sins or the faults of others. 6. If we do, what shall we see there?-The seeds of the same sins. 7. Does God kindly admonish us as he did them?-Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day: lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Heb. 3. 12, 13. 8. Where?-See No. 7. 9. When we try ourselves by God's standard are we justly condemned?--We know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and al: the world may become guilty before God. Rom. 3. 19. 10. To whom must we look for deliverance when the sins of our hearts, like the foes in Canaan, rise against us?-To Christ, our Saviour, whose blood and Spirit can remove the guilt and power of sin. OTHNIEL, EHUD, SHAMGAR, DEBORAH AND BARAK. (Judg. 3-5.) 1. Whom did the Lord first raise up as Israel's deliverer?-Othniel, Judg. 3. 9. 2. To what great warrior was he related?-To Caleb, who was probably his brother. 3. How many years had the land rest?-Forty. Judg. 3. 11. 4. When the children of Israel did evil again, to whom did the Lord deliver them?-To Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years. Judg. 3. 12-14. 5. When they again repented, did God hear their prayer?-Yes. 6. Whom did he raise up to save them?- Ehud, a Benjamite. Judg. 3. 15. 7. What was there remarkable about him?-He was left-handed. 8. How did this bring about the king of Moab's death?-It enabled Ehud to stab him in an unexpected manner. Judg. 3. 21. 9. Did Israel avail themselves of his death to go against the Moabites?-Yes. Judg. 3, 27, 28. 10. How many did they slay ?-About ten thousand men. Judg. 3. 29. 11. Who was Israel's third deliverer?-Shamgar. Judg. 3. 31. 12. What marvelous feat of strength is recorded of him?-He slew six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad. 13. What city was it in the north of Canaan that Joshua utterly destroyed?-Hazor. Josh. 11. 10, 11. 14. By whom was it rebuilt?-By Solomon. 1 Kings 9. 15. 15. Of what is this a proof?-Of its importance as a fortress, and of disregard of the will of God. 16. Who was judge at this time, and prophetess also?-Deborah. Judg. 4. 4. 17. Who was Barak?-A leader of the tribes of Zebulon and Naphtali. Judg. 4. 6, 10. 18. Which appeared to have the most courage, Deborah or Barak?-Deborah, as Barak would not venture to fight without her. Judg. 4. 8. 19. How was Barak reproved for his faint-heartedness?-By being told that the enemy's general would be given into the hands of a woman. Judg. 4. 9. 20. What kind of army did the Canaanitish general muster?-Nine hundred chariots of iron formed part of it. Judg. 4. 13. 21. What was that general's name?-Sisera. Judg. 4. 7. 22. How came it that Israel conquered such a host? The power of God was with them. Judg. 4. 14, 15. 25. Was that an Israelitish family?-No; the Kenites were one of the families or nations promised to Abraham's seed, but Hobab's family was settled in Israel. 26. Was this why Sisera took shelter in their tent?-He took shelter with them because they were at peace with Jabin his master. Judg. 4. 17. 27. Which side of the battle did Heber favor?The Israelites'. Judg. 4. 11. 28. What proof did his wife give of this?-She killed Sisera. Judg. 4. 21. FIVE THOUSAND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 29. Which side did the Lord take?-The Israelites'. Judg. 4. 14, 15. (See No. 22.) 30. As this baile is a type of the spiritual warfare that goes on in the soul, what should we do with an enemy to God that we may find hiding in our bosoms?-Overcome and destroy it. 31. Who delivered Sisera into Jael's hand?The Lord himself. Judg. 4. 9. 32. Who helps us if we desire to conquer our evil passions-The grace of God is sufficient for us. 33. To what evil in our hearts can we compare Sisera with his nine hundred chariots of iron ?To our chief evil passion or temptation, whatever it may be. 34. To whom did Deborah and Barak give the glory of the victory in their beautiful song?-To God. Judg. 5. 2. 35. What fearful curse did they pronounce on those who would not assist in this battle?-Read Judg. 5. 23. 36. And what will be our condemnation if we are indifferent to those momentous concerns?We shall suffer with the enemies of God, as those who are not with him are against him. . 4. On which side of Israel did these two nations lie?-The Midianites on the south-east, and the Amalekites on the south-west. 5. Where was Gaza?-In the land of the Philistines. 6. What means did the children of Israel at last use to free themselves from their great affliction? They cried unto the Lord. Judg. 6. 7. 7. Did the Lord hear them?-He sent a prophet to them, and afterward a deliverer, Gideon. Judg. 6. 7-12. 8. Who was Gideon? Of what tribe and family? -A warrior, of the tribe of Manasseh and family of the Abiezrites. 9. Who appeared to him?-An angel (Judg. 6. 11), or, rather, the Angel Son of God. Judg. 6. 14. 10. What was he doing?-Threshing wheat. 11. Did he at first know who addressed him?No; he did not address his visitor at first as God. Judg. 6. 13, 17. 12. How did he find it out?-By the divine Angel's causing fire out of the rock to consume the food set before him (Judg. 6. 21), and also by the language he used. Judg. 6. 16. 13. What were his feelings?-Those of deep humility and conscious sinfulness Judg. 6. 22. 14. Had he any cause for fear?-Doubtless he was an Israelite indeed in whom was no guile, and as such he had nothing to fear. 15. What makes man in general afraid of God? -The consciousness of unrepented sin. Gen. 3. 9, 10. 16. What has the Lord provided to remove our fear, of which Gideon's offering was a type?—The accepted sacrifice of Christ. " 17. Who has power to speak peace to the soul?-He who said to the sick of the palsy, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." 18. What was Gideon's first act of faith?-To throw down the altar of Baal. Judg. 6. 25-30. 19. Did he get killed for fulfilling God's will?No: Joash his father prevented it by wisely saying that if Baal were a god he could punish him himself. Judg. 6. 31, 32. 20. How was his own father's heart influenced by the act?-See No. 19. 21. How does God reward those who honor his word?-He says, "Them that honour me I will honour." 22. What name of honor did Gideon get for this act?-Jerubbaal, or "let Baal plead" against him. Judg. 6. 32. 23. Describe the army that was at this time gathered against Israel.-The Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern nations. Judg. 6. 33. 24. What mighty power rested on Gideon at this time?-The Spirit of the Lord. Judg. 6. 34. 25. Was he entirely without fear?-No, for he asked God to give him a private token of his power. Judg. 6. 36-40. 26. How did he prove that God was a hearer and answerer of prayer?-By the sign of the wet fleece on the dry ground, and of the dry fleece on the wet ground. 27. Does God change, or is he as near to us and as ready to hear us as he was near to Gideon and ready and willing to hear him?-Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1. 17. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb. 13. 8. 28. When Gideon blew his trumpet, how many came after him?-Thirty-two thousand. Judg. 6. 34; 7.3. 29. Did the Lord intend to use so many to destroy the enemy ?--No, not even ten thousand. 30..What sign did the Lord give to Gideon whereby he should know how many and which he had chosen?-Their two different ways of taking or drinking water on a particular occasion. Judg. 7. 4. 5. 31. How many remained with Gideon after this selection?-Three hundred men, who took the water in the quicker manner. 32. How many were sent to their homes again? -Nine thousand seven hundred. 33. Must this not have been a great trial to Gideon's faith ?-No doubt it was. 1 Pet. 1. 7. 34. Did it fail?-No, for God strengthened it. Judg. 7. 7, 9, 14; Heb. 11. 32-34. 35. What great encouragement did the Lord give Gideon just before he and his three hundred men went down to battle?-A dream of one of the soldiers. Judg. 7. 13, 14. 36. What effect had this man's dream on Gideon?-He praised God, and immediately prepared his men. Judg. 7. 15, 16. 37. What effect did it have on his own people? -The same as on Gideon himself. Judg. 7. 14, 20. 38. Is the Lord ever at a loss for means to effect his purpose?-Never. 39. What plan was adopted to surprise the trumpets and exposing a line of lights all round enemy? The unusual one of suddenly blowing Judg. 7. 16-20. the enemy's camp in the middle of the night. 40. Did it answer? Why?-Yes, because God was trusted in, and God blessed it. 41. Of what were the lamps and pitchers a type? -Of God's faithful ministers, and the light of truth they possess and hold forth. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor. 4. 7. 42. Does God always work by means?-He does, and we in our difficulties should use both prayer and means. 43. Who tells us that he is "the light of the world"?-Jesus Christ, in John 8. 12. 44. Whom does God appoint to hold up that light?-His ministers especially, by their preach. ing and their example. |