The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-31
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR AUGUST q. 4

Lesson.
l.. Cup out of Egypt" In the language
of the Jew the direction to Jerusalem from
was low-lying country and the traveller
would have to ascend on his way to the
billy country of Canaan. Into the SOUTH"
Not the south of Egypt, but the southern
region OF Palestine. A certain part of the
country was called the south before the
times of the patriarchs.
2: very rich" Abram and Lot had
both been greatly prospered and were very
rich. The property of these times did not
consist in tocks only, but also in silver
and gold. Abram was very rich, and yet
very. religious. As piety is friend to out
ward prosperity Il Tim. 4: 81, so outward
prosperity, if well managed, is an orna.
ment to ,piety, and opportunity of doing
so much the more good.
8. Even to Bethel" Abram returns to
the place Of his altar in Bethel. In like
manner Christian settlements cluster
around their churches. Nothing can sat-
isfy God, in reference to a wanderer or
backslider, but his being entirely restored.
Between Bethel and Hal" Stanley well
describes this point as conspicuous hill,
its topmost summit resting on the rocky
slopes, and distinguished by it's olive
groves offering natural base for the al
tar, and fitting shade for the tent of the
patriarch.
4. Called on-the Lord" This i'm.
plies more than an ordinary prayer; he re-
established public worship.
S. went with Abram." It seems plain
that Lot was from the very beginning
borne onward rather by Abrams infu-
ence and example than by his own faith
in God.
6. "Not able to bear them" Their
os nd and herds ,ber had too
over, Of a moral kind may be implied"
Substance was great" As their families
increased it was necessary their focks
should increase also, as from those focks
they derived their clothing, food and
drink. Many also were offered in sacrifice
to God.
7. "a strife" The occasion of their
quarrel was their riches. The quarrel orig
mated in the scarcity of herbage for the
subsistence of their hocks, ''and in their
eagerness for the possession of the wells,
or fountains of water. which in that rocky,
arid region have value unknown to the
inhabitants of country like ours"
Dwell then in the land" The Perizzites
are not mentioned in the table of nations.
Canaanites were the original occupants Of
the SOIL
8. "Abram said" He first let Lot take
his choice, and then left God to choose for
him. This was heavenly wisdom. This is
what faith ever does; it allows God to fix
its inheritance, and is always satisfied with
the portion which God gives. mo strife"
There is a special danger of quarrels in the
family and among kindred. The love Of
God in the heart is a sure cure for all
strife eve are brethren" (R. W We
are of the same family, worship the same
God in the same way, have the same prom
ises, and look for the same end. Why.
then should there be strife?
9. 'The whole land" The heavenly
principle of forbearance evidently holds
the supremacy in Abrams breast. He
walks in the moral atmosphere of the Ser,
act for Abram to give up his rights and
was the act of true man of God. Sep
arate from me-" His proposal to separate
arises from his love of peace, not from any
selfish regard to his own interests.
TO- Lifted up his eyes" There is a
crisis in every mans history at which it
will assuredly be made manifest on what
ground he is resting, by what motives he
IS actuated, and by what objects he is ami:
mated; thus it was with Lot. plain OF
Jordan" Lot chose the Jordan Valley
north of the Dead Sea near the city OF
Sodom. Lot seems to have had nothing
in view but his temporal convenience and
advantage. He does not inquire into the
character of the inhabitants, nor does ne
appear to express any reluctance in leaV-
ing Abram. Before - destroyed, The
Nv
,truction of these cities. Garden OF the
Lord" He knew of its fame as the garden
If Eden; no crust OF salt, no volcanic con-
vulsions had as vet blasted its verdure.
IL. "Lot chose him." The choice was
selfish. He should have been generous to-
ward his uncle, instead of greedily taking
the best for himself. and then, the choice
was made for worldly advantage without
regard to spiritual things. "They separ-
ated." 1t is not thus with the riches of
zrace or of glory; the more we have OF
chem the closer it unites u.s..
II. "Pitched-toward Sodom." He ad-
ganced toward it till he came near, but
was probably prevented from entering, Dy
the well-known character OF It's lnhaolt-
ants. He who keeps bad company, IN
dulges in doubtful pleasures, or allows
wrong and selfish acts to influence his NE
l3 "Wicked and sinners" The men OF
sodom were sinners of the first magnitude:
The greatest depravity is often tound
among the inhabitants of the most fertile
lands. Lot has fallen into the very vortex
of vice and blasphemy. Lot chose the
company of sinners. One is safe with
wicked men so long as he is endeavor!ng
to make them good, but is never safe whf
he chooses their company. q
IA. Look" etc. He is to make ~
survey of the land in all directions, and J
is assured that it is his to inherit, and
title deed is given to him for ms SEED 10
ever. God says to every behever,, ioS
from the place where thou art, and III =
land"-the spiritual good, which thou
seest'-which thou dost see ,I pTTomlsea; q 70
Is. "All the land" God repeats His
His servant. "Will I give it." He who
was willing to give up everything Tor the
honor of God and religion received the
blessing OF the Lord, but he VINO sought
this world lost all.
i6 "Thy seed as the dust" That is,
they shall increase incredibly, and, take
them all together, shall be such great
multitude as no man can number.
II. "IValk through" Survey the land;
enter and take possession OF 1t Tor thysef
ls' I'm Hebron" This is the first men
tion of this name; it was anciently klr.
;ath.arba. 1t is one of the most ancient
cities in the world. Here Sarah and
Anram died. "An altar" This was the
third altar Abram had built. Lot might
choose Sodom, but as for Abram he sought
and fonnd his all in God.