Lesson 44. A FAMOUS KING OF OLDEN DAYS. Solomon's Reputed Wisdom

(Taken from I Ki. 3:1-28; 4:1-28; 9:16, 17; 10:1-10, 13.)

I. THE TEACHER'S PREPARATION.

The Method of Study. In Wells, The Teacher That Teaches, study pp. 51-64 and write answers to the following questions: 1. Do you talk too much in your class room? 2. What contests, other than debates, may be used in the class? 3. Should examinations be held in your class? Why?

The Material for Teaching. Do all the work assigned in Lesson XLIV of the Junior Bible. Consult Montefiore, The Bible for Home Reading, Part 1. pp. 275-281; Graetz, History of the Jews, Vol. I, pp. 156-161; Kent, Founders and Rulers, pp. 182-192; Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews, Vol. IV, pp. 125149; Kohut, Hebrew Anthology, Vol. I, pp. 208-210, 213-217; article, "Wisdom" in the Jewish Encyclopedia.

The Religion of Israel. In Addis, Hebrew Religion, study pp. 207-218, and write answers to the following questions: 1. What was the conception of God held by the "Second Isaiah"? 2. What did he think was to be Israel's future? 3. Describe his idea of the Servant of the Lord.

II. THE AIM.

Solomon inherited from his father not merely a great kingdom, but something immeasurably more important— a great opportunity. On his youthful shoulders now rested vast responsibilities, and, in his hands, large powers. The vital question in such cases is always this: How will the young man meet those responsibilities? To what use will he put those powers? Solomon in his youth rendered encouraging answers to these questions. His early ambition was to govern his people with wisdom. He therefore started right. In the very beginning of his reign, he beheld a glorious vision of the things that might be. Let the teacher in presenting this lesson, attempt to arouse in her pupils the desire to start right-to dream dreams of the

future and to picture concretely to themselves the part they are to play in that future.

III. POINT OF CONTACT.

In presenting this lesson, a teacher once rather startled his class by asking quickly the question, "Mary, what thing in all the world do you wish for most?"

"An automobile," replied Mary.

"Yes," returned the teacher, "some people do like things that make a show, run quickly, have blow-outs, and land you in a ditch. What would you choose, George? etc."

"Have you ever heard of the Choice of Hercules? One day, when that mighty hero of ancient Greece was considering what course to follow, a most beautiful maiden suddenly appeared to him and said, 'Choose to follow me; for I will lead you through roads of happiness and joy.' Greatly tempted, 1 e asked, 'Who art thou and to what destination wilt thou bring me?' 'My name is Pleasure,' the maid replied, 'and I will bring you to the Palace of Destruction.'

"At that moment, a plain looking girl drew in sight. Speaking to Hercules, she said in modest tones, 'If thou wilt choose to follow me, I will take you on a long and hard journey.' Repelled but rather curious, the youth likewise asked her the question, 'Who art thou and to what destination wilt thou bring me?' 'My name,' she replied, 'is Wisdom, and I will bring you to the Palace of Duty.' 'Then thee I choose,' promptly responded Hercules, who later came to be one of the most famous heroes of olden times." But have you ever heard of the "Choice of Solomon"? Now, listen, and then you can tell me which answer you like the best that of Solomon, Hercules or Mary?

IV. EXPLANATORY NOTES.

Ethical Topic-Starting Right.

Date. At the beginning of Solomon's reign—perhaps about 972 or 971 B.C.E.

Places. Jerusalem and Gibeon, six miles to the northeast. U. & U. Stereograph-3264-"Sacrifices near gates of Jerusalem."

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE KINGDOM.-Although it is impossible to arrange the events of Solomon's reign in exact chronological order, it seems that one of the first tasks of the new king was to introduce a firmer organization into the nation. He divided the country into twelve districts, probably disregarding the tribal divisions, and placed in charge of each district an officer whose duty it was to collect the alloted portion of food from those under his control. The assessment for this purpose was by no means small; for there were numerous tables that had to be provided for, on elaborate scales. First, the king and his guests had to be supplied with all the delicacies; then Solomon's many wives and their large households had to be sumptuously looked after; next the officers in the army and the multitude of royal servants had to be fed, and finally provender had to be furnished for the king's extensive stables. Accordingly, each of the twelve districts was obliged to supply food sufficient to support in regal style four or five thousand people one month in the year.

SOLOMON'S MARRIAGE. Thus partly by elaborate feasting, the young king attempted to increase the splendor of his court at home. Abroad, he sought to add to the power and magnificence of his reign, by forming a marriage-alliance with one of the Pharaohs of the powerful Egyptian State. The data at hand is insufficient to enable us to specify precisely which Pharaoh is meant. The dower which the bride brought with her was the city of Gezer, a few miles to the northwest of Jerusalem.

THE SACRIFICE AT GIBEON.-If such an event seemed in the minds of some of his subjects to presage evil for the kingdom, there were others who remembered that Solomon had been blessed with a religious man for his father and possibly, with the prophet Nathan for a teacher. It is, therefore, not at all surprising that one of the first acts of this boy-king was to hold an important sacrificial feast at Gibeon, perhaps the chief religious center of the time. It is said that on that occasion, he offered up a thousand sacrifices. If this number appears to be extravagant, it must be remembered that only a small portion of the animal-principally the fat and the entrails-was actually consumed by the fire. Of the remainder, the shoulder was

given to the priests, and the rest was served to the royal guests who had been invited to the banquet.

SOLOMON'S CHOICE.-This sacrifice at Gibeon was one of the momentous facts of Solomon's life. The holy ceremonies and impressive services cast the youthful monarch into a solemn and thoughtful frame of mind. As he surveyed the multitude of guests, he began to realize as never before the wide extent of his kingdom; as he beheld the sacred sacrificial rites, he began to feel more and more the heavy weight of his responsibilities. In a serious mood he was, when he retired to his room for the night. Little wonder that in his sleep, there flitted across his consciousness the recollection of the great kindness that the Lord had shown to his father. As he turned his thoughts to himself, he, in the deepest humility, was over-awed by feeling his unfitness to be the successor of the mighty David. "What am I," he asked, "but a mere child in wisdom and experience, unable to decide which course to follow? Unlike my brothers Absalom and Adonijah, I did not myself seek the throne, but it was the Lord who made me king." In the vision, the Holy One himself appeared, and in these words granted to Solomon the opportunity to choose his own future, "Ask whatsoever thou wilt, and I will grant it thee." Without a moment's hesitation, the young king. returned his answer. To be sure, he asked for wisdomnot for mere brain-wisdom in order that he might, for example, know more about history or mathematics; but for heart-wisdom,* in order that he might distinguish good from evil, thus mingling knowledge with feeling. Wisdom, says the dictionary, is knowledge plus the ability to use it correctly. Solomon determined to dedicate his knowledge to the services of his people, his aim being treat every man with full justice. Because of the unselfishness of the choice. the Lord granted even more than was asked for-riches and honor.

HOW SOLOMON USED HIS WISDOM.-Almost immediately after the dream, an occasion arose that afforded an excellent opportunity for the king to put his knowledge into practice. He had now returned to Jerusalem, and was sitting as judge

*The Hebrew is, "an understanding heart."

in his court, when two rival mothers presented a difficult question for him to decide. This scene can be made full of dramatic interest for the children. First briefly state the facts in case, and ask the pupils what decision they would have rendered; then at the proper moment, show how Solomon's wisdom helped him to a decision so apparently just.

THE VISIT OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA.-Another incident occurred in his reign that shows how the Lord likewise conferred the promised riches and honor on the fortunate son of David. Indeed, so far had the reports of his fame and wealth been spread that glowing accounts of his splendor reached a people living in Sheba in South Arabia, whose incredulous queen resolved to visit Jerusalem for the purpose of beholding with her own eyes the glory of Solomon's court and of testing by riddles and questions his reputed wisdom. In the Orient, such tests of wisdom correspond more or less closely to the tournaments of knights held in Europe during the Middle Ages. Accompanied by a magnificent retinue, the queen arrived at the palace, and first tried Solomon's acumen. Tradition has preserved some of the questions which she is supposed to have asked him at this time. One was this: she had a group of girls and boys dress so that they all looked precisely alike, and requested the king to pick out the boys from the girls. This he was able easily to do by ordering basins of water to be placed before the children, and requesting them to wash their faces. The boys all plunged their hands forthwith into the water, but the girls were careful first to roll up their sleeves.

THE SPLENDOR OF SOLOMON'S COURT.-Convinced of his wisdom, the queen was next interested in the wealth and magnificence of Solomon's court. With pride the king showed her all the splendors of his palace and Temple, until in amazement she exclaimed that the half had not been told her. Such prosperity, she declared, was proof positive that the Lord loved Israel, and had made Solomon king that he might do justice and righteousness. Then she bestowed most lavish gifts on her host. In return, he gave her whatever she wished. Beyond doubt, these costly presents were exchanged largely for political and commercial motives.