_Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off._ GIRDING ON THE HARNESS I. As to the justice and rectitude of our plans. It may give us with effect this plain teaching: that we ought to undertake nothing on our own responsibility which we cannot justify and defend.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first._ YOUNG MEN ENCOURAGED TO BAND TOGETHER FOR THE HOLY WAR I. The mighty enemies to be opposed. II. The glorious monarch under whom we fight. III. The instruments employed on this occasion in his service. “The young men of the prince... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go, strengthen thyself _ MADE STRONG FOR LIFE’S BATTLE Israel had Just been at war with Syria, and had come off victorious. Naturally they were feeling very happy and triumphant and were congratulating themselves on their success. Then it was that God sent His prophet to the King of Israel with t... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids._ THE COMING RELIGION 1. With thirty-three kings intoxicated in one tent this chapter opens. They were allies plotting for the overthrow of the Lord’s Israel. You know that if a lion roar a flock of kids will shiver and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is the God of the hills._ GOD OF THE HILLS AND GOD OF THE VALLEYS I. We may limit the Lord by mistrusting the success of His cause. The temptation is at times heavy upon us to think that the Gospel cannot conquer the world, that the truth of Jesus cannot sp... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now the men did diligently observe whether anything would come from him, and did hastily catch it._ OBSERVING THE KING’S WORD I. It is a pity that awakened sinners do not copy the example of these men. 1. There is far too little of diligent observance of what God says in His word. 2. The same t... [ Continue Reading ]
_As thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone._ LOST OPPORTUNITIES Ahab had a chance of doing God’s will; he neglected to use it, and judgment descended upon him. I. We have each and all something to do for God’s glory. 1. In the case before us Ahab should have destroyed Ben-hadad. We oug... [ Continue Reading ]