p. 9 | Our Bible Band

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · May 6, 1908

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 19.

Our Bible Band.

Schedule for Week Ending May 16, 1908.

Sun. May 10 1 Kings 3, 4 Psalm 127 Mon. " 11 " 5, 6 " 128 Tues. " 12 " 7, 8 Wed. " 13 " 9, 10 " 129 Thurs. " 14 " 11, 12 " 130, 131 Fri. " 15 " 13, 14 " 132 Sab. " 16 " 15-18 " 133

Suggestive Notes.

Chapter 3 gives the story of Solomon's ill-advised marriage with Pharaoh's daughter, the gift of wisdom in answer to his prayer, and the manifestation of wisdom in his decision between the women. Chapter 4 is a brief, but comprehensive statement of his officers, the condition of the kingdom at the beginning of his reign, and his power, wealth, and wisdom.

Chapter 5 records his bargain with Hiram, king of Tyre, for the building of the temple, and the division of labor among the men of Israel chosen to assist in the work. The building of the temple is the story of chapter 6. That temple was to be a dwelling-place for God, and a type of the heavenly temple and of the church of God. No sound of ax or hammer was heard in its erection.

Chapter 7 contains a description of his own house, builded after he had finished the house of Jehovah. Many make self first. The latter part of the chapter enters into details concerning the furnishings and vessels of the temple. The dedication of the temple with Solomon's comprehensive prayer is recorded in chapter 8; this is the longest prayer recorded in the Bible. The Psalm for this day is omitted. Chapters 9 to 11 inclusive are occupied with the story of Solomon, God's promises to the king, Solomon's wisdom and his transgressions.

The story of the division of the kingdom under the weak and foolish Rehoboam; the revolt of the ten tribes to Jeroboam; the idolatry of the latter; the prediction of the unknown prophet against the king and the altar; the prediction of Ahijah concerning Jeroboam's seed; the spoiling of the temple by Shishak of Egypt; the brief reign over Judah of wicked Abijam; the better reign of Asa, and the prosperity of Judah under his sway, is told in chapters 12 to 16. Following Jeroboam came Nadab (2 years), with whom the house of Jeroboam came to an end. Baasha, who slew him, reigned twenty-four years, and was followed by his son Elah, whose drunken reign ended in two years, the house of Baasha dying with him. Zimri, the captain who slew him, reigned only seven days, when he was slain by Omri, from whom sprang the wicked Ahab. With his reign and the work of the wonderful prophet Elijah, the rest of our week's lesson has to do, a narrative both interesting and instructive especially for these days.

Psalm 127 is a song of Solomon, written about the time of the building of the temple. Psalm 132 was doubtless written by Solomon also after the temple was built, and may have been sung at the dedication. How good are all these songs of Israel.