The Dermott news., 1917-07-05

Ahaz reigned sixteen years from about T39 to 723 B. C., over the king dom of Judah its capital being in Jeru- salem. The kingdom was nearing Us end, and was destroyed within a few years after the death of Ahaz. His character presents many Interesting questions for discussion the character of his reign. the wealth and prosperity of his father and grandfather, the de- velopment of his character from me home wherein he originated, why na- ton can be successful and not be right eous or virtuous that Is. outwardiy successful, and the application of these questions to our present-day political and commercial lives.
 |. Ahaz, the Ruler, (vv. 1-5). Tho character of Ahaz Is not to be admired. He played q prominent and evil part in the history of the Kingdom of Judah We find his name recorded among the Syrian inscriptions of the year 132 B. C.. the Hebrew historian having { dropped the prefix "Jeho" from his name The full name indicates that he had "grasped Jehovah" yet he was untrue to his name The historian sayA "he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord" This puts 1t mildly,I but indeed few of the kings of Judah did otherwise, and he patterned his conduct not after the good model of his father, but the thoroughly bad conduct of the kings of the northern nanon.l Israel. He was but twenty years Of age when he took the throne, but had already entered upon course of action opposed 10 that of his father.
 II. Ahaz Ruined The choice lay before him of following In the steps Of his grandfather Uzziah and his father Jotham UI Chron. :1o). He chose to defy God. openly disobeyed him and WAS disloyal to his God and his coun- try. walking in the ways of the kings of Israel, (v. 2), burnt his children in the fire, after the ahominations of the heathen. (v. 3. made molten images of Baal, (v ?. and spread that wor- ship into the high places on the hills and under every green tree (v. 4), made saCrileglous use of the temples treasury, and was dishonest as we'll as nrofane. He trusted Baalim more than he trusted God
 III. Ahaz Rebuked. God did not al- low him to pursue his course of action without protest. When the children of good men go wrong, there Is no mens- uring the extent of depravity to which they will sink. Nevertheless, God was opposed and tried to save the yous~s man and the nation. God used
 king of Syria as one agency for reblA Ing this mad young man. He carrA away great multitudes captive, oe hundred and twenty thousand in oH day (y. O. and two hundred thoH sand women, sons and daughter
 fv. 8 at another date. Ahnz himstE was filled with terror at the great ck lamlty that overlook him. Osa. -. While he received temporary help O Kings It: Q, 1oD. he received ultimateE ruin from the king of Assyria. for
 became n vnssal and was surnmors to Damascus to pay homage to tf king, as appears from the accouat
 Kings l6:T-9. and also from the AS:
 rinn inscription, above referred Other enemies also attacked hlmN Edomites from the southeast carrl% away captives. and the Philistins from the southwest invaded the citi@ of the low plains. south of Judah, af took possession of them (vv. 17-l9) afH the army of the Assyrian, which AhN led 10 rob and profane the temple atF its treasures in order to buy them oA (y. 22-oi), completed the ruin of hi nation, Ahaz was forced to pay
 heavy tribute 10 the Assyrian king (v. 2l). and got no help for his ouf lay. He put his trust in an arm q flesh instead of In the mighty arm os God, which brought upon him tn curse that always comes to those whG trust In man (Jer. IT ., @. There blessing which always awaits those who trust in Jehovah tJer. 17:I, S) The wise man turns to God not in the time of his distress but at all timea Instead of sacrificing to the God whS saved his father and who would say him. Ahaz sacrificed to the god "whic smote him." His defiance knew n bounds (v. 24). He seemed to havs dabbled in every known form of false worship. thereby provoking Co anger the Lord God of his fathers" tII Kings 23 II, 12). God is long-suffering 10 those who wander from him, but there comes an end to his patience (II Peter 3 @. 10).
 ". The Reverse Picture. There are several problems to be solved as we view this picture. for 1t is a story of real life. not only of the early timea but is being repeated even today and in this country. CD Men will reap that which they SOW. One cannot SOW wild oats and reap the fruits of right eousness. (2) Jehovah places right eousness above security or prosperity.
 t3) Gods purposes are for the uplift hn nf b. and the