The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-08-03
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8 !.
THE KINGDOM TORN AsuNoER.

LESSON TEXT Kings 12:6-16
GOLDEN TEXT-Pride Roeth before
destruction. and a naughty spirit before
fall Prov. 1918
Solomon's kingdom though outward
~ magnificent contained within IL
those germs Of oppression, formal re-
hg1ous observances and the lax ex-
ample OF an tndulgent monarch which
speedily led to its disruption after his
death. Forty years Solomon reigned.
but the latter end OF his life was none
too peaceful. "He loved many strange
women" and Ibis heart was not per-
feet with the Lord his God" Oil. A.
Recon was his adversary" Q1:25)
and Jeroboam whom he at first sought
to conciliate (11:26-2S) was finally
driven from the land ". 40). Chapter
eleven contains the prophecy of which
this lesson is the fulfillment And
Rehoboam, his son, reigned in his
stead" (11:43).
!. The Convention at Shechem, Wv.
1-5. 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
final charge Josh, 24:1, 25). Abime-
lech destroyed it though it was soon
rebuilt. Here Israel gathered to con.
firm Solomon's son upon the throne.
Jerusalem and Judea readily accepted
Rehoboam as king, but the ten tribes
hesitated and, according to one trans
lation there was years delay during
which time Jeroboam was sent for and
certain reforms were formulated (v o.
Their charges were entirely selfish
and made no reference 10 the rights of
Jehovah nor offered any protest
against the increasing idolatry. Be-
fore allegiance was sworn Jeroboam
as spokesman presented these reforms
". q and Rehoboam wisely asked for
time to consider the request (v. 81.
III. Good Counsel Neglected, Wv.
6-12. Rehoboam came of bad stock
(ch. 14:2D, yet his first step was
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
arch, had been heavy Matt, 1929, 800.
The counsel of the old men was good
(v. y, it was kingly, manly.
Jesus tells us that the greatest must
be the servant of all and sets us the
example himself Matt. 20:28). Reho-
boam next consulted those Of his own
circle who were grown up with him."
men Of like position and passions,
youths as inexperienced as himself
who had no sympathy but were wild,
conceited, overbearing, selfish Reno
boam asked advice" (v. 81 of the old
men, but asked for counsel ". 81 of
the young men, but in neither case is
there any suggestion that God was
consulted Games 1:5). These young
men counseled boasting and burden
some course which brought Rehoboam
to grief Oppression always results
in rebellion, fact that those who gov
ern or employ others should ponder
well. Rehoboam's choice of counselors
and his consequent course of action
was the height of foolishness prov.
1920.
Ill. Bad Counsel Confirmed, W.
1914. Jeroboam's subsequent career
confirms us in believing that he more
than all others encouraged and fos-
tered the division of the kingdom. But
he and the proud, foolish princeling
were both only carrying out the word
and will of Jehovah ". Is; Ps. 1910.
This does not, however, lessen his
guilt or folly (Acts 223). Not content
with declaring his acceptance of the
evil counsel he spoke roughly" ".
49, and this verse suggests to us that
"the old mems counsel" was known to
the people, thereby aggravating his
offense. Whom God wishes to destroy
he first makes mad" Rough words
wound or madden and. "by using soft
words you may lead an elephant by
hair" Not content to refuse Reho-
boam threatens added burdens ". 14).
Josephus says that the people were
Struck by his words as by an iron
rod" and they at once exclaimed
what portion have we (the northern
tribes) in David" ". 16), repudiating
David's son and David's tribe. Their
war cry, Ito your tents, o Israeli
meant back to your home and let Ju-
dab look out for itself"
Nv. Conclusion. God turned away
the kingdom from Solomon's house be-
cause Solomon had turned away from
God (ch. 11:9-11, 81, 33). A true
prophet foretold what would happen,
the cause was from the Lord that he
might perform his saying" ". Is, CT.
1871, 32). God is constantly and lit
orally fulfilling prophecy. Those which
have been so fully and so minutely full
filled are warrant that in due time
all will likewise come to pass" Re-
hoboam is lesson to the young men
of today. (a) He was imperial and the
character of his choice lay in his own
hands prov. 1919. OBJ His great |
act was the sum of his wisdom in
small affairs. Our companions indi-
cate our character. (c) He was not |
entirely ruined. David's faithfulness |
saved one tribe Of Rehoboam. Gods |
grace is unto generations without num-
Der and his ear ready to hear the |
penitent's cry. As long as life re-
mains 1t is our privilege to serve God |