_Then arose Ishmael._ DEVILS INCARNATE 1. If ever there was such a one, this Ishmael was of whom these verses tell. His atrocities remind us of the Indian Mutiny, its leader, and the well at Cawnpore (cf. Verse 9). Treachery, ingratitude, murder, massacre, greed, cowardice,--all are gathered in th... [ Continue Reading ]
_So he forbare, and slew them not among their, brethren._ SIN HINDERED BY SIN Ishmael would have killed these men but for his greed of the wealth they had. It is satisfactory to think he never gained possession of it. Nevertheless, his greed made him guilty of one sin less. This story suggests tha... [ Continue Reading ]
_And dwelt in the habitation of Chimham._ TOO NEAR THE EDGE This is one of the reflections that come to us as we read of the place whither Johanan led his followers, and as we see the events that happened immediately after. This chapter is a record of disappointments. First the hopeful prospects of... [ Continue Reading ]