The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-02
July 3, 1851 Kings xii, 1925.

1t was a crisis hour in the history of the
Hebrew commonwealth when Solomon died.
Tribal jealouses popular discomfort threatened
invasion, created a state of affairs calling loudly
for man of ability. patriotism and courage.
To meet such a situation there shambling
out of the luxurious environment of the harem
the shallow, effeminate, inexperienced Rehoboam,
Solomon's only SON
He went up to Shechem, to meet a body re-
sembling the States-Genera of France before
which Louis XIV appeared. The historic scenes.
sundered by three thousand years. have some
points in common. The Hebrew National AS
sembly resolved that the new King should
plight his faith a constitutional monarch. Had
he consented rebellion would have been nipped
in the bud. There was three days truce. The
pause before a catastrophe is always solemn
Then came the Kings recklessly insolent answer
in which he threatened to add to his fathers
yoke. The cry arose ITO your tents, Israeli
aptly called 1.-The Hebrew Marseillaise." Even
Davids sacred name had lost it's spell as the
people cried. See to thine house. David.'
Hebrew history parted into two streams that
day, never to be reunited. Ten tribes, carrying
with them two-thirds of the population and ter
ritory. flowed off into the channel of the kingdom
of Israel, to continue for three centuries, until
swallowed up in the Assyrian captivity The
tribes of Judah and Benjamin formed the other
stream of Hebrew life, flowing on for four hun
dred years until engulfed in the Babylonian cap
tivity.
If Judah retained the temple and priesthood
Israel at least was graced with galaxy of fam
ing prophets.
In Bible story, the dreary incompetence of
Rehoboam is offset by the brilliant genius of
Jeroboam. the first King of Israel. He has been
called the castle-builder of Israel. For twenty
two years, as fa" as vaor and world wisdom is
concerned. he proved himself worthy of his
throne. His sin consisted in his following the
principles of worldly policy too far. For reasons
of state he interfered with the fundamental prin-
ciples of the Mosaic law. and divided the nation
regiously as well as politically. He set up the
'mutilated limitations of the cherubim at Dan
broke the second He poisoned the stream of
national life at its head So the history of his
kingdom is a history of decay.
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES
Children of Israel in Judah: Members of the
other tribes settled within the limits of the land
of Judah quietly submitted to Rehoboam-Stu-
dents Commentary.
Rehoboam: Means enlarger of his people; his
a contradiction of his name.
Sent Adoram Probably to make concessions;
but it was too late.-Whittle
All Israel stoned him: The solemn act of the
body of the people by their elders.-Carey. With
this one exception, this was boodless revolu-
tion.-Stanley.
Rehoboam made speed: The naughty answer
mark the weak character of the new King.-Cam-
bridge Bible
Man of God: Prevents civil war: leads an army
of $4,000 TO their homes. Compels Rehoboam to
be content with Judah and Benjamin.-Whittle.
THE TEACHERS CULVER.
First-It is added stain on the character of
Solomon that he did not train his son for state
craft. or, if he incapable, did not find an
other to rule in his stead
Second--All the tokens of the impending ma
tional calamity. greatest in its history were APP
parent before Solomons death; yet he seems not
to have planned to avert that calamity
Third-Israel's demand for a mitigation of taxes
just. Excessive taxation is always danger
Gus. This is believed to be the chief source OF
the present popular unrest in France
FouTth-The very site of Jeroboam's capital
ought to have inspired him TO faith, and led him
to desst from policy and craft. On that spot
Abraham the friend of God and father of the
faithful. built his first altar in Canaan.
Fifth-The true and safe course for one in pub
lie or private life is indicated in the lines:
Perish policy and cunning
Perish all that fears the light:
Whether losing whether winning
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee some will love thee;
Some will hatter. some will slight
Cease from man. and look above thee
Trust in God, and do the right.