Article March 4, 1939 Issue

Since I was told that I might choose my own subject,...

Excerpts from an address given before the Bible Study Group of Charlotte High School, November 28, 1938, by Lyman S. Abbott, Committee on Publication for Michigan

Since I was told that I might choose my own subject, and as you are now engaged in studying the Old Testament characters, we may find it helpful to trace briefly, through Old Testament history, the revelation of the one God to mankind.

There is no doubt that the most important contribution of the Hebrew people to the world was their interpretation of religion, for it was Moses, the leader of the Hebrews, who declared, "The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4). As we trace the history of the Hebrew people, we note that when they were obedient to the one God they prospered, but when they were disobedient, or forsook the worship of the one God, they endured many trials and tribulations. Their greatest leaders combined an ability to rule with strict obedience to the one God.

During the period from the time of Samuel to the end of the captivity and the restoration of Israel, there were men who were inspired with a spirit of prophecy, and who exerted a great influence among the people and even over their rulers. In some cases they helped to hold the nation to the worship of the one God. Kings consulted them, and when they were obedient to God's commands as transmitted by the prophets, they were successful; but when they were self-willed or disobedient, they usually met with disaster. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were the most influential, although there were many others who endeavored to awaken both the people and their rulers to the consequences of disobedience to the one God.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

The Goodness of God