Some other day, it may be, we will take the story of the
son. Let it suffice to-day that we learn the lesson the Bible would teach us. Solomon’s sun went down in a cloud. It is a disputed question whether Solomon repented in time to save his soul. There ought to have been no question as to whether he was in heaven or no. As it is, we don’t know that David has one of his children with him, except the baby boy who died despite his father’s fasting and prayer. Surely no one more than David will need to have that promise fulfilled—“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” It may be that David has needed to be comforted, because the builder of the temple is among those who died in idolatry.
Let every father among us bear in mind, that when we neglect prayer, or give up devotion, because we want the time for seeking gold or any other idol, we are mortgaging our children’s future. Giving up religious exercises is like cutting down the trees on an estate, the next heir will know the want of them. No man can be said to be a good father, who, for the sake of any worldly good, impoverishes the souls of his offspring. “Turned away his heart after other gods,” means turning away the kingdom of Israel. Sin cannot be separated from sorrow, and this is as true to-day as it was in the days of Solomon.
XXV. ABRAHAM AND ISAAC.
Genesis xxii.
1.—“After these things.”
What things? See verse 33 in preceding chapter. After Abraham had given himself to prayer. It often happens that grace is given for grace. God prepares his own for trial and suffering by revealing Himself.
“God did tempt.”—Like a workman who is conscious the work is well done, fears not the scrutiny which waits his labour. When the smith has put good work into the iron cable, he does not then fear the strain of the test put upon it, and God knew what He had done to Abraham in the grove at Beersheba. If we have a Beersheba, we need not fear Moriah.
2.—“Isaac, whom thou lovest.”
God has a right to the best. He does not ask us to do what He has not done Himself. “He gave his only begotten Son.”