The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-29

] The Sunday School Lesson.
SERIES FOR 1896.---THIRD QUARTER.
Studies in Old Testament History.



David was greeted by Shimei, who
begged pardon for his former insult to
the king. While it was evident that
SINNERS heart was not changed, that it
he dared he would still curse David,
David at that critical moment deemed
it policy to grant his enemy pardon.
But, as the event showed. he had in his
heart no forgiveness for Shimei.
On approaching the city Mephibos-
beth came to meet him, and explained
his lack of zeal in David's cause by say
ing that Ziba had deceived him and left
him without mule to follow his king.
David appears to have had only partial
confidence in this protestation. and i'm
patiently dismissed the matter by de-
claring that Zba should return to- him
one half his forfeited estate. David
after this seems not to have been the
unreserved friend he had previously
been to Jonathan's son.
David had not been long at Jerusalem
before a fresh revolt in the northern
tribes was fomented by the military as
pirant Sheba, Benjaminite. David,
pursuing the policy of Cancellation, ap.
pointed Amasa, the pardoned general
who had led Absalom's forces, to the
command of the army of Israel which
was raised to overpower Sheba. This
was more than the jealous Joab could
endure. AS he had before assasslnated
his rival Abner, he now assassinated his
rival Amasa. The capture of Sheba
was soon effected through the betrayal
of Sheba's followers. who in besieged
stronghold of Gilead offered to Joab the
head of their leader as a propitiatory
offering.
Trer was famine in Israel and dur
ing it's progress there was complaint
made by a remnant OF the Amorites liv
ing at Gibeah, in Gilead. The claim
was made that the famine was divine
visitation because of some unrecorded
wrong which had been done the Gideon
ties by King Saul. When the Gideon
ties asked for seven descendants of Saul
that they might by their death avenge
themselves for Saul's severity. David
granted their request. Seven of the
grandsons of Saul,-not however in
Guiding any OF the sons Of Jonathan
were hanged up in Gibeah as propit-
iatory offering. This incident is not al
together clear in the record; but unless
there are some modifying circumstances
left unstated it is one of the darkest
things in the record of David's life. That
he afterwards honored the bones of Saul
and his sons does not excuse him; it
rather suggests that this act of barbar
ism and superstition was repented of by
him. This sacrifice of Saul's seven
grandsons is represented as staying the
famine.
There was also a rebellion by the Phil
istines, in which various of David's war.
riors won renown against Philistine
giants.
Then there was a conspiracy by Da-
vid's son Adonijah, now the presumptive
heir. With this conspiracy Joab strange.
ly enough cast his lot, breaking his life
long habit of devotion to David. Nathan,
beholding that Adonijah was without
the requisite qualifications for the king
ship, and perceiving that Solomon, the
son of Bathsheba. although but twenty
years of age, was we'll qualified for the
high office, caused David to name him
for the succession. Solomon was de-
clared king jointly with his father.
Adonijah and his friends scattered like
dew before the rising sun. Solomon be.
gan at once to fulfil the royal duties.
These are items in David's unrestf ul
experience between our last lesson date
and the present. But at last there had
come period of rest. Hostilities were
suspended, and Israel was SO firmly, es-
tablished that there seemed no occasion
to fear any external foe.
Yet the prospect Of prosperity for the
nation brought no selfish happiness to
David. He was worn out. He knew his
eyes would not long be open to this
worlds light.
Under these circumstances he sum-
moned Solomon before him. that he
might from his deepest heart deliver to
him charge.
1. David had been forbidden
to Build the Temple,-vs. CLIO.
at was early il my heart" he said,
ito build an house which would WORTH
ly honor the name of the Lord my God.
But was convinced by the word of the
Spirit spoken through Nathan the pro-
phet, that this for me was not becom.
ing work. had been a man of war.
War. rather than the pursuits of peace,
had been my business. But | was at
the same time assured that l should be
able to 80 establish the government of
Israel that son of mine. living in a
peaceful time and being himself son
OF peace. could build the temple which
have desired, with passionate desire,
should stand in Jerusalem. And thou,
my son. my Solomon, Son of Peace. art
that son. The promise is in thee fulfilled.
1t is for thee TO become son of God, to
know God as your father; and find in