Corruption Amidst Prosperity

MEMORY VERSE: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” —Proverbs 16:18

II KINGS 14:23-29; AMOS 7:10-12

AS WE noted in a previous lesson, none of the kings of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel was faithful to the true God of Israel, and Jeroboam II was no exception to this rule. The record is of him, as of the others, that “he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” His was the longest reign of any of Israel’s kings, and one of the most prosperous. A combination of circumstances weakened Israel’s external enemies, and Jeroboam took advantage of the situation to extend the boundaries of his kingdom. He also strengthened the fortifications of Samaria, his hill-top capital, and he enlarged and lavishly decorated his royal palace.

But underneath these outward signs of strength was a weakness which the Prophet Amos was quick to perceive, and bold enough to point out. He referred to the affluent of Israel as those who “lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; that chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph.”—Amos 6:4-7

There is nothing wrong in living comfortably, and enjoying the good things which the earth provides. The difficulty in Israel was that riches were considered their special privilege to enjoy while others suffered. They were not “grieved for the afflictions of Joseph.” Because they were selfish, and also because they had long since departed from the true God, Amos continued, “Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.”—ch. 6:7

It is not difficult to understand why Amos was not popular in Israel. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, which was the religious center for the kingdom of Israel, reported to King Jeroboam that Amos was conspiring against him, and then he asked Amos to return to Judah, and not prophesy any more in Israel. But Amos did not heed this request; instead, he continued to prophesy against Israel that the kingdom would fall; and of course it did, and the people were taken captive into Assyria.

Our memory verse sets forth a principle the truth of which has been demonstrated over and over again throughout human experience and, indeed, among the angelic hosts as well. Pride of heart is an abomination unto the Lord. Pride is often linked with ambition, as it was in the case of Lucifer, who became the great adversary of God. We read concerning him, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, … I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell [sheol], to the sides of the pit.” —Isa. 14:12-15

Contrast this with Paul’s appraisal of Jesus’ humility. He wrote, “Let this disposition be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, though being in God’s form, yet did not meditate a usurpation to be like God, but divested himself, taking a bondman’s form, having been made in the likeness of men; and being in condition as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. And therefore God supremely exalted him, and freely granted to him that name which is above every name. Phil. 2:5-9, Diaglott translation

Lucifer in his pride endeavored to exalt himself to be like the most high God, but eventually will lose everything and be destroyed in death, the Bible hell. Jesus humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, and has been exalted to the highest position in the universe, even to the throne of God. (Rev. 3:21) Jesus, of course, is our example, and we are assured that if we also humble ourselves we too will be exalted.

QUESTIONS

Who was Jeroboam II, and what was the characteristic of his reign in Israel?

What was the Prophet Amos’ viewpoint of the situation in Israel during Jeroboam’s reign?

How did the principle set forth in our memory text operate in the cases of Lucifer and Jesus?

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