Chapter Twelve

Honor and obey your Creator while you're still young. Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes. Before your vision dims and the world blurs. And the winter years keep you close to the fire.

I don't know why, but around 50 we seems to close our minds to the current world. Many will talk about how much better it was when they were younger. The world is not as good a place as it once was. We don't seem to keep up and embrace the changes that take place and withdraw into a world made to make us right. It is an illusion we build. It is a shame and partially why I decided to teach at this age. I want to stay alert and live in the present. I have to admit, it is decidedly hard to do sometimes. That is the beauty of adolescents. They are in your face and call attention to the present. How much better is it to lead these young people to the higher purpose of life, rather than let them get skeptical and start the path to what Solomon refers to as "smoke". Perhaps they will be more in tune to the truth and less taken by the smoke.

In old age, your body no longer serves you so well. Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen. Any arguments here? The shades are pulled on the world. You can't come and go at will. Things grind to a halt. The hum of the household fades away. You are wakened now by bird song. Hikes to the mountains are a thing of the past. Even a stroll down the road has its terrors. Your hair turns blossom white. Adorning a fragile and impotent matchstick body. Yes, you're well on your way the eternal rest. While your friends make plans for your funeral.

After my accident some years back, I began to sit down more. My back, hips and knee developed arthritis in short time and I developed type II diabetes. I was never one to be extremely athletic, but I kept moving. I am slowing down at 55. It troubles me and my complications make everything more troublesome to change. It comes to us all. All of our sins catch up with us around this time, unless your wisdom has kept you in shape and good health. Even though you try not to dwell upon it, it is just to the back of your mind to ponder with each movement that takes more time and effort than it ever did before. It is hard to come to terms with.

Life, while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it. If youth only knew how quickly it comes, perhaps they would make better use of their time and the choices they make. This is the purpose of writing Ecclesiastes, and I think it is just the best story in the Bible sometimes, for the purpose and clarity of trying to teach us, and the children, the meaning and brevity of life. It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. The Quester says that everything's smoke.

THE FINAL WORD

Besides being wise himself, the Quester also taught others knowledge. He weighed, examined and arranged many proverbs. The Quester did his best to find the right words and write the plain truth.

The words of the wise prod us to live well.
They're like nails hammered home, holding life together.
They are given by God, the one Shepherd.

But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out. so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:

Fear God.
Do what he tells you.

And that's it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil.

I don't know that I can add more than the direct, simplicity of this wisdom to a conclusion. I can only hope this journey through Ecclesiastes finds value in your soul and in your actions. We so desperately need to address the truth and avoid the manipulation society puts in front of us for profit at the cost of our souls. There is a purpose and accounting of our goodness and our sin. I think the violence and misery of Jesus Christ's crucifixion is such because our sin is great. But ponder this, how many other religions allow you to wipe those sins clean and give you a fresh slate by asking for forgiveness and allow you to move forward freed from our transgressions? It is that simple, but then again, you have to forgive yourself with the same resolution. God bless you, God bless all of us. Thank you for reading my blog. May it be of value to you and to this world we live in. Fear God. Do what he tells you.

This chapter was taken from The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson and my thoughts.

The Islamic Solomon

The Christian and Jewish Solomon considered he turned away from God. The Islamic Solomon never turned from God. In the Qu'ran, his names translates at Sulayman, Suleiman, Sulaimaan, etc. It translates to man of peace. It refers to him as the son of David.He is considered a prophet and a great ruler imparted by God with tremendous wisdom, favor, and special powers. It states he ruled people and hosts of Jinn. He understood the language of birds and ants, and was able to see a hidden glory of the world that other human beings could not. The accounts of Solomon and the Bible differ on a number of aspects. The Muslim faith forbids involvement with magic, being the work of devils. Yet there seems to be much magic in the Islamic Solomon. Although Solomon was the Prophet and Messenger of God, he was accused by some of his opponents to be practicing magic. Those who claimed this could not distinguish between magic and miracles. Almost all messengers of God were granted miracles as a proof of their authenticity. To name only a few: Moses was granted the staff by which he could divide the sea and make water gush from rocks. Abraham was flung in the middle of a huge raging fire, which Allah made cool and peaceful to him. Jesus Christ could heal the blind and the leper and bring back the dead to life.

The Hebrew Bible states Solomon declined to idolatry in his old age, the Qu'ran states he remembered God forever. His name is listed with his father, David, and other prophets to show his ranking in mankind. In reference to Solomon, the Islamic view states:Solomon's Knowledge

Solomon inherited David's prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their relatives. Prophet Muhammad said: 'The prophets' property will not be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be used for charity."

Solomon Becomes King

After his father's death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days. (A recent Nova special shows the discovery of these copper mines)

Solomon Admiration of Horses

During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me." ( He owned more horses than anyone which was forbidden by Jewish law for kings.)

Solomon Hears the Ant's Warning

One day Solomon gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn the other ants: "Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Solomon and his army might crush you!" Solomon, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah's creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants' lives. (I wonder what its voice sounded like?)

Solomon's Travels

In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Solomon built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship Allah. Today this building is known as 'The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large band of followers joined Solomon on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of Sana. Solomon was impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs. (He did do extensive irrigation during his reign on both accords.)

Solomon Rejects the Queen's Gifts

The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen's precious gifts and told Solomon that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the containers! He told them: "Allah has given me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophethood. I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah." He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land.(Ethiopia became Jewish, Yemen and other countries embrace the Muslim religion.)

The Queen's Visit with Solomon

She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a messenger of Allah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allah, and asked her people to do the same.It was finished; Bilqis saw her people's creed fall apart before Solomon. She realized that the sun which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allah's creatures. The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never-fading light, the light of Islam.

Jinns and Solomon

Solomon's public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins of making people believe that they were all powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the future. As a prophet, it was Solomon's duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers.

Solomon's Death - Qur'anic

Allah the Exalted revealed: And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). 'Work you, 0 family of David, with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful. Then when we decreed death for him (Solomon), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing a way at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment. Surah 34: 12-1

Producing Children

Narrated Abu Huraira: (The Prophet) Solomon said, "Tonight I will sleep with (my) ninety wives, each of whom will get a male child who will fight for Allah's Cause." On that, his companion (Sufyan said that his companion was an angel) said to him, "Say, "If Allah will (Allah willing)." But Solomon forgot (to say it). He slept with all his wives, but none of the women gave birth to a child, except one who gave birth to a halfboy. Abu Huraira added: The Prophet said, "If Solomon had said, "If Allah will" (Allah willing), he would not have been unsuccessful in his action, and would have attained what he had desired." Once Abu Huraira added: Allah apostle said, "If he had accepted." (Sahih Bukhari 8.711)

So there are differences in the tales of Solomon, much of it directed through the religions, which are the only references of his reign as king. This blog has tried to lay out the Islamic Solomon references from the Qu'ran to give you an idea of how the differences show. Solomon married many women from different faiths and traditions. Over the course of time, these stories take on the perception of these religions. Our biases may play on our perceptions of what is more correct. It does mine. These differences play a part in how we perceive and communicate events today. What is correct and what is myth, what is perpetuated through religion and what is the truth? Solomon certainly must have existed to have such a rich historical accounting of him.

resources: answers.com, Wikipedia, http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Articles/Prophet/sulaiman.htm, http://www.islamawareness.net/BlackMagic/magic.html,

Chapter Eleven

Solomon is wrapping up his reflections of the meaning of life with us. This chapter almost has the tone of a grandfather gathering his children to give them a letter of what this life is. He has found all his searches of life, in the grandest of ways, unfulfilling without the philosophy that God is in control of all things. To follow the way of God is what keeps man from destroying all about him. He’s calling us into the life of faith: to reject the life of faithlessness, the life of unbelief, the life of indifference to spiritual things. He’s calling us. He’s exhorting us. He’s saying, “Choose this day whom you will serve” in these final exhortations. In his sadness and disappointments, he wants us to learn from his lesson with the wisdom only Solomon could offer.

1 Cast your bread upon the waters for you shall find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you know not what evil shall be upon the earth. Casting your bread upon the waters refers to generosity. It means take risks, don't hoard and be greedy. Do so from morning to night. He is saying that what you sow will someday come back to you. You don't know what will become of your bread. Bread can be a spiritual metaphor given the actions of yeast causing the bread to rise. Give a portion of seven and eight refer an old custom when the master of a feast portioned out several parts to each guest and then sent portions to the poor. There may come a time you are poor and unable to do these things, or need these generosities.

3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be. 4 He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap. When clouds are full of rain, they disperse water generously on the fields and the desert. Plentifully pour out your blessings on the land to produce fruit and lushness upon a barren wilderness. It seems an appropriate analogy to me. If you do not sow your fields in concern of the weather, your fields will not reap a harvest. Even if you give your generosity to some undeserving, you will certainly not miss those who are deserving. Don't let those who disappoint you deter you from blessing as many as you can. A tree will eventually fall in the direction it leans. When you die, your afterlife will be a reflection of the direction you have leaned during your lifetime.

5 As you do not know what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones grow in the womb of the woman who is with child, even so you do not know the works of God, who makes all. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know what shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Solomon is saying here that we don't necessarily know the true nature of things in the way and thought of God. He states this tenet many times in Ecclesiastes. Sow your seed, bless others with your work and generosity. Do you know how bones grow in the womb? There is much mystery in life we don't know until later, or maybe not in this lifetime. Don't let it deter you from your purpose. You may not know what good will come of what you do, so do it regardless. Don't withhold in life. If your motives are good, they will be rewarded.

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. 8 But if a man lives many years, and rejoices in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness for they shall be many. All that is to come is vanity. The light is good and sweet. It is a joy to behold the good in life. Even if most of your life is good, remember the darkness when it is good. We get our equal share of light and darkness in life. In order to be truly happy, you have to embrace both the good and the bad. It is in remembering the tough times that cause our hearts to search for God, when it is good we are not to forget the goodness of God. It is on the focus of the light that we walk upright and do not take the good for granted.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes, but you should know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. How much did we take for granted when we were young? How much did I abuse my self when I had no idea of the consequences that would come. Youth will see the rose only until they encounter the thorns. They come as does our day of judgment. The sooner we are aware of these realities, the better we will make upright decisions and make our path a little lighter down the road. The better for our world and those around us when we prepare for these days.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh for childhood and youth are vanity. In the ignorance of our youth, we don't know the consequences of our choices as we try and fulfill the desires of the flesh. These things are vanity. They disappear leaving only with the results of our decisions. Our lusts end in sorrow.

I have a story I recently came upon. When we were 16 or so, my friend found a girl who was 13 and began having sex with her. They seemed to enjoy every minute of it. The full account of that story came when she came to tell me she was foolish by being with him. Whe wanted me to know the pain that haunted her from that decision. He didn't care for her more that what she offered. She continued to tell me of abusive parents who told her she was ugly and no one would ever want her. She was desperately looking for love and approval. She was used and damaged from the whole experience for a long time. She has pretty much recovered, but it is still a haunting memory and she deeply resents my friend for using her youth in that way. My father at one point in my youth, explained to me that I should look at a young girl and relate her to my sisters, before I had a sexual encounter. Picture her in curlers and a bath robe. Oh, I thought he had ruined me...I could never find the sexual forays my friends all had at earlier ages. I could not take advantage of such situations. However, Solomon is doing the same sort of thing for his children here. He is trying to protect us all from our lusts and make the world a better place in the process. There are many other lusts from my youth I wish I had taken the same approach. I pay for them now. As he said many times, hindsight is 20/20.

resources: http://www.fpcjackson.org/resources/sermons/Ecclesiastes/07a.htm, http://www.hallvworthington.com/bibletest/King%20James%20Version/21_011.htm, http://www.studylight.org/com/wen/view.cgi?book=ec&chapter=011, http://www.godrules.net/library/clarke/clarkeecc11.htm, http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/jfb/view.cgi?book=ec&chapter=011

Solomon and Sheba

This account of Sheba and Solomon does not need my interference. http://wysinger.homestead.com/sheba.html

Written by Legrand H. Clegg II

Historian

"I am black but comely,

O ye daughters of Jerusalem,

As the tents of Kedar,

As the curtains of Solomon,

Look not upon me because I am black

Because the sun hath scorched me."

(Song of Solomon)

MAKEDA - QUEEN OF SHEBA (The symbol of Beauty)

Although most of Black history is suppressed, distorted or ignored by an ungrateful modern world, some African traditions are so persistent that all of the power and deception of the Western academic establishment have failed to stamp them out. One such story is that of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and King Solomon of Israel.

Black women of antiquity were legendary for their beauty, power and lover affairs. Especially great were the Queens of Ethiopia; Queen of Sheba (960 B.C.), Candace of Meroe and her defeat of Alexander the Great (332 B.C.), Amanirenas, Amanishakhete, Nawidemak, Amanitore (Acts 8:26-40), Shanakdakh, and Malegereabar.

Ethiopia was also known as Nubia, Kush, Aksum, Abyssinia and Sheba. One thousand years before Christ, Ethiopia was ruled by a line of virgin queens. The one whose story has survived into our time was known as Makeda, "the Queen of Sheba." Her remarkable tradition was recorded in the Kebra Nagast, or the Book of the Glory of the Kings [of Ethiopia], has been held in the highest esteem and honour throughout the length and breadth of Abyssinia for a thousand years at least, and even to-day it is believed by every educated man in that country to contain the true history of the origin of the Solomonic line of kings in Ethiopia, and is regarded as the final authority on the history of the conversion of the Ethiopians from the worship of the sun, moon, and stars to that of the Lord God of Israel.

The Bible tells us that, during his reign, King Solomon of Israel decided to build a magnificent temple. To announce this endeavor, the king sent forth messengers to various foreign countries to invite merchants from abroad to come to Jerusalem with their caravans so that they might engage in trade there.

At this time, Ethiopia was second only to Egypt in power and fame. Hence, King Solomon was enthralled by Ethiopia's beautiful people, rich history, deep spiritual tradition and wealth. He was especially interested in engaging in commerce with one of Queen Makeda's subjects, an important merchant by the name of Tamrin.(1)

Solomon sent for Tamrin who "packed up stores of valuables including ebony, sapphires and red gold, which he took to Jerusalem to sell to the king."(2) It turns out that Tamrin's visit was momentous. Although accustomed to the grandeur and luxury of Egypt and Ethiopia, Tamrin was still impressed by King Solomon and his young nation. During a prolonged stay in Israel, Tamrin observed the magnificent buildings and was intrigued by the Jewish people and their culture. But above all else, he was deeply moved by Solomon's wisdom and compassion for his subjects.

Upon returning to his country, Tamrin poured forth elaborate details about his trip to Queen Makeda. She was so impressed by the exciting story that the great queen decided to visit King Solomon herself.(3)

To understand the significance of state visits in antiquity in contrast to those of today (for example, President Clinton's trips to confer with foreign heads of state), we must completely remove ourselves from the present place and time. In ancient times, royal visits were very significant ceremonial affairs. The visiting regent was expected to favor the host with elaborate gifts and the state visit might well last for weeks or even months.

Even by ancient standards, however, Queen Makeda's visit to King Solomon was extraordinary. In 1 Kings 10:1-2, the Bible tells us:

"1. And when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions.

"2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bear spices and very much gold, and precious stones. And when she was come to Solomon she communed with him of all that was in her heart."

1 Kings 10:10 adds: "She gave the king 120 talents of gold, and of spices very great store and precious stones; there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."

We should pause to consider the staggering sight of this beautiful Black woman and her vast array of resplendent attendants travelling over the Sahara desert into Israel with more than 797 camels plus donkeys and mules too numerous to count. The value of the gold alone, which she gave to King Solomon, would be $3,690,000 today and was of much greater worth in antiquity.

King Solomon, and undoubtedly the Jewish people, were flabbergasted by this great woman and her people. He took great pains to accommodate her every need. A special apartment was built for her lodging while she remained in his country. She was also provided with the best of food and eleven changes of garments daily.

As so many African leaders before her, this young maiden, though impressed with the beauty of Solomon's temple and his thriving domain, had come to Israel seeking wisdom and the truth about the God of the Jewish people. Responding to her quest for knowledge, Solomon had a throne set up for the queen beside his. "It was covered with silken carpets, adorned with fringes of gold and silver, and studded with diamonds and pearls. From this she listened while he delivered judgments."(4)

Queen Makeda also accompanied Solomon throughout his kingdom. She observed the wise, compassionate and spiritual ruler as he interacted with his subjects in everyday affairs. Speaking of the value of her visit with the King and her administration for him, Queen Makeda stated:

"My Lord, how happy I am. Would that I could

remain here always, if but as the humblest of

your workers, so that I could always hear your

words and obey you.

"How happy I am when I interrogate you! How

happy when you answer me. My whole being is

moved with pleasure; my soul is filled; my

feet no longer stumble; I thrill with delight.

"Your wisdom and goodness," she continued, "are

beyond all measure. They are excellence itself.

Under your influence I am placing new values on

life. I see light in the darkness; the firefly

in the garden reveals itself in newer beauty. I

discover added lustre in the pearl; a greater

radiance in the morning star, and a softer

harmony in the moonlight. Blessed be the God that

brought me here; blessed be He who permitted your

majestic mind to be revealed to me; blessed be the

One who brought me into your house to hear your voice."(5)

Solomon had a harem of over 700 wives and concubines, yet, he was enamored by the young Black virgin from Ethiopia. Although he held elaborate banquets in her honor and wined, dined and otherwise entertained her during the length of her visit, they both knew that, according to Ethiopian tradition, the Queen must remain chaste. Nevertheless, the Jewish monarch wished to plant his seed in Makeda, so that he might have a son from her regal African lineage.

To this end the shrewd king conspired to conquer the affection of this young queen with whom he had fallen in love. When, after six months in Israel, Queen Makeda announced to King Solomon that she was ready to return to Ethiopia, he invited her to a magnificent farewell dinner at his palace.

The meal lasted for several hours and featured hot, spicy foods that were certain to make all who ate thirsty and sleepy (as King Solomon had planned.) Since the meal ended very late, the king invited Queen Makeda to stay overnight in the palace in his quarters. She agreed as long as they would sleep in separate beds and the king would not seek to take advantage of her. He vowed to honor her chastity, but also requested that she not take anything in the palace. Outraged by such a suggestion, the Queen protested that she was not a thief and then promised as requested.

Not long after the encounter, the Queen, dying of thirst, searched the palace for water. Once she found a large water jar and proceeded to drink, the King startled her by stating:

"You have broken your oath that you would not

take anything by force that is in my palace.

The Queen protested, of course, that surely

the promise did not cover something so

insignificant and plentiful as water, but

Solomon argued that there was nothing in the

world more valuable than water, for without

it nothing could live. Makeda reluctantly

admitted the truth of this and apologized for

her mistake, begging for water for her parched

throat. Solomon, now released from his promise,

assuaged her thirst and his own, immediately

taking the Queen as his lover."(6)

The following day as the Queen and her entourage prepared to leave Israel, the King placed a ring on her hand and stated, "If you have a son, give this to him and send him to me." After returning to the land of Sheba, Queen Makeda did indeed have a son, whom she named Son-of-the-wise-man, and reared as a prince and her heir apparent to the throne.

Upon reaching adulthood, the young man wished to visit his father, so the Queen prepared another entourage, this time headed by Tamrin. She sent a message to Solomon to anoint their son as king of Ethiopia and to mandate that thenceforth only the males descended from their son should rule Sheba.

Solomon and the Jewish people rejoiced when his son arrived in Israel. The king anointed him as the Queen had requested and renamed him Menelik, meaning "how handsome he is."

Though Solomon had many wives, only one had produced a son, Rehoboam, a boy of seven. So the king begged Menelik to remain, but the young prince would not. Solomon therefore called his leaders and nobles and announced that, since he was sending his first born son back to Ethiopia, he wanted all of them to send their firstborn sons "to be his counselors and officers." And they agreed to do so.

Menelik asked his father for a relic of the Ark of the Covenant to take back with him to the land of Sheba. It is said that while Solomon intended to provide his son with a relic, the sons of the counselors, angry at having to leave their homes and go to Sheba with Menelik, actually stole the real Ark and took it to Ethiopia.

Menelik returned to Sheba and, according to tradition, ruled wisely and well. And his famous line has continued down to the 20th century when, even now, the ruler of Ethiopia is the "conquering lion of Judah" descended directly from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

My notes: Haile Selassie, the king whom the Rastafari recognize as king, is a decendant of Solomon and Sheba. Arabic accounts of her say she was from Yemen. The tradition that the Biblical Queen of Sheba was a ruler of Ethiopia who visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, in ancient Israel, is supported by the first century CE. Roman (of Jewish origin) historian Flavius Josephus, who identified Solomon’s visitor as a "Queen of Egypt and Ethiopia".⁽Flavius Josephus, Paul L. Maier Josephus, the Essential Works: A Condensation of "Jewish Antiquities", and "the Jewish War" Kregel Publications,U.S. (31 Mar 1995)ISBN 978-0825432606 p.140)^{. A different accounting of how Solomon summoned Sheba to come see him is here: http://www.viewzone.com/sheba.html. I find it less plausible, but it is interesting and historic none the less. It is an interesting story of epic proportion.}

Chapter 10

Solomon spends time in chapter 10 much as he did in Proverbs. He spent considerable time in Proverbs discussing deriding fools and foolish conduct as he does so here. This chapter seems more like a collection of wise sayings and observations as opposed to a sermon. Its purpose is to recommend wisdom to us, its precepts and rules recommending that wise and great men take great precaution as true wisdom will gain great reputation and is easily lost with a little folly. I can relate to this.

10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Think of this in terms of right and left handed persons. The mechanics of writing are ordered from different sides of the brain for each. A right handed person can perceive an awkwardness when observing a left handed person. They are considered here as a place of protection vs. a place of danger. I am sure this mattered more in his day than now. Left handed people are more prone to accident statistically, but then the world is designed for right-handedness, eh?

10:3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offenses. It is wise to live a quiet and peaceful life. A wise response is not to respond to the folly of a superior. Don't quit your job when your boss flies off the handle. Employ a little wisdom here.

10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. The lesson is that the self-controlled person who has less rank in society is really more powerful than the out-of-control person who might have power over him. It is safer and better to yield to an angry prince than to contend with him. There are most capable people who are walking as servants while the more foolish are in power upon horses. Do you ever wonder why some people get promoted to management positions?

10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 10:9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. Solomon is showing danger in what a person undertakes to state that one must show wisdom in everyday tasks to guard against what may happen if they are not careful. Improper timing can foil wisdom in these and many matters. Dig a pit for someone else, you might fall in it yourself. Consider a hedge metaphorically as a boundary. Break that boundary and the hiding serpent may bite you.

10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 10:14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Ever hear the term, "word salad"? Fools destroy themselves by the way they talk. They don't know when to be quiet, or when to come out of the rain. Foolish people are nonsense. People with some wisdom will speak graciously, to the point, and have some value in what they speak. A fool is a waste of time and energy. If they have any idea of what they are doing, it is probable it is not in your best interest. Note, Many who are empty of sense are full of words; and the least solid are the most noisy.

10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 10:17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. This can speak to the foolishness of those in authority, or government or a foolish man as head of his family. They show the bad effects of such leadership. Let those in leadership take note of what can happen when they make such foolish decisions. The Old testament has many rules for its kings. Drunkenness and sloth are foolish.

10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. Show me the money...Don't spend your talk and time trying to overthrow those who have more power than you. It can certainly come back to haunt you. Does Solomon, and the Bible, say do not speak out against injustices? Not really, but he really isn't addressing how to affect change in a corrupt government, just don't endanger yourself unnecessarily. Be smart about it.

Resources used in this post are Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, Dr. Constable's note on Ecclessiates, Bible Trak Bible Commentary, On-line Bible UK.

Solomon's Throne

Let's imagine for a moment we are living in the 10th century BC and we, for some reason have an audience in the court of King Solomon, the wealthiest, wisest, most industrious leader of Israel in its glory. We are introduced and escorted to see the king approaching his throne. (This is directly from Answers.com, but many sources were compiled in writing it.)

Solomon's throne is described at length in Targum Sheni, (an Aramaic translation and elaboration of the Book of Esther) which is compiled from three different sources and in two later Midrashim (a group of Jewish commentaries on the Hebrew Scriptures compiled between A.D. 400 and 1200 and based on exegesis, parable, and haggadic legend). There are six steps leading to the throne. There are animals of pure gold on each side of the steps. On the first step, a lion on one side and an ox on the other. On the second step a wolf opposite of a sheep. On the third is a tiger opposite a camel. On the fourth step an eagle opposite a peacock. On the fifth step, a cat opposite a rooster/cock. On the sixth step there is sparrow hawk opposite a dove. On the top of the throne there was a dove holding a sparrow hawk in its claws, symbolizing the dominion of Israel over the Gentiles. The throne was covered with fine gold from Ophir, studded with beryls, inlaid with marble, and jeweled with emeralds, rubies, pearls, and all manner of gems.

The Midrashim states the six steps represent Solomon's belief that six kings would rule over Israel. Also on top of the throne was a golden candelabrum. On the seven branches of one side of the candelabrum were the names of seven patriarchs: Adam, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Job. On the other side were seven branches with the names of Levi, Kohath, Amram, Moses, Aaron, Eklad, Medad and either Hur or Hagga, depending on the version. Above the candelabrum was a jar filled with olive oil and beneath it a golden basin which supplied the jar with oil and which the names of Nadab, Abilu and Eli and his two sons were engraved. Over the throne were twenty-four vines fixed to cast a shadow on the king's head.

By some mechanical contrivance, the throne followed Solomon wherever he wished to go. Other mechanics caused the animals on the first step, when Solomon placed his foot upon it, to have the ox stretch forth its leg, on which Solomon leaned. There was a similar mechanical action that took place with each of the animals on each of the six steps. From the sixth step, the eagles raised the king and placed him in his seat, near which a golden serpent lay coiled. When the king was seated, the large eagle placed the crown on his head and the serpent uncoiled himself. Then the lions and eagles moved upward to form a shade over him. The dove then descended, took the scroll of the Law from the Ark, and placed it in Solomon's knees.

It was the task of seven heralds to keep Solomon reminded of his duties as king and judge. The first one of the heralds approached him when he set foot on the first step of the throne, and began to recite the law for kings, "He shall not multiply wives to himself." (oops) At the second step, the second herald reminded him, "He shall not multiply horses to himself" (oops, again); at the third, the next one of the heralds said, "Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." (how many times was he reminded of these things?) At the fourth step, he was told by the fourth herald, "Thou shalt not wrest judgment"; at the fifth step, by the fifth herald, "Thou shalt not respect persons," and at the sixth, by the sixth herald, "Neither shalt thou take a gift." Finally, when he was about to seat himself upon the throne, the seventh herald cried out: "Know before whom thou standest."

When the king sat, surrounded by the Sanhedrin (the highest judicial and ecclesiastical council of the ancient Jewish nation, composed of from 70 to 72 members), the wheels of the throne began to turn and the beasts and fowl began to utter their respective cries. This action frightened those who intended to bear false testimony. In addition, while Solomon was ascending to the throne, the lions scattered all kinds of fragrant spices. The BibleThe Bible describes the Throne Of Solomon as the most powerful seat or structure that was ever created after the Arc Of Covenant. "Solomon's" Throne emanated such magical powers that, not even Moses could surpass if he was alive. Still remember why you came before the king?

After Solomon's death, the Pharoah Shishak (Solomon's father-in-law), when taking away the treasures of the temple (I Kings, xlv. 26), carried off the throne for security for his daughter. It remained in Egypt until Sennacherib conquered that country. After his fall, Hezekiah gained possession of it, but when Josiah was slain by Pharoah Necho, the latter took it away. According to Rabbinical accounts, Necho didn't know how to operate the throne and accidently struck himself with one of the lions causing him to become lame. The throne subsequently fell in to the hands of Nebuchadnezzer who shared a similar fate. The throne then passed to the Persians whose king Darius was the first to successfully sit on the throne since Solomon's death. After that the throne passed to the Greeks and Ahasuerus. The Median rulers parted with the throne to the Greek monarchs, and finally it was carried to Rome. There is no further account of the throne's existence. I wonder if it was taken apart for the gold and jewelry and mechanics. or it is still somewhere to be discovered by the Archeologists? Archeologists believe it existed because so many kings wanted possession of that throne. No one has been able to replicate the complexities of the throne. Imagine showing up with this at the Antique Roadshow.

This blog utilized information from Answers.com and their related references, www.globusz.com/ebooks/LegJew4/00000058.htm, www.domainofman.com/forum/index.cgi?noframes;read=143, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon

Chapter Nine

Solomon sees in hind sight that enjoying life as God's gift is central to living your life. Our world is finite. Sin has twisted life making it something other than what God intended it to be. Our world values many things in life above wisdom. Solomon believes, in this stage of his life, that wisdom is the greatest asset in living, though it goes unrecognized as we worship attractiveness, wealth, popularity, addictions and success. It is all smoke. It vanishes into thin air.

In this chapter, Solomon's emphasis is on what mans does not know because God has not revealed many things. He also is emphasizing this mystery must not diminish human joy or prevent us from working with all our might. vs.1 All these things have I considered in my heart, that I might carefully understand them: there are just men and wise men, and their works are in the hand of God: and yet man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love, or hatred: vs. 2 But all things are kept uncertain for the time to come, because all things equally happen to the just and to the wicked, to the good and to the evil, to the clean and to the unclean, to him that offereth victims, and to him that despiseth sacrifices. As the good is, so also is the sinner: as the perjured, so he also that sweareth truth. vs. 3 This is a very great evil among all things that are done under the sun, that the same things happen to all men: whereby also the hearts of the children of men are filled with evil, and with contempt while they live, and afterwards they shall be brought down to hell. vs. 4 There is no man that liveth always, or that hopeth for this: a living dog is better than a dead lion. vs.5 For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know nothing more, neither have they a reward any more: for the memory of them is forgotten.

Verse 5 is something I saw on a gravestone in a cemetery on the south side of Princeton while I was in high school. It struck me as profound, and a little morose. Our finiteness of life is not something we grasp, as real as it is. I know that a funeral always puts this reality into perspective. Would we live our life differently with this knowledge? So here is our world: the wicked and good both get the same thing and it is very hard to discern which is what. Our definition of happiness has to include the good and the bad that happens in life, while we are here to experience it. There is no getting around it. God decides which is which and it is not dealt with until the next dimension. The most vile of life is better than the most noble dead. On the other side of life, the difference between them will be vast.

vs, 6 Their love also, and their hatred, and their envy are all perished, neither have they any part in this world, and in the work that is done under the sun. vs. 7 Go then, and eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness: because thy works please God. vs. 8 At all times let thy garments be white, and let not oil depart from thy head. vs. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest (from a man with how many wives?), all the days of thy unsteady life, which are given to thee under the sun, all the time of thy vanity: for this is thy portion in life, and in thy labour wherewith thou labourest under the sun. vs, 10 Whatsoever thy hand is able to do, do it earnestly: for neither work, nor reason, nor wisdom, nor knowledge shall be in hell, whither thou art hastening. Solomon believes we really have no control over our lives. We don't know what is coming or what it all means. Why are we in such a hurry to get there? We spend a good deal of energy on our physical being, but how much time do we spend on our spiritual being? Live! and enjoy your work and what you have of life. When you die, it is all gone. Now, to clarify an earlier statement, when someone is suffering and says they would be better dead, his opportunities for earthly enjoyment will cease when dead. Gain wisdom to do and be as good as you can.

vs. 11 I turned me to another thing, and I saw that under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the learned, nor favour to the skillful: but time and chance in all. vs. 12 Man knoweth not his own end: but as fishes are taken with the hook, and as birds are caught with the snare, so men are taken in the evil time, when it shall suddenly come upon them. vs. 13 This wisdom also I have seen under the sun, and it seemed to me to be very great: vs. 14 A little city, and few men in it: there came against it a great king, and invested it, and built bulwarks round about it, and the siege was perfect. vs. 15 Now there was found in it a man poor and wise, and he delivered the city by his wisdom, and no man afterward remembered that poor man. Wisdom is no guarantee for a good life. There is a story that Alexander the Great came upon a small town with the intention of destroying it. An old man came to him from the town and Alexander said, "I will not grant what you wish in my desire to take over this town." The old man replied, "Then please destroy this city and leave nothing unturned." Alexander did exactly as he said he would do to the old man and left the city unharmed. No one remembered the old man and his wisdom. Sigh, Wisdom is better than wealth or power and it goes unrecognized.

vs. 16 And I said that wisdom is better than strength: how then is the wisdom of the poor man slighted, and his words not heard? vs. 17 The words of the wise are heard in silence, more than the cry of a prince among fools. vs. 18 Better is wisdom, than weapons of war: and he that shall offend in one, shall lose many good things. A man may commit one sin and this can destroy a lifetime of virtue. A wise man can make one foolish statement and destroy his reputation. Such is life. He who destroys his own soul, takes a lot of others with him. One sinner destroys much good and his compensation does not necessarily show up until this life is over. Heaven is not on earth. Do not let that keep you from doing your best work, eating what is provided for you and enjoying your friends and family. Keep your self focused upon the words God left us and in doing as much good as you are able. Always. Wisdom.

Contributions from Matthew Henry Concise Commentary, Bible Tracks Commentary, Dr. Constable's note on Ecclesiastes, www.telechem. com and the Douay-Rheims Bible