The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 243

to be utterly cast out. The love that smiles on us is still round them. 8. Recognition that the gift we receive is from the hand of the same Master. Blessing and judg- ment hang for him upon the same issues (vers. 33, 38). Only in lowliness and brotherliness can we rightly receive the gifts God sends us. III. THE IMPOSSIBil.ITY OF THWARTING THE DIVINE PURPOSE (ver. 40). 1 Solo- mon's attempt to remove the dmnger by slaying Jeroboam is defeated. His life is guarded till his work is done. 2. It only serves the Divine purpose. Jeroboam's enmity is secured. He is sent down to Egypt and strengthened by alliance with a power unfriendly to Israel. Fighting against God, we only bind our cords the more firmly, we kick against the pricks. To humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God will bring us into the light of mercy: to contend with Him is destruction.-U. Ver. 28.-The Successful Man. Among the "adversaries " of Solomon, Jeroboam was the most active. He raised sedition, or, in the words of Scripture, "lifted up his hand," against the king. He was of humble birth, but belonged to the most -powerful tribe-Ephraim. His rise is described here. The fortificat.ions of Millo underneath the citadel of Zion were being erected. Amongst those employed J ero- boam was noticed by the king as strong, skilful, and industrious. Ever on the out- look for talent, and with wisdom to discern it, Solomon made him superintendent of the tribute required in money and service of the tribe of Ephraim; a place of trust and profit. Jeroboam is a good example of WORLDLY SUCCESS, the subject for our consideration. I. THE ELEMENTS OF WORLDLY suooESS. 1. Natural ability. This belonged to the son of N ebat in large measure, as his subsequent history shows. Shrewdness, courage, self-reliance were his. These, and similar gifts, are unevenly distributed amongst men. Children at school are by no means equal in powers of attainment. In business, one man will make a fortune where another would not suspect a ohance. Amongst the advantages of such inequality are these: that the higher and lower grades of work required by the world are alike done ; and that room is given for the exercise of generosity, self-conquest, &c., in our social relations. 2. Personal diligence. With all J eroboam's faults he was not idle. He did thoroughly and well what came to band. This is the secret of success, both in student and business life. It rectifies the balance sometimes between men of un- equal ability. The tortoise wins the race against the hare. The student conquers the genius. Where it is added to ability, success in life is certain. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings : he shall not stand before mean men" (Prov. x:xii. 29). "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule" (Prov. xii. 24). Examples: Abraham's servant; Joseph in Egypt, &c. Show how this is true in the higher sphere of the Christian life. " To him that ho,th to him shall be given," &c. He that is faithful with few things will become ruler over many. 3. Kindly interest. "Solomon saw the young man." This added an element of 'llllcertainty to his prospects. It seemed a chance, but was under the rule of God, as the history shows. Diligence and fidelity should be ours, whether or no we have the notice of the earthly master, for the unseen King is ever watching us. Yfe are to work with singleness of heart, as unto the Lord ; to serve others "not with eye service as men pleasers," &c. Show the responsibility which rests on employers to develop, and encourage, and put to the best use the gifts of their employes. Pro- motion should follow merit. II. THE Possmn.ITIES OF WORLDLY SUCCESS, 1. It is possible to defend others. Jeroboam was known in future times of danger as the man who" enclosed the city of David." Higher possibilities than that belong to successful men. How they can guard those employed by them from diRease, from moral contamination, from ignorance, &c. 'rhe responsibilities of landowners, manufacturers, &c. . 2. It is possible to lighten the burdens of others. As ruler over the tribute, Jeroboam could alleviate or aggravate the burdens of the tribe. Point out what could be done by far-seeing, right-hearted statesmen to lessen the troubles of the poor, the miseries of subject races, the burdens of taxation, &c. 8. It iB possible to become readfv for ZofUer rule. He who was the overseer of on. x1. 14-43.] THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 247