hold each man his month in a year made provi sion. 8 And these are their names; The son of Hur, in mount Ephraim. t 9 The son of Dekar, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan. 10 The son of Hesed, in Aruboth; to him pertained Sochoh, and all the land of Hepher. 11 The son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solomon to wife. 12 Baana, the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam. 13 The son of Geber, in Ramoth-gilead: to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead: to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities, with walls and brazen bars. 14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had "Mahanaim. 15 Ahimaaz was in Naphtali; he also took Basmath the daughter of Solomon to wife. 16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth. or, Benhur. tor, Bendekar. tor, Benhesed. or, Benabinadab. lor, Bengeber. d Num, 32, 41. e Deut. 3. 4, 8. or, to Mahanaim. ƒ Gen. 2. 17, c. 3. 8. Prov. 14. 28, of it; but that Solomon might have those, in every district, who, having a dependence upon the court, would be serviceable to him and his interest, as there was occasion. These commissioners of the victualling office, not for the army or navy, (Solomon was engaged in no war,) but for the household, are here named. Several of them only by their surnames, as great men commonly call their servants; Ben-hur, Ben-dekar, &c. Though several of them have also their proper names prefixed. Two of them married Solomon's daughters, Ben-abinadab, (v. 11,) and Ahimaaz, (v. 15,) and no disparagement to them to marry men of business. Better match with the officers of their father's court that were Israelites, than with the sons of princes that were strangers to the covenant of promise. The son of Geber was in Ramoth-gilead, (v. 13,) and Geber himself was in the country of Sihon and Og, which included that and Mahanaim, v. 14. He is therefore said to be the only officer in that land, because the other two, mentioned, v. 13, 14, depended on him, and were subordinate to him. V. 20-28. Such a kingdom, and such a court, sure never any prince had, as Solomon's is here described to be. I. Such a kingdom. Never did the crown of Israel shine so bright, is it did when Solomon wore it; never in his father's days, never in the days of any of his successors; nor was that kingdom ever so glorious a type of the kingdom of the Messiah, as it was then. The account here given of it, is such as fully answers the prophecies which we have concerning it, Ps. 72. which is a psalm for Solomon, but with reference to Christ. 1. The territories of his kingdom were large, and its tributaries many; so it was foretold, that he should have dominion from sea to sea, Ps. 72. 8-11. Solomon reigned not only over all Israel, who were his subjects by choice, but over all the neighbouring kingdoms, who were his subjects by constraint. All the princes from the river Euphrates north-east, to the border of Egypt south-west, not only added to his honour, by doing him homage, and holding their crowns from him, but added to his wealth, by serving him, and bringing him presents, v. 21. David, by his successful wars, compelled them to this subjection, and Solomon, by his admirable wisdom, made it easy and reasonable; for it is fit that the fool should be servant to the wise in heart. If they gave him presents, he gave them instructions, and still taught the people knowledge; not only his own people, but those of other nations; and wisdom is better than gold. He had peace on all sides, v. 24. None of all the nations that were subject to him, offered to shake off his yoke, or give him any disturbance; but, rather, thought themselves happy in their dependence upon him. Herein, his kingdom typified the Messiah's; for to him it is promised that he shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and that princes shall worship him, Is. 49. 6, 7.-53. 12. 2. The subjects of this kingdom, and its inhabitants, were many and cheerful. (1.) They were numerous, and the country exceedingly populous; (v. 20,) Judah and Israel were many, and that good land sufficient to maintain them all. They were as the sand of the sea in multitude. Now was fulfilled the promise made to Abraham, concerning the increase of his seed, (Gen. 22. 17;) as well as that concerning the extent of their dominion, Gen. 15. 18. This was their strength and beauty, the honour of their prince, the terror of their enemies, and an advancement of the wealth of the nation. If they grew so numerous that the place was, any where, too strait for them, they might remove with advantage into the countries that were subject to them. God's spiritual Israel are many, at least, they will be so, when they come all together, Rev. 7. 9. (2.) They 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah in Issachar. 18 Shimei the son of Elah in Benjamin. 19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon king of the Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was the only officer which was in the land. 20 Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry. 21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life. 22 And Solomon's **provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, 23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, besides harts, and roebucks, and fallow-deer, and fatted fowl. 24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. 25 And Judah and Israel dwelt #safely,' every man under "his vine and under his fig-tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. g Ec. 2. 24. A 2 Chr. 9. 26, &c. Pa. 72. 8-11, confidently, i1 Sam. 10. 27. Ps. 68. 29. Jer. 23.6. m Mic. 4.4. were easy; they dwelt safely, or, with confidence and assurance, (v. 25 ;) not jealous of their king, or of his officers; not disaffected, either to him, or to one another, nor under any apprehension of danger from enemies foreign or domestic. They were happy, and knew it; safe, and willing to think themselves so. They dwelt every man under his vine and fig-tree. Solomon invaded no man's property, took not to himself their vineyards and olive-yards, as sometimes was the manner of the king, (1 Sam. 8. 19,) but what they had, they could call their own: he protected every man in the possession and enjoyment of his property. They that had vines and fig-trees, ate the fruit of them themselves; and so great was the peace of the country, that they might, if they pleased, dwell as safely under the shadow of them, as within the walls of a city. Or, because it was usual to have vines by the sides of their houses, (Ps. 128. 3,) they are said to dwell under their vines. (3.) They were cheerful in the use of their plenty, eating and drinking, and making merry, v. 20. Solomon did not only keep a good table himself, but enabled all his subjects, according to their rank, to do so too, and taught them that God gave them their abundance, that they might use it soberly and pleasantly, not that they might hoard it up. There is nothing better than for a man to eat the labour of his hands, (Ec. 2. 24,) and that, with a merry heart, Ec. 9. 7. His father, in the psalms, had led his people into the comforts of communion with God, and now he led them into the comfortable use of the good things of this life. This pleasant posture of Israel's affairs, extended, in place, from Dan to Beer-sheba; no part of the country was exposed, or, upon any account, uneasy; and it continued a long time, all the days of Solomon, without any material interruption. Go where you would, you might see all the marks of plenty, peace, and satisfaction. The spiritual peace and joy, and holy security, of all the faithful subjects of the Lord Jesus, were typified by this. The kingdom of God is not, as Solomon's was, meat and drink, but, what is infinitely better, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. II. Such a court Solomon kept, as can scarcely be paralleled. We may guess at the vast number of his attendants, and the great resort that was to him, by the provision that was made daily for his table. Of bread so many measures of flour and meal, as, it is computed, would richly serve 3000 men; Carellus computes above 48,000 men; and the provision of flesh (v. 23) is rather more, in proportion. What vast quantities were here of beef, mutton, and venison, and the choicest of all fatted things, as some read that which we translate fatted fowl! Ahasuerus, once in his reign, made a great feast, to show the riches of his kingdom, Esth. 1. 3, 4. But it was much more the honour of Solomon, that he kept a constant table, and a very noble one; not of dainties, or deceitful meats, (he himself witnessed against them, Prov. 23. 3,) but substantial food, for the entertainment of those who came to hear his wisdom. Thus Christ fed those whom he taught, five thousand at a time, more than ever Solomon's table would entertain at once; all believers have in him a continual feast. Herein, he far outdoes Solomon, that he feeds all his subjects, not with the bread that perishes, but with that which endures to eternal life, It added much, both to the strength and glory of Solomon's kingdom, that he had such abundance of horses, 40,000 for chariots, and 12,000 for his troops. A thousand horse, perhaps, in every tribe, for the preserving of the public peace, v. 26. God had commanded that their king should not multiply horses, (Deut. 17. 16,) nor, according to the account here given, considering the extent and wealth of Solomon's kingdom, did he multiply horses in proportion to his neighbours; for we find 26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses "for his chariots, and twelve thousand horse men. out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. 34 And there came of all people to hear the wis27 And those officers provided victual for kingdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solomon's had heard of his wisdom. table, every man in his month: they lacked nothing. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and "dromedaries brought they unto the place where the The great work which Solomon was raised up to do, was, the building of the temofficers were, every man according to his charge. 29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore. 30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman,' and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. 32 And he spake three thousand proverbs:" and his songs were a thousand and five. 33 And he spake of trees, from the cedar-tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth Deut. 17. 16. o c. 10. 26. 2 Chr. 1. 14. 1 Chr. or, mules, or, ewift beasts. Esth. 8. 14. Mic. 1. 13. p c. 3. 12. q Job 1. 3. Matt. 2. 1, 16. r Acts 7.22. 15. 19. Ps. 89. title. t 1 Chr. 2. 6. 6. 33. Ps. 88. title. even the Philistines bringing into the field 30,000 chariots, (1 Sam. 13. 6,) and the Syrians, at least, 40,000 horse, 2 Sam. 10. 18. The same officers that provided for his house, provided also for his table, v. 27, 28. Every one knew his place, and work, and time; and so this great court was kept without confusion. Solomon, that had vast incomes, lived at a vast expense; and perhaps wrote that, with application to himself, (Ec. 5. 11,) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes, unless withal they have the satisfaction of doing good with them? V. 29-34. Solomon's wisdom was more his glory than his wealth; a general account of that we have here. I. The fountain of his wisdom. God gave it him, v. 29. He owns it himself, (Prov. 2. 6,) The Lord giveth wisdom. He gives the powers of reason, (Job 38. 36,) preserves and improves them. The ordinary advances of them are owing to his providence, and sanctification of them, to his grace; and this extraordinary pitch at which they arrived in Solomon, to a special grant of his favour to him, in answer to prayer. CHAPTER V. ple; his wealth and wisdom were given him, to qualify him for that. In this, AND Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto 2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3 Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God, for the wars which were about him on every 14 Prov. 1. &c. Ec. 12. 9. Cant. I. 1, &c. to 2 Chr. 9. 1, 23. Is. 2. 2, 3. Col." 2. 3. a ver. 10, 18. 2 Chr. 2. 3. Huram. b 2 Sam. 5. 11. Am. 1. 9. c 1 Chr. 22.8.28.3. wise sayings, apothegms, of admirable use for the conduct of human life. The world is much governed by proverbs, and was never better furnished with useful ones, than by Solomon, Whether those proverbs of Solomon that we have, were any part of the 3000, is uncertain. (2.) That he was a poet, and a man of great wit. His songs were a thousand and five, of which one only is extant, because that only was divinely inspired, which is therefore called his Song of songs. His wise instructions were communicated by proverbs, that they might be familiar to them he designed to teach, and ready on all occasions; by songs, that they might be pleasant, and move the affections. (3.) That he was a natural philosopher, and a man of great learning, and insight into the mysteries of nature: from his own and others' observations and experience, he wrote both of plants and animals, (v. 33,) descriptions of their natures and qualities, and (some think) of the medicinal use of them. 2. In his conversation. There came persons from all parts, who were more inquisitive after knowledge than their neighbours, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, v. 34. Kings that had heard of it, sent their ambassadors to hear it, and to bring them II. The fulness of it. He had wisdom and understanding, instructions from it. Solomon's court was the staple of learnexceeding much; great knowledge of distant countries, and the ing, and the rendezvous of philosophers, that is, the lovers of histories of former times; a quickness of thought, strength of wisdom, who all came to light their candle at his lamp, and to memory, and clearness of judgment, such as never any man borrow from him. Let those who magnify the modern learnhad. It is called largeness of heart, for the heart is often put ing above that of the ancients, produce such a treasure of knowfor the intellectual powers. He had a vast compass of knowledge, any where in these latter ages, as that was, which Sololedge, could take things entire, and had an admirable faculty of mon was master of; yet this puts an honour upon human learnlaying things together. Some, by his largeness of heart, under-ing, that Solomon was praised for it, and recommends it to the stand his courage and boldness, and that great assurance with great men of the earth, as well worthy their diligent search. which he delivered his dictates and determinations. Or, it may But, lastly, Solomon was, herein a type of Christ, in whom be meant of his disposition to do good with it. He was very are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and hid for free and communicative of his knowledge; had the gift of utter- use, for he is made of God to us, wisdom. ance, as well as wisdom; was as free of his learning as he was of his meat; and grudged neither to any that were about him. Note, It is very desirable that those who have large gifts of any kind, should have large hearts to use them for the good of others; and this is from the hand of God, Ec. 3. 24. He shall enlarge the heart, Ps. 119. 32. The greatness of Solomon's wisdom is illustrated by comparison. Chaldea and Egypt were nations famous for learning; thence the Greeks borrowed theirs; but the greatest scholars of these nations came short of Solomon, v. 30. If nature excels art, much more does grace. The knowledge which God gives by special favour, goes beyond that which man gets by his own labour. Some wise men there were in Solomon's time, who were in great repute; particularly, Heman, and others who were Levites, and employed by David in the temple music, 1 Chr. 15. 19. Heman was his seer in the word of God, 1 Chr. 25. 5. Chalcol and Darda were own brothers, and they also were noted for learning and wisdom, but Solomon excelled them all, (v. 30;) he outdid them, and confounded them; his counsel was much more valuable. III. The fame of it. It was talked of in all nations round about. His great wealth and glory made his wisdom much more illustrious, and gave him those opportunities of showing it, which they cannot have, that live in poverty and obscurity. The jewel of wisdom many receive great advantage by the setting of it. IV. The fruits of it; by these the tree is known: he did not bury his talent, but showed his wisdom, 1. In his compositions. Those in divinity, written by divine inspiration, are not mentioned here, for they are extant, and will remain, to the world's end, monuments of his wisdom; and are, as other parts of scripture, of use to make us wise unto salvation. But beside those, it appears by what he spake, or dictated to be written from him, (1.) That he was a moralist, and a man of great prudence, for he spake three thousand proverbs, NOTES TO CHAPTER V. V. 1-9. We have here an account of the amicable correspondence between Solomon and Hiram. Tyre was a famous trading city, that lay close upon the sea, in the border of Israel; its inhabitants, (as should seem,) none of the devoted nations, nor ever at enmity with Israel; and therefore David never of fered to destroy them, but lived in friendship with them. It is said here of Hiram their king, that he was ever a lover of David; and we have reason to think he was a worshipper of the true God, and had himself renounced, though he could not reform, the idolatry of his city. David's character will win the affections of those that are without. Here is, I. Hiram's embassy of compliment to Solomon, v. 1. He sent, as is usual among princes, to condole with him on the death of David, and to renew his alliances with him upon his succession to the government. It is good keeping up friendship and communion with the families in which religion is uppermost. II. Solomon's embassy of business to Hiram, sent, it is likely, by messengers of his own. In wealth, honour, and power, Hiram was very much inferior to Solomon, yet Solomon has occasion to be beholden to him, and begs his favour. Let us never look with disdain on those below us, because we know not how soon we may need them. Solomon, in his letter to Hiram, acquaints him, 1. With his design to build a temple to the honour of God. Some think that temples among the heathen took their first rise and copy from the tabernacle which Moses erected in the wilderness, and that there were none before that; however, there were many houses built in honour of the false gods, before this was built in honour of the God of Israel, so little is external splendour a mark of the true church. Solomon tells Hiram, (who was himself no stranger to the affair,) (1.) That David's wars were an obstruction to him, that he could not build this side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his, feet. 4 But now the LORD my God hath given me rest don every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. 5 And, behold, I *purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake funto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name. 6 Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar-trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants; and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants, according to all that thou shalt tappoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. 7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have *considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea; and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt $appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire in giving food for my household. 10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar-trees and firtrees, according to all his desire. 11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand "measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. 12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised 'him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together. 13 And king Solomon raised a "levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. 14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram "was over the levy. i Prov. 13. 1. t heard. § send. Ezra 3. 7. Ez. 27. 17. Acts 12. 20. cora. temple, though he designed it, v. 3. They took up much of his time, and thoughts, and cares; were a constant expense to him, and a constant employment of his subjects; so that he could not do it so well as it must be done, and, therefore, it not being essential to religion, he must leave it to be done by his successor. See what need we have to pray, that God will give peace in our time, because, in time of war, the building of the Gospel temple commonly goes slowly on. (2.) That peace gave him an opportunity to build it, and therefore he resolved to set about it immediately. God has given me rest both at home and abroad, and there is no adversary, (v. 4;) no Satan, so the word is; no instrument of Satan to oppose it, or to divert us from it. Satan does all he can, to hinder temple work, (1 Thes. 2. 18. Zech. 3. 1,) but when he is bound, (Rev. 20. 2,) we should be busy. When there is no evil occurrent, then let us being his hand. We have here his articles of agreement with vigorous and zealous in that which is good, and get it forward. When the churches have rest, let them be edified, Acts 9. 31. Days of peace and prosperity present us with a fair gale, which we must account for, if we improve not. As God's providence excited Solomon to think of building the temple, by giving him wealth and leisure, so his promise encouraged him. God had told David, that his son should build him a house, (v. 5;) he will take it as a pleasure to be thus employed, and will not lose the honour designed him by that promise. It may stir us up much to good undertakings, to be assured of good success in them. Let God's promise quicken our endeavours. (2.) He returned it with great satisfaction to Solomon, granting him what he desired, and showing himself very forward to assist him in this great and good work to which he was laySolomon concerning this affair, in which we may observe Hiram's prudence. [1.] He deliberated upon the proposal, before he returned an answer; (v. 8,) I have considered the things. It is common for those that make bargains rashly, afterward to wish them unmade again. The virtuous woman considers a field, and then buys it, Prov. 31. 16. Those do not lose time, who take time to consider. [2.] He descended to particulars in the articles, that there might be no misunderstanding afterward, to occasion a quarrel. Solomon had spoken of hewing the trees, (v. 6,) and Hiram agrees to what he desired concerning that, (v. 8;) but nothing had been said concerning carriage; that matter therefore must be settled. Land carriage would be very troublesome and chargeable, he therefore undertakes to bring all the timber down from Lebanon by sea; a coasting voyage. Conveyance by water is a great convenience to trade, for which God is to have praise, who taught man that discretion. Observe what a punctual bargain Hiram made; Solomon must appoint the place where the timber shall be delivered, and thither Hiram will undertake to bring it, and be elites in timber work, so they did in sailing, for Tyre and Sidon were situate at the entry of the sea, (Ez. 27. 3;) they therefore were fittest to take care of the water carriage: Tractant fabrilia fabri-Every artist has his trade assigned. And, lastly, If Hiram undertake for the work, and do all Solomon's desire concerning the timber, (v. 8,) he justly expects that Solomon shall undertake for the wages; "Thou shalt accomplish my desire in giving food for my household, (v. 9,) not only for the workmen, but for my own family." If Tyre supplies Israel with craftsmen, Israel will supply Tyre with corn, Ez. 27. 17. Thus, by the wise disposal of Providence, one country has need of another, and is benefited by another, that there may be mutual correspondence and dependence, to the glory of God, our common Parent. 2. With his desire that Hiram would assist him herein. Lebanon was the place whence timber must be had, a noble forest in the north of Canaan, particularly expressed in the grant of that land to Israel, all Lebanon, Josh. 13. 5. So that Solomon was proprietor of all its productions; the cedars of Lebanon are spoken of as, in a special manner, the planting of the Lord, (Ps. 104. 16,) being designed for Israel's use, and particularly for temple service. But Solomon owns that though the trees were his, the Israelites could not skill to hew timber like the Si-responsible for its safety. As the Sidonians excelled the Isradonians, who were Hiram's subjects. Canaan was a land of wheat and barley, (Deut. 8, 8,) which employed Israel in the affairs of husbandry, so that they were not at all versed in manufactures in them, the Sidonians excelled. Israel, in the things of God, are a wise and understanding people; and yet, in curious arts, inferior to their neighbours: true piety is a much more valuable gift of heaven than the highest degree of ingenuity. Better be an Israelite skilful in the law, than a Sidonian skilful to hew timber. But, the case being thus, Solomon courts Hiram to send him workmen, and promises, (v. 6,) both to assist them, My servants shall be with thy servants, to work under them; and to pay them, Unto thee will I give hire for thy servants; for the labourer, even in church work, though it be indeed its own wages, is worthy of his hire. The evangelical prophet, foretelling the glory of the church in the days of the Messiah, seems to allude to this story, Is. 60. where he prophesies, (1.) That the sons of strangers (such were the Tyrians and Sidonians) should build up the wall of the Gospel temple, v. 10. Ministers were raised up among the Gentiles, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (2.) That he glory of Lebanon should be brought to it to beautify it, v. 13. All external endowments and advantages should be made serviceable to the interests of Christ's kingdom. 3. Hiram's reception of, and return to, this message. (1.) He received it with great satisfaction to himself. He rejoiced greatly, (v. 7,) that Solomon trod in his father's steps, and carried on his designs, and was likely to be so great a blessing to his kingdom. Hiram's generous spirit rejoiced in this, and not only in the prospect he had of making an advantage to himself by Solomon's employing him. What he had the pleasure of, he gave God the praise of; Blessed be the Lord, which has given to David (who was himself a wise man) wise son, to rule over this great people. See here. [1.] With V. 10-18. Here is, 1. The performance of the agreement between Solomon and Hiram; each of the parties made good its engagement. 1. Hiram delivered Solomon the timber, according to his bargain, v. 10. The trees were Solomon's; but, perhaps, Materiam superabat opus-The workmanship was of more value than the ar ticle. Hiram is therefore said to deliver the trees. 2. Solomon conveyed to Hiram the corn which he had promised him, v. 11. Thus let justice be followed, (as the expression is, Deut. 16. 20,) justice on both sides, in every bargain. II. The confirmation of the friendship that was between them hereby. God gave Solomon wisdom, (v. 12,) that was more and better than any thing Hiram did or could give him; but this made Hiram love him, and enabled Solomon to improve his kindness, so that they were both willing to ripen their mutual love into a mutual league, that it might be lasting. It is wisdom to strengthen our friendship with those we find to be honest and fair, lest new friends prove not so firm and kind as old ones. 15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens," and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains: 16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work. 17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 18 And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the "stone-squarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. CHAPTER VI. Great and long preparation had been making for the building of the temple, and here, at length, comes an account of the building of it; a noble piece of work it was, one of the wonders of the world, and, taken in its spiritual significancy, one of the glories of the church. Here is, I. The time when it was built, (v. 1) and how long it was in the building, v. 37, 38. II. The silence with which it was built, v. 7. III. The dimensions of it, v. 2, 3. IV. The message God sent to Solomon, when it was in the building, v. 11-13. V. The particulars, windows, (v. 4,) chambers, (v. 5, 6, 8-10,) the walls and flooring, (v. 14-18,) the oracle, (v. 19-22,) the cherubims, (v. 23-30,) the doors, (v. 31-35,) and the inner court, v. 36 Many learned men have well bestowed their pains in expounding the description here given of the temple according to the rules of architecture, the LORD, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits. 3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house. 4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. 5 And against the wall of the house he built Schambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made "chambers round about. 6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house. 7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was : and solving the difficulties which, upon search, they find in it; but, in that matter in building. A Night came come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year 2 And the house "which king Solomon built for n c. 9. 21. o Josh. 9. 21. • or, Giblites. Ez. 27.9. • built. a Ez. 40. 41. for, windows broad within, and narrow without; or, skewed and closed, or, upon, or, joining to. III. The labourers whom Solomon employed in preparing materials for the temple. 1. Some were Israelites, who were employed in the more easy and honourable parts of the work, felling trees, and helping to square them, in conjunction with Hiram's servants; for this he appointed 30,000, but employed only 10,000 at a time, so that, for one month's work, they had two month's vacation, both for rest, and for the despatch of their own affairs at home, v. 13, 14. It was temple service, yet Solomon takes care that they shall not be over-worked; great men ought to consider that their servants must rest as well as they. 2. Others were captives of other nations, who were to bear burdens, and to hew stone, (v. 15;) and we read not that these had their resting times as the other had, for they were doomed to servitude. 3. There were some employed as directors and overseers, (v. 16,) 3,300 that ruled over the people, and they were as necessary and useful in their place as the labourers in theirs. Here were many hands and many eyes employed; for preparation was now to be made, not only for the temple, but for all the rest of Solomon's buildings, both at Jerusalem and here in the forest of Lebanon, and in other places of his dominion, of which see ch. 9. 17-19. He speaks of the vastness of his undertakings, (Ec. 2. 4,) I made me great works, which required this vast number of workmen. IV. The laying of the foundation of the temple; for that is the building his heart is chiefly upon, and therefore he begins with that, v. 17, 18. It should seem, Solomon was himself present, and president, at the founding of the temple, and that the first stone (as has been usual in famous buildings) was laid with some solemnity. Solomon commanded, and they brought costly stones for the foundation; he would do every thing like himself, generously, and therefore would have some of the costliest stones laid, or buried rather, in the foundation, though, being out of sight, worse might have served. Christ, who is laid for a Foundation, is an elect and precious Stone, (Is. 28. 16:) and the foundations of the church are said to be laid with sapphires, Is. 54. 11. Compare Rev. 21. 19. That sincerity which is our Gospel perfection, obliges us to lay our foundation firm, and to bestow most pains on that part of our religion which lies out of the sight of men. NOTES TO CHAPTER VI. V. 1-10. Here, I. The temple is called the house of the Lord, (v. 1,) because it was, 1. Directed and modelled by him. Infinite Wisdom was the architect, and gave David the plan or pattern by the Spirit, not by word of mouth only, but, for the greater certainty and exactness, in writing, (1 Chr. 28. 11, 12, 19,) as he had given to Moses in the mount a draught of the tabernacle. 2. Dedicated and devoted to him and to his honour, to be employed in his service; so his, as never any other house was, for he manifested his glory in it, (so as never in any other,) in a way agreeable to that dispensation; for when there were carnal ordinances, there was a worldly sanctuary, Heb. 9. 1, 10. This gave it its beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which far transcended all its other beauties. VOL. I.-103 8 The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house and they went up with the winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of 9 So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. 10 And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high and they rested on the house with timber of cedar. & floors. b Ez. 41, 6. 11 riba. cedar. narrowings, or, rebatements. c Deut. for, the vault beams and the ceilings with II. The time when it began to be built is exactly set down. 1. It was just 480 years after the bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt; allowing 40 years to Moses, 17 to Joshua, 299 to the Judges, 40 to Eli, 40 to Samuel and Saul, 40 to David, and four to Solomon, before he began the work, we have just the sum of 480. So long it was, after that holy state was founded, before that holy house was built, which in less than 430 years, was burned by Nebuchadnezzar; it was thus deferred, because Israel had, by their sins, rendered themselves unworthy of this honour, and because God would show how little he values external pomp and splendour in his service; he was in no haste for a temple. David's tent, which was clean and convenient, though it was neither stately nor rich, nor, for aught that appears, ever consecrated, is called the house of the Lord, (2 Sam. 12. 20,) and served as well as Solomon's temple; vet, when God gave Solomon great wealth, he put it into his heart thus to employ it, and graciously accepted him, chiefly, because it was to be a shadow of good things to come, Heb. 9. 9. 2. It was in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, the three first years being taken up in settling the affairs of his kingdom, that he might not find any embarrassment from them in this work. It is not time lost, which is spent in composing ourselves for the work of God, and disentangling ourselves from every thing which might distract or divert us; during this time, he was adding to the preparations which his father had made, (1 Chr. 22. 14,) hewing the stone, squaring the timber, and getting every thing ready, so that he is not to be blamed for slackness in deferring it so long; we are truly serving God, when we are preparing for his service, and furnishing ourselves for it. III. The materials are brought in, ready for their place; (v. 7,) so ready, that there was neither hammer nor are heard in the house, while it was in building. In all this building, Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence, to prepare the work in the field, and afterward build, Prov. 24. 27. But here, it seems, the preparation was, more than common, full and exact, to that degree, that, when the several parts came to be put together, there was nothing defective to be added, nothing amiss to be amended; it was to be the temple of the God of peace, and therefore no iron tool must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend religious exercises. God's work should be done with as much care and as little noise as may be. The temple was thrown down with axes and hammers; and they that did it, roared in the midst of the congregation, (Ps. 74. 4, 6;) but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence, often hinder, but never further the work of God. IV. The dimensions are laid down, (v. 2, 3,) according to the rules of proportion. Some observe that the length and breadth were just double to that of the tabernacle. Now that Israel was grown more numerous, the place of their meeting needed to be enlarged, (Is. 54. 1,2;) and now that they were grown richer, they were the better able to enlarge it. Where God sows plentifully, he expects to reap so. V. An account of the windows, (v. 4,) they were broad within, and narrow without, Marg. Such should the eyes of our (817) 11 And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, 12 Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. 14 So Solomon built the house, and finished it. 15 And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, "both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling; and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. 16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls, with boards of cedar he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place. 17 And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long. 18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. 19 And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD. 20 And the oracle in the fore part was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar, which was of cedar. 21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold. a c. 9.4. e 2 Sam. 7. 13. f Ex. 25. 8. 2 Cor. 6, 16. Rev. 21. 3. g Deut. 31. 6. Heb. 13. 5. or, from the floor of the house unto the walls, and so, ver. 16. A Ex. 26. 33. c. 8. 6. Ez. 45. 33. tor, gourds. openings of. i ver. 5, 16. Ps. 28. 2. mind be, reflecting nearer on ourselves than on other people, looking much within, to judge ourselves, but little without, to censure our brethren. The narrowness of the lights intimated the darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the Gospel day. The chambers are described, (v. 5, 6,) in which the utensils of the tabernacle were carefully laid up, the priests dressed and undressed themselves, and left the clothes in which they ministered; probably, in some of these chambers they feasted upon the holy things, they served as vestries. Solomon was not so intent upon the magnificence of the house, as to neglect the conveniences that were requisite for the offices thereof, that every thing might be done decently and in order; care was taken that the beams should not be fastened in the walls to weaken them, v. 6. Let not the church's strength be impaired, under pretence of adding to its beauty or convenience. V. 11-14. Here is, 1. The word God sent to Solomon, when he was engaged in building the temple; God let him know that he took notice of what he was doing, the house he was now building, v. 12. None employ themselves for God, without having his eye upon them; I know thy works, thy good works. He assured him that if he would proceed and persevere in obedience to the divine law, and keep in the way of duty and the true worship of God, the divine loving kindness should be drawn out both to himself, (I will perform my word with thee,) and to his kingdom, "Israel shall be ever owned as my people; I will dwell among them, and not forsake them." This word God sent him, probably, by a prophet; (1.) That, by the promise, he might be encouraged and comforted in his work; perhaps sometimes the great care, expense, and fatigue of it, made him ready to wish he had never begun it; but this would help him through the difficulties of it, that the promised establishment of his family and kingdom would abundantly recompense all his pains. An eye to the promise will carry us cheerfully through our work; and those who wish well to the public, will think nothing too much that they can do, to secure and perpetuate to it the tokens of God's presence. (2.) That, by the condition annexed, he might be awakened to consider that though he built the temple ever so strong, the glory of it would soon depart, unless he and his people continued to walk in God's statutes. God plainly lets him know that all this charge which he and his people were at, in erecting this temple, would neither excuse them from obedience to the law of God, nor shelter them from his judgments, in case of disobedience: keeping God's commandments is better, and more pleasing to him, than building churches. 2. The work Solomon did for God. So he built the house, (v. 14;) so animated by the message God had sent him, so admonished not to expect that God should own his building, unless he were obedient to his laws; "Lord, I proceed upon these terms, being firmly resolved to walk in thy statutes." The strictness of God's government will never drive a good man from his service, but quicken him in it. Solomon built and 22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold. 23 And within the oracle he made two cherubims 'of "olive-tree, each ten cubits high. 24 And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub; from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. 25 And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size. 26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub. 27 And he set the cherubims within the inner house; and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. 28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold. 29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palmtrees and **open flowers, within and without. 30 And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without. 31 And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive-tree: the lintel and side-posts were a fifth part of the wall. 32 The two doors also were of olive-tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm-trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims and upon the palm-trees. 33 So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive-tree, a fourth part of the wall. § shut up. k Ex. 30. 1, 3, 5. 2 Chr. 3. 7, &c. I Ex. 37. 7-9. Il trees of oil. or, oily trees. or, the cherubima stretched forth their wings. openings of, 11 or, five-square. I or, leaves of the doors. openings of. i or, four-square. finished, he went on with it, and God went along with him till it was completed; it is spoken, both to God's praise and his : he grew not weary of the work, met not with any obstructions, (as Ezra 4. 24,) did not outbuild his property, nor do it by halves, but, having begun to build, was both able and willing to finish, for he was a wise builder. V. 15-38. Here is, I. The wainscot of the temple described; it was of cedar, (v. 15,) which was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell; the wainscot was curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no doubt, as the fashion then was, v. 18. II. The gilding; it was not like ours, washed over, but the whole house, all the inside of the temple, (v. 22,) even the floor, (v. 30,) he overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with pure gold, v. 21. Solomon would refuse no expense necessary to make it every way sumptuous; gold was underfoot there, as it should be in all the living temples, the abundance of it lessened its worth. III. The oracle, or speaking place, (for so the word signifies,) the holy of holies, so called, because from thence God spake to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest, when he consulted with the breastplate of judgment; in this place, the ark of the covenant was to be set, v. 19. Solomon made every thing new, and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubims; that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with his people, whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not with their condition. IV. The cherubims. Beside those at the ends of the mercy seat, which covered the ark, 1. Solomon set up two more, very large ones, images of young men, (as some think,) with wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, v. 23, &c. This most holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and therefore the ark would seem lost in it, and the dead wall would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned. 2. He carved cherubims upon all the walls of the house, v. 29. The heathen set up images of their gods, and worshipped them; these were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped, (See thou do it not,) but to show how great He is, whom we are to worship. V. The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle, were but a fifth part of the wall, (v. 31;) those into the temple were a fourth part, (v. 33;) but both were beautified with cherubims engraven on them, v. 32, 35. VI. The inner court, in which the brazen altar was, and at which the priests ministered; this was separated from the court, where the people were, by a low wall, three rows of hewn stone topped with a cornice of cedar, (v. 36,) that over it the people might see what was done, and hear what the priests said to them, for, when under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the dark, or at a distance. |