The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-08-06

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Solomon's kingdom though outward
~ magnificent contained within e;
those germs OF oppression. formal re
llglous observances and the lax ex
ample OF an induigent monarch which
speedily led to its disruption after hi.
death. Forty years Solomon regned
but the latter end Of his life was none
too peaceful. He loved many strange
women and his heart was not per
feet with the Lord his God" OH. a.
Recon was his adversary" 11:25)
and Jeroboam whom he at first sought
to conciliate Q1:26.2S) was finally
driven from the land ". 4O). Chapter
eleven contains the prophecy of which
this lesson is the fulfllment. And
Rehoboam, his son, reigned in his
stead" ll:43).
!. The Convention at Shechem, w.
10. This place has an important his.
tory beginning in the days Of Abraham
and Jacob 1t was city of the Levites
and the place where Joshua gave his
hnal charge Josh, 24:1, 25). Abime-
Iech destroyed it though it was soon
rebuilt. Here Israel gathered to con.
nrm Soiomon's son upon the throne.
Jerusalem and Judea readily accented
Rehoboam as king, but the ten tribes
hesltated and, according to one trans.
latlon there was years delay during
which time Jeroboam was sent for and
certain reforms were formulated " q.
lhelr charges were entirely selfish
and made no reference to the rights Of
Jehovah nor offered any protest
against the increasing idolatry. Be.
fore allegiance was sworn Jeroboam
as spokesman presented these reforms
w. a and Rehoboam wisely asked for
time to consider the request ". s..
u. Good Counsel Neglected, w.
6-l2. Rehoboam came of bad stock
(ch. 14:2I, yet his first step was a
wise one. His name means "Enlarger
of the people," but he sadly belied the
same. Too long had he lived in the
atmosphere Of luxury and enervation.
The northern tribes suffered greatly
through taxation and shared none of
the prosperity Of Jerusalem. Solomon's
yoke like that of every earthly mon.
arch. had been heavy Matt, 11:29, 3O).
The counsel of the old men was good
". y, 1t was kingly, manly.
Jesus tells us that the greatest must
De the servant of all and sets US the
example himself Matt. 2O:2S). Reho.
boam next consulted those Of his own
circle who were grown I'D with him"
men OF like position and passions
youths as inexperienced as himself
VINO mad no sympathy but were wild.
overbearing, selfish Reho.
'oam asked advice" ". g. of the old
men, out asked for counsel ", 81 of
ne young men. but in neither case ia
mere any suggestion that God was
onsuited Games 1:5). These young
zen counseled boasting and burden.
ONE course which brought Rehoboam
grief. Oppression always results
rebellion, fact that those who gov.
IN or employ others should ponder
ell. Rehoboam's choice of counseIors
I'd his consequent course of action
as the height Of foolishness prov.
|:2O.
!l!' Bad Counsel Confirmed, w.
ia. Jeroboam's subsequent career
nf1rms US in believing that he more
an all others encouraged and fos.
req the division of the kingdom. But
and the proud, foolish brinceling
ire both only carrying out the word
q Will OF Jehovah ". Is; Ps 76:1O.
lis does not, however, lessen his
lit or folly (Acts 2:23). Not content
IN declaring his acceptance Of the
u counsel ne spoke roughly" ".
and this verse suggests to US that
e Old mems counsel" was known to
people. thereby aggravating his
ense. Whom God wishes to DESTROY
hrst makes mad" Rough words
una or madden and. "by using soft
'as you may lead an elephant by a
r. Not content to refuse Reho.
m threatens added burdens w. 1N.
V. Conclusion. God turned away
kingdom from Solomon's house he.
Sc Solomon had turned away from
ten. 11:9.11, 81, 33). "A true
9het foretoid what would happen.
cause was from the Lord that he
Mt perform his saying" ". Is. CT.
H. ~. God is constantly and 1T.
~ fulfilling prophecy Those which
been so fully and so infinitely full.
are a warrant that In due time
VIII likewise come to pass Re.
'am is a lesson to the young men
oday.
'hoboam is also a lesson for pres.
day fathers.
nally Rehoboam is a lesson to all
are set IN authority. To close our
to the cry Of the needy; to forget
obligations to God and to men
t. 2S)' and to fail to see Gods pur.
> prophecies and plans, inevitably
g disaster
Q coming king Of kings who in full.
mt OF prophecy did come, and
come again, has a yoke for hi.
Gus which is easy His finger