Lessons From Days of Patriarchs and Prophets

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                              "God loveth a cheerful giver"
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                     DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE
  As one who greatly desires to improve my knowledge of the    Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of    some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.    Name    If desired, a record of daily study may be maintained in the blank below.   WEEK             1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13   SAB.   SUN.   MON.   TUES.   WED.   THUR.   FRI.   Place a check ( V) mark in each space above for the days you have studied your lesson. Form the habit of regular daily study and record marking.
                    _t • Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 195,,January-March, 1944, 25 cents a year in U. S. A.; 40 cents a year in Canada and foieign countries.' Published in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S. D. A.), Mountain View California. Entered as second-class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Moun tam View, California, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mail- ing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, 'Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and
                           authorized Sept. 18, 1918.
           Copyright, 1944, by Pacific Press Publishing Association

FROM SAUL'S DISOBEDIENCE to the   DESTRUCTION of the PROPHETS of BAAL


                    Lesson 1, for January 1, 1944

  Saul's Disobedience and Its Consequences
 MEMORY VERSE: "Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offer- ings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Sam. 15:22.
 STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 626-636.

           Saul Is Told to Destroy Amalek    1. When Saul had been king for some years, what command came to him concerning Amalek? 1 Sam. 15:1-3.
NOTE.—The Amalekites dwelt in Arabia between the Dead Sea arid the Red Sea. They were a roving people living in caves or in tents. The Israelites had scarcely passed the Red Sea when the powerful Amalekites made an unpro- voked assault upon them. God therefore decreed their extermination. Ex. 17: 16, margin.    "For four hundred years the execution of this sentence had been deferred; but the Amalekites had not turned from their sins. The Lord knew that this wicked people would, if it were possible, blot out His people and His worship from the earth. Now the time had come for the sentence, so long delayed, to be executed."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 628.


 2. How large a force did Saul gather for this purpose? What special consideration was shown the Kenites, and why? 1 Sam. 15: 4-6.     •
NoTE.—"While inflicting judgment, God remembered mercy. The Amalek- ites were to be destroyed, but the Kenites, who dwelt among them, were spared. This people, though not wholly free from idolatry, were worshipers of God, and were friendly to Israel. Of this tribe was the brother-in-law of Moses, Hobab, who had accompanied the Israelites in their travels through the wilder- ness, and by his knowledge of the country had rendered them valuable assist- ance."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 628.

7. Unwilling to admit his guilt, what bold assertion proves Saul's stubbornness? Upon whom is the blame for his failure shifted? Verses 20, 21. Compare verses 8, 9.    NOTE.—"Thus Saul transformed what was to have been a sacred war into a common freebooting expedition such as the heathen tribes had so often made against Israel. No wonder that Jehovah condemned Saul, and no wonder that Samuel was filled with grief and dismay, crying to the Lord with an all-night intercession for the self-willed monarch."—Peloubet.


8. What is God's test of true religion? Verse 22.

11. How did Saul attempt to overcome Samuel's unwillingness to return with him? With what result? Verses 26, 27.

 13. What acknowledgment was finally made by Saul? How did this affect Samuel's decision? Verses 30,- 31.
NoTE.—It was the fear of losing the royal crown that he felt tottering as a result of the condemnation of the Lord's prophet, rather than genuine repent- ance for his sin and concern for the salvation of his soul, that prompted Saul to approach Samuel as an apparently humble suppliant.
"How was he [Saul] suited for the post of theocratic king who set popular- ity above duty? He still felt no sorrow for the sin itself; he grieved only for its consequences, present and future. He saw that this public rupture between himself and the great and honored prophet would diminish his authority and do him irreparable mischief; so he begged Samuel not to desert him at this crisis."—William J. Deane, Samuel and Saul, pages 154, 155.


14. Saul having failed, what instruction from'the Lord did Sam- uel carry out? Verses 32, 33.    NOTE.—"An act of justice, stern and terrible, was yet to be performed. Samuel must publicly vindicate the honor of God, and rebuke the course of Saul. He commanded that the king of the Amalekites be brought before him. Above all who had fallen by the sword of Israel, Agag was the most guilty and merciless; one who had hated and sought to destroy the people of God, and whose influence had been strongest to promote idolatry."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 632.


15. How did Samuel further relate himself to Saul? What is said of the Lord's attitude? Verses 34, 35.    NoTE.—Samuel's mourning for Saul may be called the human expression of the divine sorrow over the loss of this first king of the Lord's choice. While Samuel, the prophet, had to sever his relation with Saul as king, except for an incidental meeting at the school of the prophets at Naioth in Ramah (1 Sam. 19:22-24), he could not suppress his human sympathy for the rejected king with whom he had been associated all these years in service for Israel.
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           Samuel Is Directed to Bethlehem   1. What effect did Saul's failure and rejection have on Samuel? What provision had the Lord made for a successor? 1 Sam. 16:1.

3. Which of Jesse's sons first caught the eye of Samuel? How did the Lord correct his opinion? Verses 6, 7.
NOTE.—"No outward beauty can recommend the soul to God. The wisdom and excellence revealed in the character and deportment, express the true beauty of the man; and it is the inner worth, the excellency of the heart, that determines our acceptance with the Lord of hosts. How deeply should we feel this truth in the judgment of ourselves and othefs. We may learn, from the mistake of Samuel, how vain is the estimation that rests on beauty of face or nobility of stature. We may see how incapable is man's wisdom of under- standing the secrets of the heart, or of comprehending the counsels of God, without special enlightenment from heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 638.


4. What did Jesse proceed to do? How many of his sons failed to meet the test? Verses 8-10.

               David the Lord's Choice . 5. What question did Samuel ask? On what did he insist? Verse 11.

 8. How is the transition of divine favor from Saul to David made significantly evident? Verses 13, last part, 14.
NoTE.—"When King Saul realized that he had been rejected by God, and when he felt the force of the words of denunciation that had been addressed to him by the prophet, he was filled with bitter rebellion and despair. It was not true repentance that had bowed the proud head of the king. He had no clear perception of the offensive character of his sin, and did not arouse to the work of reforming his life, but brooded over what he thought was the injustice of God in depriving him of the throne of Israel, and in taking the succession away from his posterity. He was ever occupied in anticipating the ruin that had been brought upon his house. He felt that the valor which he had displayed in en- countering his enemies, should offset his sin of disobedience. He did not accept with meekness the chastisement of God; but his haughty spirit became des- perate, until he was on the verge of losing his reason."—Patriarchs and Proph- ets, page 643.

          David Ministers at the Court of Saul    9. Review the circumstances that brought David in contact with the royal court. Verses 15-23.


 10. What statement reveals Saul's attitude toward David? Verse 21.
NOTE.—"The armor-bearer, like the esquire in the Middle Ages, had to carry his lord's lance, and sword, and shield, and was always a tried soldier, and one whom the king trusted."—Pulpit Commentary, vol. 1, p. 298.

 12. Which of th" psalms did David compose during these stir- ring years before he became king?
Answer: About half the psalms are ascribed to David. "It is to this period of inward and spiritual preparation [before he became king] in solitary com- munion with God that we trace the first of those psalms which have forever made 'the sweet singer,' in a sense, the 'shepherd' of all spiritual Israel. And here also we love to connect the plains and the shepherds of Bethlehem, who heard angels hymning the birth of our dear Lord, with His great ancestor and type, and to think how in those very plains the shepherd king may have watched his flock in the quiet of the starlit night, and poured forth in accents of praise what is the faith and hope of the church in all times."—Alfred Eder- sheim, Israel Under Samuel, Saul, and David, page 85.



                  Lesson 3, for January 15, 1944

                     David and Goliath
 MEMORY VERSE: "All this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." l Sam. 17:47.
 STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 643-648; "Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 218, 219.

                     Goliath Challenges Israel
1. With whom was Israel at war? What was the arrangement of the two opposing camps? 1 Sam. 17:1-3.
NOTE.—The Philistines were a warlike people who harassed and oppressed Israel from the early days of the judges. They were among the nations left in Canaan "to prove Israel." Judges 3:1, 3. Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ashdod were their chief cities. They have given Palestine its name to this day.
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4. What effect did this challenge have upon Israel? Verse 11.

5. How long did Goliath thus defy their armies? Verse 16.

             David Is Aroused to Action
6. Upon what errand was David sent? By whom? Verses 17, 18, 20.    NOTE.—"Unknown to Jesse, the youthful shepherd had been entrusted with a higher mission. The armies of Israel were in peril, and David had been directed by an angel to save his people."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 645.


7. What took place while David talked with his brethren? How did the Philistine's challenge affect him? Verses 23-26.    NOTE.—"When David saw that all Israel were filled with fear, and learned that the Philistine's defiance was hurled at them day after day, without arous- ing a champion to silence the boaster, his spirit was stirred within him. He was fired with zeal to preserve the honor of the living God and the credit of His people."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 645.


8. How was David reproved by his eldest brother? What spirit did he continue to show? Verses 28-30.
NoTE.—"Even as a shepherd, David had manifested daring, courage, and strength but rarely witnessed; and the mysterious visit of Samuel to their father's house, and his silent departure, had awakened in the minds of the brothers suspicions of the real object of his visit."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 645.

14. What reply did David make? What did he greatly desire that the whole world should learn from this conflict? Verses 45-47.
NOTE.—"There was a ring of fearlessness in his [David's] tone, a look of triumph and rejoicing upon his fair countenance. This speech, given in a clear, musical voice, rang out on the air, and was distinctly heard by the listening thousands marshaled for war. The anger of Goliath was roused to the very highest heat. In his rage he pushed up the helmet that protected his forehead, and rushed forward to wreak vengeance upon his opponent."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 648.


15. Mark the various steps of this personal combat. What was the result? Verses 48-51.

 2. What friendship was formed while David thus stood before the king? 1 Sam. 18:1-4.
NorE.—"We can imagine how a spirit so generous as that of Jonathan would be drawn toward that unaffected, brave youth, so free from all self- consciousness or self-seeking, who would seem the very embodiment of Israel- itish valor and piety. And we can equally perceive how gratitude and admira- tion of such real nobleness would kindle in the heart of David an affection almost womanly in its tenderness. Ancient history records not a few instances of such love between heroes, ratified like this by a 'covenant,' and betokened by such gifts as when Jonathan put on David his 'mantle,' his 'armor coat,' and even his arms,—but none more pure and elevated, or penetrated, as in this instance, by the highest and best feelings of true piety."—Alfred Edersheim,  Israel Under Samuel, Saul, and David, pages 94, 95.

3. What was said of David's conduct? To what position was he promoted? How was he regarded by the people and by Saul's serv- ants? Verse 5.    Nora.—"It was the providence of God that had connected David with Saul. David's position at court would give him a knowledge of affairs, in preparation for his future greatness. It would enable him to gain the confidence of the nation. The vicissitudes and hardships which befell him, through the enmity of Saul, would lead him to feel his dependence upon God, and to put his whole trust in Him. And the friendship of Jonathan for David was also of God's providence, to preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel. In all these things, God was working out His gracious purposes, both for David and for the people of Israel."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 649.

4. What incident aroused Saul's envy against David? How was this manifested? Verses 6-9.
NoTE.—"One great defect in the character of Saul was his love of approba- tion. This trait had had a controlling influence over his actions and thoughts; everything was marked by his desire for praise and self-exaltation. His stand- ard of right and wrong was the low standard of popular applause. No man is safe who lives that he may please men, and does not seek first for the appro- bation of God."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 650.
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       David's Flight—His Providential Protection    6. What further circumstances led to David's flight? Where did he go in his distress? 1 Sam. 19:9118.



7. How was God's protection over David again made manifest to Saul? Verses 20-24.    Nora.—"An angel of God met him [Saul] on themay, and controlled him. The Spirit of God held him in its power, and he went forward uttering prayers to God, interspersed with predictions and sacred melodies."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 654.

9. Describe the plans of Jonathan and David. Verses 11-23.



10. What events shattered all hopes of a reconciliation with Saul? Verses 24-42.
NoTE.—"His [Jonathan's] soul was bowed down with sorrow, as he re- paired, at the appointed time, to the spot where David was to learn the king's intentions toward him. Each fell upon the other's neck, and they wept bitterly. The dark passion of the king cast its shadow upon the life of the young men, and their grief was too intense for expression, Jonathan's last words fell upon the ear of David as they separated to pursue their different paths."—Patriarchs and ProPhets, page 655.
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 12. Who also was present at the tabernacle at this time? What were the tragic consequences? 1 Sam. 21:7; 22:9-19. See 1 Sam. 22: 20-22 as showing David's remorse.
NOTE.—"Here he [David] manifested a want of faith in God, and his sin resulted in causing the death of the high priest. Had the facts been plainly stated, Ahimelech would have known what course to pursue to preserve his life. God requires that truthfulness shall mark His people, even in the greatest peril."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 656.
Ahimelech "was a man of a timid nature, not inclined to risk offending the imperious monarch under whose protection he lived. Knowing this man's character, and fearing that if he appeared as a fugitive from the vengeance of Saul, the priest would decline to receive him or to supply his pressing wants,— food and arms,—David had recourse to a subterfuge, which, while it answered his immediate purpose, was the cause of a terrible calamity to the innocent community at Nob, and of the bitterest sorrow to himself."—William J. Deane,  David, His Life and Times, page 41.


13. Seeing that he was discovered, with whom did David seek refuge? What did he pretend in order to save his life? 1 Sam. 21: 10-15.

 14. To what places did David further flee, and who were with him? 1 Sam. 22:1-5.
NoTE.—"When estimating David's character, the soreness, the meanness of his trials must be taken into account. He was made an outlaw, with only a band of outlaws as his followers—brave, but unscrupulous. The daily fret of it was enough to wear out the finest temper and the kindest spirit. There were signs that once or twice David's better qualities almost gave way in the long, unheroic struggle. Hunted from cave to cave, betrayed for any price by any evil-disposed passer-by, his own generous impulses met on Saul's part with studied bad faith—the wonder is that he was not swept by a flood of angry pas- sion into infamy."—H. Elvet Lewis, Men of the Old Testament, pages 292, 293.


15. How has David given expression to his trust in God during these afflictions? Psalm 57.



           THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
 The "overflow" is to extend the gospel message in the vast  territory of the Southetn African Division.
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 2. What was Saul's plan when David was shut up at Keilah? How did David again inquire of the Lord? Verses 7-12.
NoTE.—"The breastplate was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square and measured a span. In it were set in gold twelve pre- cious stones, arranged in a row. On each stone was engraved the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Around these was a border of a variety of stones. The stones in the breastplate were the same as those that form the foundation of the New Jerusalem. The breastplate hung from the shoulders of the ephod and was fastened at the waist by a blue cord through gold rings.
"Set in the breastplate, one on either side, were two brilliant stones, called the Urim and Thummin. By means of these stones the mind of the Lord could be ascertained by the high priest. When questions were asked, if light encircled the precious stone at the right, the answer was in the affirmative; but if a shadow rested on the stone at the left, the answer was negative.
"The breastplate being attached to the ephod, David, in calling for the priest to bring the ephod when he was undecided as to what course to pursue, was really asking for the breastplate, by which he might know the mind of the Lord."—S. N. Haskell, The Cross and Its Shadow, pages 87, 88.

 4. What encouraging experience came to David in the wood of Ziph? Verses 16-18.
NOTE.—"At this time, when there were so few bright spots in the path of David, he was rejoiced to receive an unexpected visit from Jonathan, who had learned the place of his refuge. Precious were the moments which these two friends passed in each other's society. They related their varied experiences, and Jonathan strengthened the heart of David. . . . As they talked of the wonderful dealings of God with David, the hunted fugitive was greatly en- couraged."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 660.

13. How did David view Abigail's advice? Verses 32, 33, 35.


14. After the death of Nabal, what did David do? What wives did he now have? Verses 39-43.    NOTE.—"David afterward married Abigail. He was already the husband of one wife; but the custom of the nations of his time had perverted his judg- ment and influenced his actions. Even great and good men have erred in fol- lowing the practices of the world. The bitter result of marrying many wives was sorely felt throughout all the life of David."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 668.



               Saul Again in David's Power
15. In what manner was Saul again delivered into the hands of David? How did David reason with Abishai, and what did he do? 1 Sam. 26:1-12.    NoTE.—"It is not by our own hands that we are to be freed from our wrongs, nor is every opportunity to attain our aims, whatever they be, God- sent. ere
    h is ever the prior question of plain duty, with which nothing else, however tempting or promising of success,can come into conflict; and such reasons may be only those when our faith and ;patience are put on trial, so as to bring it clearly before us, whether or not, quite irrespective of all else, we are content to leave everything in the hands of God. And David conquered, as long afterwards his great Antitype overcame the tempter, by steadfast ad- herence to God's known will and ordinance."—Alfred Edersheim, Israel Under Samuel, Saul, and David, pages 126, 127.

2. How did David commend the men of Jabesh-gilead for their kindness? 2 Sam. 2:5-7.    NOTE.—This was a wise and noble gesture. Praising them for their act of mercy 'on behalf of the mutilated body of the king, who was his bitter enemy, could not fail to make a favorable impression, and to win for himself the love and sympathy of a large section of the people. It was a good beginning of his reign. A ruler who, under circumstances such as David had experienced, ac- knowledged the qualities of his predecessor who had been his bitter enemy, gives evidence of his qualification for the throne.


 3. What procedure reveals the wide separation that existed be- tween the followers of Saul and David? Verses 8-10.
NOTE.—"Ish-bosheth was but a weak and incompetent representative of the house of Saul, while David was pre-eminently qualified to bear the responsi- bilities of the kingdom. Abner, the chief agent in raising Ish-bosheth to kingly power had been commander in chief of Saul's army, and was the most dis-
   ' tinguished   man in Israel. Abner knew that David had been appointed by the Lord to the throne of Israel, but having so long hunted and pursued him, he was not now willing that the son of Jesse should succeed to the kingdom over which' Saul had reigned. . . .
"Mahanaim, on the farther side of Jordan, was chosen as the royal resi- dence; since it offered the greatest security against attack, either. from David or from the Philistines. Here the coronation of Ish-bosheth took place. His reign was-fgrst accepted by the tribes east of Jordan, and was finally extended over all Israel except Judah."--Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 698, 699.

7. What efforts did Abner make to place all Israel under David's rule? Verses 17-21.
Nora.—"The overtures for the transference of the kingdom of Israel were finally made by Abner himself, who for years had known that he was fighting against God, and at last told the puppet king whom he had set up and sup- ported that what God had sworn to David he was resolved to effect—namely, to translate the kingdom from Dan even to Beersheba, from the house of Saul to that of David. The negotiations with Israel and Benjamin were carried out by Abner in entire independence of David."—F. B. Meyer, David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King, page 156.


8. Where, and under what circumstances, was this union ef- fected? 2 Sam. 5:1-3.
NorE.—"Thus through the providence of God the way had been opened for him to come to the throne. He had no personal ambition to gratify, for he had not sought the honor to which he had been brought. . . . The change in the sentiments of the people was marked and decisive. The revolution was quiet and dignified, befitting the great work they were doing."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 701.

                  The Reign of David
9. What was one of David's first acts on becoming king of united Israel? Verses 6-9.
NOTE.—"As soon as David was established on the throne of Israel, he began to seek a more appropriate location for the capital of his realm. Twenty miles from Hebron, a place was selected as the future metropolis of the king- dom. Before Joshua had led the armies of Israel over Jordan, it had been called Salem. Near this place, Abraham had proved his loyalty to God. Eight hundred years before the coronation of David, it had been the home of Mel- chizedek, the priest of the most high God. . . .
"In order to secure this location, the Hebrews must dispossess a remnant of the Canaanites, who held a fortified position on the mountains of Zion and Moriah. This stronghold was called Jebus, and its inhabitants were known as Jebusites. For centuries, Jebus had been looked upon as impregnable; but it was besieged and taken by the Hebrews under the command of Joab, who, as the reward of his valor, was made commander in chief of the armies of Israel. Jebus now became the national capital, and its heathen name was changed to Jerusalem."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 703.

10. From what did David perceive that the Lord had established his rule? Verses 10-12.
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 12. By what tragedy was David's hope frustrated at this time? Verses 6-10.
NoTE.—"The fate of Uzzah was .a divine judgment upon the violation of a most explicit command. Through Moses the Lord had given special instruc- tion concerning the transportation of the ark. None but the priests, the de- scendants of Aaron, were to touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered.. . . Thus in the bringing of the ark from Kirjath-jearim, there had been a direct and inexcusable disregard of the Lord's directions. . . .
"God can accept no partial obedience, no lax way of treating His com- mandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah, He designed to impress upon all Israel the importance of giving strict heed to His requirenients. Thus the death of that one man, by leading the people to repentance, might prevent the neces- sity of inflicting judgments upon thousands."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 705, 706.

 13. When, and in what manner, was the removal of the ark safely accomplished? Verses 11, 13-15, 17-19.    NoTE.—"Upon David the divine rebuke accomplished its work. He was led to realize, as he had never realized before, the sacredness of the law of God, and the necessity of strict obedience."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 706.    "The solemn ceremonies attending the removal of the ark had made a last- ing impression upon the people of Israel, arousing a deeper interest in the sanctuary service, and kindling anew their zeal for Jehovah. David endeav- ored by every means in his power, to deepen these impressions."—/bid, page 711.

 3. What was the punishment for such a crime? Lev. 20:10.
NoTE.—"It was the spirit of self-confidence and self-exaltation that pre- pared the way for David's fall. Flattery, and the subtle allurements of power and luxury, were not without effect upon him. Intercourse with surrounding nations also exerted an influence for evil. According to the customs prevailing among Eastern rulers, crimes not to be tolerated in subjects were uncondemned in the king; the monarch was not under obligation to exercise the same self- restraint as the subject. All this tended to lessen David's sense of the exceed- ing sinfulness of sin. And instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he began to trust to his own wisdom and might. As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 717, 718.

 5. Failing in his attempt, how did he then determine to rid him- self of Uriah? Verses 14, 15.
NoTE.—"Every effort which David made to conceal his guilt proved un- availing. He had betrayed himself into the power of Satan ; danger surrounded him, dishonor more bitter than death was before him. There appeared but one way of escape, and in his desperation he was hurried on to add murder to adultery. He who had compassed the destruction of Saul, was seeking to lead David also to ruin. Though the temptations were different, they were alike in leading to transgression of God's law."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 718, 719.

 7. After the days of mourning for Uriah, what did David do? Verse 27, first part.
NOTE.—"He whose tender conscience and high sense of honor would not permit him, even when in peril of his life, to put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, had so fallen that he could wrong and murder one of his most faithful and most valiant soldiers, and hope to enjoy undisturbed the reward of his sins."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 720.
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9. What message did Nathan deliver to the king? 2 Sam. 12:1-4.


10. What sentence did David unwittingly pronounce upon him- self? Verses 5, 6; Ex. 22:1.


                        "Thou Art the Man"
 11. How forcefully was the verdict now brought home to David by the prophet? 2 Sam. 12:7-9.
NOTE.-"It was a message terrible in its severity. To few sovereigns could such a reproof be given but at the price of certain death to the reprover. Na- than delivered the divine sentence unflinchingly, yet with such heaven-born wisdom as to engage the sympathies of the king, to arouse his conscience, and to call from his lips the sentence of death upon himself. Appealing to David as the divinely appointed guardian of his people's rights, the prophet repeated a story of wrong and oppression that demanded redress."—Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 720, 721.


12. How did David respond to this scathing rebuke by Nathan? Of what was he immediately assured? Verse 13.    NOTE.—"The history of David furnishes no countenance to sin. It was when he was walking in the counsel of God, that he was called a man after God's own heart. When he sinned, this ceased to be true of him until by re- pentance he had returned to the Lord. The word of God plainly declares, 'The thing that David had done was evil in the eyes of Jehovah.' And the Lord said to David by the prophet, 'Wherefore hast thou despised the command- ment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? . . . Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me.' Though David repented of his sin, and was forgiven and accepted by the Lord, he reaped the baleful harvest of the seed he himself had sown. The judgments upon him and upon his house testify to God's abhorrence of the sin."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 723.

  14. What did David say in his confession? Ps. 51:3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17.

15. What lesson related to this incident may we draw for our- selves? Ps. 32:5-7.
NoTE.—"This passage in David's history is full of significance to the repent- ing sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through all the ages, it has proved a source of encouragement to souls that, having fallen into sin, were struggling under the burden of their guilt. Thousands of the children of God, who have been betrayed into sin, when- ready to give up to despair have remembered how David's sincere repentance and confession were accepted by God, notwith- standing he suffered for his transgression; and they also have taken courage to repent, and try again to walk in the way of God's commandments."—Patri- archs and Prophets, page 726.



                 Lesson a:for February 19, 1944
   Absatorii'S-Rebellion• Last Years of David
  MEMORY VERSE: "Cast thy butden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: Re shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Ps. 55:22.
STUDY HELP: "Ratrierchs and Propheis," pages 727-755.

                    Absalom Rises in Revolt
1. What is said of Ahsaloth's personal appearance? How had he cunningly won the people's hearts? 2 Sam. 14:25, 26; 15:1-6.
NOTE.--Absalonas• the only son of David who also, through his mother, Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, was of royal lineage. Having slain in revenge his brother Amnon, the first-born and heir apparent, he had fled to his grandfather in Geshur to escape punishment. Here he remained three.:yearhmben lte:Was, pertnitted.to return to Jerusale.m,-but forbidden to appear at court for two years. Then he was restored .to royal, favor. Since
                                     22.1

  2. Under what pretext had Absalom gone to Hebron? What happened when he was there? Verses 7-12.
 NorE.—Hebron was chOsen "both on account of the facilities it offered for retreat in case of failure, and as the city where formerly (in the case of David) a new royalty had been instituted; perhaps also as the birthplace of Absalom. . . . It was a clever device for entrapping two hundred influential persons from Jerusalem to invite them to accompany him, on pretext of taking part in the sacrificial feast. Arrived at Hebron, the mask was thrown off, and the conspiracy rapidly assumed most formidable proportions."—Alfred Edersheim, History of Judah and Israel, vol. 5, pp. 17, 18.

7. How did David express his grief at Absalom's death? Verse 33.    NorE.—"It is beneath the storm skies of that rebellion, that he recovers the dignity he had all but lost. His moral nature had been stained, but had not suffered decay: it had been saved from inward corruption, or else he could not have so repaired his majesty—one of the most grandly pathetic figures of time; now charging the captains so insistently—Peal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom,' now sobbing his solitary woe in the chamber over the gate—'Would God I had died for thee, 0 Absalom, my son, my son l' Perhaps he knew and felt that had his own life not been so tainted, the son would not have been flung into a traitor's grave. Let no one ever point a finger at David's sin, unless he knows something of the scorching tears of his remorse. It is not a question whether a saint may sin or not; it is how he bears his sin's punishment that makes him saint, or unmakes him."—Milli- gan, Men of the Old Testament, pages 298, 299.


                  David Faces Further Troubles
8. What sad experience followed David's numbering Israel? 1 Chron. 21:1-14.
NoTE.—"The sin of numbering the people probably lay in its motive. David was animated by a spirit of pride and vainglory. He was eager to make a fine show among the surrounding nations, and impress them with a conception of
                                                                          . Israel's greatness, so that they might not dare to attack any point on the long frontier line. There was a tendency to exchange his chosen position of wait- ing only on God, and to trust in the arm of human prowess and organization." —F. B. Meyer, David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King, page 208.


 9. What second attempt was made to usurp the throne' Who joined in the plot? 1 Kings 1:1, 5-7.•           •
NOTE.—"The hardships and exposures of hiS early wanderings, his many wars, the cares and afflictions of his later years, had sapped the fci.iintain of life."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 749.


10. Note how Adonijah's plans were thwarted. Verses 8, 10-40.

13. Though to David had been denied the building of the temple in his earlier years, what ample provision, had he made to facilitate the task of his successor? Verses 11-19; 29:1-9.

14. Viewing David's loyalty to God, what estimate of his life was later recorded? 1 Kings 15:5.    NOTE.—"Great had been David's fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent was his love, and strong his faith. He had been forgiven much, and therefore he loved much. . . .    "Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ."— Patriarchs and Prophets, page 754.


                 Lesson 9, for February 26, 1944
                The Wisdom of Solcithori •
 MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers: let Him not leave us, nor forsake us; that He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments." 1 Kings 8:57, 58.
 STUDY HELP: "Prophets and Kings," pages 25-50.

              The Lord Appears Unto SoloMon    1. When Solomon had come to the throne, for what purpose did he go to Gibeon? 1 Kings 3:4.    NOTE.—From 2 Chronicles 1:1-5 we learn that the visit to Gibeon, a city about, seven miles from Jerusalem, was a great occasion of ,state; intended
                                  [26 7

11. As Solomon witnessed the presence of the Lord, for what did he plead in his beautiful prayer of consecration. Verses 23-50.


12. What fitting ceremony preceded and concluded the solemn service? Verses 14, 55-58.
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                  Lesson 10, for March 4, 1944

            Solomon's Heart Turns From the Lord
 1. What principal cause is mentioned for Solomon's backslid- ing? 1 Kings 11:1, 4, 7-10.
NoTE.—"So gradual was Solomon's apostasy that before he was aware of it, he had wandered far from. God. Almost imperceptibly he began to trust less and less in divine guidance and blessing, and to put confidence in his own strength. Little by little he withheld from God that unswerving obedience which was to make Israel a peculiar people, and he conformed more and more closely to the customs of the surrounding nations. Yielding to the tempta- tions incident to his success and his honored position, he forgot the Source of his prosperity. -An ambition to excel all other nations in power, and grandeur led' him ,to pervert for selfish purposes the heavenly gifts hitherto employed for the 'glory of God. . . . His wives exerted a strong influence over him, and gradually prevailed on him to unite with them in their worship. . . . His separation from God through communication with idolaters was his ruin. As he cast off allegiance to God, he lost the mastery of himself,. His moral efficiency was gone. His fine sensibilities became blunted, his conscience seared."—Prophets. and.Kings, pages 55-57.


     What, other .influences contributed to Solomon's spiritual de- cline?
                                 [   2s]

3. Note the Scripture record of the king's wealth and commer- cial pursuits. 1 Kings 10:22, 26-29.


4. Compare the striking contrast of Solomon's life with the in: structions given by the Lord relating to the future king. Deut. 17: 16-20.


               The Lord Warns Solomon
5. How was Solomon warned of the result that would follow his evil course? 1 Kings 11:9-13.

11. How does Solomon sum up the lessons he had learned in his declining years? Eccl. 12:13, 14; Prov. 3:13-16.    NOTE.—"Solomon's later writings reveal that as he realized more and still, more the wickedness of his course, he gave special attention to warning the youth against falling into the errors that had led him to squander for nought Heaven's choicest gifts. With sorrow and shame he confessed that in the prime of manhood, when he should have found God his comfort, his support, his life, he turned from the light of Heaven and the wisdom of God, and put idolatry in the place of the worship of Jehovah. And now, having learned through sad experience the folly of such a life, his yearning desire was to save others from entering into the bitter experience through which he had passed." —Prophets and Kings, page 80.

12. What spiritual application did Christ make of the fading glory of Solomon's riches? Matt. 6:28, 29.    NOTE. "Christ has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to the flowers of the field, to the lily unfolding in its purity, and said, 'Even Solomon in all his glory was not ar- rayed like one of these.' . . .    "The most beautiful dress He bids us wear upon the soul. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that 'meek and quiet spirit' which in His sight is 'of great price.' "—Ministry of Healing, pages 288, 289.,

 2. What reasonable concessions did Jeroboam demand of Reho- boam in behalf of Israel? 1 Kings 12:4, 5.
IsloTE.—"The tribes had long suffered grievous wrongs under the oppres- sive measures of their former ruler. The extravagance of Solomon's reign during his apostasy had led him to tax the people heavily, and to require of them much menial service. Before going forward with the coronation of a new ruler, the leading men from among the tribes determined to ascertain whether or not it was the purpose of Solomon's son to lessen these burdens."—Proph- ets and Kings, pages 88, 89.


3. When Rehoboam consulted his old counselors, what wise policy did they urge him to pursue? Verses 6, 7.

 6. How did Rehoboam attempt to regain the kingdom? What word was sent him by the Lord? Verses 21-24.
NoTE.—Though at this time Rehoboam hearkened to the message of the Lord, a later record says: "There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days." 1 Kings 14:30.
"The people whom God had chosen to stand as a light to the surrounding nations, were turning from their Source of strength, and seeking to become like the nations about them. As with Solomon, so with Rehoboam,—the influ- ence of wrong example led many astray. And as with them, so to a greater or less degree is it today with everyone who gives himself up to work evil,— the influence of wrongdoing is not confined to the doer. No man liveth unto himself. None perish alone in their iniquity. Every life is a light that bright- ens and cheers the pathway of others, or a dark and desolating influence that tends toward despair and ruin. We lead others either upward to happiness and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal death. And if by our deeds we strengthen or force into activity the evil powers of those around us, we share their sin."—Prophets and Kings, page 94.

            Jeroboam Disrupts the Religious Unity
 7. What reasoning formed the basis of Jeroboam's introduction of his idolatrous worship? 1 Kings 12:26-33.
NOTE.—This he did in defiance of the clear directions of the Lord through the prophet Abijah. It was the Lord's purpose, by retaining the tribe of Judah for the house of David, that the unity of religious worship of all Israel should remain unimpaired. Its center was to continue "in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen Me to put My name there." 1 Kings 11:36. Though the seces- sion of the ten tribes was from the Lord (chapter 12:5, 24), yet it was on condition of no change in their religious allegiance. It was clear that the spiritual hope of the whole nation was bound up with the house of David, to whom the promises of the Redeemer had been given. Jeroboam's action, growing out of political considerations, struck a fatal blow to this spiritual unity of the people, from which it never fully recovered.

9. While refusing Jeroboam's invitation, how was the prophet persuaded to disregard the direct charge given him by the Lord? 1 Kings 13:7-19.
NOTE.—"The mere fact of the 'man of God' entering the king's palace and sharing his feast—probably a sacrificial idol feast—would not only have been contrary to the whole scope and spirit of his embassy, but have destroyed the moral effect of the scene enacted before the people. . . . They [the directions given the prophet] indicated that Bethel lay under the ban; that no fellow- ship of any kind was to be held with it; and that even the way by which the messenger of God had come, was to be regarded as consecrated, and not to be retraced."—Alfred Edersheim, History of Israel and Judah,vol. 5, p. 143.


         The Prophet's Disobedience Is Punished
10. What message of rebuke came to the man of God as he ate the forbidden meal? Verses 20-22.


 11. How speedily, and in what manner, was this .prophecy ful- filled? Verses 23-25.

13. Contrast the effect this divine judgment had on the old prophet and on Jeroboam? Verses 32-34.    NoTE.—"The penalty that overtook the unfaithful messenger was a still further evidence of the truth of the prophecy uttered over the altar. If, after disobeying the word of the Lord, the prophet had been permitted to go on in safety, the king would have used this fact in an attempt to vindicate his own disobedience. In the rent altar, in the palsied arm, and in the terrible fate of the one who dared disobey an express command of Jehovah, Jeroboam should, have discerned the swift displeasure of an offended God, and these judgments should have warned him not to persist in wrongdoing."—Prophets and Kings, page 107.
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                    Lesson 12, for March 18, 1944

           Elijah at Cherith and Zarephath
  MEMORY VERSE: "For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal  shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendetb  rain upon the earth." 1 Kings 17:14.
  STUDY HELP: "Prophets and Kings," pages 119-132.

               Elijah Before Ahab; Retires to Cherith
 1. What is the record of the kings from Jeroboam to Ahab's ac-  cession to the throne of Israel? 1 Kings 16:25-30.
NoTE.—Five kings had reigned some forty years. Two ruled only two  years each; another but seven days. Two kings were slain by usurpers, who  succeeded them. One was deposed and committed suicide. Of them all it is  said that they walked in the ways of Jeroboam, who had made Israel to sin.  Of the fifth, Omri, we read, that he "wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and  did worse than all that were before him." 1 Kings 16:25. Such was the legacy  his son Ahab entered upon. The time certainly was ripe for a sweeping re-  form in Israel.


   2. Who then suddenly appeared upon the scene? What was the   prophet's challenging message to King Ahab? 1 Kings 17:1.
  NOTE.—"Among the mountains of Gilead, east of the Jordan, there dwelt   in the days of Ahab a man of faith and prayer whose fearless ministry was   destined to check the rapid spread of apostasy in Israel. Far removed from   any city of renown, and occupying no high station in life, Elijah the Tishbite   nevertheless entered upon his mission confident in God's purpose to prepare   the way before him and to give him abundant success. The word of faith and   power was upon his lips, and his whole life was devoted to the work of re-    form."—Prophets and Kings, page 119.
  "Oft-repeated appeals, remonstrances, and warnings had failed to bring   Israel to repentance. The time had come when God must speak to them by   means of judgments. Inasmuch as the worshipers of Baal claimed that the   treasures of heaven, the dew and the rain, came not from Jehovah, but from   the ruling forces of nature, and that it was through the creative energy of the   sun that the earth was enriched and made to bring forth abundantly, the   curse of God was to rest heavily upon the polluted land. The apostate tribes , of Israel were to be shown the folly of trusting to the power of Baal for tem-   poral blessings. Until they should turn to God with repentance, and acknowl-   edge Him as the source of all blessing, there should fall upon the land neither   dew nor rain."—I bid., page 120.
                                        $4

 4. As he obeyed the command, how miraculously did the Lord provide for his needs? What happened as the drought continued? Verses 5-7.
NoTE.—"The prophet's words went into immediate effect. Those who were at first inclined to scoff at the thought of calamity, soon had occasion for serious reflection; for after a few months the earth, unrefreshed by dew or rain, became dry, and vegetation withered. As time passed, streams that had never been known to fail, began to decrease, and brooks began to dry up. . . .
"A year passes, and yet there is no rain. The earth is parched as if with fire. The scorching heat of the sun destroys what little vegetation has sur- vived. Streams dry up, and lowing herds and bleating flocks wander hither and thither in distress. Once-flourishing fields have become like burning desert sands,—a desolate waste."—Prophets and Kings, pages 123, 124.
                 With the Widow at Zarephath
5. In his hour of need, where was Elijah directed to go? Who was to take care of him there? Verses 8, 9.
NOTE.—"This woman was not an Israelite. She had never had the privi- leges and blessings that the chosen people of God had enjoyed; but she was a believer in the true God, and had walked in all the light that was shining on her pathway. And now, when there was no safety for Elijah in the land of Israel, God sent him to this woman to find an asylum in her home."— Prophets and Kings, page 129.
Elijah would hardly have gone to Zarephath of his own choice. South of Sidon, it was located in the territory of Jezebel's father, Ethbaal, king of the Zidonians, or Phoenicia. He had formerly been priest of Ashtoreth, and had succeeded to the throne by murdering his predecessor. It was this idolatrous worship that Ahab was so vigorously establishing in all Israel in place of the allegiance to Jehovah. Hence, it would certainly appear unsafe for Elijah to seek refuge there as the avowed enemy of the king.

9. When the widow carried out the instruction, how fully was the Lord's promise realized? Verses 15, 16.
NOTE.—"No greater test of faith than this could have been required. The widow had hitherto treated all strangers with kindness and liberality. Now, regardless of the suffering that might result to herself and child, and trusting in the God of Israel to supply her every need, she met this supreme test of hospitality by doing 'according to the saying of Elijah.' . . . The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah; and in return, her life and that of her son were preserved. And to all who, in time of trial and want, give sym- pathy and assistance to others more needy, God has promised great blessing. He has not changed. His power is no less now than in the days of Elijah. No less sure now than when spoken by our Saviour is the promise, 'He that receiv- eth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.' "— Prophets and Kings, page 130-132.

                    The Widow's Son Is Restored    10. What great sorrow came to the widow about this time? How did she associate the prophet with her troubled state of mind? Verses 17, 18.

11. Where did Elijah immediately take her son? Describe his action, and his earnest pleadings with the Lord. Verses 19-21.

12. How did the Lord honor the faith of His servant? Verse 22.

13. How did Elijah present the son to his mother? Of what was she then convinced? Verses 23, 24.

3. For what purpose had Ahab called Obadiah? What was Obadiah's attitude toward the Lord? How had he given proof of this? Verses 3-6.

             Israel Is Summoned on Mount Carmel
 4. What pointed charge did Ahab make as he met Elijah? How did the prophet counter this? Verses 17, 18.
NOTE.—"It is natural for the wrongdoer to hold the messengers of God responsible for the calamities that come as the sure result of a departure from the way of righteousness. Those who place themselves in Satan's power are unable to see things as God sees them. When the mirror of truth is held up before them, they become indignant at the thought of receiving reproof. Blinded by sin, they refuse to repent; they feel that God's servants have turned against them, and are worthy of severest censure.
"Standing in conscious innocence before Ahab, Elijah makes no attempt to excuse himself or to flatter the king. Nor does he seek to evade the king's wrath by the good news that the drought is almost over. He has no apology to offer. Indignant, and jealous for the honor of God, he casts back the im- putation of Ahab, fearlessly declaring to the king that it is his sins, and the sins of his fathers, that have brought upon Israel this terrible calamity."— Prophets and Kings, pages 139, 140

5. What command did Elijah give to Ahab? How fully did he carry this instruction into effect? Verses 19, 20.

6. When facing the large congregation, what straight question did he ask the people? What was their attitude? Verse 21.    NoTt.—"Unashamed, unterrified, the prophet stands before the multitude, fully aware of his commission to execute the divine command. His counte-
                              [ 37

8. How did Elijah mock them? How did the priests then further act in their wild frenzy? With what result? Verses 27-29.    NorE.—"All day long the people have witnessed the demonstrations of the baffled priests. They have beheld their wild leaping round the altar, as if they would grasp the burning rays of the sun to serve their purpose. They have looked with horror on the frightful, self-inflicted mutilations of the priests, and have had opportunity to reflect on the follies of idol worship. Many in the throng are weary of the exhibitions of demonism, and they now await with deepest interest the movements of Elijah."—Prophets and Kings, pages 150, 151.

               Heaven's Response to Elijah's Plea
9. As Baal's priests failed, whom did Elijah call? What did he proceed to do? Describe the details of his preparations. Verses 30-35.
NoTE.—Elijah's first act in the sight of all the people was to repair the altar of the Lord that had been broken down in the persecution that had swept the country. With his own hands he gathered up twelve of the remaining stones and joined them into an improvised altar for the sacrifice. Thus he symbolized the indivisible unity of all Israel's allegiance to Jehovah, which had been destroyed by Jeroboam's introduction of idolatry.


 10. What was the burden of Elijah's fervent prayer? How did God immediately answer? What was the response of the people? Verses 36-39.
NOTE.-"A silence, oppressive in its solemnity, rests upon all. The priests of Baal tremble with terror. Conscious of their guilt, they look for swift retri- bution. No sooner is the prayer of Elijah ended, than flames of fire, like bril- liant flashes of lightning, descend from heaven upon the upreared altar, con-
                                  [ 38 ]

12. What was Ahab directed to do? Where did Elijah go, and for what purpose? How many times, did his servant look for signs of rain? Verses 41-43.


13. What did the servant then discover? What was Ahab told to do? How was Elijah enabled to run before him to' Jezreel? Verses 44-46.    NoTE.—"This was enough. Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small cloud, he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with his faith, sending his servant quickly to Ahab with the message, 'Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.'"—Prophets and Kings, page 156.


       Sabbath School Lessoris for the Second Quarter    The ,first Sabbath school lesson of the second qurter is entitled "Elijah a Fugitive." The Lesson Scripture is 1 KingS 19, and the Memory Verse, is Psalm 139:2, 3. The study help is Prophets and Kings; pages 160-176, 217-222. For anyone not provided with a Lesson Quarterly for the first Sab- bath of the second quarter, we give the following:
Ques. 1: 1 Kings 19:1-3.               Ques. 8: Verses 13, 14.
Ques. 2: Verse 4.                      Ques. 9: Verses 15,,16, first part.
Ques. 3: Verses 5, 6.                  Ques. 10-: Verse 16, lasf pirt.
Ques. 4: Verses 7, 8.                  Ques. 11: Verse 18:
Ques. 5: Verse 9.                      Ques: 12: Verse 19.
Ques. 6: Verse 10.                     Ques. 13: Verses 20, 21.
Ques. 7: Verses 11, 12