THIRD QUARTER. From July 5 to September 27, 1885. Studies in the Kings. LESSON I. - JULY 5. THE REVOLT OF THE TEN TRIBES. - I KINGS 12:6-17. GOLDEN TEXT. — He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. PROV. 13: 20. TIME. -B.C. 975; an important epoch in Hebrew history. Rehoboam reigned 17 years, B.C. 975-957. PLACE. Shechem, between Mts. Ebal and Gerizim, in the tribe of Ephraim. CONTEMPORARY EVENTS. - Rehoboam, king of Judah and Benjamin. Jeroboam, king of Israel. Shishak, king of Egypt. PARALLEL ACCOUNT. — 2 Chron., chap. 10. THE BOOKS OF THE KINGS. —(1) Title. The work is named from its contents, which is the history of the "kings" of Israel and Judah from the accession of Solomon to the Babylonish captivity. · Cook. (2) Author. Unknown. Ancient tradition names Jeremiah. Others think the book was compiled by Ezra or Baruch. It is evidently a compilation from the ancient records. (3) When written. The Books of Kings were completed, as we have them, within the space marked out by the dates, B.C. 561-538, or, in other words, between the death of Nebuchadnezzar and the accession of Cyrus in Babylon. Linguistic and other considerations favor the belief that the actual completion was early in this period about B.C. 560.— Cook. (4) Time. They embrace a period of 455 years, from 1015 to 560 B.C. cess REHOBOAM, or Roboam, was the son of Solomon by Naamah, an Ammonite prinAs he was forty-one at his accession, he must have been born about the time of his father's association with David in the kingdom. Smith. Most commentators argue that the age of Rehoboam, 41 years, as given in 1 Kings 14: 21, is a corruption of the text, and that it should read 21, for (1) this agrees with the description in 2 Chron. 13:7, that he was young and tender-hearted. (2) His companions are called "lads." (3) This agrees better with his actions.-P. Rehoboam's conduct was so childish and ignorant, and betrayed such utter unacquaintance with the spirit of the age and temper of the people, as to remind us of the oriental princes called out of the harem to reign, with all their experience, even at a mature age, yet to be acquired. And this was very probably the case. — - Kitto. Solomon may have had many children, but no others appear in history except Rehoboam and two daughters mentioned in chap. 4: 11-15. The sacred historian is careful to record that Rehoboam's mother was an Ammonitess. Kitto. It has been said that "every great man is the son of his mother." The same remark might be made of every great fool. It was probably because Naamah was what she was that Rehoboam was what he was. Pulpit Com. Probably Solomon was so busy with his kingdom and his great works that he gave little or no time to the education of his son. - - P. - JEROBOAM belonged to the tribe of Ephraim. His father's name was Nebat. His mother's name was Zeruah. When Solomon repaired the fortifications of Jerusalem, Jeroboam was employed in the work. The king was so much pleased with his activity and I KINGS 12:6-17. LESSON I. ability that he appointed him superintendent of the taxes (or of laborers compelled by force PRONUNCIATIONS. Ahi'jah; A'nō; Jerobo'ăm; Ne'bat; Rehobō'ăm; Shi'lō nite; Shi'shǎk; Täh'pěnes; Zĕr'ĕdă or Zĕre'dă; Zĕru'ǎh. INTRODUCTION. Sol Our lessons for this quarter take up the history of Israel where we left it last year. omon, led away by his heathen wives, had given direct sanction to idolatry by allowing them to worship the idols of their native countries, and by the erection of altars for the worship of these idols. Although he still continued his worship of Jehovah, and made his offerings in the temple (1 Kings 9: 25), he regarded these idolatries not only without disfavor, but with positive approval and practical encouragement. For these sins against so much light, and such gifts from God as he had enjoyed, the judgment was denounced upon him that part of his kingdom should be rent from him in the days of his son, and his last years were troubled with the beginnings of the revolution. Then the prophet Ahijah, the Shilonite, announced to Jeroboam (see above) that he should be king over the revolting tribes. And he probably made some premature effort to take the promised kingdom, instead of waiting for the Lord's time. In this he failed, and was banished to Egypt. Solomon died, B.C. 975, after a reign of forty years. His natural successor was his son Rehoboam, with whose reign we begin the lessons of this Quarter. EXPLANATORY. It is one of the most striking I. The Coronation Assembly. (1) THE PLACE, SHECHEM (the place between the shoulder blades), between Mts. Ebal and Gerizim, and beautiful spots in Palestine, and the more so as its perennial supply of water clothes For its history, see Gen. 12:6; 33: 18; Deut. 27:4-12; Shechem was chosen - Pulpit Com. it with perpetual verdure. Josh. 20:7; 21:20; 24: 1, 25, 32; Judg. 9, etc. -— instead of Jerusalem (a) either by request or to conciliate Ephraim, in whose tribe it was situated, as the leader of the other tribes of Israel, and who were doubtless known to be (b) It thus acknowledged the right of the other tribes beside Judah. somewhat disaffected. (c) It was centrally located in the heart of Palestine, and easily accessible. (d) It was then the largest city of Ephraim. (e) It has long been an acknowledged centre of civil and religious life. (2) THE OBJECT. The first object was that Rehoboam might be confirmed and accepted as king by the rest of Israel as well as by the tribe of Judah (1 Kings 12:1). It is clear from this and the cases of Saul and David that the Jewish people, at this period of their history, were accustomed, not indeed to choose their king, but to confirm him in his Spence. The second object was to insist on certain condioffice by public acclamation.. tions, and to obtain an alleviation of the burdens which had become oppressive under Solomon. The Israelitish kingdom was not an absolute, but a limited monarchy, and the people were determined to have their rights. It is not probable that they had fully intended to revolt, for it says they came to make Rehoboam king, but they were fully prepared for revolt if the king should refuse their requests. - P. (3) THEIR GRIEVANCES. The point of grievance with the people was excessive taxation. He levied unsparingly upon his The luxury and cost of Solomon's court, i.e., his family establishment, his harem, and his political relationships, had become simply enormous. people. This had become so severe that the masses were at one in demanding relief from Rehoboam as the condition of their allegiance. — Cowles. One special and most grievous form of this taxation was the levy of forced labor. An example of the way this was done is given in 1 Kings 5:13, 14. — P. Forced labor has been amongst the causes leading to insurrection in many ages and countries. It alienated 166 6. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? 7. And they spake unto him, saying, 1 If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. 8. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, 1 2 Chron. 10: 7. Prov. 15: 1. the people of Rome from the last Tarquin; it helped to bring about the French Revolution; and it was for many years one of the principal grievances of the Russian serfs. — Rawlinson. In the construction of the great Mahmoudieh canal, by Mehemet Ali, over 300,000 laborers were employed. They worked under the lash, and such were the fatigues and hardships of their life that many thousands died in the space of a few months (cf., too, Exod. 1: 11 sqq; 2:23). But, on the other hand, the nation must have also attained to general prosperity through the wealth which flowed into the country from the trade carried on by Solomon and the taxes of several tributary nations; so that there could be no reasonable occasion for any real complaint. But if men, as is often done, overlooked the advantages and blessings which they owed to the government, and turned the eye solely to that which Solomon required for these, it might easily appear as if he had laid on the nation a heavy yoke. — Keil. (4) CAUSES THAT MIGHT LEAD TO REVOLT. First, the burdensome taxation and forced labor described above. Second, the jealousy of the tribe of Ephraim, which had clearly never thoroughly acquiesced in the superiority which its rival, the tribe of Judah, by furnishing to the nation its sovereigns, its seat of government, and its sanctuary, had attained. That proud tribe could not forget the glowing words in which both Jacob (Gen. 49: 22-26) and Moses (Deut. 33: 13-17) had foretold their future eminence. And for a long time they had enjoyed a certain superiority in the nation. And the transference of the sanctuary, as well as of the sceptre, to Judah would occasion fresh heart-burnings.- Pulpit Com. In such circumstances Rehoboam met the assembled tribes at Shechem. The people presented their requests to the king for an alleviation of their burdens. Instead of giving them an immediate answer, he asked them to come again in three days, while he consulted the leaders of the kingdom. II. The Wise Counsel of the Older Men. — Vers. 6, 7. Rehoboam consulted with the old men. The first impulse of Rehoboam was good. - Kitto. But there is no evidence that he went to God, the true source of wisdom. According to Bähr," the old men are not old people, but the elders." No doubt the word is constantly used, as in the expressions "elders of Israel," "elders of the city," etc. (as senatores, from senex, aldermen, equals elder men), without any reference to age; but this is not the case here, as the strong contrast with "young men (vers. 8, 13, 14) proves. Cook. They were the men of wisdom and ability whom Solomon had chosen for his advisers (see Prov. 11:14; 15:22). They were of ripe age, no doubt, and they were old in the sense of having had long experience in the government and all the affairs of the kingdom. That stood before Solomon. They were in immediate attendance on the king. All his officers had to stand in the king's pres-. ence. 7. If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, etc. That is to say, "if thou wilt for once submit to be led by the people." The advice was not that the king should permanently resign the office of ruler, but that he should for once be ruled by his people. Cook. He was simply to reign as a true king for the good of his people, and not for his own pleasure or glory. He was to be like the sun, shedding blessings on all, not a focus, to which all rays centre. All true kings serve the people.-P. Good words. Kind words. A soft answer that turns away wrath (Prov. 15: 1). THE WISDOM OF THIS ADVICE. (1) It was right, and the right is always wise. (2) It was good for the people, giving them their rights and making them happy. (3) It would bring the highest prosperity and glory to the kingdom. (4) It would encourage the virtues of the king himself, and keep him closer to personal righteousness. (5) It would render his government more stable. (6) It would bind the people to him in loving loyalty. Thus, and thus only, could he be the greatest king over the greatest people. — P. He forsook the counsel of the old men. 8. III The Rash Counsel of the Young and Inexperienced. — Vers. 8-11. and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: 9. And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy fathers did put upon us lighter? 10. And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. 11. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. and despotism. —Lange. And consulted with the young men. The very change argues weakness. Green wood is ever shrinking. -Hall. That were grown up with him. Those who had been chosen for his associates, and who, by the fact of their having led the same kind of life as himself, were doubtless quite as inexperienced in State affairs. Their thought was all of royal prerogatives and imperial rights. - Kitto. They and he thought only of themselves, their own pleasures and honors, and not of their duties nor of the rights of others. Selfishness made them blind, and inexperience made them rash.-P. Which stood before him. Whom he had chosen as his counsellors. The surest mark of a fool is that he chooses other fools for advisers. 9. And he said unto them. He put to them the same question he put to more experienced advisers, but with an apparent scorn for the people who dared to make such a request; so that his new advisers knew the opinion of their master, and catered to it. IO. And the young men... spake, etc. Through flattery and insolence combined, the young men counselled a course actually inhuman; viz., to abuse his royal prerogative, to care nothing for his people and their wishes, but simply to treat them with violence. This advice suited him well, because it corresponded with his rough, harsh, selfish, and violent character. But this produced the exact reverse of what he wished and hoped. Lange. Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake. The repetition “speak, spake "is probably not undesigned. It suggests the idea of retaliation, or that it was a piece of presumption on their part to have spoken at all. Saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us (lit., from upon us); thus shalt thou say unto them This iteration is expressive of determination and resentment. We may read between the lines, "I would make short work with them, and teach them a lesson they will not forget."— Spence. My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. This proverbial expression means, I am much mightier than Solomon; his power was as the little finger to the body compared with mine; if my father had power to compel you, I have still more. Lange. Rather it means that his exactions would be as much greater than those of Solomon as the body is greater than the little finger. II. Whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke. The yoke was the curved bar on the necks of a pair of oxen, by means of which they drew the cart; hence the emblem of subjection (Jer. 27: 2-11; Lam. 3:27; Matt. 11: 29). The Romans used to lay a yoke on the shoulders of every person in a conquered country, in token of his submission. - Todd. The taxation was very heavy. Then everywhere the immense buildings were raised, not by paid workmen, but by conscriptions. Solomon raised a levy of 30,000 men (Israelites). Of these, 10,000 were always one month in service, and free the two following; 150,000 men (hewers of wood and bearers of burdens) were not changed. These were strangers and not Israelites (see I Kings 5; see above, under Grievances). My father chastised you with whips. It is probable that the expression is not entirely figurative. It is quite possible that the levies of Amorites, Hittites (chap. 9: 20), etc., had been kept at their toils by the lash. Spence. The yoke and whips belong together, and are the signs of laboring servants (Eccles. 30: 26; 33: 27). The king was to use, instead of the whips for servants, the thorn-whip used for criminals alone, and which was called scorpio by Lange. I will chastise you with scorpions. Whips which stung and pained like a scorpion's bite. Gesenius understands by "scorpions" here, "whips having leaden balls at the ends of their lashes with hooks projecting from them." The meaning is, my father used ordinary means to keep you at work, but I will do it with extraordinary and severer means. — Lange. the Romans. 12. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. 13. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; 14. And he spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 15. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD 2 spake by Ahijah the Shilonite, unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. - 21 Kings 11:11, 31. IV. The Foolish Decision. Vers. 12-15. So Jeroboam. Who had been summoned from Egypt for this occasion to meet Rehoboam, and who was conscious all the time that the prophet had announced him as king of the ten tribes. He was rich, talented, experienced in government, well known, and hence the natural leader of the people. All the people. It was still the custom for the people to assemble en masse on important occasions. Čame... the third day. To Shechem, where the meeting had been appointed (see vers. 1-5). 13, 14. And the king answered the people roughly. These rough and hard words were paraded and rendered more offensive by the rough and hard manner. - Pulpit Com. Forsook the old men's counsel, ... spake to them after the counsel of the young men. He made a fatal omission in seeking advice. There is no mention of his praying to God, like his father, for wisdom, nor of going to the temple for guidance, nor seeking the help of God's prophets. He trampled every pearl of wisdom under his feet, and revelled in the mire of his own folly. - P. 15. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people. We see here a young prince, heir to one of the greatest empires of antiquity, the inheritor of an illustrious and unequalled name, with all the advantages which the glory and greatness of his father could give him, reaping the benefits of a long peace, his coffers full of money, his cities filled with all manner of store, his fleets ploughing the sea, his army guarding his frontier; we see him wantonly flinging these singular advantages away from him, and absolutely courting his own destruction and the dismemberment of his kingdom. We talk sometimes of men who dance on the edge of a volcano, and we have read of Nero fiddling while Rome was burning, but it may be questioned whether history affords a more pitiable instance of folly and infatuation than this. Pulpit Com. For the cause was from the Lord. Human passions, anger, pride, and insolence worked out the accomplishment of the divine designs. Without interfering with man's free will, God guides the course of events and accomplishes his purpose. — Cook. -- WHAT WAS THAT PURPOSE? God always does the best thing possible for each nation and for each individual. If they are disobedient and wicked, he cannot wisely do for them what he would if they were obedient and good. Therefore he does what is best for them as they are, and what will most tend to make them what they ought to be. This disruption of the kingdom, the worst thing for Israel had they been true subjects of Jehovah, became the best thing for those who had become tainted with idolatry, proud, self-willed, and luxurious, thus threatening the very existence of true religion and godliness. (1) The origin of this separation is declared to have been a divine judgment for the idolatrous worship introduced by the foreign wives of Solomon. (2) Had this offence remained unpunished, so contagious an example would have infected the whole mass of the people, who would have irretrievably sunk into idolatry and vice. Does not this division of the people, under two monarchs, appear not only as a just punishment for the crimes of Solomon, but the most probable method of preventing universal apostacy? (3) This separation proved the most powerful means of preserving in the two remaining tribes whatever degree of attention to the divine laws subsisted among them. It made it the most obvious political interest of the kings of Judah to adhere with strictness to the law of Moses, and to promote its observance among their subjects. Graves. The folly of Rehoboam, etc., are the messengers of God's wrath as much as the whirlwind or the volcano. Not as if he were the author of those acts which have their source in the evil will. They are by their very definition and nature resistances to his will; but, as |