It may be that the razor has already severed your union with Christ. If we abide not in living union with him, we are cast out as branches from the vine, and wither. This is bad enough, but it is still worse when we are not aware of it. ‘See Hosea 7:9. Some of our greatest spiritual experiences may be like sunrise or sunset. ‘‘There is

no speech nor language; their voice is not heard,’’ but the effect, for good or ill, soon shows itself.

We may be blind and captive, yet for us also the hair that was cut may begin to grow again. The old faith and love, the old consecration and surrender, the old power with God and man may come again. Do not turn away from him, penitent soul, for God is willing to take you back again into the secret of his power. ‘‘He hateth putting away,’’ Mal. 2:16; Iso. 50:1. Out of your sorrowful heart, send up Samson’s prayer! But do not ask to be strengthened only this once. God will do it not for once, but for many times, if only you will trust him absolutely, 2 Kings 13:19. And do not ask to die; believe that life shall again become bright, strong and victorious.

By what title may the book be described? How many special deliverances are recorded? What incidents are related in the Appendix?

What period of Hebrew history is covered by this book?

(Hach question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

What did God require the Israelites to do with the land he had given them?

2. What great mistake did the Israelites make in occupy-

Why did the people forget Jehovah after the death of Joshua and Caleb?

How did God discipline his people when they forsook him?

What were the Israelites taught by God’s discipline?

How could Chud’s act be called a “message from God” to Eglon?

Compare the faith of Deborah with that of Borak.

How did Deborah celebrate the victory over Sisera?

How had the forces of nature fought on the side of Israel? Why was Meroz cursed?

Why were the Midianites able to oppress the conquerors of Sisera?

How did God call Gideon to deliver his people from the Midianites?

How did the messenger convince Gideon that he was the Angel of the Lord? What was Gideon’s first act?

What was Gideon’s attitude toward the men of Ephraim?

What act of Gideon tended to lead the people astray?

By what crime did Abimelech seek to become king of Israel?

How did Jephthah overcome the handicap of sinful parents? What pledge did he demand from the elders of Gilead?

What attempts did Jephthah make to effect a peaceful settlement with his enemies?

How had the tribe of Ephraim shown itself unwilling to help the Gileadites ?

What evidence is there that Samson’s parents were true to Jehovah?

What mistakes did Samson make in seeking a wife?

How was Samson’s first wife untrue to him?

Why did the men of Judah deliver Samson to the Philistines? ;

Wherein lay the secret of Samson’s strength?

. The Return of Naomi, Accompanied by Ruth.1: 6-22.

This exquisite idyl is united as a supplement to the book of Judges by the word translated “now,” with which it opens. It was evidently written after the monarchy was established. It has been ascribed to the prophet Samuel, and it is easy to understand the special interest with which he would narrate the origin of the family of the youth whom he had anointed as future king.

It is clear, however, from the need of explaining a custom which had become obsolete, that the events narrated took place in the early settlement of Israel in the Land of Promise, and probably before the judgeship of Gideon. The story gives a graphic and admirable picture of the simplicity and beauty of ‘the home life of those early years; and it teaches us that we need never despair of our life, for in ways we know not of, God is bringing good out of evil, and sunshine from the dark and cloudy sky.