The History of the Old Testament Methodized

SECT. I.

IN the year 480 from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt in the fourth year of the reign of King Solomon, on the second day of the second Month called Zif, (answering as some think to our 21 of May ) the foundation of the Temple was laid in Mount Moriah, (the very place where Abraham was commanded to offer up his Son Isaac, see Gen. 22.2.) and in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, about the year of the world 2988. This foundation was laid with great and costly hewed stones brought thither by the Kings command, 1 King. 5.17. and this glorious structure with all things belonging to it took up in the building and finishing of it seven years and an half. The length of this magnificent building was sixty cubits, besides ten cubits allowed for the Porch, which made the whole length to be seventy cubits, 1 King. 6.2, 3. The cubits after which the Temple was built (it's probable) were after the first measure, 2 Chron. 3.3. and double to the ordinary cubits which reached only from the Elbow to the tip of the longest finger) and equal to our English yard. If any shall think this sacred pile to be but little in comparison of other Fanes and Temples, let them consider the stateliness of this Temple did not consist so much in the greatness of it, as the exquisite workmanship, symmetry, and costly furniture thereof. 2ly, It was big enough for the uses it was intended for, namely to contain the holy vessels (with sufficient space between them) and to receive such Priests as did officiate therein. For the Holy of Holies was accessible only to the High Priest, and that but once a year, and into the holy or inward house only such Priests entered as by lot or course came thither to do the service they were appointed unto, ( viz. to light lamps, to set show-bread, to offer inincense) as appeareth by Zacharias' sole staying therein, whilst the whole multitude of the people were praying without. 3ly, The great latitude and capacity of the Temple consisted in the outward Courts (with the stately buildings and Cloisters about them) which were of such receipt as to entertain multitudes of men sub dio, in the open air, and so it equalled the greatest buildings in the world. But though the covered Temple was not great, yet it was more than twice as big as the Tabernacle made by Moses, which was only thirty cubits in length, ten in breadth, and as many in height.

Both Jewish and Christian writers place the ends or length of the Temple East and West, the sides or breadth North and South, making the Porch or entrance on the East-end, and the Holy of Holies on the West-end, as is gathered from Ezek. 8.16. & Ch. 44.1. & Ch. 47.1.

We shall now describe the parts of this Temple particularly, and shall speak first of the Porch. In the Book of Kings, 1 King. 6.3: we meet with the length and breadth of the Porch, but no height thereof mentioned. In Chronicles we find the length and height thereof, but there the breadth is omitted. Thus we see that by comparing one Scripture with another, we may come to find out the truth. This Porch was twenty cubits in length (for its length ran parallel to the breadth of the house from North to South) ten in breadth from East to West, and an hundred and twenty in height, being four times as high as the body of the Temple, see 2 Chron. 3.4. not that it was all empty and void to the top, but probably had Chambers in it, and winding stairs ascending up to the roof. The height of the lowest room within might perhaps be equal to the rest of the House, viz. thirty cubits. The battlements on the top might have stately rails of stone, besides other ornaments and Pinnacles. There was a magnificent entrance into it raised by many steps out of the Area of the Priests Court. This Porch, viz. the arched Portal, Solomon overlaid within with pure gold, 2 Chron. 3.4. That is, gilded it all over, it having plates of silver underneath. For David is said to have provided seven thousand talents of refined silver to overlay the walls of the houses withal, 1 Chron. 29.4. Thus it took its denomination of gold from the metal which was most precious, and most visible on the surface of it. And so all the several rooms of the Temple might be overlaid with pure gold. The Porch with leaf, the inward house with plate, the Holy of Holies with the most refined gold of Parvaim.

The Holy or inward House had forty cubits in length, the breadth twenty cubits, adequate to the general dimensions of the Temple. For the wall, the outside of it which was exposed to open view, was (as is conceived) of white polished marble, or made of some excellent stone for strength, and the timber and boards within were all Cedar. The Cedar was curiously carved with the Imagery of Flowers, Palms and Cherubims, and those figures being outwardly imbossed with visible prominences, the plates of gold being of the purest and most flexible metal, applied themselves so close to each line in the Sculpture, that they set it off and expressed the carved work with advantage, abating nothing of the art, and adding much to the beauty and richness thereof, 1 King. 6.18, 29. And in some select places (as it seems) it was most gloriously adorned and garnished with precious stones, 2 Chron. 3.6. For Solomon intended this Temple should be very glorious, it being built for the honor of the all-glorious God.

Of the same curiosity for carving were the two doors with folding leaves (made of firr-tree, and overlaid with gold ) which led out of the Porch into the Temple. The workmanship of these doors and the wall being in all particulars so alike, that when they were shut no breach appeared in them. Posts of Olive-tree, four square were made for these doors to turn upon, 1 King. 6. from the 31 to the 36.

The floor hereof was made of boards of Firr, and they were faced and all overlaid with gold, 1 King. 6.15, 30 .

Windows also were made in the Temple, but how many we cannot certainly determine, 1 King. 6.4. the fewer would serve the turn because of the abundance of artificial lamps constantly burning therein.

For the form of these windows 'tis probable they were of an oblong square, narrow without, and broad within, and being made as much to let in air as light, and perchance more to let out smoke than either, (caused by the constant lamps and purfumes ) we may imagine them to be made with gilded lattesses, and so always open without any shutting at all.

For the roof of the Temple probably it was flat, like other houses in Judea, where men might walk upon them according to God's command, Deut. 22.8. At the sides it was guarded with battlements, and probably adorned with pinnacles. We read not that it was sustained with any Pillars, either of stone or timber. The Covering was of beams, and boards of Cedar; but surely to defend it from the injuries of the weather it was covered with some metal-sheets. Villalpandus (the Scripture being silent herein) thinks it was covered with tiles of brass, which (squammato opere) in scale-work lay one over another. What if we should conjecture it to be sheeted with silver? seeing a King of France St. Dagobert by name, (far inferior to Solomon in riches ) is reported to have covered the famous Church of St. Denis with silver. But this we mention only as a conjecture. Let none grudge at this cost, but let them consider that this Temple was built for the Glory of the King of Heaven, and that the chief glory of it was to be hidden from common and profane eyes, and therefore vain ostentation surely was no end aimed at by our Royal builder.

The inside of the Cedar-beams of this stately roof was cicled with Firr-trees, and adorned with carvings of Palm-trees and Chains, and overlaid with gold, 2 Chron. 3.5, 6.

It was in fashion four square, the height, length and breadth thereof equally extending to twenty cubits, (the Holy of Holies in the Sanctuary was of the same form, but only ten cubits square), 1 King. 6.20. Those ten cubits of room above it reaching up to the roof of the Temple, (which that place the 2 Chron. 3.9. seems to speak of) might possibly be for Chambers, to lay up those sacred things of the Holy of Holies which belonged to the Tabernacle, such (I mean) of them as were not used by Solomon.

The Windows narrow without and broad within, were above the Chambers round about both of the Temple and Oracle.

The walls were (as is conceived) of square polished marble without, the inside was covered with boards of Cedar, wrought with Cherubims, Palm-trees, and open flowers, and all overlaid with fine gold. 1 King. 6.16, 20, 21, 29. 2 Chron. 3.8.

For the entering of the Oracle there were made two folding-doors of Olive-tree, carved with Cherubims and overlaid with gold. The lintel and side-posts thereof being five square of the same matter and metal. The wall on each side had five cubits, and the doors with their Posts ten. The hinges of these doors as also of the holy place were of Gold, 1 King. 6.31, 32.

The floor was covered with boards of Cedar overlaid with Gold, 1 King. 6.16, 20.

The weight of the nails used in this room was fifty shekels of Gold, 2 Chron. 3.9. Possibly they were stiffened with some mixture of Silver or Copper, not for cheapness, but for the greater usefulness; for where the utensils of the Temple are said to be of pure Gold, we must understand it so pure as the end for which they were intended would permit. For some allay of baser metal seems necessary to make them more durable and serviceable for the purposes for which they were made.

The roof of this room as of the whole house was laid with beams or boards of Cedar, and overlaid with Gold, and set as some conceive with precious stones, 2 Chron. 3.8.

A stately Veil was used as a traverse cross the Holy of Holies, which Solomon made of blew and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought Cherubims thereon, 2 Chron. 3.14. This Veil doubtless was within the wall of the Holy of Holies, else the High Priest might enter within the Veil, and yet not be in the most holy place, if the wall and the door were between the Veil and the Oracle. In the Tabernacle there was no other partition but the Veil, which when the High Priest had entered through, he was within the Holy of Holies. Arias Montanus thinks that the Chains of Gold that were within the Oracle were to hang the Veil upon, 1 King. 6.21.

There were Chambers round about the Temple and Oracle, excepting only at the East-end where the Porch stood, which was clear having no other buildings to hinder the prospect thereof. Three rows there were of these Chambers. In the lowest each Chamber was five, in the middle six, in the third and highest story seven cubits broad, and each of them five cubits in height, going up from the first to the middle, thence to the highest story with winding stairs. Yet on the outside the stone-work of the Chambers was perpendicularly equal. The beams of these Chambers did not lie in, but did rest on the walls of the Temple, which being narrowed in as they went up higher and higher afforded fit stays for that purpose. For the wall of the Temple for five cubits height above the ground was a cubit thicker than it was in its height above those five cubits. So that at five cubits height there was a seat of stone of a cubit broad, round about the Temple, whereupon one end of the Cedar-beams of the Chambers did rest to bear up the roof of the lowest, and the floor of the second story. Five cubits higher from thence, or at ten cubits height from the ground the thickness of the Temple wall was yet a cubit less, and upon that second seat thus made by a cubits rebatement in the wall rested the Cedar-beams for the roof of the second, and floor of the third story. At fifteen cubits height from the ground the Temple-wall was yet a cubit less, than it was at ten cubits height, which yielded a third seat on which the beams for the roof of the third and highest story were laid. So that as the wall of the Temple abated in thickness, the measure of the Chambers increased in breadth, 1 King. 6.6, 7, 8, 10. Possibly these Chambers were employ'd for Repositories, wherein the holy vestments and vessels were safely laid up together with those of the Tabernacle, which (though not now used) were here carefully preserved.

A Court consisted of an open space in the middle exposed to wind and weather, and a Covert or Cloisters on the sides thereof, whither in heat or rain men might retire for shade or shelter.

Solomon made two of these on the East of the Temple: 1. The Inner Court or Court of the Priests, 2 Chron. 4.9. built with three rows of hewn stone, and a row of Cedar-beams, 1 King. 6.36. We must understand these three rows as being in height one above another. Probably certain ascents led to them out of the outward Court, as there did also into the Temple; hence the phrase of going up to God's-house. But how many these stairs or steps were is uncertain, though some will have them fifteen according to the number of the Psalms of degrees; and these were the steps whereon (as some conceive) the Levites sang the fifteen Psalms of degrees. This inner Court was only for the Priests to enter into, yet it seems the Common people made a tumultuous incursion into it when they stoned Zachariah at the command of King Joash in the Court of the house of the Lord, even betwixt the Temple and the Altar, 2 Chron. 24.21.

2. The greater or outward Court (of which mention is made, 2 Chron. 4.9.) was of the same form for building with the Inner; this Court was large, an hundred cubits square at the least, yet this seems not large enough to contain all Israel, except the people were successively admitted to this place. Ascents and Stairs did also lead into this Court, but possibly they were but low. This Court was by successive Kings (especially by Hezekiah who cased the pillars thereof with silver, see 2 King. 18.16.) improved to more beauty than it had in Solomon 's days, though the covered Temple had no addition made to it. There was a stately ascent from the Kings Palace to this Court. It was at first made by King Solomon, and was then so stately a structure that (among other things) the Queen of Sheba was ravished with admiration at the sight thereof, when she beheld the ascent by which Solomon went up into the house of the Lord, 1 King. 10.5. and yet afterwards it was made more magnificent, and Terrassed on both sides with Pillasters made of those Almug-trees which were brought from Ophir by the servants of Hiram, 2 Chron. 9.11. and 1 King. 10.11, 12. which if odoriferous (as some will have it) made that passage as sweet to the smell as specious to the sight.

Several fair Gates on all sides gave entrance into the Courts of Solomon 's Temple, and the doors or folding leaves were overlaid with brass, 2 Chron. 4.9. the Gates were these: 1. The East-gate where Shelemiah was Porter, 1 Chron. 26.14. this Gate was set in the front leading directly to the Temple. King Jotham rebuilt it, 2 King. 15.35. 2 Chron. 27.3. At this Gate there were six Levites to watch. Some think it was called the Kings-gate, not that the King went in that way, but because King Solomon built it, in a more sumptuous and extraordinary manner than the rest.

In someone of the Chambers of this Gate sat the Sanhedrin, and sometimes also in the East-gate of the Inner or higher Court, as some gather by comparing, Jer. 35.4. & Ch. 36.10. together.

2. The Northgate, where Zachariah (the Son of Shelemiah a wise Counselor) was Porter; here there were four Levites placed in daily watch, 1 Chron. 26.14, 17.

3. The South-gate, attended on by the Sons of Obed-Edom; here there were four Levites also in constant watch. The house of Asuppim (rendered by Jerome and Pagnine a Council-house, by Tremellius Aerarium the Treasury) was for conveniency united to their charge. A place probably of entrance from the City, but certainly of great consequence as needing constantly a Guard about. Possibly here were two little Gates, and two Porters assigned to each, v. 17.

4. The West-gate where Shuppim and Hosah were Porters, there were also four Porters constantly to attend. It was called Shallecheth from Shalach to cast up; it was so denominated from the famous causey which Solomon cast up or made here to pass from his own house over the valley into the mountain of the Temple. Each side of this Causey was planted with Oaks and Teyl-trees, there were also made stately Rails of Almug-trees, of which before; this was the passage to the house of the Lord from the Kings house.

Lastly, we come to Parbar, 1 Chron. 26.18. seated on the West, but whither Porters Lodg, Priests Vestry, or place where sacrificing instruments were laid up, is not certain; however it seems to have something of the nature of a Gate, because two Levites daily attended at it.

So that there were four prime Gates (which respected the four Cardinal Winds ) and three lesser ones towards the West besides. In all seven, and twenty four Levites in their constant order and course watched at them according to the lot of their Fathers house, and their several divisions.

Both Courts were paved with stones, and adorned with Porches, and Cloisters, and Chambers, (as 'tis probable) round about them. In the buildings of the outward Court were Chambers and Lodgings for the Levites, especially in those near the Gates where their offices lay. Some places 'tis like were employed as Treasuries wherein consecrated things were laid up, and Ministerial vessels, and the utensils of the Sanctuary. Other rooms might be for fine Flower, Salt, Wine, Oil, Frankincense, Spices, &c. 1 Chron. 9. from v. 27, to 32. The Priests also and the Singers and players on instruments (as 'tis like) had their Chambers here. Possibly after the death of Solomon the first Temple might by succeeding Kings have another Court added to it, whereof we find a double intimation in Scripture, one when Jehoshaphat is said to stand in the house of the Lord before the new Court, 2 Chron. 20.5. which probably about his reign was added to the first Fabric. Another at the Coronation of Joash, at which time Jehoiadah gave order that the Priests alone should come into the house of the Lord, (to wit the Inner Court ) whilst the people should be in the Courts of the house of the Lord, importing two Courts at least into which the people at that time had free access, 2 Chron. 23.5, 6.

Having thus spoken of the several parts of the Temple, we come now to speak of the Furniture, Ornaments, Utensils and Vessels belonging to them.

In the Porch there were two great brazen pillars set up, for height eighteen cubits a piece, each of them twelve cubits in compass bearing about four cubits in diameter; they were four fingers thick, of solid metal, and hollow within; there is some appearing difference in the measure of their height, it being variously presented unto us, in 1 King. 7. from 15, to 23. and 2 Chron. 3.15. In the first place 'tis said he cast two pillars of brass of eighteen cubits high a piece. In the second 'tis said he made two pillars of thirty and five cubits high. To reconcile this difference some probably conjecture that in Chronicles the height of both pillars are counted together. And whereas 18 and 18 make 36, one cubit more than the number mentioned in the Book of Chronicles, 'tis conceived that each Chapiter did sink half a cubit within the socket of the Cylinder for their fastening. So that only so much as appeared of these pillars is reckoned, each of them having half a cubit of their shaft lost in their height and running in, and hid in his Chapiter grafted upon it.

The Chapiters of these Pillars were curiously adorned with Net-work, Chain-work, and rows of Pomegranates, Lilies also were made on the top of these Chapiters. And whereas 'tis said [2 King. 25.17.] that each Chapiter was but three cubits high, it is to be understood of the stately embroidery and ornaments of Net-work, Chains, and Pomegranates which were at the beginning of the third cubit.

The Pillar that stood on the right hand in the Porch was called Jachin (that is, he will establish ) and the other on the left hand, Boaz, (that is, in him is strength, 1 King. 7.21.) both those pillars there set up, signified God's protection of the place.

1. There were placed there ten Candlesticks of pure gold (the Tabernacle had but one, Exod. 37.17.) five on the right side, and five on the left, each of them no doubt fashioned like that which Moses made, viz. sevenfold, with a great shaft for the body in the midst, and three stemms on each side branching out thereof; in some resemblance perhaps of the seven Planets, among which the Sun (the great stock of light) is in the midst, and three of them on each side, above and beneath it, 1 King. 7.49. Besides these ten standing Candlesticks of Gold, there were many more moveable ones, but all those made of silver, which the Priests in the night might carry about with them, 1 Chron. 28.15.

2. The Tables of show-bread which Solomon made of Gold, his Father David having peculiarly provided Gold for that purpose [1 Chron. 28.16.] as he provided silver for the Tables of silver, of whose use and situation we read not. Possibly they might be used in the Chambers belonging to the Temple. In the 1 King. 7.48. we read but of one Table of show-bread, but in the 2 Chron. 4.8. we find expressly ten in number, together with their situation, five on the right, and five on the left side of the Sanctuary. The description of Moses 's one Table, may be seen in the 25 of Exodus, from 23, to 29. But the dimensions of Solomon 's we have not, though perhaps double to Moses 's according as the place wherein they were set was double to his in capacity. Some think that Moses 's Golden Table was one of these, and the other nine framed according to that size. On these Tables the show-bread was set, on each Table twelve cakes were daily presented unto God. The Priests were allowed by God (when new was substituted in the room of the former) to eat those loaves which were taken away.

3. The most eminent utensil in the Sanctuary was the Altar of Incense standing before the Oracle, [1 King. 6.22.] on which was daily burnt the perfume, see Exod. 30.34, &c. The Altar of Incense which Moses made was made of Shittim-wood, and overlaid with pure gold round about. David prepared refined Gold on purpose for the making of this Altar, [1 Chron. 28.18.] and Solomon made his altar of incense of Cedar, and overlaid it with Gold, 1 King. 7.48. 2 Chron. 4.19. 1 King. 6.20. Besides for the services of the Golden Altar, the Tables and the Candlesticks there were made by Solomon many other excellent vessels of pure Gold, which were appointed by his Father, as as an hundred basons of gold, bowls, censers, cups, flowers, lamps for the Candlesticks, snuffers, spoons, tongues, all of pure gold, besides some basons of silver. 1 King. 7.49, 50. 1 Chron. 28.13, 17. 2 Chron. 4.8, 20, 21, 22.

Be it premised that both the Sanctuary and the Oracle were adorned on all sides within with Cherubims, and Palm-trees carved in Cedar, and overlaid with Gold. But though Solomon altered and enlarged the utensils in the Sanctuary and outward Courts, yet in the Holy of Holies he made use of the very same that Moses had made, only for the more magnificence he added two extraordinary Cherubims, of which more presently. But to speak of the sacred things in the Oracle or Holy of Holies more particularly.

First, The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord was set in this most holy place, under the wings of the Cherubims, the very same that Moses made in the Wilderness, of which see more, Sect. 21. of Chap. 4. pag. 132. In this Ark there were the two Tables of stone which Moses put therein at Horeb, whereon were engraven the Ten Commandments on all the four sides of them, being the work of God himself, and written with his own finger. It seems they were not very ponderous and large, because Moses carried them both in one hand. They were called the Tables of the Covenant, (and the Ark wherein they lay, the Ark of the Covenant ) because they contained the Ten Commandments, which if they kept, God made a Covenant with them to bless them. There was nothing else put within this Ark or holy Chest, 1 King. 8.9. 2 Chron. 5.10.

2. Over this holy Chest there was laid a covering of pure beaten Gold called the Mercy-seat or Propitiatory, equal in its measures of length and breadth to the Ark, Exod. 37.6.

3. At the two ends of this Mercy-seat stood the two Cherubims of Moses 's making, both of beaten Gold; their faces were opposite one to the other, and made looking down upon the Mercy-seat with their wings over-shadowing it. Between whose wings upon the Mercy-seat the Majesty of God is said to sit. The Mercy-seat signified Jesus Christ the Mediator between God and man, interposing betwixt God's wrath and our persons, who have broken the Commandments which lay within the Ark, Exod. 37.7, 8, 9. 1 Sam. 4.4. Isa. 37.16.

Secondly, There were besides Moses 's Cherubims standing on the Ark two other Cherubims made by Solomon standing on the ground, or Golden floor, and each of them was ten cubits or thirty foot in height; they were made of Olive-tree within, but overlaid with Gold, and their faces were towards the Sanctuary or holy place. Each wing of these Cherubims was five cubits long. All their four wings were extended to the length of twenty cubits, which was the whole breadth of the Oracle. Their two inward wings touched each other, and the two ends of their outward wings touched the wall of the house. Under their two inward wings stood Moses 's Ark and Cherubims. These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder. See 2 Chron. 3.10. and they were the most splendid ornament of the whole Temple, and carried away (as 'tis probable) by the rapacious Babylonians at the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. 1 King. 6. from 23. to 29. 2 Chron. 3. from 10. to the 14.

These four Cherubims in the 1 Chron. 28.18. are likened to a Chariot of four wheels, whereon the Divine Majesty did sit or ride, and uttered intelligibly his Sacred Oracles. See Psal. 99.1.

Thirdly, Besides the Ark and these glorious Cherubims it appears from Heb. 9.4. that within the Holy of Holies was placed Aaron 's Rod that budded, and the pot of Manna , [ Numb. 17.10.] and the Golden Censer of Aaron.

Lastly, In the time of Moses there was also the Book of the Law (called by some Deuteronomion ) laid on the side of the Ark, see Deut. 31.26. But whither it was placed there in Solomon 's days we do not, yet we find in Josiah 's reign when the Temple was purged, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple by Hilkiah the Priest, though no express mention is made that it was found in the Oracle.

So that by the side of the Ark or before the Testimony in Solomon 's Temple were placed (as it seems) the pot of Manna, Aaron's Rod, the Golden Censer, and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle.

1. There we find the Altar of Brass which was twenty cubits in length, twenty in breadth, and ten in height, 2 Chron. 4.1. Its situation was before the Porch, whereon the Sacrifices were daily offered to God, 2 Chron. 8.12.

As for the Sacrifices we read of many instruments that were used about them, as flesh-hooks of Gold, [1 Chron. 28.17.] also pots, shovels and basons of bright brass, 1 King. 7.45.

2. The next vessel to be considered was the molten Sea, a most rare and admirable piece of solid brass cast in the clay ground in the plains of Jordan. It was five cubits high, and ten over from side to side, being round, and thirty cubits in compass, containing two thousand baths , namely as they usually filled it for ordinary use, but if it had been filled up to the brim it would then contain three thousand, viz. a third part more, 1 King. 7.23.26. 2 Chron. 4.5. therefore 'twas called a Sea for the largeness thereof. It's brim was wrought about with Lily-work, under the brim thereof were brazen knobs round about, resembling the heads of oxen. These were cast together with the vessel. It stood upon twelve brazen oxen, which by four several Threes respected the four quarters of the world.

The use of this vessel was for the Priests to wash in [2 Chron. 4.6, 10.] that is, by water derived to them by a pipe and cock out of it they did wash their hands and feet, for that they did wash their whole bodies in it seems not very probable . 'It is like the Gibeonites or Nethinims, (whose office it was to be drawers of water for the Congregation, Josh. 9.27.) did out of the fountain of Siloam or pool of Bethesda hard by fill this Sea, and furnished all other Lavatories with water about the Temple.

3. In this Court also were placed ten lavers appointed for the washing of the Sacrifices; in the Tabernacle there were none of these; that single laver made by Moses for the Priests service answering only to the molten Sea. These lavers of brass contained forty haths apiece, each set op his basis with wheels for their more convenient removal (if need were) though generally their station was five on the one side, and five on the other in the Court of the Priests, and East of the covered Temple; they were adorned with brazen borders engraven with Lions, Oxen, Cherubims and Palm-trees, had pillars and wheels, and other curiosities which we cannot well here describe. 1 King. 7. from v. 27, to 40.

In the outward Court or Court of Israel, (many no doubt) were the utensils there used; Tremellius thinks the brazen scaffold made by Solomon for himself to stand and pray upon, 2 Chron. 6.12, 13. with the Kings pillar, was placed in this Court. Also Pulpits and Desks wherein the Priests expounded the Law to the people.

The Chambers in the outward Courts were severally employed for sundry uses, as for laying up of Tythes, First-fruits, Wood, Salt, and other requisites for the Sacrifices. Of Salt a mass was spent in the Temple, seeing no Offering was acceptable without it, Mark 9.49. Some rooms ('tis like) were employed to contain the Musical Instruments, whereof thirteen sorts are mentioned and explained by Mr. Fuller, Ch. 10. Book 3.

In other Chambers (undoubtedly) the standards of all measures were carefully kept; for we find that the inferior Levites (among other services) had a superintendency over all manner of measures and sizes, [1 Chron. 23.29.] It belonged to their office to set out the pars quota, the exact quantity of the meal, oil and wine that was to be used in their several sacrifices; therefore they were highly concerned to be skillful in measures. 'It is likely that the Book of the description of the land into several parts by lot, as being of public concernment and use, was preserved in some room of the Temple. See Josh. 18.9.

Some Chambers, 'tis like, were for lodgings for the Priests and Levites that attendded on the holy service in the Temple, and others for refectories and rooms wherein the Priests had their repast or hallowed food as on show-bread, &c. which though shifted but once a week by God's command, Lev. 24.8. yet by his Providence was doubtless preserved, that it lost nothing of its goodness. There was also as it seems an Armory in the Temple furnished with weapons to guard the Treasure there kept. David provided Spears and Bucklers, and Shields for that purpose; and Joash by the assistance of those weapons recovered the Crown.

Many other Utensils were added to the Temple after Solomon 's death by succeeding Kings as occasion did require; as particularly that Chest which in the reign of King Jehoash was made by Jehoiada to receive the people's free offerings for the repair of the Temple. A Chest with an hole in the lid thereof, 2 King. 12.9. In after ages it was called Corban, which signifies sometimes the gift itself, sometimes the vessel receiving it, see Mark 7.11.

Having spoken of the Ornaments of the Temple, it will not be amiss to speak something also of the Temple-Officers.

The Temple-Officers were

• Priests.
• Levites.
• Nethinims.

The Priests were distinguished into

• Chief Priests.
• Inferior Priests of the twenty four Courses.

1. The chief Priests were two, the High Priest and his second. The High Priest was (by God's appointment) that person who was the right heir in Aaron 's line, or the Eldest that descended in a direct line from his loins. One great part of his office was, upon the day of expiation to perform the solemn rights of that service in entering into the Holy of Holies with blood, and to perfume the Oracle, Exod. 30.10. Levite. 16.34. Heb. 9.7.

2. The second Priest was the most eminent among the rest, who in case of the sickness or pollution of the High Priest, or any other emergency did supply his place, 2 King. 25.18.

3. The ordinary Priests were such as sprang from the loins of Aaron, and were in a Collateral line of kindred, allied to the High Priest; they were all Levites, as descending from Levi the great Grandfather of Aaron. But the Priests were separated from the rest of the Levites for the more immediate service of God, and the term Levite is restrained to all others of the posterity of Levi, besides the line of Aaron.

These Priests for the more easy carrying on of Temple-service were divided into twenty four Courses by lot as we have shown before; each Course ministered to the Lord for eight days together, viz. from Sabbath to Sabbath. The work of the Priests was,

• 1. The Government of the Sanctuary and house of God, 1 Chron. 24.5.
• 2. Sacrificing, with all its rites on the Altar of Burnt-offering, 1 Chron. 6.49. 2 Chron. 29.22.
• 3. They set the new prepared show-bread on the Golden Tables within the Sanctuary every Sabbath, and removed the old.
• 4. They ordered the lamps of the Golden Candlesticks.
• 5. They kindled the daily incense to make a sweet perfume in the Temple.
• 6. They were the Judges of Leprosy and jealousy betwixt man and wife, Levite. 13.2, 3.
• 7. They blew the Trumpets to the Solemn feasts, also before the Ark at its removals, and were also to accompany the Captains of the host in war with their silver Trumpets. Joel 2.15. 2 Chron. 13.12. 1 Chron. 15.24. & Chap. 16.6. Numb. 10.8. & Chap. 31.6.
• 8. They were to look to the burning of wood continually upon the brazen Altar, that the fire that descended from Heaven might not be extinguished, Levite. 6.12, 13.
• 9. They were to make the holy ointment with the appointed spices, Exod. 30.22. 1 Chron. 9.30.
• 10. They were to instruct the people in the Law of God, Mal. 2.7.

SECT. II.

IN the 11th. year of Solomon 's reign the building of the Temple was finished with all things belonging thereunto, having been seven years and an half in finishing, 1 King. 6.38. 2 Chron. 3.2. but the Dedication thereof was put off till the next year, because of the Jubilee. And in the seventh month of that year called Ethanim, and the seventh day of that month was the first day whereon Solomon celebrated with great magnificence the Dedication of this glorious Temple, so that from the seventh day to the fifteenth (the tenth day which was the great fast and day of expiation being excepted ) was this feast of Dedication celebrated, and from the 15th to the 23. was the Feast of Tabernacles, and the 23d. was the last day of this feast, and always very solemnly kept, and the day following the people were dismissed.

Having thus described the parts of the Temple, and the Ornaments and Officers thereof, we shall now return to speak of the great and magnificent solemnity of this Dedication, which was on this wise:

1. Solomon assembled the Elders and Heads of all the Tribes, and a mighty Congregation of all the Nation to meet at Jerusalem on this solemn occasion.

2. By the Ministry of the Priests, and by such rites as were appointed by the Law he hallowed the middle of the Priests Court, wherein either they did erect other Altars, or made use of the pavement for that present occasion, because the brazen Altar was too little to receive so many Burnt-offerings, and Peace-offerings as he intended then to offer, 1 King. 8.64. 2 Chron. 7.7.

3. The Princes and Elders of the people being now assembled waited upon the King to Mount Zion where the Ark was, and whither (as 'tis like) they had brought the Tabernacle with all the things appertaining to it from Gibeon. The Priests took up the Ark on their shoulders; the Levites according to their several appointed ranks carried the Tabernacle with the boards and curtains, and the holy vessels belonging thereunto. The King and the Elders walked after in a solemn procession to Mount Moriah where the Temple was built; whither being come, the Priests carried the Ark into the Oracle or most holy place, and set it under the wings of the Golden Cherubims. But they drew out the staves of the Ark something from under the wings of the Cherubims that they might be seen in the holy place which was before the Oracle, but they were not seen as taken out of the Ark, 2 Chron. 5.9. And possibly these staves were the rather thus disposed to remember the people that if they brake God's Covenant the staves yet remained within the rings of the Ark ready to bear away the Symbol of God's gracious presence from them. The Levites also disposed those things which they carried belonging to the Tabernacle into the Treasuries of the Temple, there to remain as Sacred things not again to be removed. When the Priests had set the Ark in its place and were come out, immediately an hundred and twenty of them with silver Trumpers, and the Levite-singers, viz. Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun with their Sons and Brethren, being arrayed in white linen, and having Cymbals, Psalteries and Harps in their hands, stood at the East-end of the Altar, and the Trumpets sounding, and they playing on their Instruments, and lifting up their voices with one consent, and making one melodious harmony sang (as it seems) the 136 Psalm, the burden of which is, For he is good for his mercy endureth forever. Whilst they were thus employed suddenly the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, which was an extraordinary manifestation of the presence of God; 2 Chron. 5.14. 'tis said the glory of God filled the house, which intimated that the brightness of his glory was such that if it were not clouded over, no mortal eyes could behold it. It seems the cloud was such, and so amazing that the Priests could not continue to minister in the Sanctuary where the cloud was; and by this visible sign of his presence the Lord did sanctify to himself this place, [see Exod. 40.34.] and shown his approbation of all that was done. Solomon standing upon a Brazen Scaffold made for him in the outward Court, right before the door of the Priests Court through which he might look, and apprehending this cloud to be a manifestation of God's gracious presence and acceptance of the house he had built for his service, in a rapture of joy he brake out into these words: The Lord (said he) is pleased to dwell in thick darkness, [Levite. 16.2.] and by a cloud he hath usually testified his presence among his people, as when he led the Israelites by a cloud, Exod. 13.21. In a cloud he appeared at the giving of the Law, Exod. 19.16. In a cloud he appeared that covered and filled the Tabernacle as soon as it was reared up by Moses, Exod. 40.34. and therefore doubtless in this cloud the Lord doth now appear unto us, and testifies his favorable acceptance of our service in building this house for his name. Then directing his speech to God, he said, O Lord I have built a Temple for thee to manifest thy gracious presence in; an house not to be removed as the Tabernacle was, but a settled place for thee to abide in to be there ready on all occasions to resolve us in such cases as we shall humbly propound unto thee, and to hear such prayers as we shall make unto thee, and to grant such blessings as we shall humbly crave of thee, and to accept such sacrifices and services as we shall there offer up and present unto thee. And (O Lord) I pray thee accept this house for thine, and ever manifest thy gracious presence therein as long as this dispensation (we are now under) shall last, and till the truth of this type shall be exhibited. Then the King turned his face to the people standing about him and blessed them, and said, Blessed and praised be the Lord God of Israel who spake to David my Father that I should build a Temple for his great name, and hath by his good hand upon me enabled me to do it. The Lord also said, since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no City out of all their Tribes in which I appointed an house to be built that my name might be there in a peculiar manner worshipped. But having chosen David to be King over my people, it was in his heart to build an house for my name. And thereupon I said to him, whereas it was in thine heart to build an house to my name, I like it well that it was in thine heart to do it. Nevertheless thou shalt not build this house for me, but thy Son that shall come out of thy loins he shall build it. And the Lord hath now graciously performed the word that he spake▪ and I am risen up in my fathers room to sit on the Throne of Israel, and have built an house for the Lord, as he promised I should do, and an abiding place for the Ark, wherein are the two Tables of the Law which the Lord gave as a Covenant to his people, requiring obedience on their part, and promising many blessings on his part to the obedient.

Then Solomon turned his face towards the Altar of Burnt-offering, and towards the most holy place, and having stood a while he then kneeled down, and spreading forth his hands towards heaven, poured forth this Divine Prayer, saying, O Lord God of Israel there is no God like thee in heaven above, or in earth beneath, who keepest Covenant and showest mercy to thy servants that walk before thee in the integrity of their hearts. Thou hast kept thy word, and performed thy promise to thy servant David in raising me his Son up to build a Temple for thee; perform also I pray thee unto my father what thou didst further promise him , to wit, that there shall not fail a man lineally descended from him to sit upon the Throne of Israel, and to reign in thy sight, provided his children take heed to their way to walk before thee with that integrity that he did. Now let thy word (I pray thee) be verified and fulfilled which thou spakest to my father concerning this matter. But why do I speak of my building an house for thee? Will God indeed dwell on earth? Behold thou art an infinite and immense being: Thou canst not be contained within any compass or space. The Heaven, and Heaven of Heavens cannot contain thee, much less this house that I have built. But though thou canst not be contained within this house, yet I pray thee have regard to the prayer and humble supplication of me thy poor servant which I make to thee in behalf of this house, namely that the eyes of thy favor and providence may be open towards it day and night, seeing thou hast said of it that thy name shall be there called upon and worshipped. I humbly beseech thee therefore when ever either myself or any of thy people shall pray unto thee in this place, or towards it , that then thou wouldst please to hear in Heaven thy dwelling place, (where thy glory is most eminently manifested) and when thou hearest be pleased to forgive and pardon our transgressions against thee. For there is no comfort in obtaining any other mercy, if our sins be not forgiven. Particularly I humbly request of thee that if any man be charged that he hath trespassed against his neighbor, and he be brought before thine Altar in the Court of this house to clear himself by Oath (sufficient proof by witnesses being wanting) that thou wouldst please to deal with him according to innocence or guiltiness, punishing him if he be faulty, and bringing his wicked way upon his own head, but justifying and acquitting him if he be innocent. Or if thy people be smitten before their enemies in the field because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, to wit, thy justice (in suffering their enemies to prevail against them) and shall acknowledge thy mercy and power, and so seek to thee for pardon and help, and shall make supplication to thee turning their faces towards this house, then hear thou in heaven and forgive their sin, and bring them again into the land which thou gavest to their fathers. Or when the heaven is shut up and there is no rain (because thy people have sinned against thee) if they shall pray towards this place, and confess thy justice in punishing of them, and turn from their sin, then hear thou in heaven and forgive their sin, and teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and then give rain upon the land which thou hast given thy people for an inheritance. Or if any of these great judgments fall upon the land, to wit, famine, pestilence, and blasting, or if there be any plague or sickness upon thy people, what prayer and supplication shall be made by any man singly, or by all thy people jointly, who shall know every man the plague of his own heart, (to wit the sins for which he is punished) and shall spread forth his hands towards this house, then hear thou in heaven and forgive, and do what in thy infinite wisdom seemeth good, and give to every man according to his ways, (not his former sins but his present repentance) whose heart thou seest to be sincere and upright. For thou, and thou only (O Lord) knowest the hearts of all the children of men. And I humbly beseech thee to deal thus mercifully with thy people that they may fear thee, and walk in thy ways all the days of their lives. Moreover if a stranger (that is not of thy people Israel) who hears of thy wondrous works and righteous Laws, and this holy house, shall come from his own Country to testify his high esteem of thy great name, and to worship and praise thee, and shall pray towards this house , then hear thou in heaven, and grant all that he shall pray unto thee for, which is agreeable to thy holy will, that all the people of the earth may know thy name, and learn to fear thee as do thy people Israel, and that they may know that thy name is called upon in this house that I have built, to wit, that it is called the Temple of the Lord, and the house of God, and is so in reality, by thy hearing the prayers that are here made unto thee. Furthermore, if thy people shall go out to battle against their enemies, and shall pray unto thee, and seek thy favor and help in that enterprize looking towards this City, and this house (which I have built for thy great name) then hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their just and righteous cause, by giving them good success. But if they by their sins provoke thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not) so that thou givest them up into the hands of their enemies and they carry them away captive, (either further off, or nearer hand) however if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and shall repent and make supplication to thee, saying, we have sinned and done perversely, we have committed wickedness, (and so shall return unto thee with all their heart, and all their soul), and shall pray unto thee looking towards this land, this City and this house, then hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, and maintain their cause, taking part with thy people that repent, and pray unto thee against the unjust oppression of their enemies, and then turn thou (O Lord) the hearts of their enemies towards them, that they may have pity and compassion on them. For remember (O Lord) they are thy people, and thine inheritance , which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, even out of an iron furnace , And furthermore, let the eyes of thy favor be upon me thy poor servant, and upon this thy people, and let thine ears be attentive unto the supplications we shall make unto thee, and hearken to us in all that we shall pray unto thee for, according to thy will. For thou didst separate us unto thyself from among all the Nations of the earth to be thy peculiar people and inheritance, as thou spakest by thy servant Moses.

Solomon having ended this his devout prayer rose up from his knees, and standing with his face toward the Temple, he repeated part of the 132 Psalm, saying, Arise, O Lord, and take possession of this house which I have built for thee as a resting place and fixed habitation, and not an ambulatory and moving one, as the Tabernacle was. And let thy Ark (whereon thou dost manifest thy glory , strength and power for the good of thy people) be here settled and constantly abide. Let thy Priests (O Lord God) be clothed and adorned with such graces as may bring salvation to themselves , and may enable them to be instrumental in the saving of others; and let thy Saints rejoice in thy goodness and favor manifested unto them. O Lord God hear me (I pray thee) and turn not away the face of thine anointed with shame and confusion by denying me my request, but remember the promises thy mercy moved thee to make to David my Father, and to his posterity.

Solomon having ended his prayers, the Sacrifices were brought in and laid upon the Altar, and immediately fire came down from Heaven, and consumed them, and the glory of the Lord (probably covered with a cloud) filled the house, and such an orient splendor shone through it that the Priests could by no means enter into the Temple. The people seeing the fire came down from Heaven, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground and worshipped, and praised God, and sang (as 'tis probable) the 136 Psalm ( as the Singers had done before) the burden or foot whereof was, For he is good, for his mercy endureth forever.

Then Solomon turned his face and blessed all the Congregation of Israel again, as he had done at the beginning, and said, Blessed be the Lord God who hath given rest to his people Israel as he promised of old. And indeed he hath not failed of performing any of his gracious promises which he made to his people by the ministry of his servant Moses. Now therefore the Lord our God be with us as he was with our Fathers, and let him not leave us nor forsake us; but let him incline our hearts to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments , statutes and judgments which he commanded our Fathers. And let my words wherewith I have made supplication to the Lord this day be in his mind and memory continually that he may maintain the cause of me his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times as the matter shall require, and as it shall appear just and equal to him, that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord he is the only true God from whom all blessings come, and that there is no other God besides him. Let your heart therefore be upright and sincere before the Lord, and walk in his statutes, and keep his commandments as now you do.

Then the King, the Princes and people offered abundance of Peace-offerings to the Lord, and kept this feast of Dedication seven days. During which time they offered unto the Lord two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. By a multitude of Sacrifices the pious Jews were wont to testify their zealous and grateful affection towards God; and we never read of any Sacrifice like this. And thus Solomon, the Princes and people by their joint prayers, praises and sacrifices dedicated the house of God, and set it apart for his worship and service. And they rejoiced before the Lord seven days, and seven, that is, they kept the first seven days as the Feast of Dedication, and the next seven as the Feast of Tabernacles. And the day after Solomon dismissed the people to their own homes, and they blessed the King, and prayed unto the Lord for him, and went home with joyful and glad hearts, rejoicing in the goodness which the Lord had manifested to the house of David, and to Solomon, and to all the people of Israel.

1 King. Ch. 8. whole Chapter.

1 Chron. Ch. 5. whole Chapter.

1 Chron. Ch. 6. whole Chapter.

2 Chron. Ch. 7. from v. 1, to 11.

SECT. III.

SHortly after Solomon had made that devout prayer before mentioned, the Lord (as it seems) appeared to him in a dream as he had done before at Gibeon, 1 King. 3.4, 5. and the Lord said, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication which thou hast made before me, and I have hallowed this house, and set it apart to those holy uses which thou didst intend it for, and it shall be called by my name as long as it shall last, and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually; I will always be ready to take notice of the prayers there made, and the services there performed, and will graciously accept them. And if I shall shut up heaven at any time so that there be no rain, or send the locusts or pestilence among my people, (that are called by my name) if they shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear in heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. And if thou wilt walk before me in integrity and uprightness as thy Father David did, and keep my statutes and judgments, then I will establish the Throne of thy Kingdom forever, that is, thou and thy posterity shall continue time after time to be Kings over Israel, so as no other stock but thine shall sit on that Throne so long as the Kingdom of Judah shall remain, as I promised and covenanted with David thy Father. See Ch. 8.25. But if thou or thy posterity fail on your part to perform the conditions annexed to my promise, and shall turn away obstinately and totally from following after me, and shall renounce me and my service, and will not keep my commandments and statutes which I have made known unto you, and set before you to walk in, but shall go and serve other God's, and worship them, then will I cut off Israel from the land which I have given them as a rotten branch, and pluck them up by the roots; and this house which I have hallowed for my name will I cast out of my sight, out of my favor and protection, and Israel shall be a proverb and a by-word among the people. And as for this house which is now so high in all external glory, everyone that passeth by shall be astonished at the destruction of it, and shall hiss at it in scorn, and shall ask why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and this house, and they shall receive this answer, because the inhabitants thereof have forsaken the Lord their God who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have betaken themselves to the worship of other God's, whose worship they pertinaciously hold fast, and will not depart from it. Therefore the Lord brought upon them all these great evils. 1 King. 9. fr. v. 2, to 11. 2 Chron. 7. fr. v. 11. to the end.

SECT. IV.

SOlomon having thus finished the Temple, he now falls in hand with the building of a Palace for himself in Jerusalem, and built also a stately Summer-house in Lebanon, [5. Ch. 7. from v. 2. to 7.] and an house for his Queen the daughter of Pharaoh, and his own Throne, so splendid and sumptuous that there was none like it. In the 13th. year after the Temple was built, he made an end of these buildings. Before his Palace he built a stately Porch of Judgment, wherein was to be set his great and Royal Throne wherein he sat in state to judge the people. This Throne was a stately and magnificent piece; it was made of Ivory, and in several parts of it overlaid with pure Gold; so as the white Ivory and glittering Gold gave a fair luster the one to the other, and made it appear the more glorious. The Throne had six steps to it, and so was a yard and half from the ground. It had a round stately Canopy, or covering over it, and stays or Elbows on each side, and a Footstool of Gold for the King to set his feet upon . Two Lions stood on the outside of the Elbows for support and ornament. And there were placed twelve Lions besides that stood six on the one side, and six on the other of the steps or stairs, and standing at an equal distance one from another were the more glorious to behold. There was not the like Throne for costliness and exquisite workmanship in any Kingdom of the world. The Lions signified the power, majesty, undaunted boldness, courage and magnanimity that ought to be in Princes, as also the great vigilancy and watchfulness that ought to be in them, so that they had need to wake while others sleep, as 'tis said of Lions that they sleep always with their eyes open; they might signify also that good Princes are protected by the special Providence of God, and their Thrones guarded with Lions. 1 King. 10. from 18, to 21.

Besides this stately Throne he made also two hundred Targets of beaten Gold, not for service but for pomp and state to set forth his Royal Majesty and Greatness. These (it is likely) were ordinarily hung up in his great Hall or Armory, and at certain times carried before him by his Guard, as afterwards the Brazen ones that were made in the room of these were carried before Rehoboam. See 1 King. 14.27. He made also three hundred Shields of beaten Gold, and three hundred shekels of Gold went to make one of them, so that the Shields were not above half so big as the Targets, which weighed each of them 600 shekels. All these he put into the house of the Forest of Lebanon, which for civil use was the most sumptuous building that Solomon made, and his Magnificence and Royalty was therein most manifested; and accordingly those Golden Targets and Shields were there placed. But he that shall consider how soon these Golden Tarkets and Shields became a prey to the enemy, will be apt to think there was an excess of pomp in them, which was not well-pleasing to God. And furthermore all the drinking vessels, cups, platters, basons, spoons, &c. that were used in the house of Lebanon were all of pure Gold (this house being made for delight, and the glory of his Kingdom) none of them were of silver, silver (comparatively) was not esteemed of for plate in Solomon 's time; for they having such abundance of Gold, most of their Plate was made of that metal, and silver-plate but little esteemed of in those days. But we must speak more particularly of this house of the forest of Lebanon. It was so called as being a kind of abridgment of that famous Forest afar off from Jerusalem, and containing in it and in the groves and gardens about it all the delights and pleasures of that Forest, and something more, viz. solitary walks, sweet music of birds, wild beasts, curious water-works, and all manner of other delightful things. See Eccles. 2.4, 5, 6. And it seems this house was also the chief storehouse and magazine of Arms which the Kings of Judah had, as appears from Isa. 22.8. Thou didst look in that day to the armor of the house of the Forest.

Thus Solomon finished the Lord's house, and his own house, and all that came into his heart to do, he prosperously effected, 2 Chron. 7.11. having spent full twenty years in this kind of work, [1 King. 9.10.] whereof seven and an half upon the Temple, and about twelve and an half upon his own houses and buildings.

1 King. Ch. 7. from v. 1, to 13.

1 King. Ch. 10. from v. 16, 22.

1 Chron. Ch. 9. from v. 15, to 21.

SECT. V.

WHilst Solomon was busied about his Magnificent buildings, it seems Gezer a City allotted to the Levites in the Tribe of Ephraim [Josh. 21.20, 21.] but never recovered out of the possession of the Canaanites, gave to the King some great distaste, so that (not being at leisure himself) he entreated Pharaoh his Father-in-law to take it in for him by his Arms, and to rid him of those troublesome neighbors. Pharaoh accordingly did it, and burnt the City or some part of it with fire, and put the inhabitants thereof to the sword, and so gave it for a present to his daughter, Solomon 's wife.

1 King. 9.16.

SECT. VI.

HIram King of Tyre having furnished Solomon towards these magnificent buildings with Cedar-trees and Firr-trees, and sixscore Talents of Gold, Solomon in a grateful retribution, and to make him amends, gave him twenty Cities or Towns in the land of Galilee which were not (as it seems) a part of the land which God had given for an inheritance to his people, but lay in a tract of ground on the outside of the borders of Asher [Josh. 19.24.] betwixt them and mount Libanus, and being now reduced under Solomon 's Dominion, he presented them to Hiram that he might by them receive satisfaction for what he had had of him. But it seems Hiram when he saw them liked them not, possibly because they stood in a moorish ground, or because he thought it would be long e're he should from them receive that satisfaction which he expected. Therefore he returned them to Solomon again, and chose rather to expect satisfaction from him some other way; and thereupon Solomon repaired and enlarged them, and planted certain colonies of the Israelites in them, [See 2 Chron. 8.1, 2.] whereas before they were inhabited only by the Heathen; and now that tract of ground was counted a part of Galilee which 'tis thought was the reason why Galilee was called Galilee of the Gentiles.

1 King. Ch. 9. from v. 10, to 15.

SECT. VII.

SOlomon having now finished his own houses, and built an house for his Queen, Pharaohs daughter, he removed her and brought her up thither out of the City of David; for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David King of Israel, because the places whereunto the Ark of the Lord hath come are more holy than other places. 'It is true David's house ceased to be holy (in that respect ) after the Ark was removed thence, yet Solomon out of his superabundant respect to that sign of God's presence, thought it not fit to make that a dwelling place for his Queen and her followers (who were aliens and strangers to the house of Israel, and possibly retained some of their Egyptian profaneness ) which had been the holy dwelling place of the most High, 2 Chron. 8.11. Solomon (as it seems) reflecting on his Marriage with Pharaohs daughter, and his bringing her up to the stately house he had built and prepared for her, took occasion from thence to pen that excellent Song called the Song of Songs, or the Canticles, being the chiefest of those one thousand and five Songs, composed by him, and the most excellent of them all. And this Song he composed after he had built his Summer-house in Lebanon, as may be gathered by some passages in it, see Ch. 4.8. Come with me from Lebanon my Spouse, with me from Lebanon. And Ch. 7. 4. Thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon. This Song is clearly a Marriage-song, and much of the same nature with the 45 Psalm, which is called a Song of Loves. And it is a kind of Pastoral composed in the way of Dialogue, where the speakers are the Bridegroom and the Bride (represented sometimes under the quality of a Shepherd and Shepherdess, or Countrydamsel ) and the Bride-men and Bride-maids the friends of the Bridegroom, and companions of the Bride. And though the most proper aim of it seemeth to be at higher and diviner matters, than an earthly marriage, (and a greater than Solomon is here ) yet Solomon thought fit to make his marriage with Pharaohs daughter a type of that sublime and spiritual marriage between Christ and his Church. The Song is a continued Allegory, and full of obscurities, yea here we have all the Rhetoric of love, and such affectionate compellations, and Elogies as are not elsewhere to be found. The flowers and ornaments of language used in the praises both of Bridegroom and Bride are not appliable to natural beauties, but are mystical representations and emblems of higher things. Indeed this Book is all mystical, and therefore the Jews forbad the reading of it by any under thirty years of age. Here between Christ and his Church are interchangings of mutual praises, gloriations, and congratulations. His divine and glorious excellencies in himself, and rich bounties and blessings to her, and her precious graces and endowments are in an high character, in lofty and stately sayings and similitudes set forth both by him and her. And yet withal her failings, and his withdrawings from her thereupon, and returnings to her again upon her repentance are not omitted.

In all the interlocutions betwixt them she speaks nine times, and he seven. In the first Chap. from v. 1, to the 8. the Spouse speaks, expressing her ardent desires after Christ, and vindicates her own deformities and defects, against the uncharitable censures of others, and petitions him for further counsel and direction. From the v. 8, to the 12. the Bridegroom speaks, granting her request, and giving her great commendations, and making rich promises to her. From v. 12, to the 15. the Spouse speaks again; then the Bridegroom at v. 15.

In the two first verses of Ch. 2. Christ speaks, characterizing himself and his Church, and then the Church speaks from the v. 3. to the end, and throughout all the third Chapter, speaking sometimes of Christ, and sometimes unto him.

At Ch. 4. Christ speaks from v. 1, to 15. and at v. 15, & 16. the Church.

At Ch. 5. v. 1. Christ granteth the request of the Church, and cometh into his Garden, and accepteth her entertainment, and bringeth his friends with him, and feasteth them; but this kindness (it seems) was not so well improved by her as it deserved; for she is surprised with a fit of drowsy negligence, and so is brought into danger of losing him, who after much patient waiting, knocking and calling upon her, and her unkind answer becomes angry, and being not received when he tendered himself, departs displeased, and is hardly reconciled, though she afterwards expresses much care and diligence in seeking him, and in so doing suffereth injuries and losses for his sake. Notwithstanding she chargeth the daughters of Jerusalem to tell him that she is sick of love. From v. 2, to the 9. They ask her, What was her beloved more than another beloved? And 'tis like they asked this question, not as being totally ignorant of him and his excellencies, but to give her occasion to set him forth the more unto them, which she does very emphatically, from v. the 10, to the end.

Ch. 6. The Spouse 's speech (so full of affection and admiration of the Bridegroom ) wrought so much on the daughters of Jerusalem, that they ask solicitously whither he was gone, that they may join with her in seeking him? She tells them where he is, and declares her peculiar interest in him, v. 2, 3.

The Church having confessed her fault, and sought to make up the breach between Christ and her, he thereupon readily receives her, and again highly praises and commends her.

Ch. 7. Christ here continues his praising of her, running over every grace and ornament in her, under new similitudes and exemplifications, from 1, to 10.

The Spouse thereupon renews the profession of her love to him, and rejoices in his love to her, inviting him to her Assemblies to see how they prospered and she promiseth to devote her best fruits wholly to him by whom alone she had brought them forth, and by whose blessing she flourished with all sorts of them, both new and old: From v. 10, to the end.

Ch. 8. The Church expresseth her ardent desires after Christ, v. 1, 2, 3. and charges others they should not disturb nor displease him, v. 4. At v. 5. the Bridegroom seems to admire at the rising of a new Church in a place where there had been no Assembly or Congregation of believers before; and coming up from the wilderness and leaning on her beloved, that is, depending on him by faith; whereupon he said, I raised thee up under the apple-tree, that is, when thou wast fallen under the tree of forbidden fruit, I by my free grace and the operation of my Spirit raised thee up, and brought thee to a glorious condition, though thy mother had brought thee forth in a sinful state.

The 6th & 7th verse. seem to be the words of the Spouse. In the 8th & 9th verses she expresses her care and solicitude for the uncalled Gentiles. At the 10th verse. the Gentiles are brought in speaking for themselves. Ver. 11, 12, 13. seem to be the last speech of Christ to and of his Spouse in this Song, wherein he magnifies the price, the precious fruitfulness and worth of his Church by comparing her to a Vineyard, the best of Vineyards, even Solomon 's in Baalhamon (a very fruitful place) and he shows that that Vineyard is far short of his.

Ver. 14. is the Churches last speech and prayer, wherein she expresses her longing and earnest expectation of Christ's second coming.

And so much of the Song of Solomon.

SECT. VIII.

SOlomon now built a Navy of Ships in Ezion-Geber which is beside Eloth, which were havens on that part of the Red-Sea which coasteth on the land of Edom. And because the Tyrians (that were Hiram 's subjects, were always held the most expert Sea-men, Hiram sent Solomon many of them to man his new built Ships, and go along with and assist his servants in their intended voyage. And it seems he built some Ships there himself that joined with the Navy of Solomon, and thence they sailed to Ophir, which is thought to be in the East-Indies (for thither they might most easily sail from Ezion-Geber ) and fetched from thence four hundred and Twenty Talents of Gold. In 2 Chron. 8.18. 'tis said that 450 Talents of Gold were brought from thence. It seems the overplus, viz. thirty Talents were expended for the charges of the Fleet, and wages of the men, or else it was the Adventure of Private persons, and only 400 and 20 Talents came clear to the King. So that Solomon had at Sea a Navy that went to Tarshish (which possibly was then taken in as large an extent an India is now) to which the Navy of Hiram joined, and once in three years they came home, bringing Gold and Silver, Ivory or Elephants-tooth, and Apes and Peacocks, or Monkies and Parrats, which they brought ('tis like) for rarities sake. And this Navy also brought from Ophir a great quantity of precious stones, and Almug-trees, which (it seems) were better than those Solomon had from Lebanon. And the King made of the Almug-trees pillars for the house of the Lord, viz. pillars in the rails on each side of the stairs, whereby they ascended up to the house of the Lord, and 2 Chron. 9.10. 'tis said, He made Terrasses to the house of the Lord, and to the Kings house of the Algum-trees ; that is supporters on each side of the Gallery that led from the Kings Palace to the Temple. He made also of this wood Harps and Psalteries for the Singers of the Temple.

1 King. 9. from 26, to the end.

1 King. 10. v. 11, & 12.

2 Chron. 9.10, 11, 21.

SECT. IX.

SOlomon now repaired Millo , which seems to be the Town-house in the City of David wherein the people had their solemn Assemblies, or else some tower or fortress belonging to the City. He built also Hazor in the Tribe of Naphtali, which was the chief City in former times of the Canaanites, Josh. 11.1, 10. and Megiddo a City belonging to Manasseh, Josh. 17.11. and Gezer which Pharaoh had taken and given to his daughter. See Sect. 5. And Beth-horn the upper and nether, that were fenced with walls, gates and bars, 2 Chron. 8.5. And Baalath in Dan, Josh. 19.44. And Tadmor in a dry and sandy place in the Coast of Syria, though belonging to the land of Israel. And he built Cities of store, for Ammunition and provisions of all sorts, and Cities for his Chariots and Horsemen; and whatsoever he designed to build in Jerusalem, or in the Forest of Lebanon, and in any part of his Dominions he prosperously finished.

1 King. from v. 15, to 20.

SECT. X.

SOlomon understanding that Hamath a City in the Dominions of the King of Zobah Syria (which his Father David had formerly taken) had now revolted from him, he sent his forces against it and took it.

2 Chron. 8.3:

SECT. XI.

SOlomon still continues constant in his Religion, offering the daily sacrifice, and sacrificing on the Sabbaths and New Moons, and constantly observing the three solemn Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, offering Burnt-offerings, and Peace-offerings (by the ministry of the Priests ) upon the Altar he had built to the Lord, and incense upon the Altar of Incense according to the Commandment of the Lord.

1 King. 10.25.

2 Chron. 8.12, 13.

SECT. XII.

SOlomon now flourishes in all splendor and glory, which will plainly appear to us if we consider these things:

• 1. The Extent of his Dominions.
• 2. His great wealth and riches.
• 3. His Grandeur and Magnificence.

1. Let us consider the Extent of his Dominions: He reigned over all the Kingdoms round about Israel, from the river Euphrates, the North-East Coast of the land of Canaan, even from Tipsah a City on that river to Azzah or Gaza [see Jer. 25.10.] in the land of the Philistines their Western bounds, and unto the border of Egypt (which was the river Sihor, Josh. 13.3.) which was the South bounds.

From all these Coasts they brought presents to him in testimony of fealty, and served Solomon, paying him tribute as long as he lived. And thus was that promise fulfilled which was made to Abraham, Gen. 15.18. Unto thy seed have I given this land from the river of Egypt unto the great river, even the river Euphrates. Solomon had also peace on all sides round about him, and Judah and Israel were many as the sand which is on the Sea-shore for multitude; and so that promise was fulfilled, Gen. 22.17. I will multiply thy seed as the stars, and as the sand which is on the sea-shore. And they lived in a very comfortable condition, every man dwelling safely under his own vine, and under his own fig-tree , eating and drinking, and making merry, even from Dan to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. 1 King. 4.20, 21, 24, 25. 2 Chron. 9.26.

2. Let us consider his great riches and wealth: Solomon had for divers years one after another brought in by his ships that went to Ophir and Tarshish, Six hundred threescore and six Talents of Gold. For though from Ophir there were brought in but four hundred and fifty Talents, 2 Chron. 8.18. yet from Ophir, Tarshish, and other places, he might receive six hundred sixty six Talents in a year, which amounts to two millions, four hundred ninety seven thousand, five hundred pounds. Besides what he had of Merchantmen, Factors, and Customers, and by the Traffick of the Spice-merchants, whose commodities being precious, they paid ('tis like) great custom to him for liberty to bring in some, and carry out other commodities. And furthermore all the petty Kings and Lord's of Arabia (that were subdued by David, and so brought under his dominion) paid him tribute, and brought him rich presents, viz. vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, rich vests, harness, spices, horses, mules; every year they brought a proportion of these presents, 2 Chron. 9.13, 14, 24. 1 King. 10.14, 15. Thus Solomon made silver and gold in Jerusalem to be as plenteous as stones, and Cedar-trees as Sycamores that grew in every field. So that this was the golden age of the Israelites under the peaceable and flourishing reign of Solomon. 1 King. 10.14, 15, 25, 27. 2 Chron. 1.15. 2 Chron. 9.13, 14. & 23.24, 27.

3. Let us consider his Grandeur and Magnificence: Solomon got for himself Chariots and Horses, and had a thousand and four hundred Chariots, and four thousand stalls for his Horses and Chariots, [see 1 King. 9.19.] and twelve thousand Horsemen whom he bestowed in his Chariot-cities; he ordered some of them to be in his own Court or near it. If any one shall wonder how Solomon came by all those Horses, they may consider that they brought him horses out of all lands near him, especially his Merchants and Factors did buy Horses for him, and Linnen yarn in Egypt. The Linnen yarn at such a price as was agreed upon between the Egyptians and them, and the Horses cost one Horse 150 shekels, and therefore so many Horses as used to draw one Chariot, viz. four cost four times as much, viz. six hundred shekels of silver. And these Merchants bought Horses not only to serve their own Prince and Country, but also for other bordering Kings and Kingdoms. How far his multiplying of Horses and his multiplying of Wives, [1 King. 11.3.] and his multiplying of Gold and Silver so excessively, [1 King. 10.21, 27.] did agree with that law made for Kings, Deut. 17.16, 17. possibly Solomon in that height of his prosperity did not consider.

1 King. 1.14, 16, 17.

1 King. 10.26, 28, 29.

2 Chron. 41.14, 16, 17.

2 Chron. 9.25, 28.

SECT. XIII.

WE have spoken of Solomon 's glory, pomp and magnificence; but that which wrought in the heart of all people (whither his own subjects or foreigners ) so great a veneration for him, was that extraordinary measure of wisdom with which the Lord had endowed him: In the 1 King. 4.2. 'tis said God gave him wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand which is upon the Seashore. His wisdom excelled the wisdom of the children of the East, and all the wisdom of Egypt. The Arabians and Chaldeans were at this time famous for their learning, especially Philosophy and Astronomy, and so were also the Egyptians. See Act. 7.22. Isa. 19.11, 12. and yet Solomon excelled these. He was wiser than all men then living; wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Chalioc, and Darda; who (it seems) were men famous for wisdom and learning among the Israelites. See 1 Chron. 2.6. They were also (as it seems) famous for Divine Poetry, if these be the Ethan and Heman mentioned in the Titles of the 88 and 89 Psalms. Solomon 's renown was very great in all Nations round about him. And there came of all sorts of people, and Ambassadors from all Kings, (that were anything near him) to hear his wisdom, and to learn of him.

He discovered his great wisdom in these Particulars: 1. In choosing his Officers of State; for a wise King will always chose wise Statesmen, and nothing doth more discover the wisdom and sufficiency of a Prince than to chose out of his Kingdom wise, able and good men to be his Counselors, Officers of State, and Ministers of Justice. The number and order of them is here recorded to set forth his great wisdom. 1. Azariah the Son of Zadok was his principal Minister of State . 2. Eliphoreph and Ahiah the Sons of Shisha his Secretaries. We read but of one Secretary of State that David had, 2 Sam. 20.25. whose name was Sheva, and possibly this is the same man with Shisha, and that he trained up his two Sons in his own way, and made them so expert therein that Solomon took them both for his Secretaries; and living in greater splendor than his Father he had two Secretaries, whereas his Father had but one. 3. Jehoshaphat the Son of Ahitub the Recorder, or Master of Requests, whose office was to put the King in mind of Petitions, and possibly to record the memorable Acts of State; he had this place in David 's time, and it seems held it still under Solomon, [See 2 Sam. 20.24.] and so must needs be very ancient. 4. Benaiah was Captain-General of the host in Joab 's place. 5. Zadok and Abiathar were the chief Priests; for though Abiathar was removed from the place of High Priest, [Ch. 2.27.] yet (it seems) he retained the Title though he executed not the Office. 6. Azariah the Son of Nathan the Prophet was over the twelve Officers or Purveyers which are named, v. 7, to 19. 7. Zabud his brother was a principal Officer, and possibly President of the Kings Council, he was the Kings friend and favourite (as Hushai was to David, 2 Sam. 15.27.) and had on all occasions