will be the object of our study the major portion of the quarter before us. This is a continuation of the studies which ended in September of 1952 which were entitled “The Rise of the Kingdom.” The lessons of the weeks before us will gather for the most part about the prophets Ahijah, Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah, Amos and Hosea. The first of these, Ahijah, will be studied today. Ahijah Prophesies Through an Object Lesson vv. 29-33 In the preceding part of the chapter the sins of Solomon are set forth. These include ( l j an uncontrolled animal na ture, w . 1 ,2 , (2) definite disobedience, (3) pride, v. 3, (4) idolatry, w . 4, 5, 7, 8, and (5) a spirit of compromise, v. 6. Because of these sins the Lord was angry with Solomon (v. 9) and proceeds to bring chastisement upon him. The climax of this chastisement was to be the division of Solomon’s kingdom. Ahijah, the proph et, made a graphic announcement of this division through the means of an object lesson. He was alone in a field with Jero boam, a self-seeking servant of Solomon (v. 2 6 ), upon one occasion. Whereupon Ahijah rent in twelve pieces a new gar ment that he was wearing (v. 30), and gave ten of them to Jeroboam with the prophecy that he was to become ruler of ten tribes of Israel (v. 31). However, for “David’s sake,” two tribes are to re main to his house (v. 32). The two tribes are called one tribe here because “little Benjamin was in a manner lost in the thousands of Judah” (Matthew Henry). The reason for the division is given brief ly in verse 33. A thought for teachers is to be found in this passage, namely that object lessons of the right sort may be used very effectively in teaching. Make the best possible use of them! Ahijah Limits the Severity of Chastisement vv. 34-36, 39 In a twofold way the chastisement upon Solomon would be mitigated: (1) It would
not take place during Solomon’s reign for David’s sake. Not until the time of his son Rehoboam would the division take + + Wanted— A Worker God never goes to the lazy or to the idle when He needs men for His service. When God wants a worker, He calls for a worker. When He has a work to be done, He goes to those who are already at work. When God wants a great servant, he calls a busy man. Scripture and history attest this truth. MOSES was busy with his flock at Horeb. GIDEON was busy threshing wheat by the press. SAUL was busy searching for his father’s lost beasts. DAVID was busy caring for his father’s sheep. ELISHA was busy ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen. AMOS was busy following the flock. NEHEMIAH was busy bearing the king’s wine cup. PETER and ANDREW were busy casting a net into the sea. JAMES and JOHN were busy mend ing their nets. MATTHEW was busy collecting cus toms. SAUL was busy persecuting the friends of Jesus. WILLIAM CAREY was busy mend ing and making shoes. + + ± place (w . 34-36). This would give time for repentance and a turning to God if it was in their hearts to do so. Further more, (2) the chastisement would not last for ever (v. 39). God would not forget the covenant He had made with the house of David (2 Sam. 7:16). He is not through
with His dealings with this people. W on derful things are yet in store. Ahijah Mixes Judgment With Grace vv. 37, 38 Jeroboam was given the opportunity of building a house “ as I built for David” on the condition of obedience. But, alas, we know that he did not keep the statutes and commandments of the Lord but gave himself to idolatry and all sorts of evil practices. Helps for the Children Ten Pieces of Cloth 1 Kings 11:28-38 Memory Verse: "If thou wilt hearken [listen} unto all that I command thee . . . I will be with thee" (1 Kings 11:38). M any years before the Lord Jesus came to the earth, God’s chosen people, the Jews, were divided into two kingdoms or groups. In the northern kingdom a young man named Jeroboam was chosen by the king to rule some of the people. One day when Jeroboam went outside the city of Jerusalem, a prophet, a messenger of God, named Ahijah met him. Jero boam was wearing a new outer garment — a long robe. Ahijah took this garment and tore it into twelve pieces. As he gave ten of the twelve pieces to Jeroboam, the prophet told him that God was gohjg to make him king over ten of the twelve tribes of the Jews. God then promised the young man that He would be with him if he listened to God’s command ments and obeyed His voice. God’s Word gives to Christians today the same promise that He gave to Jero boam more than two thousand years ago! Those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are given definite commandments in the Bible. Precious promises are made by God to those who obey these com mandments. God has never promised to be with and to bless those who refuse to obey H im and to listen to His Word. As you learn each commandment that God has given to His children, pray that He will make you a doer of His Word and not a hearer only. END.
Pardon B y W m . W a lla c e Ellis
Softly, slowly, gently, White flakes came wafting down To spread an ermine mantle Upon the barren ground. Small flakes, large flakes, star flakes, Passed my windowpane; And filled my soul with courage
The royal palace of His love, Released from every sin. He said although my many wrongs Were scarlet in their glow; A cleansing in His precious blood Would purge them white as snow. Softly, slowly, gently, The flakes came wafting down; And likewise came His mercy, Beneficent, new-found.
To take new heart again. For I had found a Saviour, Who bade me enter in
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