He read of Jacob and his sons, of Joseph whom his brothers sold into Egypt, and of his fate in that land.

And he read of Moses the great lawgiver, of David the shepherd, minstrel and king, and of Solomon's wisdom and of his temple, and of the Prophets who judged the people for their misdeeds, and prophesied the future kingdom.

Jesus read the history of his people with a burning heart.

He saw how the race had gradually gone from bad to worse.

If he had at first rejoiced with all enthusiasm, later on he became angry at the degeneration.