McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1915-08-06
INTERNATIONAL.
SUNNNSQlOOl
LESSON
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE KINGDOM TORN AsuNDER
(By e. o. SELLERS Aatins Director (
Sunday School Course, The Moody Bib
Institute of Chicago.)

GOLDEN TEXT-Pride goeth befoi
destruction, and a naughty spirit befoI
fall. Prov. 1918
Solomon's kingdom though outwar
ly magnificent contained within
those germs of oppression, formal
ligious observances and the lax 81
ample Of an indulgent monarch whiq
speedily led to its disruption after h
death. Forty years Solomon reigne
but the latter end of his life was non
too peaceful. "He loved many strang
women" and This heart was not pc
feet with the Lord his God" 11:1,
Recon was his adversary" (11:25
and Jeroboam whom he at first sougl
to conciliate (11:26-2S) was final
driven from the land ". 40). Chapt}
eleven contains the prophecy of whid
this lesson Is the fulfillment. "AI
Rehoboam, his son, reigned in b
stead" (11:43).
|. Tho Convention at Shechem, v
1-5. This place has an important hi
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 1t though 1t was soon
rebuilt. Here Israel gathered to con.
firm Solomon's son upon the throne.
Jerusalem ana Judea readily accepted
Rehoboam as king, but the ten tribes
hesitated and, according &c one trans
lation there was years delay during
which time Jeroboam was sent for and
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 Jeroboam
as spokesman presented these reforms
". ~ and Rehoboam wisely asked for
time to consider the request ". 81.
u. Good Counsel Neglected, W.
6-12. Rehoboam came of bad stock
(ch. 14:21), 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, 1929. 800.
The counsel of the old men was good
". y. 1t 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.
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. Reho.
boam asked advice" ". g. 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 (James 1:5). These young
men counseled a 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
we'll. 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 1929. Not content
with declaring his acceptance of the
evil counsel he spoke roughly" ".
13) 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. "byy using soft
words you may lead an elephant by a
hair" Not content to refuse Reho.
beam threatens added burdens ". 14),
w. Conclusion. God turned away
the kingdom from Solomon's house be.
cause Solomon had turned away from
God (ch. 1911, 81. 33). A true
prophet foretold what would happen,
the cause was from the Lord that he
might perform his saying" ". is, CT
1881, 32). God is constantly and lit
orally fulfilling prophecy. Those which
have been so fully and so infinitely full.
filled are a warrant that in due time
all win likewise come to pass" Re
hoboam is lesson to the young men
of today.
Rehoboam is also lesson for pres
ent day fathers.
Finally Rehoboam is lesson to all
who are set in authority. To close our
ears to the cry of the needy; to forget
our obligations to God and to men
| Matt. 25), and to fail to see Gods pur'
poses. prophecies and plans, inevitably
| courts disaster.
The coming king of kings who in full
fillment of prophecy did come. and
| will come again, has yoke for his
subjects (which is easy His finger
". 10) and hands were used in loving
ministries and the only chastisement
". III he ever permits is that which
proves us to be sons" not slaves
(Heb. 12:6-1D.