Note.—Study carefully a good map of Palestine in the time of the tribes, locating each tribe and principal cities. With Jerusalem as a center, locate as to direction and relative distances Jericho, Gilgal, Shiloh, Ramah, Gibeah, Bethel, Bethlehem, Vale of Elah, Hebron, Ophrah, Shechem, Moab, Shochoh, and other principal points mentioned during the quarter. A map of Palestine should be consulted each week as new places are indicated. Remember the character of the country, the social and religious conditions of the people, their occupations, etc. The quarter’s lessons on the ancient history of Israel cover about four hundred years.
Lesson 1.—The Time of the Judges. Judges 2:1-12, 16. Golden Text: “The Lord raised up judges, which delivered them.” Judges 2:16. In this lesson is brought to view the care the Lord had for his ancient people Israel even during their backslidings. The steadfastness of his promises is shown in the fact that he declared that he never would break his covenant with them. For the sake of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he delivered them in times of extremity by judges, who sought to induce the people to return to the Lord.
Lesson 2.—The Triumph of Gideon. Judges 7:13-23. Golden Text: “Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.” Ps. 27:3. A striking illustration of the power of the Lord working through apparently incompetent agencies is shown in this battle. Such instances are given to lead us to appreciate the real fact of God’s care for those who trust him, to lead us to trust less to human means and power, in fact, to place absolutely no confidence in flesh. Ps. 146:3, 4. It is not by might, nor power, as man would estimate them, but by the Spirit of the Lord, that the spiritual victories are gained. Zech. 4:6.
Lesson 3.—Ruth’s Choice. Ruth 1:14-22. Golden Text: “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth 1:16. This lesson really includes the book of Ruth, bringing to view as it does the private life of a devoted family in those troublous times. The story is a charming one, and shows the result of abiding faith in God, and a consistent life.
Lesson 4.—The Child Samuel. 1 Sam. 3:1-13. Golden Text: “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” 1 Sam. 3:9. The incidents connected with the call of Samuel are here outlined. The lesson shows that evil will not be permitted to continue indefinitely without severe rebuke from the Lord. There is also depicted the readiness that should characterize the child of God to obey his voice when commanded.
Lesson 5.—Samuel the Judge. 1 Sam. 7:5-15. Golden Text: “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Sam. 7:12. The beginning of Samuel’s judgeship is here brought to view, together with a national revival on account of the oppressions by the Philistines. Once again, when his people turned to him, the Lord discomfited their enemies. God is an impartial judge, but he can not grant spiritual blessings to sinful men.
Lesson 6.—Saul Chosen King. 1 Sam. 10:17-27. Golden Text: “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice.” Ps. 97:1. In this lesson is explicitly and fully set forth God’s reason for granting Israel a king. It was because they had rejected him and demanded a ruler to stand at their head, like the nations about them. Here ended the pure theocracy, although the Lord still maintained chief rule and guidance until the utter rejection of Israel.
Lesson 7.—Saul Rejected. 1 Sam. 15:10-23. Golden Text: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Sam. 15:22. Saul’s course is here outlined. He did not follow the Lord, as it was his privilege to do, and hence another was raised up to take his place.14The Lord demands obedience. This is the purest and highest worship, and no substitute of man’s devising can take its place. “Thus saith the Lord” is the only guide and standard, no matter how pleasing or humanly reasonable any other course may appear.
Lesson 8.—The Woes of Intemperance. Isa. 5:11-23. Golden Text: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink.” Isa. 5:11. Intemperance, with all its evils, ills, and woes, is described in no uncertain manner. No class is excluded, from the highest to the lowest, and it is plainly shown that indulgence in wine and kindred drinks, as well as in gluttony, tends inevitably to a dulling of the moral senses and consequent forgetting of God. Whatever comes in between an individual and God in this manner is idolatry.
Lesson 9.—David Anointed King. 1 Sam. 16:1-13. Golden Text: “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7. Because of the truth stated in the golden text the Lord was able to select for Israel’s future king a man fit for the place. Not that Saul was not so when the Lord chose him. He was, for his heart was changed. The fault lay with himself, and developed later. But he was of kingly appearance, while David was not. The poorest in appearance may be one with whom the Lord delights to dwell.
Lesson 10.—David and Goliath. 1 Sam. 17:38-51. Golden Text: “The battle is the Lord’s.” 1 Sam. 17:47. In this lesson is described the conflict between David and the giant Philistine in the vale of Elah. Points to be noted are the fear of the Israelites, and its cause,—lack of the Lord’s presence, and David’s assurance, begotten of confidence in Him whose power he knew.
Lesson 11.—David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 20:32-42. Golden Text: “There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24. The principle illustrated in this lesson is love, and the practical point brought out is the strength of that love which should exist between every individual and his Redeemer.
Lesson 12.—The Birth of Christ. Luke 2:8-20. Golden Text: “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Luke 2:10. The announcement of the angels to the shepherds of the birth of the world’s Redeemer, the heavenly chorus, the adoration of the shepherds, and the spreading of the news, are the principal features of the lesson. The bearings on the subject are the time of the advent, as outlined in prophecy, the condition of the world, and the work to be accomplished.
