THE NIGHT OF ISRAEL. 287

George. And what became of Jehoash, the king of
Israel? Was he killed by his servants too, for that
seemed to be a common thing among these kings ?

Grandfather. He died, and was succeeded by his son.
He was called Jeroboam the Second. Like the frst
Jeroboam he was an idolater, yet it pleased the Lord to
crown his arms with success. The God of Israel had
looked in pity on His suffering people: He saw their
affliction that it was very bitter. They were so much
oppressed by the Syrians that they had nothing which
they could call their own. They dared not go into the
open country, and even in walled towns they were un-
safe. So God delivered them out of the hand of their
enemies by their king Jeroboam. He effectually sub-
dued the Syrians, and took from that people all the
cities which they had taken from the Israelites. We
may learn from this that often when our distress is
deepest, we are most sensible of the helpful hand of the
Lord.

George. Was there any war going on in the kingdom
of Judah at this time ?

Grandfather. Uzziah or Azariah, who succeeded his
father Amaziah, was a very active prince. He fought
against the Philistines, broke down the walls of their
chief cities, and built cities in their country for himself.
Against the Arabians also he fought successfully. The
Ammonites sought his favour by bringing him gifts, and
his fame spread even to. Egypt, for he was a very power-
ful king. No particulars are given of any of his wars,