THE MEANING OF THE STORY
290. We are to study the story of the man whom the Hebrews loved to think of as one of their heroes, because of his great wisdom and wealth. He was the most splendid of all their kings. To be sure he laid very heavy taxes upon the people to raise money for his magnificence, but the later ages forgot all that in admiration of his glory.
291 (§78). When David died he left a throne to his son that was secure from all enemies. The young king had a great opportunity to be a noble ruler. Read carefully the story of the young man's dream. What offer did God make to him in the dream? In what spirit did Solomon reply? When he says he is a little child he means that he is young and inexperienced. Remember that one of the important duties of an eastern king was to hear cases, as a kind of chief justice. What quality did Solomon ask for? Why was the Lord pleased? What did he give Solomon?
292 (§78). It is often true that the young man who desires above all things to fit himself to do his duty, without thinking of honor or wealth, actually obtains those also. Washington never sought greatness, but what do we think of him? Tennyson wrote of the great Duke of Wellington,
Not once or twice in our fair island story
The path of duty was the way to glory.
Learn these lines.
293 (§79A). One of David's great hopes was that he could build a noble house of worship. He had been unable to do so, partly because of his many wars. Solomon therefore decided to carry out his father's plan. But the Hebrews were not skilful as artists or mechanics. They were at that time mostly farmers and shepherds. Solomon therefore decided to secure the help of the people of Phoenicia, called the Sidonians, who lived on his northwest border. Locate the country. What are its two chief cities? Who was the king who sent to congratulate Solomon on his succession to the throne?
294 (§79A). Read carefully Solomon's message to Hiram. What proof does he give that he is able to build the temple? What trees does he ask for? These were the noble trees that grew in the mountains of Lebanon. Locate this region to the north of Israel. What reason does Solomon give why the Sidonians (that is, the people of Sidon) should cut the trees?
295 (§79A). Read Hiram's reply. Notice the plan of getting the timber to Jerusalem. The lumbermen from Tyre and Sidon would cut it in the mountains. It would be hauled by the nearest route to the sea. Note on the map where that would be. Then how was it to be taken by sea to the port nearest to Jerusalem? This port was probably Joppa. Locate it. What then was to be done with it before it was hauled up the steep roads to Jerusalem? It was a hard job in those days when they had no railways. How different from the way our lumber trains carry the great timbers! What was Solomon to give Hiram in exchange? This is a very old story of trade between nations.
296 (§79B). When did Solomon begin to build? The building itself was not very large. A cubit is rather less than two feet, so the structure was about 100 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 50 feet high. Do you know any building about that size? Inside, one-third of the space was partitioned off for the ark. How was this room ornamented? How long did it take to finish the work?
297 (§79C). What solemn procession was held? How was the glory of the Lord shown? Read carefully the prayer of Solomon and see that it is reverent and trustful. What is his great hope that God will do for the people when they pray? We are quite sure that God will do that. Read I John 1:9.
298 (§79D). Who pronounced the benediction upon the people? What does he feel that God has done for them? What does he hope that God will do for them?
299 (§80A). This is one of the stories showing the fame of Solomon. Sheba was in Arabia. Note how much information the story gives us of the products of those times. Tell the story of the visit.
300 (§80B). What does the story tell us finally of Solomon's wealth and wisdom?