CHAP. IX. wisdom and magnificence; her presents and return, 1-12. and targets, 15, 16. His ivory throne, and rich vessels of gold, A heard when the queen came to prove Solomon with hard ques- 2 And Solomon h told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. k 3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 4 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cup-bearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; P there was no more spirit in her. 5 And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts and of thy wisdom: a See on 1 Kings 10:1,2.-Matt. 12:42. Luke 11:31. b Gen. 10:7,28. 25:3. c 1:1,12. 1 Kings 4:31. d Ps. 49:4. 78:2. Matt. 13:11,35. Prov. 1:6. e Ps. 72:10,15. Is. 60:6. f 9. Matt. 2:11. g 1 Sam. 1:15. Ps. 142:2. Matt. 12:34. h Prov. 13:20. Mark 4:11,34. John 15:15. i 1 Kings 3:12. 4:29. Col. 2:3. Heb. 4:12,13. k See on 1 Kings 10:3,4. Acts 11:23. 13: 4: 1 Kings 6: 7: m 1 Kings 4:22,23. Prov. 9:5. n1 Kings 10:5. Luke 12:37. *Or, butlers. Neh. 1:11. o 23:13. 2 Kings 16:18. 1 Chr. Cant. 5:8. p Ps. 119:81. 143:7. t Heb. word. See on 1 Kings 10:6. Or, sayings. 6 Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: ness of thy wisdom was not told me: for and, behold, the one half of the greatthou exceedest the fame that I heard. 7 Happy are thy men, and happy are ly before thee, and hear the wiscontin these thy servants, which stand continual 8 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. 9 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice, as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon. c 10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought a algum-trees, and precious stones. 11 And the king made of the algumtrees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps, and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah. 12 And king Solomon gave to the q John 20:25-29. r See on 1 Kings 10:7.-Ps. 31: $ 5. 1 Kings 4:31,34. Cant. 5: t Deut. 33:29. |y 2:11. Deut. 7:8. 1 Chr. 17:22. c See on 8:18. 1 Kings 9:27,28. 10:22. d 1 Kings 10:11. almug-trees. u 1 Chr. 29:10,20. Ps. 72:18,19. Or, stays. Heb. highways. 2 Cor. 9:12-15. x 2 Sam. 15:25,26.-See on 1 e See on 1 Kings 10:12. 1 Chr. 23:5. 25:1. Ps. 92:1-3. 150:3 -5. and resolution to govern a large family in the spiritual temple was planned and determined, befear of God, without conniving at evident evil, fore he began to work; and "his counsel shall than it does to govern a large kingdom with repu-stand, and he will do all his pleasure.”—As men tation, and in prosperity: (Note, 1 Tim. 3:4,5.) risk much, and undergo great hardship, in oband the difficulty is increased, when by any means taining an earthly treasure; may we remember a man has got a hinderance, instead of a helper,"how much better wisdom is than gold:" and, in the wife of his bosom. But the truths, worship, leaving the children of this world to contend for and honor of God, should be nearer our hearts its toys; may we, as the children of God, "lay up than any relative comforts: and we ought to offend our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure or grieve any one, rather than disobey God and is, there our hearts may be also!" grieve his people, by allowing his ordinances to be profaned. In all things, which are expressly directed in scripture, our religious diligence should be exactly regulated by it: every part of-12.) The hard questions, she came to ask, the Lord's service should be attended to, in due were not the curious inquiries into the secrets succession, order, and proportion; and then we 'of natural things, or new political matters, but should not find any vacant time lie heavy upon about things pertaining to piety and the service our hands. In beginning and conducting every of God. For our Savior saith, she came to hear undertaking, we should keep the end in view: "the wisdom of Solomon," and should therefore and from our entrance upon life we should look rise up in judgment against that generation, forward, and be preparing for the close of it; that which would not learn of him. And in 1 Kings then we may have peace, and a happy entrance 10:1. it is said, the fame that she heard of Solinto a better state. Nor ought we to allow our-omon was "concerning the name of the Lord;" selves in any pursuit or indulgence, which interferes with that grand object. Thus, "known unto the Lord are all his works from before the foundation of the world:" every thing respecting his which moved her to this journey.' Bp. Patrick. --The throne on which Solomon reigned, was the throne of God: for he was God's nicegerent, and thus "king for the LORD his God," to pro q queen of Sheba, f all her desire, whatso-|| shish bringing gold, and silver, "ivory, ever she asked, beside that which she had and apes, and peacocks. brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants. 13 Now & the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold; 14 Besides that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia, and governors of the country, brought gold and silver to Solo mon. 15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target. 16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten gold: three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 17 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. and 18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, 1 two lions standing by the stays: 19 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom. 20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon. 21 For the king's ships went to ▸ Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tar f 1 Kings 10:13. Ps. 20:4. Eph. | 1 Gen. 49:9,10. 3:20. g 1 Kings 10:14,15. Ps. 68:29. 72:10,15. * Or, captains. 24:9. Rev. 5:5. n1 Kings 10:21. Num. 23:24. Rev. 21:12. Or, there was no silver in o 27. Is. 2:22. Jer. 31:5. 22 And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. 31 And Solomon slept with his B. C. fathers, and he was buried in the [975. city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. || Or, elephants' teeth. r 1:12. 1 Kings 3:12,13. 4:30,31. $ 6,7. 1 Kings 4:34. Is. 11-2,10. u 9. 1 Sam. 10:27. 1 Kings 9:14. x 1:14. Deut. 17:16. 1 Kings 4: y 1 Kings 4:21,24. Ps. 72:8-11. mote his glory and support religion. (Note 2:11, themselves: and indeed the East Indian trade has helped to render every nation luxurious and 12). 12. (Note, 1 Kings 10:13.) In 1 Kings elindulgent, which has prospered in it, from ... 10:13. the words are, "besides that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty," ... here explained to have been done, to requite her for the great presents she made the king.' Bp. Palrick. V. 13-21. Notes, 1 Kings 10:14-22.-Apes, &c. (21) The imports here mentioned indicate, that prosperity had enervated the minds of Solomon and his subjects, and led them to love things curious and uncommon, though useless in the beginning to this day. V. 22-28. Noles, 1 Kings 4:21. 10:23-29 V. 29-31 Solomon's apostacy and idolatry are not at all hinted at in this narration: and this forms a cogent argument, that, being repented of and forgiven, they would never be remembered against him to his condemnation; though they were in one place recorded for a warning to others in all future ages. (Notes, 1 Kings 11:) CHAP. X. Reho Jeroboam require him to lighten their yoke, 1-5. 8 But he forsook the counsel which The Israelites, at Shechem, make Rehoboam king; and with the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. The ten tribes revolt, kill Hadoram, and drive away Reho boam, 16-19. ND a Rehoboam went to Shechem: Afor to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. 9 And he said unto them, What ad vice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, (who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the 10 And the young men that were presence of Solomon the king,) heard brought up with him spake unto him, it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. saying, Thus shalt thou answer the 3 And they sent and called him. So people that spake unto thee, saying, Jeroboam and all Israel came, and spake Thy father made our yoke heavy, but to Rehoboam, saying, make thou it somewhat lighter for us: thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. 4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. 5 And he said unto them, "Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. 6 And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying,What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? 7 And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. a 1 Kings 12:1. 1 Chr. 3:10. b Gen. 12:6. Sichem. 37:12,13. 4. 1 John 5:3. g Ex. 1:13,14. 2:23. 1 Kings 4. h 1 Kings 12:5. Prov. 3:28. i Job 12:12,13. 32:7. Prov. 27. k 2 Sam. 16:20. 17:5,6. f 1 Sam. 8:11-18. 1 Kings 12:11 Kings 12:7,8. Prov. 15:1. In the book, &c. (29) 'It appears by this, that 'the prophets... were also historians, who gave 'an account of what passed in their times; out 'of whose work this short history was extracted. ... These three did not join to make one book, 'but severally and distinctly gave an account of 'such things as occurred to their knowledge; out "of which, it is probable, Ezra took many things "which he hath supplied in this book.' Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref.-Preface to 1 Kings.-Notes, 1 Kings 11:41. 14:19. 1 Chr. 29:19,20.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. In proportion as we possess true wisdom, we shall perceive its excellency, and labor to obtain an increase of it: and in the same proportion we shall become more indifferent about worldly wealth, and more liberal in our use of it to good purposes, if God has bestowed it upon us. For true wisdom and happiness are inseparably combined: but no such alliance is formed between riches and the enjoyment even of this present life. (Note, Luke 12:15-21.) It is therefore far more desirable to be connected with those who can teach us wisdom, than with those who can give us wealth: let us then acquaint ourselves with the divine Savior, that, becoming his 476] 11 For whereas my father *put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with "scorpions. 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day. 13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam the counsel of the old men, n 14 And answered them after the ad25:15, 16. 2 Sam. 17:14. Prov. Heb. laded. 1:25. 9:9. 19:20. 25:12. Ec. 10: t Ex. 1:13,14. 5:5-9,18. 1 Sara 2,3,16. o 6. 2 Sam. 17:5,6. 1 Kings 22: p See on 4. q 2 Sam. 17:7-13. Prov. 21:30. r1 Kings 12:10,11. Prov. 10: s See on 4. 8:18. Is. 47:6. 58:6. Jer. 28:13, 14. Matt. 11:29. u Luke 10:19. Rev. 9:3,5,10. x 5. 1 Kings 12:12-15. y Gen. 42:7,30. Ex. 10:28. 1 Sam. 25:10,11. 1 Kings 20:611. Prov. 15:1. a 8. b 22:4,5. Prov. 12:5. Dan. 6:7. disciples and servants, we may "find rest for our c vice of the young men, saying, My fa-|| speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee d 15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite, to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. f 16 ¶ And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the every man to your tents, O Israel: and 17 But as for the children of Israel 19 And Israel rebelled against the house of David P unto this day. CHAP. XI. Rehoboam, preparing to reduce Israel, is forbidden by the prophet Shemaiah, 1-4. He builds and fortifies several cities, 5-12. Jerusalem, he gathered of the house 3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of rael in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Is 4 Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not 18 Then king Rehoboam sent Hado- go up nor fight against your brethren: 18 Then king Rehoboam sent "Hado-return every man to his house; for this ram, that was over the tribute; and the thing is done of me. And they obeyed children of Israel" stoned him with stones, the words of the LORD, and returned from that he died. But king Rehoboam * made going against Jeroboam. 2:1-6. 76:10. 89:29-37. 132: 5 T And Rehoboam dwelt in Jeru21,25,26. Ez. 37:24,25. Am. salem, and built cities for defence in 9:11. Luke 1:32,33. 19:14,27. k 19. Judg. 8:35. 2 Sam. 15:13. 1 11:1. 1 Kings 11:36. 12:17. n 24:21. Acts 7:57,58. *Heb. strengthened himself. NOTES. Judah. o 16. 13:5-7. 1 Kings 12:19, 20. 2 Kings 17:21-23. p 5:9. Josh. 4:9. Ezra 9:7. b Ps. 33:10,16. Prov. 21:30,31. c 12:7,15. 1 Kings 12:22-24. d 8:14. See on Deut. 33:1. 1 Sam. 2:27. 1 Tim. 6-11. 2j 7:4-8. f Gen. 13:8. 2 Sam. 2:26. Acts 7:26. 1 Cor. 6:5-8. Heb. 13:1. 1 Pet. 3:8. 1 John 3:11-13. g 10-16. 1 Kings 22:36. b See on 10:15. Gen. 50:20.-1 Kings 11:29-38. Hos. 8:4. i 25:7-10. 28:9-15. 8:2-6. 14:6,7. 16:6. 17:12. 26: 6. 27:4. Is. 22:8-11. his service, which most if not all Christians at CHAP. X. V. 1-19. Notes, 1 Kings 9:19. some times discover, evince that they want some11:1-8,34-40. 12:1-20. what to be eased even of his yoke. Yet, his wisdom, righteousness, truth, goodness, and mercy are infinite; "his yoke is easy and his burden rests upon ourselves alone. This reflection should teach us to "abhor ourselves," and to pray continually, "Turn thou me, and so shall I be turned." And, being so culpable ourselves, we should learn to bear with the perverseness of others, and to prefer lenient to violent measures; and experienced, to inexperienced counsellors. But nothing manifests greater folly than affronting, menacing language, when united with indecision and weakness in perilous circumstances. -No man can bequeath his prosperity, any more than his wisdom, to his heirs; though our chil dren will generally be affected by our conduct. Let us then seek those good things which will be our own for ever; and implore the blessing of God upon our posterity, in preference to wealth or worldly exaltation: let us lay our account with vicissitudes and vexations on earth, and with fickleness and ingratitude from man: and let us learn to depend on the power, faithfulness, and love of that God, who, in correcting his children, or punishing his enemies, will never fail of performing his largest promises to those who trust in him. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The wisest of mere men in some things act imprudently, especially when, by sin, they pro-light;" and the whole blame of our uneasiness voke God to leave them to themselves: nay, the most equitable princes may be betrayed into partial, oppressive, or unwarrantable measures; and this is the general consequence of being drawn, by their favorites, or their passions, into lavish expenses. Thus, some cause of complaint must exist in every kingdom, of which turbulent and ambitious men will avail themselves. (Note, 2 Sam. 15:1-6. P. O. 1-12.) For, while we all need so many allowances for ourselves, we are naturally indisposed to make allowances for others. Indeed, very many would be dissatisfied, even if God were to place over them perfectly wise and righteous governors: for do they not murmur against his own most righteous dispensations? Do they not regard his holy law as a heavy yoke, a grievous servitude? and are not they ungrateful for his manifold goodness? Nay, the very kingdom of the Prince of peace, though his throne is established in mercy, does not give satisfaction. Numbers "will not have him to reign over them;" numbers of his professed subjects neglect his service because they think him an austere Lord; numbers renounce their professed subjection to him, and prefer the yoke of sin and Satan; and alas! the impatience, the negligence, the reluctancy to|| 24. NOTES. CHAP. XI. V. 1—4. Note, 1 Kings 12:21— V. 5-12. (Marg. Ref.) The Lord did not permit Rehoboam to wage war against the newly erected kingdom of Israel; yet it was allowable and prudent for him to take all proper measures,|| for the defence of his remaining dominions: this he did by repairing and fortifying several cities, to obstruct the entrance, or retard the progress, of Jeroboam and his troops, in case he should attempt an invasion.-Perhaps he was become weary of his young counsellors, and disposed to hearken to more sage advisers: and his remaining subjects were very hearty and united in his interests.--Etam (6) belonged to Simeon, (1 Chr. 4:32.) and Zorah and Aijalon (10) to Dan. (Josh. 19:40-42.) So that some cities of the other tribes, beside Judah and Benjamin, remained under the government of Rehoboam. their suburbs 14 For the Levites left and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD. 15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. 16 And after them, out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts. to seek the LORD God of Israel, came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. i 17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong three years: for three years they walked in the way of David called demons.-It is not certain whether Jeroboam had deprived the priests and Levites of their dues, to maintain his new priesthood: but it seems, that, for the present, they might have retained their cities, suburbs, and possessions, if they would have remained inactive; yet, their situation would have been extremely ensnaring and perilous, and it afforded them little or no prospect of usefulness. In the days of David and Solomon, they had become generally attached to the worship of God at the sanctuary, as well as to the royal family of Judah: and, as a body, they seem to have been more pious and zealous, than at any other period: they therefore magnanimously determined, with one consent, to desert their cities and possessions, and entirely to leave the apostate Israelites, thus V. 13-17. When Jeroboam had established "shaking off the very dust of their feet for a the worship of the golden calves, in order to pre- testimony against them."--Jeroboam probably vent his subjects from going to Jerusalem; (Notes, was glad to be rid of them: but they were cor1 Kings 12:25-33.) it is probable, that all the dially welcomed by the king and people of Judah; priests and Levites unanimously protested against and doubtless were provided for among their his idolatry; and were therefore laid aside, to make brethren, whose emoluments must thus have been way for a more compliant priesthood. As Jero- greatly reduced. It is probable, that scarcely any boam established no other idolatry than that of either of the priests or Levites remained behind on the calves; the language here employed teaches this occasion, for we read nothing of them in the us, that the worship paid to them was actually subsequent history of Israel. This must be alrendered to devils; though he professed, and lowed to have been as noble a testimony for the probably intended, by them to worship the God cause of God, against apostates and idolaters, as of Israel. For it was in a way which he had ex-any history has recorded of a whole body of propressly prohibited, and which was infinitely dishonorable to him; and therefore it was acceptable to Satan alone, and his detestable associates in rebellion. (Note, Lev. 17:3-7, v. 7.)-The word rendered devils, in the texts of the New Testament, referred to, is dawv demon; (Marg. Ref. e.) which often in heathen writers, has a good sense; that is, it is used for the objects of their worship: but these were evil spirits; and the word has always a bad meaning in scripture, and denotes abominable idols, and evil spirits as worshipped under their names. Holy angels are never 178] fessed ministers.-Along with them numbers of the pious Israelites left their estates, and came to unite with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. They might bring away with them many of their effects: and, as the land afforded room enough for them, their numbers and treasures greatly strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and rendered it almost equal in force to that of Israel. But the chief advantage was, that nearly all the true religion of the nation was concentrated in tha division of it. Accordingly, for three years the kingdom of Judah was greatly strengthened; |