The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-08-06
INTERNATIONAL
SUNE(GYS0IOOL
LESSON
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE KINGDOM TORN AsuNDER.
(By E. o. SELLERS, Acting Director of
Sunday School Course, The Moody Bible
Institute of Chicago.l

destruction, and naughty spirit Detore |
a fall. Prov. 1918
Solomon's kingdom though outward
ly magnificent contained within 1t
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" 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" Q1:43).
!. 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 Levites
final charge Josh, PAL, 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 " p.
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, Wv.
6-12. Rehoboam came of bad stock
(ch. 14:2D, 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 excavation.
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
| hn he Mt of oil nd a
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 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.
III. Bad Counsel Confirmed, w
1914. Jeroboams 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 ". 10; Ps 1910
This does not, however, lessen his
guilt or folly acts 2:23). 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 tc
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 a
hair" Not content to refuse Reho
boam 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, 9S). A true
prophet foretold what would happen
the cause was from the Lord that he
might perform his saying" ". 10, CT
1871, 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 will likewise come to pass" Re
hoboam is lesson to the young mer
of today.
Rehoboam is also lesson for pres
ent day fathers.
Finally Rehoboam is lesson to al
who are set in authority To close oul
ears to the cry of the needy; to forget
our obligations to God and to mer
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, ant