Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, &c.— According to Abarbanel there were two books of the acts of Solomon: one containing an account of the beginning of his reign, written by Nathan the prophet; and the other an account of what passed in the latter part of his life, written by Ahijah the Shilonite, and Iddo the Seer. Antiquity scarcely produces a more illustrious (though I must not say a more holy) personage than Solomon: wise, wealthy, magnificent, peaceful; honoured like his father to be the penman of a considerable and useful part of the inspired writings; by which he has made great compensation to the church of God for the offence he has given to all good men by the sad apostacy of his advanced years. That he was a figure of the Messiah seems evident, from what God said concerning him by the prophet Nathan; which is applied by a New Testament writer to Jesus Christ; (I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son;) from what David says in the 72nd Psalm, and from the Song of Songs, which is generally supposed to refer to the marriage of Christ with his church; nor is it difficult to find out several things in Solomon's character and history, which greatly resemble the character and history of a far greater personage than he.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The account of the queen of Sheba has been considered, 1 Kings 10. It remains only to observe, (1.) That they who know the value of divine truth will account no pains too great to search after it. (2.) They are truly great, whose piety and zeal for God distinguish them. (3.) Whatever gifts we enjoy, they are lent us for the edifying of the body of Christ, and to be employed diligently. (4.) We have abundant cause to bless God for the useful instruments that he is pleased to raise up for the service of his church, and especially for those who have been made instruments of good to our own souls. (5.) Great souls are ever generous. (6.)
Though for a time absence from home may be needful and profitable, yet we must, whatever pleasing engagements intervene, remember that there is our post, and hasten our return.
2nd, 1. Solomon appears in the zenith of his grandeur. Wealth flowing in upon him like a river; surrounding potentates courting his favour with the most noble presents, and eager to hear his wisdom; and his magnificence, palaces, guards, throne, &c. all tended to excite the admiration of his neighbours, and the reverence of his subjects. Note; (1.) Great was the glory of Solomon; but our Prince of Peace shines with glory infinitely more transcendant: before his throne all human magnificence vanishes, as the stars lose their lustre before the meridian sun. (2.) It will be our happiness as well as duty to pay our grateful homage at his feet; and offer, not the gold of Arabia, but that more valuable present, our bodies, souls, and spirits, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service.
2. Solomon is laid low in the grave. Mors aequa pede pulsat, &c. No greatness bars death from entering. A veil is here drawn over his former miscarriages, of which, no doubt, he had repented; and which, being forgiven, shall not be mentioned any more against him. His sun sets in glory; but his crown descends to a son whose folly quickly tarnishes all this greatness. Note; (1.) The faults of great good men should be forgotten, and their virtues remembered for imitation. (2.) One foolish son will quickly run out all the acquisitions of his wise and illustrious ancestors.