The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1903-12-04

NOTES AND COMMENTS.
(Ch. 3:1-3.) Solomon was about 20
years old when he came to the throne.
He was the child of David and Bath
sheba. and in many ways was admir-
ably fitted to succeed his great father.
This fact. added to the great influence
of his mother Bathsheba, David's ia
vorite wife, and that OF Nathan the
prophet, led 10 his choice by the king,
though. strictly speaking. Adonijah was
heir to the throne. Thanks to the gen.
eralship and statesmansh Of David.
Solom on found himself king Of one Of the
greatest nations of the world, and one
of his first official acts was to form an
alliance with Egypt by marrying the
daughter Of the reigning Pharaoh. SOL
onion did not have the deep religious ma
ture of David. but was at first Al least
true worshiper of Jehovah.
(ys. 4-15D Soon after Solomon's ac-
cession he went 10 Gideon which was at
that time the high place held in great
est esteem by the Israelites, and sacri-
feed there with the pomp and ceremony
fitting the first great religious occasion
of the new reign. 'Gibeon:" A hill
north OF Jerusalem. II was a walk of
about an hour and half from the city.
Though the ark had been brought to
Jerusalem by David. the ancient taber-
nacle remained at Gideon. "A thousand
rnt-offerings:" Such a sacrifice as
this. besides its impressive religious
teaching provided great feast for the
people, for only small part Of the ami
NAL was burned on the altar Jehovah
appeared TO Solomon in dream" That
is. he dreamed that Jehovah came to
him. The day had been a great one fol-
Solom on, and he lay down to sleep with
a mind on fire with high ideals. worthy
ambitions and real love for Jehovah.
Dreams become significant when they
are the concentrated essence Of the main
stream OF the waking thoughts and pic
turesquey exhibit the tendency Of the
character. Marcus Dods ASK what
shall ave thee" In this vision was
offered to him on the threshold OF life
the choice so often imagined in fiction,
and actually offered to all youth in real
life. DIR. Aglen. We may all choose:
in fact we all are choosing We cannot
help IT, Il am but little child" The
fact that Solomon realized his unpre-
paredness and limitations showed that
he was already wise. 1t is great thing
10 know enough to say II don't know"
IAN understanding heart" Political
ability. sagacity, insight into conditions,
fairmindedness, the ability to do well
what God had called him TO do. very
WORTHY choice. Could he have made q
higher one? Have also given thee that
which thou hast not asked" The bless
ings which our right choices bring In
their train are without number Matt.
$3.50. If" Again. as all through this
wonderful history. the condition OF sue
cess and happiness is brought out: It is
faithfulness TO Jehovah. To be faithful
to God and right is the first choice for
anyone TO make
tCh. 4:29-34) These verses give a
good idea Of what the wisdom was for
which Solomon was noted. II was wis.
dom in governing. skill In asking and
answering riddles and the originating OF
proverbs He was noted both for his
philosophical knowledge and his knowl.
edge of and his love for nature.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
ASK what | shall give thee" God IL
always anxious to bestov upon you his
best gifts
The world also says: ASK what I
shall give thee Whose gift will you
choose?
Seek first the kingdom OF God. and all
other things you need will be added unto
you.