Evening star., 1921-12-31
BY REV. HUGH T. STEVENSON.

We commence with this lesson a
series of studies concerning the later
leaders and prophets of Israel Our
first lesson starts with the division
of the kingdom into two parts and
our last study in the series VIII bring
us to the close Of the Old Testament.
We viii be called upon to review
the scriptural stories which have
gripped men in every age because
they present in their records the
principles that govern human
conduct. With a change of scenery
and actors we can see the events of
our day being enacted and learn how
to apply the principles to the prob
lens ofsthe hour. The advantage
that it reveals, as no other historical
narrative does, Gods hand in the
affairs of men. The failures of life
can usually be traced to the neglect
ing of the spiritual life that domi-
mates the material activities Of men.
The division of the kingdom that
was founded by Saul, who welded the
twelve tribes in spite of their tribal
differences and jealousy into d living
unity and power as nation, which
was developed under David and
reached its zenith of glory under
Solomon, was not entirely the result
of Rehoboam's decision. when the
parliament of Israel presented their
demands to him before they would
consent to his being anointed king
over the nation in Shechem. The
seeds of revolution appeared in the
boam into exile because he was the
leader of the reformerS. who demand
ed that he reduce the burden of taxa
ton. Samuel had warned the nation
against this very thing, for the wise
old man knew full well that the
Z fsC.t l..
cessive burdens to pay for the up
keep of royalty. David had intro
duced polygamy. Solomon tolerated
polytheism. He was despotic in rule.
His desire for grandeur was oppres-
sive. His taxation became an intol-
cradle burden that filled the people
everywhere with discomfort. The en-
thusiasm for humanity which marked
the commencement of Soiomon's reign
had been suppianted by enthusia SIN
for money. so thai he left to his only
son Rehoboam. whose name he en-
iarges the people, revealed his proud
fathers hope for his heir, a task that
called for craftsmanship.
Rehnboam revealed the influence of
his Ammonlt'Sh mother when the
storm broke in Shechem. although his
request for three days to consider the
demands for relief indicated some
thing of the wisdom of solomon The
young king faced an organized op-
position when they recommended that
he become the peoples servant and
promise to help remove the burden
He faced the same peril that every
executive of the modern world has
faced as a result of the world war.
requiring that they find path that
will remove the burden imposed by
the conflict, which has become espe-
cially heavy upon the industrial
workers Wise leaders understand
the relationship that exists between
morality and national prosperity.
Rehoboam. encouraged in his thought
lessness and haughtiness by. his in
experienced advisers. refused to COM
ply with the peoples request. He
promised heavier burdens and greater
trials if they did not bend to his will
His words brought an end to ma
tional unity forever. Ephraim and
the other wealthier rural sections.
upon whom the burden rested the
heaviest. rallied to the cry of Jero-
boam. ITO your tents. now see to thine
own house. David" They had become
poorer. while Jerusalem was gaining
in wealth. They were ready for the
cry of the agitator. who aroused
ancient feelings of jealousy and diff
ferences. He found out that he had
made a mistake. but God had willed
a change because of the so-called
liberal;ty in religious life on the part
of Solomon. who. although personally
loyal to God. had permitted and sane
toned the introduction of false faiths
in the land. If he had been willing to
serve the people instead of requiring
that they serve him Rehoboam might
have averted for season the divi-
sion. but his selfishness brought an
end to his prospects for success as
king of the nation. He missed his op-
portunity. The tribes. whom he
might have won by concilia;ion. were
swept into the revolution by the bat
tie cry, which emphasized the Sec
tional spirit. their love for indepen-