Course 1, Chapter 39: Messiah foretold — Prophecies of Isaias. (A. C. 720.)

1. What became of the kingdom of Israel after the separation of the tribes?

After the separation, the kingdom of Israel fell into idolatry, with the exception of a small number of Israelites, who remained faithful to the Lord. It was destroyed by Salmanasar, king of Assyria, who carried the ten tribes captives to Ninive". It had existed two hundred and fifty-four years.

2. What became of the kingdom of Juda?

The kingdom of Juda remained more faithful to the Lord; it fell, however, into idolatry, but did not persevere in it.

3. What means did the Lord employ to preserve religion in these two kingdoms?

The means which the Lord employed to preserve religion in these two kingdoms, was the ministry of the prophets. Elias and Eliseus, especially, neglected nothing to bring back the children of Israel to the true God. In the kingdom of Juda there appeared other great prophets, who never ceased to invite the people to repentance, and to announce the coming and the marks of the Messiah.

4. Who was the prophet Isaias?

The prophet Isaias was of the royal race of David. The Lord purified him, and chose him from his infancy to announce the future. He lived about seven hundred years before our Lord. He was sawed in two by the order of Manasses, whom he had reproached for his impieties.

5. What events, near at hand, did he announce?

To prove to the Jews that his prophecies concerning the Messiah would be accomplished, he announced to them three events, to happen nearer their time. 1st. The deliverance of Jerusalem, besieged by

108 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

two kings; 2d, the defeat of Sennacherib; 3d, the de^ struction of Jerusalem by Nabuchadonosor.

6. What did he announce concerning the Messiah?

He announced that the Messiah would convert the idolatrous nations; that he would be born of a mother ever virgin; that he would be adored by kings in his cradle; and that he would have a precursor, who would prepare the people to receive him.

7. What more did Isaias announce?

Isaias also announced that our Lord would be mildness itself;' that he would miraculously cure a number of sick; that he would be a man of sorrows; that he would die between two criminals; that he would not open his mouth to complain; and that he would give his life, because he willed it, to expiate our sins.

8. What are the other prophecies of Isaias?

Isaias also foretold that, in recompense for his death, the Messiah would reign over the world; that his sepulchre would be glorious; and that the church, his spouse, would give him innumerable children. These characters of the Messiah, marked by Isaias, all accord with our Lord, and with no one else; there fore, our Lord is the Messiah foretold by Isaias.