Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/390

 prevent surprise  from  the  Samaritans,  divided  themselves  into  two great bodies.

Those who  were  most  brave  and  courageous  they  placed  on the  outposts  of  the  city,  well  armed,  in  order  to  keep  off  the enemy, while  those  who  were  skilled  in  masonry  and  other mechanical arts  carried  on  the  work. At the  end  of  fifty-two days all  the  walls  and  ramparts  were  completed. The Samaritans, seeing that  the  hand  of  God  was  there,  ceased  to  trouble  their neighbours.

The Jews,  understanding  that  they  had  been  successful  in rebuilding  the  Temple  and  walls  of  Jerusalem  in  spite  of  so  many obstacles, returned  sincere  thanks  to  God. And Esdras,  the  High Priest, having  publicly  read  the  law  of  the  Lord,  they  all  promised  , with tears,  to  be  faithful  to  it. For they  had  received  a new and strong  proof  that  God  had  forgiven  their  own  sins  and  the ingratitude of  their  fathers.

God's Mercy to  the  people  of  Israel  was  very  great. This faithless people had  broken  the  covenant  made  with  God, and  had  given themselves over  to  idolatry  and  a pagan  way  of  living. God sent prophet after  prophet  to  move  them  to  repent,  but  the  prophets  were despised and  persecuted,  and  Israel  remained  impenitent. At last  the judgments threatened  by  God  overtook  His  people. He punished  them  by letting  them  be  carried  off  into  captivity,  but  He  punished  them  only for the  purpose  of  converting  them. When the  Jews,  full  of  mourning and sorrow,  left  their  home,  God  gave  them  the  comforting  assurance: “When seventy  years  shall  be  accomplished,  I will  bring  you  again  to this  place. I think towards  you  thoughts  of  peace  and  not  of  affliction.” And after  the  Jews  were  converted  to  Him,  and  had  renounced  idolatry