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from their writings we obtain the most vivid account, not only of the moral and religious
state of the people, and even of their manners, but of the moving springs and the real
history of events. On the other hand, it must be equally evident how the history of the
time illustrates not only the occasion but often the meaning of the prophetic utterances.
And so the one helps the understanding of the other. But this circumstance has also
naturally imposed on us the duty of studying the history of this period in connection with
the various prophecies referring to it, to which, accordingly, constant reference will be
found in the present Volume.
Another peculiarity of this period is that its history will be found inseparable from that of
the great empires of the world -especially Assyria and Babylonia. Those who have
followed the progress of Assyriological studies know how often and unexpectedly light
has been cast on the history of the Old Testament by the information derived from the
Assyrian monuments. But they equally know that this science is as yet almost in its
infancy; that on some points connected with the Old Testament, the opinions of
Assyriologists differ, or else have undergone change, while on others the information we
possess may receive further confirmation, modification, or important addition. It will be
understood that in these circumstances the preparation of the present volume has required
special labor and care. I can only hope that it may serve to make clear the history of a
period which without illustration both from the prophetic writings and the Assyrian
records would be not a little difficult and complicated. Lastly, the twofold Index to the
whole series, contributed by the industry of my daughter, will, it is believed, be helpful to
the student.
Thus far as regards the present volume. And now it is with more than the common
feelings of natural regret on bringing to a close a work which has engaged a writer more
or less for a number of years, and on parting from a circle of readers, whom in the course
of time he has come to regard as friends, that the concluding paragraphs of this Preface
are written. The object in beginning this series was to make a fresh study of Old
Testament history from the original text, with such help as was to be derived from the
best criticism and from cognate sciences. And not only was it to follow the course of the
outward history, describing it as accurately and fully as might be, but to reach beyond
this to its spiritual and universal meaning to mark the unity, application, and unfolding of
its underlying idea; and to point to its realization and completion in the kingdom of God.
Briefly, the underlying idea of the Old Testament, in its subjective aspect, is that of "the
Servant of the LORD." The history of the Old Testament in its progress to the New is that
of the widening of the idea of the servant of the LORD into that of the kingdom of God.
Lastly, its realization and completion is in the Christ and the Church of God. Unless,
indeed, the Old Testament had this higher meaning and unity, it could not possess any
permanent or universal interest, except from a historical point of view. It would not
permanently concern mankind - no, nor even Israel, at least, in its present relation to the
world. On the other hand, without it the New Testament would want its historical basis,
and the historical Christ offer what would seem an absolutely unintelligible problem.
(^)