The cup of Ahab’s sins was full, and the arrow at a venture executed divine retribution. Had Micaiah not spoken, men would have attributed this apparently chance arrow to misfortune; now, however, it became invested with quite another significance. There is no such thing as chance in this world. The bird does not fall to the ground, the arrow does not find its way to the heart, without a superintending Providence. Whether you live or die, your life is under the immediate supervision of the Almighty. In the battlefield, not a single bullet can hit your be-

loved, apart from the permitting providence of God. All is under law.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day. Take the shield of faith, as covering your whole being, lest the joints of the armor open to the fiery darts of your foe. Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. Note the contrast in the end of these men. The one went to his own place; no disguise could avert his doom, The other seems to have returned to God, v. 32 and 2 Chron, 18:31, and God gave him years of rest, victory, and prosperity, of which further details are given in 2 Chron. 19 and 20.

1 Kings 22:41-53. Further details of Jehoshaphat’s good reign are given in 2 Chron. 17—20. He made strenuous efforts to rid the land of the more obvious evils that disgraced it, though some of the abuses seemed too deeply rooted even for his strong hand, v. 42. The great defect of Jehoshaphat’s character was the ease with which he associated himself with Ahab and his family; for this subsequent generations paid a heavy penalty, 2 Kings 11.

Jehoshaphat attempted to re-open the sea-commerce © with Ophir, and entered into partnership with Ahaziah to build ships in Solomon’s old port of Ezion-geber, to make the cirenit of Africa en route for Spain. But, as we learn from 2 Chron, 20:37, a prophet of Jehovah remonstrated with him for renewing the alliance with the king of Israel; and the storm that shattered the ships on the rocks, before they set sail, gave evidence of the displeasure of the Almighty. Let us beware of these alliances and partnerships with the ungodly. Sooner or later they meet with disaster. God blocks our path and defeats our plans; and if only we are led to repentance, our broken ships may give us cause for thanksgiving in eternity.

(a) What is the general theme of 1 Kings?

(b) Into what two parts does the history naturally fall?

(c) By what method does the writer follow the history of the two kingdoms?

(d) From what sources was the book compiled? (e) With what events does the book begin and end?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.)

How did Adonijah plan to secure the throne? Of what promise was David reminded by Bathsheba and Nathan? How was the anointing of Solomon received by the people? What was Solomon’s attitude toward Adonijah? What final charges did David give to Solomon? Why was Adonijah put to death? How is Joab’s life, as a whole, to be regarded? How did Shimei forfeit his life? What great choice did Solomon make at the beginning of his career? 10. How did Solomon decide between two women who claimed the same child? 11. What is said of Solomon’s wealth and dominion? 12. How did Solomon prepare for the building of the Temple? 13. From whom did Solomon secure material and workmen for the building of the Temple? 14. What was the place of the Temple in the national life of Israel? 15. What were the leading features of the “Holy of Holies” ?

17. What other structures did Solomon undertake?

18. How were the pillars, Jachin and Boaz, and the molten sea. constructed?

19. Why were lavers so abundantly provided?

20. What were the final furnishings provided for the Temple?

21. What remarkable manifestation attended the placing of the Ark in the Temple?

22. What was David’s share in the completed Temple?

23. What special promise had God made concerning the Temple?

24. What was Solomon’s prayer for all the people of the earth?

25. What supplication did Solomon make for Israel in time of captivity?

26. How was the service of dedication concluded?

27. What message did Solomon receive in the second revelation that was made to him? What was the disagreement between Solomon and Hiram?

28. What hardship did Solomon impose upon the Canaanites?

29. Why did the Queen of Sheba visit Solomon?

30. How great were Solomon’s wealth and fame?

(Bach question applies to the paragraph of corresponding. number in the Comments.)

31. How was Solomon’s heart turned away from God?

33. Why did Solomon seek to kill Jeroboam?

34. How was Rehoboam led to alienate his people?

35. How was civil war in the kingdom averted?

36. By what means did Jeroboam seek to strengthen himself as king?

37. How was Jeroboam rebuked for his idolatry?

38. How was the prophet from Judah betrayed?

39. What was the fate of the disobedient prophet?

40. What did Ahijah predict concerning Jeroboam?

41. Who invaded Judah in the days of Jeroboam?

42. Who succeeded Rehoboam? What was the strength and what the weakness of Asa’s early reign?

43. Why did Asa make a league with Ben-hodad?

How did Ahab provoke the Lord to anger? What prophet was raised up to rebuke him?

How was the widow’s faith tested by Elijah’s demands?

What miracle did Elijah perform while in the widow’s home? *

How do the characters of Elijah and Obadiah appear in contrast?

How did Elijah bring the prophets of Baal to judgment?

How can you account for the depression of Elijah?

What was Elijah’s experience at Mount Sinal?

What tasks were committed to Elijah? How many Israelites had remained true to God?

What occasioned war between Ahab and Ben-hodad?

How did Ahab become the owner of Naboth’s vineyard?

What was the great defect of Jehoshaphat’s reign?

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