International S. S. Lessons Exposition and Practical Application By R. A. Torrey Outlines and Suggestive Points By T. C. Horton
Uzziah’s Pride and Punishment DECEMBER 5, 1915. LESSON X. 2 Chron. 26:8-10, 15-21. (Commit v. 16), G olden T ext : “Man’s pride shall bring him low; but honor shall uphold the humble-in spirit.”—Prov. 29:23.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS Mon., Nov. 29—2 Chron. 26.T-15. Tues., Nov. 30—2 Chron. 26:16-23. Wed., Dec. 1—Exodus 14:23-31. Thurs., Dec. 2—Esther 6:1-14. Fri., Dec. 3-—Psalm 52.
Sat., Dec. 4—Gen. 11:1-9. Sun., Dec. 5—Acts 5:1-11. EXPOSITION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
v. 8 . And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.” Uzziah’s long, reign of 52 years was for the greater part of it one of the most brilliant in-the whole history of Judah. In some respects his reign presents a striking resemblance to that of Solomon. In the verse immedi ately before us we see old-time and dan gerous enemies of Judah becoming subject to him (cf, ch. 20:1). His fame spread far and wide; it even reached to the bor ders, of Egypt, which with the slow method of travelling in those days, was a long, long way. As the Revised Version puts it, “He ‘waxed exceeding strong.”. The secret of all this prosperity is found in the fifth verse of this chapter, “He set him self to seek God . . . As long as he sought Jehovah, God made him to prosper.” There is no other secret of prosperity so great as this : simply seeking to please God, studying to know His will as re vealed in His word, and always doing it when it is discovered. He sought the
counsel of God’s own prophets, who had understanding in the visions of God (v. 5). It was by the help of God that he won all his victories, “God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians,” and against all his enemies. Having God on our side is the secret of all real and abid ing victory (cf. Ps. 27:1-3; Rom. 8:31). I f God' is for us, no enemy Gan crush us, but if God is against us, no matter how strong our army is, there is no telling how soon we may be crushed. v. 9. ‘‘Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.” Uzziah’s confidence in God did not make him presumptuous or neglectful. He realized the dangers with which, he was encompassed on every side, and fortified himself against them. Many in our day have what they-call faith, but what is really presumption, that leads them to cease to be watchful, and to become neglectful, and to leave to God the precau tions they ought to take themselves. Uz ziah’s faith was not of that kind. It was the real kind that trusts God and then
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker