The opening chapters of Jeroboam’s life were very promising. He sprang from the

ranks of the toilers, but his business talent attracted the notice of Solomon, who set him over the forced labor which was levied from the great tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. Whether Jeroboam had entertained the prospect of rulership before the prophet met him, we cannot tell, but after that interview his whole life was altered. And if only he had observed the injunction of vy. 38, he might have lifted Israel to a level of prosperity and glory that would have blessed the world. But, alas! he sinned, and made Israel to sin,— 12: 30; 13: 34; 14:16; 16:2, 9, 26, etc.

When God has given you your place, do not devise things out of your own heart, in order to retain it, 12: 33. The plans that Jeroboam laid to secure the stability of his throne led to its undoing, and covered his name with undying infamy. ‘‘Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land.’’? ‘‘Fret not thyself in any wise to do eyvil.’’ ‘‘Thow maintainest my lot.’’ Let those who feel compelled to do wrong in order to keep their business or position, dare to stand with God against the temptation. He will bonor those who honon him, 2 Sam. 2: 30.