THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL. 115

miserable state of starvation. Still the infatuated people
clung to their idols till the Lord raised up another judge,
of whom I shall tell you to-morrow evening, if God will.

Johnnie. Did the people live in dens in Shamgar’s
time ? I like him best.

Grandfather. They confined themselves to the fortified
cities. The villages and scattered farm-houses were unin-
habited, and they did not dare to cultivate their fields for
the roving bands of Philistines ; nor did they dare to walk
on the highways for fear of their enemies,—the travellers
went in bye-ways and unfrequented paths. Such was
the state of things when the brave Shamgar rose and
freed his people from the yoke of the Philistines.

When the Israelites were prosperous they worshipped
Baal; when in trouble, they prayed to God,—What do
we learn from this?

Othniel first reformed Israel, then went out to war,—
What does this teach us ?

Barak marched to battle not less willingly though he
knew he was to gain no honour by it,—What does this
teach us ?

By faith Barak hesitated not to quit the strong posi-
tion he had taken,—What example does he set us here ?
_ Gisera asked Jael to tell a falsehood,—Did this justify
her in breaking faith with him? and why ?

Of what is Jael a type ?

Of whose fate may the fate of Sisera be considered as
a type?