Heroes of Israel Part 35

267 (--76A). How did the young prince make a fine appearance? We see that people were accustomed to come to the king to have their matters of law decided. He was the supreme court. Of course it was not always possible to hear all the cases at once. How did Absalom persuade the people that he would make a better king than his father? Note how the prince pretended to be democratic. What do you think of all this conduct?

268 (--76A). This deceitful conduct continued for four years until Absalom thought he was ready to strike the blow. He decided to make Hebron the headquarters of his rebellion. Locate Hebron. It was where David had his capital when he was king of Judah. Can you think of any reason why that city might have been dissatisfied? What excuse did Absalom give for a journey to Hebron? How did he plan to gather an army?

How many innocent men went with him? What wise man did Absalom get on his side?

269 (--76B). What did David decide upon as soon as he heard the news?

Notice that he had a body guard of 600 Philistine soldiers. The old enemies were good warriors and he had taken them into his service.

David had a wonderful way of gaining friends. Tell the story of Ittai.

How did the people feel about the flight of the old king?

270 (--76B). It was customary for the ark to be taken when the army went to battle (--61A). So the priest thought he ought to carry it with David.

But the king sent it back again, saying that he would trust in the Lord.

Moreover he was glad to have a friend in the city. How did he arrange with Zadok to have news sent to him? Describe the sad journey up the Mount of Olives. What signs of grief did they show?

271 (--76C). Whom did David hear had joined Absalom? How did he plan that bad advice might be given to Absalom? How did he arrange for news to be brought to him? Let us get the movement of the story before us. Absalom is marching from Hebron with his counselor and his army; David is in flight with his 600 guards and some faithful friends, but he has left some friends in the city to send him news; presently Absalom marches into the city.

272 (--77A). The first act of the new king is to decide what to do.

Ahithophel advised immediate pursuit of David. Tell what he said.

Absalom decided to ask the wise old Hushai his advice also. Whose side was Hushai really on? What advice did he give? How did he frighten Absalom and how did he flatter him? Why was this advice good for David?

What was decided?

273 (--77A). How was David informed of the council? He decided to cross the river at once, so as to have the swift stream between himself and his pursuers. Locate the Jordan. Did he succeed in getting his whole company over? What became of Ahithophel? Meantime Absalom was gathering a considerable army. After a lapse of a little time he followed his father, who had been gathering all the people that were loyal to him.

The matter could only be settled by battle.

274 (--77B). How many divisions were there of David's army? Why did he not go himself to battle? Notice how he reviewed the troops as they went forth. What special command did he give to the captains? Why did he do this? Give an account of the battle.

275 (--77B). In the battle, which was going against him, Absalom met David's guards. What accident happened to him as he was trying to escape? What dispute took place between the soldier and Joab? What did Joab do? There was no need for further pursuit, so Joab called back his troops. What was done with Absalom? We see that with the death of the leader the rebels fled to their homes. Joab called a Cus.h.i.+te, that is a negro slave: what command did he give him?

276 (--77C). Where was David during the battle? What conversation took place between the king and the Cus.h.i.+te? How was David affected? What do you think of David in all this matter?

A REVIEW OF DAVID

David was one of those men who loved others and could make them love him. It will be interesting to make a list of all those of whom we have studied who felt the influence of his winning disposition. Read I Sam.

16:12, 21; 18:1, 20; 24:16; 25:42; II Sam. 1:26; 2:4; 5:3; 15:21, 32; 18:3; 23:15, 16. Write a little paper telling of all the people who loved David.

REVIEW

XXVI. TEN HEROES OF ISRAEL

XXVI. TEN HEROES OF ISRAEL

After we had studied the heroes of Israel's wanderings we looked back over the stories and tried to remember the great characters we had learned to know. Now we have added ten more heroes to our acquaintance since Moses. Let us look back over the stories of these ten, and see if we can remember about them.

277. Moses brought the people near to Canaan and then sent twelve spies into the land to find out about it. Ten of the men were afraid, and said that the Hebrews could not conquer it, but two men were brave, and told their countrymen to trust in the Lord and go up. Tell the story of these two and what happened to them later. (--44; Josh. 1:1, 2; 14:13.[1])

[1: Very short Scripture references are given--just enough to recall the story. Read these and glance over the section in the textbook to refresh the memory.]

278. After the Hebrews had settled in Canaan they were greatly troubled by enemies. Many heroes arose who delivered them. One, who was called by the Lord, gathered a large army, then sent home all who were not fit and reduced his army to 300 men. He then devised a strange plan to frighten the enemy. Tell the story. (--46; Judg. 7:19, 20.) What reward did this hero refuse? (--47; Judg. 8:22, 23.)

279. One of the heroes of Israel was a man of enormous strength. What were some of the stories told about him? How did he foolishly sin and lose his strength? (--51; Judg. 15:14, 15; 16:18, 19.)

280. Who was the heroine of whom we studied? Tell what you remember of her. (--54.)

281. Do you remember the story of the good old priest who had two wicked sons, and of the little boy who came to live with him? Tell the story of how the boy came, and what happened one special night, and how the old priest died. (----60, 61; I Sam. 3:10, 11; 4:18.)

282. The little boy grew up to be a great prophet. He saw that the people could never be saved from their enemies without a strong king.

One day a young man who was seeking some straying animals came to see him. Tell the story of what happened. What great blow for liberty did this young man strike and so become king? (--64; I Sam. 11:6-11.)

283. The new king had a brave son. This young man determined to help free his people from their oppressors. Tell the story of his bold attack upon the Philistines. (--65; I Sam. 14:13.) How did Saul follow up the attack?

284. The young man who was to be the great king of Israel performed a wonderful feat of arms. One of the Philistine heroes challenged the Hebrews to send a single man against him. Who accepted the challenge and how did the combat turn out? (--68; I Sam. 17:48,49.)

285. Who were the two hero friends? Tell the story of their parting.

(--71; I Sam. 20:35-39.)

286. Why was David an outlaw? Tell the story of his sparing the king's life. (--73; I Sam. 26:9-12.)

287. David had a company of heroes about him. Tell the story of the knights who brought him the drink of water. (--75C; II Sam. 23:14-17.)

288. David had a bitter trial in his wicked son who rebelled against him. But many loyal friends stood by him: who were these, and how did they show their loyalty? (--76; II Sam. 15:19-34.)

289. Write down the names of the ten heroes in a column. How many were great patriots? How many trusted G.o.d? How many showed fine leaders.h.i.+p?

How many showed weakness of character? Who showed a great love? How many were unselfish? Which of them do you think the greatest?

SOLOMON

XXVII. SOLOMON, THE WISE KING

XXVII. SOLOMON, THE WISE KING

THE STORY

=--78. Solomon's Wise Choice= (I Kings 2:12; 3:3-15)

Solomon sat upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father.