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The Last Days of David-Prosperity of Israel Under Solomon-Executions of Adonijah, Joab and Shimei-Solomon's Dream-His First Court Judgment-Building of the TempleOther Construction Work-The Visit of the Queen of ShebaHer Amazement at the Luxury of Solomon's Court and State Dinners Dedication of the Temple-Solomon's Fall From Grace Through Women-The Radical Leader Jeroboam-Solomon's Death-Rehoboam's Method in Suppressing DiscontentThe Revolution-The Division into Two Kingdoms-Bloody Days in Israel-King Ahab and His Terrible Queen-Literary Splendour of the Narrative-Appearance of the Prophet ElijahThe Long Drought-The Contest with the Prophets of BaalThe Rain-Jezebel's Threat and Elijah's Flight-His Despair and his Visions-Naboth and His Vineyard-The Espionage Act-Ahab Confronted with Elijah-His Fate Foretold-His Repentance-Johoshaphat, King of Judah-His Alliance with Ahab-The Plan for War on Syria-Gathering of the Soothsayers-The Holy Prophet Micaiah-Defeat and Death of Ahab-The Last Hours of Elijah-His Prophecy to King Ahaziah-The Two Captains and Their Disastrous MissionElijah and Elisha-The Last Walk Together-The Chariot of Fire-The Falling Mantle-Character of Elijah.

VII

SOLOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY-THE ROMANTIC FIGURE OF ELIJAH

The last days of David are depressing to contemplate; the old lion was sick and helpless and at the mercy of women. Rebellions and fighting brought the smell of blood even into the death-chamber, and the chilly invalid shuddered with something more than the cold. In sleepless meditation, he must often have remembered the days of his brilliant youth, his triumph over Goliath, the long talks and walks with Jonathan, and the hour when he was anointed king. If he could only have looked into the future, he would have been comforted; for then he would have known that greater than all his mighty deeds of war, more splendid than all his royal splendour, were his magnificent poems. David the fighter and David the statesman have a sincere place in history; far above them is David the Poet.

Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

Israel reached its highest point under the leadership of the Wise King; he inherited his father's

common sense and literary genius. But he was forced to begin his reign by killing his brother. Among David's sons, Solomon had a monopoly of wisdom; Adonijah appears to have been a preposterous fool. No sooner had he been forgiven for attempting a coup d'état, than he came to Bathsheba and asked that she would beg Solomon to give him Abishag the Shunammite-who had been the old king's nurse-in marriage. Solomon kept the fifth commandment; when his mother entered the royal apartment, the young king rose, bowed down to her, and had a seat brought for her at the right hand of the throne; thus letting the courtiers have an example in etiquette. She kept her word to Adonijah, and in all seriousness put the fatal petition. Perhaps she knew exactly what would happen.

Solomon did not often lose his temper; but this time he flew into a wild rage, and said fiercely, Why not give Adonijah the kingdom also? and he ordered the instant death of the presumptous prince. The mighty man Benaiah was Executioner; and he dispatched Adonijah with his own hand. Then it was the turn of old General Joab, who for the first time in his life, was afraid, and fled to the altar for sanctuary-like many men, having recourse to the church only when in extreme peril; it did him no good, for Benaiah slew him in the holy place. Shimei, who had cursed David, was informed that he could remain in safety so long as he stayed at home; but after awhile, his servants ran away, and

he pursued them. He was therefore executed by the efficient Benaiah. With these three enemies out of his path, Solomon's throne was firmly established.

One night Solomon dreamed that the Lord God appeared to him, and asked him to name the thing he most desired, and Solomon said,

Thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. . . .

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great people?

We cannot help remembering the decision of Paris, and its consequences. He passed by wisdom to get the fairest woman for his wife, who brought general woe in her train; whereas Solomon chose wisdom, and was rewarded with seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines-who also brought dis

aster.

In his dream Solomon heard the Voice saying that because he had asked for wisdom rather than long life, riches, revenge or pleasure, he should become not only the wisest among the sons of men, but that his kingdom should be of unparalled splendour, so long as he kept the true faith.

Shortly after waking, Solomon had occasion to try his judicial powers. Two women came before him, with one baby, of whom each claimed to be the mother. After listening carefully to what both had to say, the king ordered a sword to be brought, and

gravely proposed to divide the child into two equal portions, so that each woman might have her fair share. To one this seemed agreeable; but the other cried out: "Give her the child!" And Solomon said that it was clear who was the real mother; and she departed in peace, with her baby in her arms.

Solomon made alliances with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and with Hiram, king of Tyre, his father's friend and admirer. These were the days of peace and prosperity, two things usually associated in fact.

Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

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And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

King David had planned to build a house for God; but he was forbidden to do so, because he had been a man of blood.

Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of

rest.

He shall build an house for my name.

David reluctantly but obediently relinquished his purpose; but he felt that he ought to make some necessary preparations for the structure.

Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries; I will therefore now make

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