The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-07-20
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR JULY "a.

subject: Jehoshaphat's Reform, II
Chron., xix, 1-11-Golden Text, II
Chron., xix, 11-Memory Verses, 40
documentary on the Days Lesson.
I. A severe reproof 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 ". ~;
and his reform of the judicial system Tvs.
sill. /. Returned" From the battle
against Benhadad in which Ahab was slain.
In peace" Without capture or pursuit,
being miraculously delivered from imml-
nent danger.
?. "Jehu," etc. The Hanani who is
here mentioned was probably the seer who
reproved Asa for seeking help from the
King of Syria (ehap. l6:7. His son Jebu
was early called to the same divine work
which distinguished his father. More than
thirty years before this Jehu had foretoid
the doom of Baasha, King OF Israel Il
Kings l6:l). "To meet him" He went at
the earliest, possible moment. God had
sent him for this purpose and the old
prophet did not hesitate. But Jehu re-
ceived better treatment from Jehoshaphat
than his father Hanani had received from
Asa (chap. l6:7-lO). "Shouldest thou"
What a forcible, piercing, question; Jehosh.
sphat's conscience would cause HIM to
quickly answer it negatively. Help the
ungodly." "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
lowship to the wicked or assist them IN
any of their ungodly doings. The words
of the apostle are to the point Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbeliev-
ers. . -. And what agreement hath the
l8). "And love them," etc. James says.
.Whosoever therefore will be a friend Of
the world is the enemy of God (chap.
Az. What would we conclude If those
whom we supposed to be our friends should
Join themselves to our enemies and show a
fondness for those who were bent on our
downfall? John says, Love all the
world" etc. u 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-
auires no narrow or ascetic seclusion from
the world, it does forbid the seeking world
ly friendships and alliances for selfish
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 mince mat
tiers. Faithful are the wounds Of a friend,
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Upon thee" He was plainly told that
the consequence 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, matrl-
monial, commercial or political?
8. Nevertheless" The seer has for
Jehoshaphat words of encouragement as
well as words of blame, and reminds the
King that in taking away the groves he
had shown the true theocratic spirit, which
would not fail to be recognized and blessed
of God. And this oracle of blame and
praise inspired the King to attempt further
reforms. "Groves." The Asherah images.
II. Judges appointed Tvs. ~. 4.
again" This refers to his previous re-
forms described in chapter II. Beer
SHGDd. Ills was ~ IC uIhSA =
ity of Judah. Mount Ephriam." The
kingdom OF Judah was bounded on the
rorth by the mountains of Ephraim. Je-
hoshaphat travelled the whole length Of his
kingdom and examined everything himself
"to see that judgment and justice were
properly administered among the people"
brought them back" Many probably
had gone into idolatry when they saw their
King so intimate with idolaters, therefore
he put forth every effort possible to rescue
them and bring them back to the true re-
-ligion. Those who truly repent OF SID do
all in their power to repair the damage
they may haye done to others. 5. Set
Judges" The King appointed local magis-
trates in all the principal cities, according
to the directions of the law (Deut. 10:
1920, so that justice might be admins
tered with ease and convenience. 6. Take
heed" A very solemn and necessary eau
ton. The case seems hopeless when the
Y. 1.-The judges in deciding cases against
the rich and powerful were to strengthen
themselves with the thought God is with
u.s." 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 under
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 iva.
SLY.
8. "In Jerusalem" JehoshIphat's Sec
ond reform measure was to establish a
court of appeal in Jerusalem in accordance
with Deut. 1882. This measure was
probably altogether new. David and Solo
mon had kept judgment in their own
hands. The prominent position assigned to
the priests as judges was in accordance
with Deut. l7:9; 1917" "Of the Lerites,'
etc. A certain number of each of these
three classes constituted a 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 dwell 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, a heart undi.
vided in it's allegiance. The judges coulL
not serve God and take brides at the same
time. 10. Blood and blood" Between
manslauehter and murder, or "the settle
ment of inheritance and family claims,
ETC." Law and commandment" To de-
eide what particular ordinance applies to a
particular case. This refers to leases
where the matter concerns the interpreted
ton and application of the law and its in
dividual commands, statutes and judy
nents to particular crimes" IL. The
King appointed Amariah supreme Judge in
the ecclesiastical court and Zebadiah in the
civil court. The Levites were to be coun-