Solomon is the greatest type of Christ to have lived thus far!

1. King of Kings
2. Shepherd
3. Name above all other names
4. Solomon adored the beauties of his bride.
5. Faithful
6. Born king of the Jews.  1 Chronicles 22:9
7. Bridegroom and Husband
8. Brother
9. Friend
10. Beloved
11. Prophet
12. Protector
13. Provider
14. Had the loveliest bride yet the bride of Jesus Christ is more beautiful.
15. Both brought their bride closer to God
16. Both were promised Messiah’s of Israel
17. Priest
18. Beloved Son of God
19. Solomon was given wisdom “like the sand of the seashore” 1 Kings 4:29.  Solomon had unmeasurable wisdom.  In my opinion this fact alone puts Solomon above all the other types of Jesus Christ.  As far as wisdom goes, there is no one closer to Jesus Christ than Solomon.
20. Both Solomon and Jesus had Exceedingly great discernment, depth of insight and largeness of heart and mind.  1 Kings 4:29
21. Not only did Solomon have superlative wisdom that made him king of kings but he also had a superlative Love.  His love had a superlative strength, durability, flame and value!  Solomon’s Song of Songs 8:6-7

What is a type of Jesus Christ?

What does it mean to be a type of Jesus Christ?

A type in the Old Testament is a living picture of the coming Messiah if the type is human.  The temple which is a holy building is also a type of Jesus Christ.

A type gives us some idea of the person and work of Jesus Christ.   A type is not Jesus Christ.   Jesus Christ is The Anti-type.

A picture looks like Jesus but is not Jesus.  A picture or type has similar characteristics about it that are like or similar to the person and work of Jesus.

The tabernacle and temple were also types yet not living but were buildings.

A human type of Jesus Christ is someone in the OT that is like Jesus Christ in some ways, but not all and in some ways more than others.   A type can be more or less lively.  The more the type is like Jesus the more lively it is.  Adam, Moses, Joseph and Solomon among others where all like Jesus Christ.   Some believe that a type of Jesus can only be a type unless Scripture says so.  Other’s believe a type of Christ can be anyone who has some clear way in which they are like Christ.

Types allow OT believers to have some idea of the person/Person and work of Jesus Christ that needs to be believed in order to salvation.

For example.  The temple was a type of Jesus Christ.  In the temple there are sacrifices.  The lamb/Lamb was intended to illustrate the truth that in order to have your sins atoned for you must understand that a substitute/Substitute suffers and dies in your place.

So that if you believed the work of another being would be sufficient to atone for your sins you would be saved by faith and not your own works.   Their faith would not be not in their own works, for their works and ours are “filthy rags“.

So their faith would be in God providing a substitute to die and suffer on their behalf, but that substitute has not shown up yet.  He has shown up now so we who live after God put on flesh, fulfilled the Law and was The Substitute, The Lamb of God that suffered and died for our sins.  So the main idea is the same in the type and Anti-type.  That idea or truth that is the same is…

A spotless substitute suffers and dies in your place.

So their faith would be in the fact that a spotless substitute would save them from the penalty of their sins by bearing their punishment.

Both the OT believer and NT believer believe the same basic truths that save.  Those truths are revealed in God’s promises and types.

They both had the same powerful love.

The Messiah promised in Gen 3 would have more power than God’s most powerful creature Satan. The one promised to come would destroy Satan and reverse the power of the curse. “He would crush”  Satan.  Satan’s power is above human power but the head crusher would have more power than Satan. The love illustrated in the Song is a love above human power.  Both The Messiah and Solomon possessed a love that was above human power.

The Christ and the type of Christ both had a power above human nature abiding in them.

Solomon a type of Jesus in the Song of Songs

The bride in the Song of Songs desired to be married to the greatest type of Christ to have lived this far Song 1:2-3, 1 Kings 4, Song 5:19-16.  The flame of God initiated this desire in her king who’s name is like perfume poured out and experiencing his love and grace toward me which is more delightful than any other experience because I once was your enemy enslaved but now I serve you and am set free to love and enjoy my king/King Song 8:6.  Saints desire intimacy with Jesus Christ.  They desire to be united to Christ in a spiritual marriage He is your Husband faithful and true Ephesians 5.

During Solomon’s reign the glory of the Lord was on display in the face of the type of Christ the coming Messiah and His reign on Earth.  This is what they all were waiting for all these 400 years.  Rest in the most peaceful kingdom on earth!  Rest from slavery, wandering in the dessert, fighting enemies and sin.  Rest, oh the sweet rest God has promised the children of Abraham is finally here!  Solomon was the greatest type of Jesus Christ, still he was but a shadow compared to the Greater Christ Matt. 12:42.   Solomon is a messiah.  He was an anointed one.  After the the anointing and worship of a false messiah Solomon was anointed king over Israel.  Solomon is not the Messiah but was like Him in many ways.  In describing Solomon the bride gives us a picture of the greatest type of Christ to have lived so far!  She calls him the chief among 10,000.  Line up 10,000 of the greatest and most honorable among men and Solomon would stand out among them all Song 5:10.

How will learning about Solomon as a type of Jesus help me be more like Jesus go here

What does it Mean to be a Type of Jesus Christ?

Solomon is the lesser Christ.  Jesus is Greater.  Solomon was a messiah but not THEE Messiah.  Solomon was a sinner and he died.  The Messiah would be perfect, sinless and rise again.  Solomon was not like Jesus in these respects but in many other ways he was like Jesus Christ.

Solomon was the greatest type of Christ alive and arguably the greatest ever due to the amount of wisdom he had and even in this respect Christ was Greater.  Matt. 12:42.  So we argue from the lesser to the greater Messiah.  Solomon loved his bride, but Christ loves His bride even more so.  Herein is where we get a bigger view of Christ and his love for us, by arguing from the Solomon a type of Christ to Christ a greater type due to His Deity and fulfillment of all the promises.

Types of Christ in the Song of Songs.  A marriage context is used.  A great number of types can be illustrated in marriage.  Lets take a look at them.

1. Kings of kings. Both Solomon and Jesus were kings of kings, but Jesus is The KING of KINGS.  Solomon was king of kings.  He was the one in authority over Israel.  You would have been pretty stupid to not want to be under his rule and authority.The first one we see is that the one she wants kisses from, has a name above all others, desires to be married and enjoy intimacy one with another.  This person she desires to be her husband is a king.  “let the king take me into his chambers”  Song 1:4.  Solomon is a king.  The king of kings at the time 1 Kings 4:29.  She desires to be under his authority.  Strict union in love under his/His authority.  Full trust in what he calls her to do. His lips were lilies dripping liquid myrrh Song 5:13  Due to the trustworthiness of his character Song 1:3 she doesn’t need to waist any time 1:4, in her obedience to her new king/King.  The flame of the Lord in her would enflame it to desire the strictest union with the greatest type of Christ in Authority.  Solomon was king of kings.  Christ is our King of kings.  He and His Word is our ultimate Authority as it was for Solomon and his bride.  In marriage as in all things God is the ultimate Authority and the husband is a reflection of that authority.  As head, he is the authority in the marriage union reflecting the authority of the Father.  Solomon’s glory as king was the greatest ever! 1 Kings 4:20-34.  She would as it were hear God speak.  As with Christ they are assured of the divinity of his speech, for he speaks like a God. His speech is not like the speech of men, but like the speech of God: divinely excellent, holy, wise, awful and gracious.
2. Solomon was a good shepherd, but nothing like Jesus.  Solomon was a type of Christ in his shepherding skills.  His sheep heard God’s voice.  Solomon was a good shepherd of God’s people.  Song of Songs 1:8 Here in Song 1:8 we have a good shepherd answering her call to the one her heart loves for guidance on where to find him/Him and get rest from her harsh labor in slavery burdened and heavy laden.  Unmeasurable wisdom is guiding this shepherds mind 1 Kings 4:29.  Solomon’s shepherding skills were unparalleled.  His fame spread to the ends of the earth. Joh 10 14. I am the Good shepard & know my sheep.
3. Had a “name” above other names.  Compare Song 1:2-3 with Song 5:9-10  but even Jesus had a name of Solomon’s.
4. ?Solomon adored the beauty of his bride, yeah Christ adores Himself in us more than Solomon adored the holiness of his bride? Proverbs 31:28-30.
5. Both Christ and Solomon are Promise makers and keepers Song 1:11
6. Born king of the Jews.  1 Chronicles 22:9
7. Both are Bridegroom and husband.  Is. 54:5  God is Husband through Christ alone.  Is. 54:5/Eph. 5:25ff.
8. Both are like a Brother 4:10
9. Solomon was a friend 5:16 but our Friend died for us proving a supreme love
   John 15:13
   Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
10. Solomon was a superlative beloved  3:1,2,3,4; 5:2,4,5,6,9,10,  And many other times, the most used word to describe the one she is united to in marriage.  Christ is a Beloved above all other Beloveds.
11. Solomon and Christ were both prophets but Christ is Truth and the unparalleled Prophet  Song 5:13
12. Both protected their bride, yet Christ is the Greatest Protector Song 3:7-8, 4:8,  “God is our light and shield” Psalm.
13. Provider Song 2:3
14. Solomon like Christ has the most beautiful wife.  She was “the most beautiful of all women.” 1:7  both inside 1:9 and out 1:10.  Solomon’s wife is included in the Bride of Christ for Christ loved all those whom the Father gave Him in marriage from all eternity past.  The bride of Christ was always the most morally excellent and beautiful bride of Christ!!   Like a mare in battle harnessed to pharaoh’s chariot.
15. Are you looking for someone to unite yourself to that will bring you closer to God, fall in love with the Anti-type of Christ illustrated in the Song of Songs.  By arguing from the lesser Christ, Solomon to the greater Christ Jesus Matt. 12:42
16. Solomon’s father had solemnly promised and covenanted and sworn to Bathsheba long beforehand that Solomon should reign and sit on his throne. So the sending of the Messiah and introducing the blessings of his reign was the grand promise and covenant and oath of God to his church of old, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and in David’s and the prophets’ times (Psalms 89:3–4, Psalms 89:35–36, 2 Samuel 3–5, Jeremiah 33:17–26and many other places).
17. Solomon was a great height priest.  ” We read of no person that ever offered such great sacrifices as Solomon did (1 Kings 3:4 and 1 Kings 8:5, 1 Kings 8:63–64; 1 Kings 9:25). This is agreeable to what the prophecies represent of the Messiah, of the great priest of God, who by the sacrifices he should offer should perfectly satisfy divine justice and truly procure the favor of God for his people; his sacrifices being herein of greater value than thousands of rams and ten thousands of rivers of oil, and all the beasts of the field.”
18. “Beloved”. Solomon was her beloved.  Pulpit commentary  “Yedidyah. The word is formed from the same root as David, that is, “lovely,” with the addition of the Divine name. As we have already pointed out, this was no slight matter, but the virtual selection of Solomon to be David’s successor, and probably, therefore, was delayed until he had given indication of his great intellectual gifts. His elder brothers would not be passed over without valid reasons.”

1. First we will look at Solomon’s names.
   1. He had two names.
      1. Jedidiah, meaning beloved son of God.
      2. Solomon, meaning king of peace.
   2. His name was above all others.  Song 5:10, 1:3-4.  The greatest example of God in the flesh.  Solomon was uniquely united to the Son of God,  Solomon had Unmeasurable Wisdom 1 Kings 4:29.  Christ the wisdom and power of God.  Solomon possessed Christ not like we do but in a way like no other before or after him.
2. We will look at Solomon’s kingship
   1. History leading up to his kingship.
   2. Go over some known Prophecy of the coming messiah for there were also prophecies about The Messiah Jesus coming as there were also prophecies about the 3rd messiah of Israel when he comes there will be peace.
      1. 1 Kings 8:20-21
3. We will look at many ways that Solomon is like Christ, Solomon the greatest type of Christ.
   1. King of peace
   2. Greatest beloved husband Song 5:9-10
      1. Description of her beloved
4. Lastly is a list of all the ways Jonathan Edwards found similar between Solomon and Christ.

1. First we look at Solomon’s names:

This son of David had “two names” Jedidiah and Solomon

Solomon was the third king of all Israel; reigned from about 971 to 931 B.C ; second son of David and Bath-sheba (II Sam. xii. 23-25). Solomon was called Jedidiah (= “beloved of Yhwh”) by Nathan the prophet, beloved of the LORD” God loved this son of David.  Yhwh is my Beloved.  My Beloved is mine and I am His.

The Chronicler (I Chron. xxii. 9) assuming that David was told by Yhwh that his son’s name should be Solomon (=”peaceful”). These two names are predictive of the character of his reign, which was both highly favored and peaceful.

Her beloved had a name above all other names.

Song of Songs 1:2-3, 5:9-10

If you thought her calling her beloved

2.  We know let at Solomon’s kingship or kingdom reign.

Lets look at Solomon as king.  King of kings.  Guided by divine Wisdom, Christ in Him.  King to whom peace belongs.  Righteous king. Promised messiah. Beloved of YHWH. His military might. The breadth of his influence.  The bride desires the king.  (Song 1:4,12).

Song of Songs 1:2-4  Let “him” kiss me with the kisses of his lips for your love is more delightful than wine….  let the king take me into his chambers.”

Who is the “him” in Song of Songs 1:2?  “Him” is the king of kings, Solomon.  Specific to the context of Song of Songs 1:2-4 Listed are many ways Solomon was like Jesus Christ.  Solomon was a type of Christ.  As I go over the ways in which Solomon was like Jesus Christ I will talk about what I call “likely” illustrations and analogies.  Or “lively” similarities between Solomon and his bride and Christ and the believing Jew, Israel or a pastor and his people or Jesus Christ and the church or Jesus Christ and the individual Christian.  She trusts him fully and find him faithful and true.

Types of Christ in the Song of Songs.  Solomon was the greatest type of Christ to have ever lived so far.  He was chief among ten thousand 5:10.  Line up all the other husbands, kings, priest and all types of the messiah and Solomon, the king to whom peace belongs, stands far above all the rest for he is the chief among ten thousand Song 5:10.  Once you get an idea of an excellency of Solomon, or view the glory of God in the face of Solomon, the type of Christ then you argue from the lesser christ to the Greater Christ Jesus our Lord Matt. 12:42.  In this way the superior relationship between the Bride and Christ is seen better.  By arguing from the lesser type of Christ to the Anti-type Christ.

There are many types of Christ illustrated in the Song of Songs.  Some more lively than others.  I will try to stick with those that are clear, for what good is a type unless it is clear and lively making a stricter clearer comparison.

Jonathan Edwards  “Solomon a type of Christ”

The things that are said of Solomon fall yet if anything short of those that are said of David, in their remarkable agreement with things said of the Messiah in the prophecies. His name, “Solomon,” signifies “peace” or “peaceable,” and was given him by God himself from respect to the signification, because he should enjoy peace and be a means of peace to God’s people. 1 Chronicles 22:9, “Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.” This is agreeable to Isaiah 9:6–7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called… The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his… peace there shall be no end.” Psalms 110:4, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,” who, as the Apostle observes, was king of Salem, that is, king of peace [Hebrews 7:1]. Psalms 72:3, “The mountains shall bring peace unto the people.” Psalms 72:7, “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” Psalms 85:10, “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Isaiah 52:7, “How beautiful are the feet of him… that publisheth peace.” Jeremiah 33:6, “I will reveal unto them the abundance of truth and peace,” and many other places. When Solomon was born, it is said “the Lord loved him” (2 Samuel 12:24), and the prophet Nathan for this reason called him by the name “Jedidiah,” i.e. “the beloved of the Lord.” He is also spoken of as the beloved son of his father. Proverbs 4:3, “For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.” (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §18.)

Solomon was the son of a woman that had [been] the wife of an Hittite, a Gentile by nation, fitly denoting the honor that the prophecies represent that the Gentiles should have by their relation to the Messiah.

God made mention of Solomon’s name as one that was to be the great prince of Israel and means of their happiness from his mother’s womb, agreeable to Isaiah 49:1, “The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.”

God promises to establish the throne of Solomon forever, in terms considerably like those used by the prophets concerning the kingdom of the Messiah. 2 Samuel 7:12–13, “I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thine own bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” Also 1 Chronicles 22:10. Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of his government there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and his kingdom… to establish it… from henceforth even forever.” Psalms 110:4, “Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Daniel 7:14, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Solomon is spoken of as God’s son. 1 Chronicles 17:13, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son.” 1 Chronicles 22:9–10, “His name shall be Solomon… he shall be my son, and I will be his father.” 1 Chronicles 28:6, “And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.” (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §15.) Solomon was in an eminent

manner God’s elect. 1 Chronicles 28:5–6, “And of all my sons (for the Lord hath given me many sons), he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said Solomon thy son… have I chosen to be my son.” 1 Chronicles 29:1, “David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen.”

Though David had many sons, and many born before Solomon, yet Solomon8 was made his firstborn, higher than all the rest, and his father’s heir and his brethren’s prince; agreeable to Psalms 89:27, “I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.” Psalms 45:7, “Thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

The word which Nathan, the minister of the Lord, spake to Bathsheba, David’s wife and Solomon’s mother, and the counsel he gave her, was the occasion of the introduction of the blissful and glorious reign of Solomon (1 Kings 1:11–13). So the prophecies represent the preaching of God’s ministers as the means of introducing the glorious kingdom of the Messiah. Isaiah 62:6–7, “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night… till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” Isaiah 52:7–8, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings… Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.”

This earnest, incessant preaching of ministers shall be in the first place to the visible church of God, that is represented in the Old Testament both as the wife and mother of Christ. She is represented as his mother. Micah 4:10, “Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail”; with the next chapter, Micah 4:2–3, “Thou Bethlehem Ephratah… out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel… Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth.” Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Canticles 3:11, “Behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him.”

Solomon’s father had solemnly promised and covenanted and sworn to Bathsheba long beforehand that Solomon should reign and sit on his throne. So the sending of the Messiah and introducing the blessings of his reign was the grand promise and covenant and oath of

God to his church of old, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and in David’s and the prophets’ times (Psalms 89:3–4, Psalms 89:35–36, 2 Samuel 3–5, Jeremiah 33:17–26 and many other places).

The glorious reign of Solomon is introduced on the earnest petitions and pleadings of Bathsheba with his father (1 Kings 1:15–21). So the prophecies often represent that the glorious peace and prosperity of the Messiah’s reign shall be given in answer to the earnest and importunate prayers of the churEzekiel 36:37, “I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them” (Jeremiah 29:11–14, Canticles 2:14, Zechariah 12:10).

Bathesheba pleads the king’s promise and covenant. So the church is often represented as waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises with respect to the benefits of the Messiah’s kingdom (Genesis 49:18; Isaiah 8:17, and Isaiah 30:18, and Isaiah 40:31 and Isaiah 49:23; Zephaniah 3:8; Isaiah 25:9 and Isaiah 26:8 and Isaiah 64:4).

Solomon came to the crown after the people had set up a false heir, one that pretended to be the heir of David’s crown, and for a while seemed as though they would carry all afore ’em. This is agreeable to the prophecies of the Messiah, who represent that his kingdom shall be set up on the ruins of that of others who should exalt themselves and assume the dominion. Ezekiel 17:24, “I the Lord have brought down the high tree, and exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it.” Ezekiel 21:26, “Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, abase him that is high.” Psalms 2:2–6, “The kings of the earth set themselves, the rulers take counsel together, saying, Let us break their bands, and cast away their cords from us.… Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.” Psalms 118:22, “The stone which the builders refused, the same is become the head of the corner.” And particularly this is agreeable to what the prophet Daniel says of the reign of Antichrist that shall precede the glorious day of the Messiah’s reign, who shall set up himself in the room of the Most High, as lawgiver in his room, shall think to change times and laws, whose reign shall continue till the Messiah comes to overthrow it by setting up his glorious kingdom.

When David understands the opposition that was made to Solomon’s reign by him that had usurped the kingdom and by the rulers and great men that were with him, he solemnly declares his firm and immutable purpose and decree of exalting Solomon that day to his throne which was in Mt. Zion (1 Kings 1:29–30); agreeable to Psalms 2:2–7,

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands… Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee.”

Solomon was made king by a most solemn oath of his father, that he declares he will not repent of, but fulfill. 1 Kings 1:29–30, “And the king sware, and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress, Even as I sware unto thee by the Lord God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day”; agreeable to Psalms 110:4, “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

When the time came for Solomon to be proclaimed king, all the opposition and interest of his competitors, though very great, and of great men (and though they seemed to have made their part strong and to have got the day), all vanished away as it were of it[self] and came to nothing at once, like a dream when one awakes; agreeable to Psalms 2:4–6, “The Lord shall laugh at them… Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.” Isaiah 29:7–8, “And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, shall be as a dream of a night vision. It shall be even as when a hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; and he awaketh, and his soul is empty: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.” Psalms 68:1–2, “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, as wax melteth before the fire.” Isaiah 64:1, “Oh that thou wouldst rent the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.” Daniel 2:34–35, “Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image… Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away.”

The followers of Adonijah were dispersed without any battle, only by what they heard and saw of what David had done in exalting Solomon, and the manner in which he was introduced and instated in the kingdom; which is agreeable to Psalms 48:4–6, “For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were humbled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.”

After David had declared the decree that Solomon should be king in Zion, it was dangerous for the princes and rulers not to submit themselves to Solomon and behave with suitable respect to him, lest he should be angry and they should perish. (See Psalms 2.)

Solomon in his way to the throne is made as it were to drink of the brook. He first descended from the height of Mt. Zion down into a low valley without the city, to the watercourse of Gihon. There he had a baptism to be baptized with. And then he ascended in the state and majesty of a king, agreeable to Psalms 110:7, “He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head,” and the many prophecies that speak of his humiliation and sufferings and glorious exaltation consequent thereon. (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies.”)

Solomon, after he had descended into the valley to the waters of Gihon, ascended up into the height of Zion in a manner resembling the ascension of the Messiah, very much after the same manner that the ascension of the ark resembled it. For he went up with the sound of the trumpet, all the people following him with songs and instruments of music and hosannas, rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth rent again (1 Kings 1:39–40), agreeable to Psalms 68, and Psalms 47:5 and Psalms 24.

That the peaceful, happy and glorious reign of Solomon should be introduced with such extraordinary joy, shouting, songs and instruments of music in Zion, is agreeable to what is often foretold concerning the introduction of the glorious day of the Messiah’s reign. Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee.” To the like purpose, Zechariah 2:10, Isaiah 40:9 and Isaiah 52:7–9. Psalms 96:10–13, “Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord.” And Psalms 97:1, Psalms 97:8, Psalms 97:12, and Psalms 98:4–9 and Psalms 100:1–2; Isaiah 44:23 and Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 55:12 and many other places.

The great prosperity of Israel through the reign of Solomon was introduced with the sound of the trumpet (1 Kings 1:34, 1 Kings 1:39, 1 Chronicles 29:21–22), agreeable to Isaiah 27:13, “The great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem.”

Solomon was the messiah or “anointed” in an eminent manner. He was anointed by the special direction both of David and of Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:13, 1 Kings 1:34, 1 Kings 1:39). He was anointed with God’s holy anointing oil out of the tabernacle (1 Kings 1:39).

Not only was Solomon anointed of God, but he was anointed also by the people. They made him king over them by their act (1 Chronicles 29:22), agreeable to Hosea 1:11, “Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint over them one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.”

David made Solomon to ride on his own mule, and he sat on his father’s throne while David was yet living and was king. His father solemnly invests him with his kingly authority, and himself gives him his charge (1 Kings 1:30, 1 Kings 1:33, 1 Kings 1:35, 1 Kings 1:47–48, 1 Kings 2:12; 1 Chronicles 28 and 1 Chronicles 29). This is agreeable to the account that is given of God the Father investing the Messiah with his dominion in Daniel 7. (See also Zechariah 6:12–13, and Ezekiel 46:1–2 with Ezekiel 44:2; see “Prophecies of the Messiah” §74.)1

Solomon is spoken of as not only sitting on the throne of his father David, but also as sitting on God’s throne and reigning in some respect in God’s stead as his vicegerent. 1 Chronicles 28:5, “The Lord hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.” 1 Chronicles 29:23, “Then Solomon sat upon the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father.” 2 Chronicles 9:8, “Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God.” So the prophecies do represent the Messiah as sitting on the throne of David his father. Isaiah 9:7, “On the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment from henceforth even forever”; Jeremiah 33:17, Jeremiah 33:21. And also as sitting on the throne of God. Zechariah 6:13, “He shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne.” Also Daniel 7:13–14, and Psalms 2:6, “I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion.” Psalms 110:1, “Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Psalms 45:6, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.”

The beginning of Solomon’s reign was a remarkable time of vengeance on the wicked and such as had been opposers or false friends of David and Solomon. Many such were then cut off (1 Kings 2). So that it was as it were the righteous only that delighted themselves in that abundance of peace, and partook of the glory, prosperity and triumph of God’s people that was enjoyed in that reign; which is agreeable to Isaiah 61:2, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God.” Isaiah 65:12–13, “Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter… my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:14–16, “And the hand of the Lord shall be known towards his servants, and his indignations towards his enemies. For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury… and the slain of the Lord shall be many.” Isaiah 33:14–17, “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrite.… He that walketh righteously.… shall dwell on high… Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty.” Malachi 4:1–3, “All the proud, yea, all that do wickedly, shall be as stubble… But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings… And ye shall tread down the wicked.” Ezekiel 20:38, “And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me.” Psalms 37:9–11, “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” And many other places.

Solomon did not immediately cut off these rebels and transgressors, but gave ’em opportunity to enjoy the blessings of his reign with others, if they would turn from their evil way and submit to him and approve themselves worthy men and faithful subjects. But when they went on still in their trespasses, he cut them off, agreeable to what is foretold should be at the introduction of the glory of the Messiah’s reign in Psalms 68:18–21, “Thou hast ascended on high… thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with his benefits… But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.”

Solomon was a man of great and unparalleled wisdom. This is agreeable to Isaiah 9:6, “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor.”

Isaiah 11:2–3, “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and of might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.” Zechariah 3:9, “Upon one stone shall be seven eyes.” (See also Isaiah 41:28–29 with Isaiah 42:1.)

God was with Solomon and greatly established his throne (1 Kings 2:12, 2 Chronicles 1:1), agreeable to Isaiah 9:7, “Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it… from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.” Psalms 89:2–3, “Mercy shall be built up forever: thy faithfulness wilt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen.” Psalms 89:20–21, “With my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.” Psalms 89:25, “I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.” Psalms 89:36–37, “His throne shall endure as the sun before me. It shall be established forever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven.” Psalms 2, throughout. Psalms 45:6, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Psalms 110:1, Psalms 110:4, “Sit thou on my right hand… The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 42:4, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold… He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles wait for his law.” And Isaiah 49:8, “I have helped thee and will preserve thee, to establish the earth.”

The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any before him in Israel (1 Chronicles 29:25, 2 Chronicles 1:1); agreeable to Psalms 45:2–3, “Thou art fairer than the children of men… Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.” Psalms 45:6, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting father, The Prince of Peace.”

Solomon married Pharaoh’s [daughter], a stranger, agreeable to Psalms 45:10, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget thine own people, and thy father’s house.” She was the daughter of a king, agreeable to Psalms 45:13, “The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.” A Gentile, agreeable to Hosea 2:16, “Thou shalt call me Ishi” (i.e. “my husband”). Hosea 2:19–20, “And I will betroth thee unto me.” Hosea 2:23, “And I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say unto them that were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God,” with innumerable other prophecies of the calling of the Gentiles. She was an Egyptian, and Solomon made an affinity with Pharaoh, king of Egypt; agreeable to Psalms 87:4, “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me.” Psalms 68:31, “Princes shall come out of Egypt.” Isaiah 19:18–25, “In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan… and there shall be an altar unto the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt… And the Lord shall be known unto Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord… and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.… The Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people.” Pharaoh’s daughter, being an Egyptian, was of a swarthy complexion, agreeable to Canticles 1:5, “I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem.”

We read of no person that ever offered such great sacrifices as Solomon did (1 Kings 3:4 and 1 Kings 8:5, 1 Kings 8:63–64; 1 Kings 9:25). This is agreeable to what the prophecies represent of the Messiah, of the great priest of God, who by the sacrifices he should offer should perfectly satisfy divine justice and truly procure the favor of God for his people; his sacrifices being herein of greater value than thousands of rams and ten thousands of rivers of oil, and all the beasts of the field.

Solomon built the temple, agreeable to Zechariah 6:12–13. He made the dwelling place of God, that before was only a moveable tent, to become a stable building, built on a rock or everlasting mountain; agreeable to Isaiah 33:20, “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.” Isaiah 28:16–17, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation… Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.” Ezekiel 37:26, “Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore”; taken together with the prophetical description of that sanctuary in the fortieth and following chapters [Ezekiel 40–48].

Solomon’s temple and his other buildings in Jerusalem were exceeding stately and magnificent, so that he vastly increased the beauty and glory of the city. Isaiah 60:13, “The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.”

Isaiah 60:15, “I will make thee an eternal excellency.” Isaiah 54:11–12, “Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.”

The temple that Solomon built was exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all lands (1 Chronicles 22:5); agreeable to Isaiah 2:2, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it.” (See also Micah 4:1–2.) Isaiah 60:1–3, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come… the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

Solomon enlarged the place of sacrificing, so that sacrifices were not only offered on the altar, but all the middle part of the court was made use of for that end by reason of the multitude of worshippers and the abundance of sacrifices (1 Kings 8:64, 2 Chronicles 7:7); which is agreeable to Jeremiah 3:16–17, “And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the Lord: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all nations shall be gathered unto the name of the Lord unto Jerusalem.” Malachi 1:11, “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering,” and many other places. (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §147, and those numbers in “Miscellanies” there referred to.)

Solomon was a great intercessor for Israel, and by his intercession he obtained that God should forgive their sins and hear their prayers, and pity ’em under their calamities and deliver ’em from their enemies, and fulfill his promises and supply all their necessities; and that they might find mercy and find grace to help in a time of need, and [that God might]3 dwell with Israel and take up his abode among them as their King, Savior and Father (1 Kings 8, 2 Chronicles 6). By his intercession and prayers, he brought fire down from heaven to consume their sacrifices, and [obtained that God should come down in a cloud of glory to fill his temple (2 Chronicles 7:1–3, 1 Kings 8:54). His intercession was as it were continual, although he ever lived to make an intercession for his people, that they might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (See those remarkable words, 1 Kings 8:59; see “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §74 and §96.)

Solomon was not only an intercessor for Israel, but for the stranger that was not of Israel, but come out of a far country for God’s name’s sake, when they should hear of his great name and great salvation (1 Kings 8:41–43, 2 Chronicles 6:32–33); which is agreeable to what the prophecies do abundantly represent of the joint interest of the Gentiles in the utmost ends of the earth with Israel in the Messiah, through hearing his great name and the report of his salvation. Solomon prayed for all the people of the earth, that they might know the true God (1 Kings 8:60); so the prophecies do abundantly show that the Messiah should actually obtain this benefit for all nations of the world.

Solomon did the part of a priest in blessing the congregation (1 Kings 8:14, 2 Chronicles 6:3 with Numbers 6:23), which is agreeable to the prophecies which represent the Messiah as a priest, and also to Genesis 22:18, “In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” To the like purpose, Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 18:8 and Genesis 26:4, and Psalms 72:17, “And men shall be blessed in him.”

Solomon made a covenant with the king of Tyre, and the servants of the king of Tyre were associated with the servants of Solomon in the building of the temple; which is agreeable to the prophecies of the Messiah’s being a light of the Gentiles and covenant of the people, and the Gentiles being associated with the Jews and becoming one people with them, and their coming and building in the temple of the Lord (Zechariah 6:15). Isaiah 60:10, “And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee.” And particularly the prophecies that represent that the nations in the islands and ends of the earth and maritime places, the chief nations for arts, wealth, merchandise and seafaring, should be brought into the kingdom of the Messiah, bringing their silver and gold to the name of the Lord, etc. And that the Tyrians in particular should be the people of the Messiah.

(See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §154, §158, §160.) Solomon brought the glory of Lebanon, or the best and fairest of its growth, to build the temple of God, agreeable to Isaiah 60:13.

Solomon in an eminent manner executed judgment and justice (1 Kings 3:9, 1 Kings 3:11, 1 Kings 3:28 and 1 Kings 10:9, 1 Kings 10:18). His throne of judgment was of ivory, a white, pure and precious substance, used in the Old Testament as a symbol of purity and righteousness. (See note on Psalms 45:8.) This is agreeable to innumerable prophecies of the Messiah.

It was in Solomon’s time that God first gave his people Israel fully to enjoy that rest in Canaan that he had promised ’em in the time of Moses, and Solomon’s rest was glorious. 1 Kings 5:4, “But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side.” And 1 Kings 8:56, “Blessed be the Lord God, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.” This is agreeable to Isaiah 11:10, “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.” Jeremiah 30:10, “Lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest, and quiet, and none shall make him afraid.” Isaiah 33:20, “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down.” And Isaiah 32:17–18, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”

wood brass, and for stones iron.” Isaiah 61:6, “Ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” Isaiah 66:11–12, “That ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.” And very many other places.

Solomon’s reign was a time of great feasting and rejoicing in Israel (1 Kings 4:20, 1 Kings 4:22–23, and 1 Kings 8:65 and 1 Kings 10:5), agreeable to Isaiah 25:6, “And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.” Isaiah 65:13–14, “Behold, my servants shall eat… my servants shall drink… my servants shall rejoice… my servants shall sing for joy of heart.” Isaiah 65:18, “Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Jeremiah 31:12, “Therefore shall they come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.” Zechariah 8:19, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts.” Zechariah 9:15, “They shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.” Also Isaiah 35:1–2, Isaiah 35:10, and Isaiah 44:23, and Isaiah 49:13, and Isaiah 61:3, and Isaiah 51:11 and very many other places.

There was a vast increase of God’s people Israel in Solomon’s days, so that they were as the sand of the sea, and were so many that they could not be numbered or counted for multitude (1 Kings 3:8 and 1 Kings 4:20). (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §121.)

The servants of Solomon and those that stood continually before him were pronounced happy, eminently and remarkably so. 1 Kings 10:8, “Happy are these thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom”; agreeable to Psalms 72:17, “And men shall be blessed in him.” Isaiah 33:17, “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty.” Isaiah 2:5, “O house of Jacob, come ye, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

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 (1 Kings 4:25); agreeable to Micah 4:4, “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid.” And Zechariah 3:10, “In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, ye shall call every man his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree.”

In Solomon’s reign there was neither adversary nor evil occurrent. So according to the prophecies, in the Messiah’s times there should be no adversary. Isaiah 25:5, “Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.” Isaiah 54:14, “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” Isaiah 49:19, “They that swallowed thee up shall be far away.” Isaiah 60:18, “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders.” Isaiah 11:13, “The adversaries of Judah shall be cut off.” So Ezekiel 36:12–13 and many other places. So by the prophecies, in the Messiah’s times there should not be evil occurrents. Isaiah 25:8, “He will wipe away tears from off all faces.” Isaiah 35:10, “Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 33:24, “And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.” Isaiah 65:19, “And the voice of weeping shall no more be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” Isaiah 65:21, “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.” Zechariah 8:12, “The seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.” And many other places.

In Solomon’s time Israel were possessed of great riches, silver and gold, and other precious things in vast abundance (1 Kings 10:21, 1 Kings 10:23, 1 Kings 10:27); agreeable to Isaiah 60:5, “The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces” (or “wealth”) “of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.” Isaiah 60:6, “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, they shall bring gold.” Isaiah 60:9, “The ships of Tarshish shall bring their silver and their gold.” Isaiah 60:11, “Thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces” (or “wealth”) “of the Gentiles.” Isaiah 60:17, “For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron.” Isaiah 61:6, “Ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” Isaiah 66:11–12, “That ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.” And very many other places.

Solomon’s reign was a time of great feasting and rejoicing in Israel (1 Kings 4:20, 1 Kings 4:22–23, and 1 Kings 8:65 and 1 Kings 10:5), agreeable to Isaiah 25:6, “And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.” Isaiah 65:13–14, “Behold, my servants shall eat… my servants shall drink… my servants shall rejoice… my servants shall sing for joy of heart.” Isaiah 65:18, “Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Jeremiah 31:12, “Therefore shall they come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.” Zechariah 8:19, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts.” Zechariah 9:15, “They shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.” Also Isaiah 35:1–2, Isaiah 35:10, and Isaiah 44:23, and Isaiah 49:13, and Isaiah 61:3, and Isaiah 51:11 and very many other places.

There was a vast increase of God’s people Israel in Solomon’s days, so that they were as the sand of the sea, and were so many that they could not be numbered or counted for multitude (1 Kings 3:8 and 1 Kings 4:20). (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §121.)

The servants of Solomon and those that stood continually before him were pronounced happy, eminently and remarkably so. 1 Kings 10:8, “Happy are these thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom”; agreeable to Psalms 72:17, “And men shall be blessed in him.” Isaiah 33:17, “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty.” Isaiah 2:5, “O house of Jacob, come ye, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

In Solomon’s reign the remnant of the heathen were made bondmen, but the Israelites were for noble employments (1 Kings 9:21–22); agreeable to Isaiah 61:5–6, “And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”

Solomon made cedars to be as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance, agreeable to Isaiah 55:13, “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 41:19, “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine and the box tree together.” Isaiah 35:1–2, “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.”

In Solomon’s days the house of the Lord was in a remarkable manner filled with glory (1 Kings 8:10–11, 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 and 2 Chronicles 7:1–2), agreeable to Haggai 2:7.

In Solomon’s days a great and extraordinary Feast of Tabernacles was kept (1 Kings 8:65, 2 Chronicles 5:3 and 2 Chronicles 7:8–10). It was by far the greatest Feast of Tabernacles that ever was kept in Israel. This is agreeable to Zechariah 14:16–19.

The blessings of Solomon’s reign were the fruit of God’s everlasting love to Israel. 1 Kings 10:9, “Because the Lord love Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.” Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Solomon reigned from the river Euphrates to the ends of the earth, even the utmost part of the land next to the Great Sea, as it was called (1 Kings 4:21), agreeable to Psalms 72:8 and Zechariah 9:10.

Solomon had many chariots (1 Kings 4:26 and 1 Kings 10:26). This is agreeable to Psalms 68:18 and Daniel 7:10.

The exceeding greatness of Solomon’s court, the vast number of his servants, ministers and attendants, which may be learned from 1 Kings 4:1–19, 1 Kings 4:22–23, 1 Kings 9:22 [and] 2 Chronicles 8:9–10, is agreeable to Psalms 68:18 and Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21 and Daniel 12:1, compared with Daniel 7:10.

Other kings and nations brought presents unto Solomon (1 Kings 4:21 and 1 Kings 9:14 and 1 Kings 10:25). Psalms 68:29, “Because of thy temple at Jerusalem, kings shall bring presents unto thee” (Psalms 72:10 and Psalms 45:12).

The queen of Sheba came to hear the wisdom of Solomon and to be instructed by him, and brought great presents, and particularly gold and spices (1 Kings 10:2, 1 Kings 10:10). This is agreeable to Isaiah 60:6, “All they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord.” Psalms 72:9–10, “The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.” Psalms 72:15, “To him shall be given of the gold of Sheba.”

The queen of Sheba came bringing her presents on a multitude of camels (1 Kings 10:2). And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices and very much gold; agreeable to Isaiah 60:6, “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense.”

Solomon extended his royal bounty to the queen of Sheba and gave her all her desire, agreeable to what the prophecies represent of the blessings and favors of the Messiah to be extended to the Gentiles, and his granting the requests of those that look to him from the ends of the earth.

Israel in Solomon’s time was enriched and adorned with the gold of Ophir, especially they of Solomon’s courts, and we may conclude his queens and concubines; agreeable to Psalms 45:9, “On thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.”

All the kings and merchants of Arabia brought presents of gold and spices unto Solomon (1 Kings 10:14–15). This is agreeable to Isaiah 45:14, “The merchandise of Ethiopia shall come over to thee.” Zephaniah 3:10, “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants.” Psalms 68:31, “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God.” Psalms 72:9–10, “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him… the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.” Isaiah 60:6, “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense.” Isaiah 42:11, “Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing.” Isaiah 60:7, “All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee.”

The ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver and precious stones unto Solomon, and other precious things to Solomon (1 Kings 8:26–66, 1 Kings 9:10–11), and Solomon improved what they brought to adorn the temple (1 Kings 9:12); agreeable to Psalms 72:10, “The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents.” Isaiah 60:5, “The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee.” Isaiah 60:9, “Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first… their silver and their gold with them, to the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.”

There came of all people, from all kings of the earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon and brought presents of gold, silver, spices, etc. 1 Kings 4:34, “And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.” 2 Chronicles 9:23–24, “And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.” Thus all kings did as it were bow down unto Solomon.9 (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §163.)1

Solomon was a [king of] kings. 2 Chronicles 9:26, “And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.” (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies,” ibid.)2

The labor of Egypt was brought over to Israel in Solomon’s days. 1 Kings 10:28, “And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants received the linen yarn at a price”; which is agreeable to Isaiah 45:14, “The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia… shall come over unto thee.” From that, 1 Kings 10:28, ’tis manifest that fine linen was very much used for clothing in Solomon’s days, at least by Solomon’s court; which is a fit emblem of spiritual purity and righteousness, and was manifestly used as such by priests and princes, and was abundantly used as such in the service of the sanctuary. This is agreeable to what is often spoken of in the Prophets of the extraordinary holiness and purity of the church in Messiah’s days; and to Isaiah 52:1, “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come unto thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.”

Solomon spoke many proverbs or parables or dark sayings. 1 Kings 4:32, “And he spake three thousand proverbs.” This is agreeable to what the prophets represent concerning the Messiah as an eminent teacher, and what may be learned from them of the wonderful and  mysterious things he should teach in his doctrine. (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §22.)3

Solomon was, as Joseph, a revealer of secrets. 1 Kings 10:1, 1 Kings 10:3, “The queen of Sheba came to prove Solomon with hard questions… And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not.” This is agreeable to what the prophecies say of the Messiah’s being a great teacher, and of the vast increase of light and knowledge that shall be by him. (See “Fulfillment of Prophecies” §35.)

Solomon made a great number of songs. 1 Kings 4:32, “His songs were a thousand and five.” This is agreeable to innumerable prophecies that represent the Messiah’s times as times of extraordinary singing and melody, wherein God’s people and all the world should employ themselves in joyful songs of praise; yea, wherein all creatures, the mountains, rocks, trees, the sea, the heavens and the earth, should as it were break forth into singing.  Culminating with the singing of the greatest Love Song ever written Solomon’s Song of Songs.

Solomon had a vast multitude of wives and concubines, fitly representing the vast number of saints in the Messiah’s times, who are members of the church that is so often spoken of as the Messiah’s wife.

Solomon would also fulfill Psalm 72

Solomon would also fulfill Psalm 45 where the New Testament says that the groom in the Psalm is referring to Jesus Christ the anti-type of Solomon.  Jesus fulfills Psalm 45 to its fullest.  In all the parts that Solomon failed to fulfill Jesus came to fulfill to the fullest.  He was full of Grace and Truth.

Ways in which the bridegroom in the Song is like our Heavenly Bridegroom

Ways in which the bride is like us in our relationship with Jesus Christ

Ways in which the union or marriage is like that of the union and communion of Jesus Christ and His Bride

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