KINGS, BOOKS OF (ante), were originally one, and, being still one in subjeet-mat ter, are naturally divided into three parts: I. The history of the undivided 'kingdom, from the old age of David to the death of Solomon. The latter days of David; the attempt of .Adonijah to obtain the succession; the inauguration of Solomon, by David's command, .accompanied with a solemn charge by the father to the son; David's death; Solomon's vigorous administration; his building and dedication of the temple, followed by the -organization of its worship and service; his wisdom, commercial prosperity, and renown; his fall into idolatry, and the consequent troubles of his closing years. H. The history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel to the end of the latter. The accession of Reho boam, and the secession of the ten tribes; the reigns of Rehoboam over Judah, and Jeroboam over Israel; of Abijam and Asa over Judah; and Nadal), Baash, Elah, Zimri, and Omri, with the accession of Ahab, over Israel; of Jehoshaphat and Jehoram over Judah; and Ahab, Ahaziali, Jelioram, and Jehu over Israel; illustrated by the life and translation of Elijah the prophet, and the beginning of Elislia's work; of Jehoash over Judah, and Jehoahaz and Jehoash over Israel, during the last of which Elisha died ; of Amaziah, Uzziali, and Jotham over Judah, and Joash, Jeroboam II., Zechariah, Shal
lum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah over Israel; of Ahaz over Judah, and Hoshea over Israel, during whose time Samaria was taken, and the ten tribes were carried cap tive into Assyria, ending the kingdom of Israel. III. The history of the kingdom of Judah to the captivity in Babylon. The reign of Hezekiah, who reformed religion, cast off subjection to the king of Assyria—from whose powerful army lie was delivered by divine interposition—and, raised up from impending death, had 15 years added to his life; obscuration of these by elation of heart and consequent folly; the captivity in Baby lon foretold; the reigns of Manasseh and Amon, both disgraced by flagrant impiety and -crime; of Josiah, illustrated by his early piety, reformation of religion, and whole hearted zeal for God and the right; of Jehoaliaz, Jelioiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiali; the capture of Jerusalem, burning of the temple, and carrying away of the Jews to Babylon.