1 Kings 14:21-31

Unfaithfulness and its rebuke.

I. JUDAH 'S SIN .

1 . The nature of the transgression . The grossest idolatry was set side by side with the pure worship of God. The temple and its services were still HIS ( 1 Kings 14:28 ), but on every high hill and under every green tree were the images and altars of the false gods.

The preservation of the pure worship of God is no proof that all is yielded which God demands. The heart may be full of the world's idolatries, of its covetousness and lust and manifold sin.

2 . Its enormity .

3 . Its fruits ( 1 Kings 14:24 ). Errors in worship become vices in life. The soul that is cut off from the fountain of life must needs break out into corruption.

II. JUDAH 'S CHASTISEMENT . It inflicted deep humiliation and loudly proclaimed God's indignation.

1 . It was inflicted by an old and beaten foe . Their temple songs, celebrating the ancient triumph over "Rahab," must have deepened their shame.

2 . The holy city and the temple itself were spoiled . God loathed their holy things. We need not marvel that rationalism and infidelity are rampant in a faithless, worldly Church. It is God's way. Israel's idolatry is punished by Egypt's triumph.

3 . It left its mark in enduring poverty ( 1 Kings 14:26-28 ). The splendour passed away from the royal pomp, and doubtless also from the temple service. The nation and Church which Egypt has spoiled, whose faith has been shaken by doubt, or swallowed up in unbelief, have lost their strength and glory. They are but the shadows of what a true and pure faith once made them.—J.U.