LESSON I.—JULY 5.—THE GOSPEL MESSAGE FOR ALL THE WORLD.
NOTE.—This series of lessons is entitled, “Studies on the Gospel Message.” For Introduction and excellent suggestions as to their study, we refer the student to the Lesson Quarterly.
(See article “Blessed that We May Bless.”)
THE time between the promises to Abraham (Gen. 12: 1-3) and the birth of the Messiah is divided into three periods (Matt. 1: 17), each one of which is marked off by experiences which are pivotal in the history of Israel. We have already given some study to the promises to Abraham and to David in our previous lessons, and we shall now deal with some of the circumstances which led up to the captivity in Babylon.
Special blessings were given to Israel (Rom. 9: 4) that they might minister them to all nations (Ps. 67: 1, 2). If they were faithful to their high privilege, they would rule over the nations (Deut. 15: 5, 6). Unfaithfulness to their trust would make them subject to the nations. Deut. 28: 15, 37. This is the explanation of the varying experiences of victory and defeat in the history of God’s people among the nations, and of their captivity in Babylon. The experience of Hezekiah will illustrate the principle. Brought face to face with death (Isa. 38: 1), he turned to God with weeping (verse 3), and the Gospel of life was declared to him by the prophet Isaiah (verses 4, 5). The sign of his salvation from death (verses 7, 8) was God’s method of arousing Babylon to send to Jerusalem to inquire for the Gospel of life (2 Chron. 32: 31; Isa. 39: 1). But Hezekiah exalted himself instead of proclaiming the gift of God’s life to him. Isa. 39: 2-4. This failure to improve the opportunity to spread a knowledge of the God who manifests Himself in flesh made communion with Babylon a curse instead of a blessing (2 Chron. 32: 25), and was the occasion of a direct prophecy of the captivity (Isa. 39: 6, 7).
QUESTIONS.
1. Into how many periods is the time from Abraham to Christ divided by the divine historian? How long was each one? What events marked the beginning and close of each?
2. What special privileges were granted to Israel?
3. What was God’s purpose in thus letting special light shine upon His people?
4. What result would follow when they acted in harmony with God’s plan?
5. What would be the result of failure to receive and impart the light of truth?
6. What message was sent to Hezekiah in his sickness?
7. What plea did he present to the Lord? What showed his earnestness?
8. What comforting response did the Lord make to him? What new measure of life was granted unto him?
9. For what purpose was a sign promised unto him?
10. What was the promised sign? Did it actually take place?
11. How was this sign regarded in Babylon? Why would they be sure to regard such an astronomical marvel?
12. What did the king of Babylon hear was connected with this sign?
13. What did he do as a consequence of hearing this news?
14. After what were the messengers from Babylon really inquiring? What did Hezekiah show them? In taking this course, what did he really do?
15. What inquiry did Isaiah then make of Hezekiah? What was the reply? What was Isaiah’s next question? What was Hezekiah’s answer?
16. What was the cause of Hezekiah’s failure to teach the Gospel of life to the men of Babylon? What was the consequence?
17. What prophecy was uttered concerning the treasures in Jerusalem? What would happen to some of the royal seed?
