Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1915-08-05
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE KINGDOM TORN AsuNDER.


g fail. Prov. 1913
SolomoHs kingdom though outward
ly magnificent contained within it
those germs of oppression, formal re-
ligious observances and the lax ex-
ample Of an induigent monarch which
speedily led to it's disruption after hi3
death. Forty years Solomon reigned.
but the latter end Of his life was mona
too peaceful. He loved many strange
women aud his heart was not per
feet with the Lord his God" Oil. A..
Recon was his adversary" III Isl
and Jeroboam whom he at first sought
to conciliate (11.26-2S) was finally
driven from the land (v. 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, w.
Is. This place has an important his
tory beginning in the days of Abraham
and Jacob. 1t was city of the Leyites
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 aud
certain reforms were formulated " %.
Their 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 Jeroboan
as spokesman presented these reforms
(v. ~ and Rehoboam wisely asked for
time to consider the request ". 81.
II. Good Counsel Neglected, Wv.
6-12. Rehoboam came of bad stock
tch. 14:2D, yet his first step was
wise one. His name means "Eniarger
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, 1929, 3O).
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. 2O:2S). Reho-
hn - r. t.
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 Reho
boam asked advice" ". g. of the old
men, but asked for counsel" (v. 81 OF
the young men, but in neither case is
there any suggestion that God was
consulted Games 1:5). These young
men counseied Boosting and burden
some course which brought Rehoboam
10 grief. Oppression always results
in rebellion, fact that those who gov
ern or employ others should ponder
well. Rehoboam' choice of counselors
and his consequent course of action
was the height of fcolishness prov.
1920.
III. Fad Counsel Confirmed, Wv.
1914. Jeroboams subsequent career
confirms us in believing that he more
than all others encouraged ard 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 1929 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 Rehc.
beam threatens added burdens ". l4,.
Nv. Conclusion. God turned a.va1
the kingdom from Selomons house be-
cause Solomon had turned away from
Nou WI. Ii J-I1, Oh oOD. n true
prophet foretold what would happen,
the cause was from the Lord that he
might perform his saying" ". is, CT.
1851, 32l. God is constantly and lit
orally fulfilling prophecy Those which
have been SO fully and so infinitely full
filled are warrant that in due time
all will likewise come to pass Re-
hoboam is a lesson to the young men
of today
Rehcboam is also lesson for pres
ent day fathers.
Finally Rehoboam is lesson 10 ali
who are set in authority. To close our
ears to the cry OF the needy; to forget
our obligations. to God and to men
MAT. 25), and to fail to see Gods pur-
poses, prophecies and plans, inevitably
courts disaster
The coming king of kings who iii full
OF prophecy did come, and
will come again, has yoke for his
subjects which is easy His finger
~. 100 and hands we're used in loving
ministries and the only chestise,nent