The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1904-07-21
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR JULY "a.

Chron.. XIX. 1-11-Go.aen Tex, II
Cnron., xix, 11-Memory Verses, 4-G
documentary on the Days Lesson.
I. A severe reprooi Tvs. l-3). This
chapter is entirely additional to Kings,
| and is OF great interest. 1t deals with
three matters only: The rebuke addressed
to Jehoshaphat by the prophet Jehu Tvs.
l-3); the personal efforts of Jehoshaphat
to effect a religious reformation ". a;
and his reform of the judicial system Tvs.
5-ll. l. Returned from the battle
against Benhadad in which AhaD was slain.
In peace" Without capture or pursuit,
being miraculousiy delivered from immi-
pent danger.
>. "Jehu," etc. The Hanani who is
! here mentioned was probably the seer who
reproved Asa for seeking help from the
King OF Syria (chap. l6:1). His son Jehu
was early called to the same divine work
which distinguished his father. More than
thirty wears before this ,Jehu had foreto.d
the doom OF Baasha, King of Israel Il
Kings l6:D. To meet him." He went at
the earliest possible moment. God had
sent him for this purpose and the o.d
prophet did not hesitate. But Jehu re.
ceived better treatment from Jehoshaphat
than his father Hanani had received from
Asa (chap. l6:7-l0). "Shoudest thou"
What forcibie, piercing question; Jehosh-
aphat's conscience would cause hlm to
Quickly answer it negatively. Help the
ungodiy." Such was the idolatrous Ahab,
whose kingdom was so largely given over
to the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth,;.
A great principle is here laid down. Gods
people should not give the hand OF tel
iowship to the wicked or assist them IN
any OF their ungodly dolngs. The words
u l. % fha 2.
unequally yoked together with unbeilev-
ers. And what agreement hath the
temple of God with idols?" z Cor. 6:l4-
lS). And love them," etc. James says:
whatsoever therefore will be friend OF
the world is the enemy OF God" tchap.
4:A. What would we conclude ii those
whom we supposed to be our friends should
ioin themselves to our enemies and show
fondness for those who were bent on our
downfall! John says, Love all the
world" etc. q John 2:l5, l6). The friend
ship of wicked men is one of the most dam
gerous temptations to which Christians
are subjected The wealth OF the world
and business interests are largely IN the
hands of men who are not friends OF
Christ. While the Christian religion re-
quires no narrow or ascetic secluslon from
the world, it does forbid the seeking world
IN
ends and to the peril of religious useful
ness and religious character. Christian
alliances with the wicked do not command
the respect OF the very men for whose
favor they are formed. To love those who
hate God is a personal thrust at Jesus
Christ. Therefore is wrath The
prophet does not tone down or mlnce mat
tiers. Faithful are the wounds of friend,
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitiui.
Upon thee" He was plainly tod that
the consequences of his sin would fall upon
him and his people with crushing force;
And is not the wrath OF God upon all
those alliances which His people form with
the ungodly, whether they be social, matrI-
monial, commercial or political!
3. Nevertheless" The seer has Tor
,Jehoshaphat words of encouragement as
well as words OF blame, and reminds the
King that in taking away the groves ne
had shown the true theocratic spirit, which
would not fail to be recognized and blessed
CT God. And this oracle of blame and
praise inspired the King to attempt further
reforms. Groves" The Asherah images.
II. Judges appointed Tvs. 40. 4.
again" This refers to his previous re-
forms described in chapter IL. Beer
sheba.' This was at the southern eXtrena.
ity of Judah. Mount Ephriam." The
kingdom of Judah was bounded on the
north by the mountains of Ephralm. .je-
hoslnphat travelled the whole length OF ms
kingdom and examined everything hlmseif
"to see that judgment and justice were
properly administered among the people:
had gone into idolatry when they saw their
King so intimate with idoiaters, therefore
he put forth every effort possible to rescue
them and bring them back to the true re-
iigion Those who truly repent OF sin do
al in their power to repair the damage
they may have done to others. 3. Set
judges" The King appointed local magis-
trates in all the principal cities, according
to the directions OF the law (Deut. l6:
1920. so that justice might be admins
tered with ease and convenience. q. Take
heed" A very solemn and necessary eau
ton. The case seems hopeless when the
Judge is corrupt. as with you" See r.
V. "The judges in deciding cases against
the rich and powerful were to strengthen
themselves with the thought God is with
US" 7. Wherefore now" Probably
Jehoshaphat discovered irregularities and
wrongs in the administration OF justice
such as showing respect OF persons and the
taking of brides. and he accordingly undsr-
took an extensive reform IN the matter.
His work no doubt consisted largely in
removing evil judges and confirming The
good in their Office.
III. A supreme court established (vs.
SID.
8. "In Jerusalem" Jehoshaphat's Sec
ond reform measure was to establish
court of appeal in Jerusalem in accordance
with Deut. l7:S-l2. This measure was
probably altogether new. David and Solo
mon had kept judgment in their own
hands. The prominent position assigned 20
the priests as judges was ir accordance
with Deut. l7:9; l9:l7.' ''Of the Levites,'
etc. A certain number of each of these
three classes constituted supreme court.
Judgment of the Lord" All matters
pertaining to religion about which some de.
cision could be found in the Mosaic law.
Controversies" Civil disputes, called in
verse II "all the Kings matters" They
returned" Read this. And they dwelt in
jerusalem" that is. the judges appointed
by Jehoshaphat. The most difficult cases
could always be decided in Jerusalem, be-
cause the judges were always there. 8.
"a perfect heart" That is, heart undi-
vi1ad IN itS alleoionoe The iu1oes pould