THE FALL OF JUDAH. 301

out of the temple, and why were the Assyrians allowed
to come against him ?

Grandfather. The gold that he had taken off the doors
and pillars of the temple he himself had put on, and he
would intend to restore it when the means were in his
power. As towhy the Assyrians were suffered to come
against him, trouble, we know, sometimes comes on those
who sincerely seek God, that their faith may be strength-
ened, and their hearts purified. Yet we may regard
the invasion of the Assyrians as a punishment on the
king of Judah, who, a short time before, had displeased
the Lord by ostentation, of which you will read an ac-
count afterwards ; and a punishment, too, on the people
of Judah, who, though they were obliged outwardly to
appear devoted to the true God, still loved idols in their
hearts. The Assyrian who came against them was a
rod in the hand of God to punish a hypocritical nation,
as Isaiah tells us.

George. Well, did Sennacherib take the bribe and go
away ? |

Grandfather. He took the bribe certainly, but he did
not go away. Hezekiah made himself poorer, but not
safer, by parting with his gold. Sennacherib sent a
large army, under three of his generals, to complete the
conquest of Judah. Hezekiah held a council, and it
was agreed to prepare for defence. They repaired the
walls of the city—made weapons of war, darts and
shields, in abundance—enrolled the people—and instruct-
ed them in military operations. Besides, to annoy the