Evening star., 1924-03-22

Solomon faced problems upon his
assuming the kingship OF 1srsel that
are similar to those we face today.
Tho kingdom was suffering from tho
depression and disorder that usually
follow a long period OF warfare. lie
inherited great wealth. which, ac-
cording to Josephus, was of incred-
ible value that was stored up In
David's tomb. These enormous re-
sources were the results Of his IA
theirs various wars and his savings and
temple. 1t is impossible for one to
obtain an accurate estimate OF Solo
mons resources when he was ap-
pointed by the edict of his father
David to be his successor. The ap-
peal of Bathsheba and Nathan won
suited in his overcoming the hos
tility Of his elder half brother Adoni-
jah. whose claims to the throne
were indorsed and supported by Joab
and Ablathar.
Solomon's excellent start was pro-
phetic Of his future. He revea led
In accordance with the Mosaic dis
pensation, his piety by the number
and cost OF his sacrifces His prom
incs Of following the pathway OF his
father and Of devotion to God stirred d
the people with spirit OF loyalty
that crushed out the dangers from
the hostility OF the smolderine op-
position of Saul's old partisans and
the adherents of his brother, whose
claim was not in accordance with
the law. His reputation throughout
the world has been for wisdom. He
knew the difficulties OF his position
following his fathers career of great
glory and the hostile conditions tha {
made his throne unsteady and his
position pathway OF great diff
Guilty. God met the young king in a
dream after his sacrifice at Gibeah
that tested the kings faith and
fitr esy-.
Solomon recognized his difficult
tasks and knew that the source of
l'avids success Was Gods help. He
acknowledged the debt that he and
hts father owed to Jehovah and then
sought wisdom to govern the ma
ton in a manner that would con-
soiIdate the various divergent terri
tories and rule the people in a man
ner that would give God honor and
no OF real service to the nation. The
request pleased the Lord. who as
sured solomon that it would be- a
pleasure for Jehovah to grant not
only his request in an abundant man
ner but also 10 bestow upon him
Greater rlcheS and honor than any
or bis predecessors or followers
would ever possess
Solomon was guided to follow the
pathway of peace The great economic
prosperity that marked his reign was
due To the fact that he sought to glorffy
tod and walk in His paths The one
who seeks first the Kingdom of God and
His glory will find that all other bless
ings are bestowed upon his efforts, as
they We're upon Solomon. He showed his
love for Jehovah by building in accord
ance with the prepared plans of David
the temple. which symboli.ed the mes
sageS or God to Israel The maenifi-
cenoe OF the structure and it's cost ap-
pear 10 be almost incredible. In utiliz-
ing the stored-up riches Of his father
and adding to the same Solomon sought
to Impress upon his countrymen the
primacy and supremacy that the re-
lig1cn of Jehovah should exercise upon
the nation.
Solomon drew upon the resources of
other nations for the construction of
the temple He WAS under great obliga-
tons to Hiram. King of Tyre, who sup
pied him with cedar wood and skilled
workingmen. without whose aid the tenn
pie could not have been erected as the
Jewish people up to that time had not
been great builders. He developed in
connection with the building Of the tenn
pie commerce with other nations that
brought great wealth and power to Jeru-
salem. His vessels sailed to the coasts
or Arabia, India, Ceylon, returning
with rich freights. gold and silver aId