#101.# Ever watchful of the spiritual welfare of his people, Nehemiah instituted reforms in the matter of Sabbath-keeping, and of usury, and of idolatrous intermarriages with the people of the land. His labors never ceased, for he seems to have realized that "eternal vigilance" was the price of true godliness, in the midst of idolatrous surroundings. #102. Results of the Captivity.#--In this matter of the captivity, the most important thing for us to bear in mind is that the people were cured by their experience of all forms of idolatry. Up to that time this had been their besetting sin, into which they were ever falling. From the time of the captivity and return onward to the present day the Jew has been a strict monotheist. Though scattered to the ends of the earth, never again has he fallen into this pit of iniquity and this slough of despond. This is a most remarkable fact. Test Questions How long did the captivity of Judah last? Give the three most prominent names of those who had to do with the return and the subsequent reforms. Who first led the Jews up out of Babylon? What was the chief work of Zerubbabel? How did he begin the building of the temple? Name the two prophets who encouraged the people in this work How long a period is there between Zerubbabel and Ezra? What was Ezra's chief work in Jerusalem? What was Nehemiah's position at the court of Artaxerxes? For what in reality was Nehemiah praying? How long was his prayer unanswered? How long was Nehemiah in building the walls? What illustration is given of his fidelity to this work? What other reforms did Nehemiah strive to inaugurate? What is the most noticeable thing about the religious life of Judah during and after the captivity? Text Questions for Review Lessons 6 to 11 1. In what order were the various parts of the land of Canaan conquered? 2. What was the cause of each period of oppression in the time of the Judges? 3. Who brought relief from the oppression of Midian? 4. What was the political condition of the people in the time of the Judges? 5. What reasons did the Israelites offer for wanting a king? 6. Give instances of Saul's hatred toward David. 7. Over what tribe did David rule alone for seven years? 8. Give the boundaries of David's kingdom at its height. 9. What noted building did Solomon erect in Jerusalem? 10. Why were the people finally dissatisfied with the king? 11. When the United Kingdom was divided, who was chosen king over the Northern Kingdom? 12. Name the Northern and the Southern Kingdom. 13. What king tried to restore the worship of Jehovah? 14. Name two prophets of the time of Jeroboam II. 15. Under what king was Israel carried into captivity? 16. Which lasted longer, the kingdom of Israel or of Judah? How much longer? Why? 17. Under what kings did Judah have great reforms? 18. Name two great prophets of Judah. 19. Describe and locate the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.