Discipline

Isagogical Background

During the time of Nehemiah, some of the Jews of Judah

had just returned from the "fifth cycle of discipline" ( Lev.

26:1-30) of the Babylonian captivity. Because of a revolt 

against divine authority, the nation Israel had been split into

two entities. The Northern Kingdom (the ten tribes) called 

"Israel" or Ephraim," had its capital at Samaria, and the Southern

Kingdom (the tribes of Judah and Benjamin) called "Judah", had

its capital at Jerusalem. In 721 B.C. the Northern Kingdom, apostate

and degenerate, had gone into the fifth cycle of discipline under 

military conquest by Assyria to warn Judah of impending calamity

if she continued in the same idolatrous practices of her sister to the north.

"I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh."

Acts 2:17

Dear Lord, sweeten my attitudes. May my life breathe the fresh fragrance of Your Spirit.

In Christ name I pray