FOREWORD TO THE STUDENT

1. We are to study the heroes of Israel. What is a hero? We use this word of the chief character in a book or of one who does a very noble deed. It is also applied to the great men of the past, who have done deeds that have made their names famous in story and who have been the makers of nations. Call to mind some American heroes.

2. Why should we study the heroes of Israel? For three reasons: (1) The stories are very interesting and full of adventure. (2) Israel played a most important part in the world's history. The Jews, who now represent Israel, are no longer a nation, and unhappily they are often very badly treated, but they have many noble qualities. We owe some of the best things in our modern civilization to the men of old Israel. We shall find a great value in reading their story. (3) The questions of duty and religion that often puzzle us are very old questions. They came to these men thousands of years ago. We shall find them clearer to us as we read how the old heroes struggled with their difficulties.

3. How shall we study? The stories of the heroes are in the Old Testament, but in order to bring them together, and to separate them from other matter which is less profitable for young people to study they have been reprinted in this book. Most of the more difficult names have been omitted, together with everything that would take from the interest in the story. Each chapter is divided into three parts: The Story, The Meaning of the Story, and the Written Review. In preparing the lesson, the story should be read through first. It would be a very good plan to read it aloud to someone. Then take up the suggestions in the second part of the lesson, one at a time, and look up the sections of the story to find answers to the questions. When special Scripture references are given look them up, and use the maps whenever directions are given to that effect. When you have finished the study read the whole story through again and be sure that you understand it.

The Written Review is very important. Have a notebook in which you will write the review stories every week. The best time to write the review story is soon after the meeting of the class, while the lesson is still fresh in memory. Always read the story of the hero again before you write the review. Keep the notebook neat. It is a good plan to write the exercise in pencil first and then copy it into the book in ink. At the end of the year you will have a good-sized book full of your own hero stories.

A careful study of these lessons will make you acquainted with a score of the mighty men of the past. Many of them you will wish to keep as life-long friends.