The Sabbath-School by J. W. Scoles

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 14, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 39.

The Sabbath-School.

By J. W. Scoles

Notes on the International Lesson.

THE ARK BROUGHT TO ZION.

AFTER the overthrow of Saul, the Philistines had possessed themselves of many of the strong places in the land of Israel. The prospering hand of the Lord, however, had been with David, who had established himself firmly in the affections of the people, as we have seen in past lessons. He had succeeded in all his undertakings, and the remnant of hostile tribes still dwelling in the land seem to have entertained such a wholesome respect for the superior prowess of his armies that they remained peaceful during the rest of David's reign.

HAVING made Jerusalem the permanent seat of his government, and established peace within the borders of his land, David at once turned his attention toward God, who had given him such success in the affairs of his kingdom. This was eminently proper and right. God had extended his protection and care, and David, recognizing the fact that no power or glory accruing to himself would be worth enjoying unless God still dwelt with him, purposed giving the Lord the praise which justly belonged to him. It is well to remember that we glorify God when we thus exalt and praise him for his goodness to us.

No true consolidation of the government could occur, no true and lasting union upon the part of the people be brought about, if the ark of God were left out of the question. No other object possessed such interest for the children of Israel. It contained the law of Jehovah, the living God, and was a continual reminder of his presence with his people. So should it be with the church of the living God to-day. No matter how much apparent success and external prosperity it possesses, unless deep devotion exists, unless God be really thought of, reverenced, and magnified in the hearts of those who profess to love his name, there will be, there can be, no real spiritual union and power.

ENTHUSIASM is a good thing when directed in proper channels, but we are sometimes in danger of allowing our zeal to run to too great lengths. The people intended that their service in bringing up the ark should be not merely a formal duty, but a joyful service. It is not likely, though, that their enthusiasm was altogether prompted by devotion. The ark had, it is true, a peculiar interest for the people, but the idea of the special sacredness connected with it had largely departed from their minds. Had this not been the case the sad circumstances connected with this lesson need never have been recorded.

HUNDREDS of years before this, God had specifically instructed his people that none of the Levites were to touch the ark on its journeys, under any circumstances, lest they should die. This was the sin for which Uzzah died before the Lord. It was a direct act of disobedience, and as such was punished accordingly.

FURTHER investigation would also reveal the fact that a transgression was committed in placing the ark on a cart, when God had declared that it should be borne on the shoulders of the Levites. Had this been carried out, the ark would not have been shaken in the first place. Here we see an instance of the cumulative character of sin. When one step is taken away from God's appointed path, the next step is not only easier to take, but also places us further from him.

It may be urged that Uzzah's sin was so slight that such a severe punishment was not necessary. To this it can only be said that no sin is small in the sight of God. That ark contained the law of God, unchanged then, unchanged to-day. That law alone shows men the knowledge of sin, and its least violation is sin. There may be degrees in sinning, but in the sight of Heaven sin is sin, and as such is something with which God can hold no compromise. J. W. SCOLES.