(20) В¶ 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.
Perhaps the splendour and greatness of Solomon's person, court, and subjects, were never equaled by any prince. He not only governed his own people, but other nations were tributary to him. Now was fulfilled the promise made to Abraham, that his seed should be as the stars of heaven, and as the sand of the sea for multitude. Genesis 22:17. But delightful as this relation is, as an history, the glory of it is nothing compared to the spiritual sense, considered with an eye to Jesus and his kingdom. If the Reader will read Psalms 72:1 with this chapter, and mark the features of both in reference to the Lord Jesus, he will discover that though in that psalm many things said in it may be applied to Solomon; many more in it cannot be applicable at all to him; and must be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ. David's prayer for Solomon, as the title of that Psalm expresses it, was therefore prophetically delivered in reference to Jesus. Solomon's reign indeed was a peaceable reign, a wise administration, and he a blessing to his subjects. But of Solomon it never could be said that he should redeem the souls of his people; that prayer should be made to him; and that his name should be continued as long as the sun. Reader! behold, I beseech you, in this delightful account of Solomon's splendour, glory, government, and the happiness of his people, the typical representation of our Jesus; who is not only king of Zion, but the desire of all nations; unto whom, either in love or fear, every knee shall sooner or later bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The mirth of Judah and Israel may serve to teach us also what joy and gladness of heart constitutes the Redeemer's kingdom: his consisteth not indeed in meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17.