The connection between these two passages is seen the better when we note that the Hebrew word

for the almond is shaqed, and the word for "to hasten" and "to watch" is shaqad. These and other

connections we must leave until we give the various books an individual examination. The main theme,

however, is similar to that of Isaiah, and may be expressed in the words of Jeremiah 31: 10, "He that

scattered Israel will gather him."

EZEKIEL.-When one first approaches the prophecy of Ezekiel with its living creatures full of eyes,

its wheels, its wings, its flames of fire, and wonderful imagery, unity of theme or comparison with other

prophets at first seems too difficult to yield to the circumscribed space at our disposal. Ezekiel, however,

has the same basic theme as that of Isaiah and Jeremiah, namely, Israel's fall and restoration. Isaiah gives

us an indication of his purpose in the two voices of Isa. 6: and 40: Jeremiah accomplishes the same

object by his use of the almond tree, the "watcher." Ezekiel encompasses the same end by his visions of

the glory of the Lord.

Ezek. 9: 3 . .. . . Removed to the threshold.

The departing Glory.

Ezek. 10: 18, 19. Removed to the east gate.

Ezek. 11: 22 . . .. Removed to the mountain.

The glory among the nations

Ezek. 39: 21. Set among the nations, as a

witness against Israel's iniquity.

Ezek. 43: 2 . . . Returning from the east.

The returning glory.

Ezek. 43: 4, . . Returning by way of the east gale.

Ezek. xliv.4 . . ...Returning glory fills the house.

That these visions of the departing and returning glory are connected with Israel's history as a

nation may be gathered from Ezek. 39: 25-29, "Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob."

DANIEL. - The minor prophets must now be given a brief review. Daniel's prophecies may be sub-

divided into two parts: - .

1, Those which speak of the kingdom being given to the Gentiles.

2. Those which speak of the kingdom being restored once again to Israel.

This prophet in his own way adds his quota to the development of the one great theme.

HOSEA.- The opening and closing chapters of this prophecy indicate the trend of the book :

Israel called 'Lo-ruhamah' and `Lo.ammi' - not having received mercy, and not My people.

Finally called `Ruhamah' and `Ammi' (Hosea 1:).

"0 Israel return. . . . . I will heal. . . . . they shall dwell" (Hosea 14:).

Thus Hosea is seen to have the one great theme before him.

JOEL.-Joel reveals the purpose of his prophecy by the double reference to the locusts:

"That which .the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten, and that which the locust hath left hath the

cankerworm eaten, and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten" (Joel 1: 4).

"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and .the caterpillar, and the

palmerworm, My great army which I sent among you" (Joel 2: 25).

The purpose remains the same, however varied may be the manner of its presentation.

AMOS.-The theme of Amos may be expressed in the closing chapter:

"I will sift the house of Israel among all nations like as corn is sifted in a sieve,

yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth" (Amos. 9: 9).

"In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen and close up the breaches thereof.

and I will plant them upon their land. . . ." (Amos. 9: 11-15).

OBADIAH. - This prophecy is directed to Edom, and therefore does not fall so exactly into line;

nevertheless Israel's restoration is not forgotten in verses 17-21.

JONAH. - Jonah is also not concerned with Israel, but with Nineveh; no mention is therefore made

of Israel or the restoration.

MICAH.-Micah resumes the theme of the prophets, which may be expressed in the words of

chapters 3: and 4::

"Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps and the mountain of the

house as the high places of the forest" (Micah 3: 12).

" But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top

In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven

of the mountains

out and her that I have afflicted" (Micah 4: 1-6).