Middletown transcript., 1915-08-07
INTERNATIONAL
SUNlYSQIOOL
LESSON
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE KINGDOM TORN AsuNoER.
(By E. o. SELLERS. Acting Director OF
Sunday School Course. The Moody Bible
Institute of Chicagoo

destruction, and naughty spirit before
a fall Prov. 1918.
Solomon's kingdom though outward
ly magnificent contained within it
those germs of oppression, formal re-
ligious observances and the lax ex-
ample of an indulgent 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 his heart was not per-
feet with the Lord his God" (11:1, A..
Recon was his adversary" (11:25)
and Jeroboam whom he at first sought
to concillate (11:26-2S) was finally
driven from the land ". 40). Chapter
eleven contains the prophecy of which
this lesson is the fulhllment. "And
Rehoboam, his son. reigned in his
stead" (11:43).
|. The Convention at Sheehem, w.
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 1t though 1t 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
al rofOruoa tad (xrO Ol
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.
II. 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. 3O).
The counsel of the old men was good
". 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-
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 boasting and burden
some course which brought Rehoboam
to grief. Oppression always results
In rebellion, a 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.
III. Bad Counsel Confirmed, W.
l2-l4. 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 SrincelinK
were both only carrying out the word
and will of Jehovah ". Is; Ps. 76:1O).
Ihls does not, however, lessen his
quit or folly (Acts 2:23). Not content
with declaring his acceptance of the
eVll counsel he spoke roughly" (v.
1S) and this verse suggests to us that
the old mems counsel" was known to
the people, thereby aggravating his
onense. Whom God wishes to destroy
ne nrst makes mad" Rough words
wound or madden and, "by using soft
words you may lead an elephant by a
halr. Not content to refuse Reho-
Doam threatens added burdens ". l4).
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
Davids son and David's tribe. Their
war cry, ITO your tents. O Israel"
meant back to your home and let Ju-
dah look out for itself"
w. Conclusion. God turned awaJ
the Kingdom from Solomon's house be-
cause Solomon had turned away from
GOO (ch. 11:9-11, 81, 33). A true
prophet foretold what would happen,
the cause was from the Lord that he
nllght perform his saying ". Is, CT.
Isl S2). God is constantly and lit.
orally fulfilling prophecy. Those which
nave been so fully and so minutely full
nlled are warrant that in due time
al VIII likewise come to pass" Re-
noooam is a lesson to the young men
Oh To-Day. Ca) He was imperial and the
character OF his choice lay in his own
hanos prov. 1919. (b) His great
act was the sum of his wisdom in
smal ahairs. Our companions indi-
cate our character. (c) He was not
entirely ruined. David's faitbfnlnesa
saved one tribe of Rehoboam. Gods
grace Is unto generations without num-
Der and his ear ready to hear the
penltents cry. AS long as life re-
mains 1t is our privilege to serve God
and our fellowmen.
Rehoboam is also a lesson for rras.
ent day fathers. Solomon's examnla
did not measure up to his teaching ~
II nau the chances are the sons his
tory would have been different. Solo
nun SIN was primarily the cause of