Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-01-20
Sabbath
Schoo1Lesson

The reformation in Judah under Asa
had no effect on the northern tribes.
During Asa's time. Jereboam was sue
but wicked reign took Israel a step low
err, step farther from God. According
to prophecy Baasha arose. successfully
led rebellion against the reigning dy-
nasty. utterly destroyed every member
of the family of Jereboam, and estab-
lished himself on the throne. He reigned
"a yeaN years in which Israel was con-
tinually engaged in strife within and
without The morals of the nation were
not improved, in spite OF the reforms
that were being accomplished in Judah;
for Baasha continued in the idolatry
which Jerebcam had begun. Baasha's
son Elah was still worse. His two years
reign was marked not only by idolatry,
but drunkenness. II was when he him.
self was in a drunken stupor that one
of his servants, Zimri, conspired against
him. and smote him. To make his throne
secure, he slew all the family and
friends of Baasha.
But Zimri was rewarded with his own
coin. His reign. was only seven days.
The people had fallen low, but they
would not stand for such foul treachery
and murder. The army was at that time
engaged in battle with the Philistines,
and hearing of Zimris acts, they de-
clared Omri, their commanding general,
king. Omri had no easy time; he had to
put down Zimri, and had to overcome
internal dissenSions. When Zimri realized
his powerlessness to resisN Omri and the
army, he shut himself up in the palace
at Tirzah. and set fire to It, Omris other
antagonist was not so easily destroyed.
AL - - a l.
king. the citiEenry favored Tibni. For
four years this internal warfare con-
tinued until TibnPs death. whether by
natural causes or not, We do not know.
Beginning with Omri, the third dynasty
In Israel was instituted.
DEEPER DEGRADATION.
Omri was a man OF great deal of
force, but II was not directed in the right
way. He was without doubt cognizant of
the reformation going on in Judah. He
knew that great numbers OF the people OF
Israel were Disguised with the licentious
and corrupt idolatry at Dan and Bethel
and the high places all over Israel, and
were turning towards Asa because they
saw that God was with him. Had he
properly discovered the signs of the
times he would have checked the immi-
grafton from Israel to Asa by religious
reform in the northern kingdom;. but in
his nnwisdom he chose another course.
He determined TO keep the people loyal
to him and weaned away from the re-
ligious worship at Jerusalem by law Je-
reboam had Instituted the false wor-
ship OF God through the images of
calves at Dan and Bethel. but had still
left It optional with the people; Omri
made II law that they should worship
God In this way at these places Micah
years afterward speaks of "the statutes
Of Omri" by which Israel was further
drawn away from God. Omri failed to
realize two very important things-that
the human spirit cannot be satisfied with
anything less than the Spirit of God,
and that religion is not a thing of leg
islation. Idolatry no matter how elaL-
crate 1t may be can never satisfy the
craving of the human heart for God:
1t but expresses it. Amongst the lowest