David had now accomplished nearly all of his earthly
mission. He found the dominion small; now it was much
extended. He found it in disorder and left it thoroughly
organized. He found religion at a low ebb and he succeeded
in greatly reviving and energizing religious devotion and zeal.
He found powerful enemies on every side but he subdued all
of them and led the nation to a condition of peace and
introduced them to a season of unparalleled prosperity. His
life had been an eventful and troubled one, not without its
grave mistakes, but it had accomplished great things. The
glory of Solomon's reign was but the harvest of David's labors
and sufferings. R2030:2
Israel's kings were anointed by divine commission and
authority as were no other kings and they were said to "sit
upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord" (1 Chron. 28:5)
as no other kings before or since have held such dominion. It
was, therefore, quite in line with the arrangements of that time
that the kings of Israel and Judah should fortify and
strengthen themselves and defend the land which the
Almighty had specially given to their nation. R4786:2
The chronology differences between the books of Kings
and Chronicles are not to be considered errors of inspiration
but merely such slight discrepancies as we might expect to
find in any history and which God permitted for a purpose,
while he supplied the deficiency in the Old Testament
chronology by a fuller record on these obscure points in the
New Testament. R1419:6
David was old -- Having brought order out of confusion,
and having established peace and prosperity on a permanent
footing. R2030:3
Stricken in years -- 70 years of age. Absalom, his eldest
son, had died in rebellion. R5701:1
Adonijah -- Made heir-apparent to the throne by the death
of Absalom. R5701:1
As with Absalom, the notes of discord came from within his
own household. R2030:2, R4286:2
Exalted himself -- Adonijah succeeded in gaining the
friendship of Joab, the long-time military leader. R5701:1
I will be king -- This attempted usurpation led to the
immediate anointing and proclamation of Solomon. R2030:2
Not displeased him -- He was a spoiled child never under
the tutelage of the prophet Nathan. R4286:6
It is a mistake for parents to allow a child's early years to be
wasted through inattention of training. R4286:6
Joab -- A long-time head of David's army, probably retired
because of age and for disregarding King David's instructions
that Absalom's life be not taken. R5701:1
He called not -- Members of The Christ must not wonder
if they are excluded from the companionships and feastings of
the Absalom and Adonijah types. R4287:1
Nathan -- Solomon was the ward and pupil of Nathan.
R5701:5, R4286:5
Spake unto -- Adonijah's disloyalty was thus brought to
the notice of King David, resulting in Solomon's being
publicly crowned. R2045:3, R5701:2
Bath-sheba -- Solomon's mother was not a heathen, but an
Israelite, and therefore more in sympathy with divine
arrangements and laws. R5701:5
Solomon -- Meaning, "The peaceful." Partook of his
father David's religious disposition. We are handicapped or
blessed by the disposition and traits we inherit. R2045:3,
R5701:4
Assuredly Solomon -- Having been selected by Jehovah.
R2045:3, R2030:2, R5701:4
Reign after me -- In view of the fact that Solomon was the
Lord's choice. R2045:3
Ride upon mine own mule -- An act which would of itself
proclaim Solomon as David's successor. R4286:5, R5701:2
Gihon -- Near where Jesus later rode on the ass. R4286:5
In the Valley of Kidron. R1401:1
Nathan the prophet -- And Benaiah, another general.
R4286:4
Cherethites and the Pelethites -- Two companies of the
king's special body-guard. R4286:5
Anointed Solomon -- The first time. The second time is
recorded in 1 Chron. 29:22, 23. R2031:4
King Solomon -- For his father David's sake. Of his
posterity was to come the long-promised Messiah, King of the
antitypical Kingdom of God. R2045:3
Solomon came to the throne at about 19 or 20 years of age
and reigned jointly with his father David for some 6 months.
R2045:3, R4286:5
It required the two reigns of David and Solomon to represent
the great work of the Lord's Anointed: David's represented the
work of the Church in the flesh, while Solomon's represented
the work of the Church glorified. R1901:3
Sitteth on the throne -- Reigning jointly with David for
some 6 months. R4286:5
Adonijah feared -- Because of the custom amongst other
kingdoms that when a king was installed in office, others who
might become rivals were put to death. R4287:4
Probably judging Solomon by himself, and concluding that
his life would be in danger. R4287:4
On the horns -- As a place of safety. R4287:4
Go to thine house -- Indicating that no punishment would
be inflicted. R4287:4
If thy children -- Conditional; his royal line failed and was
abandoned from being the Messianic line. E131
Whatever is clearly promised on condition of obedience is
forfeited if that obedience is not rendered. R467:5*
Shall not fail thee -- Be cut off from thee, from the throne.
E131
Thus the Maccabees were unsuccessful in establishing a
kingdom, because not of the promised line of David. Q79:2
Down to the grave -- Sheol, oblivion, the state of death.
E358; R828:5, R2600:1, R2599:6
To the grave -- To sheol, oblivion. E358
David slept -- Death is a condition of rest, of quiet, of
peaceful unconsciousness. R5059:6, R4794:2, R5166:4
The body did not sleep, it was absolutely dead. That which
slept was that which God recognizes as the personality, the
soul. R5611:5
With his fathers -- The Bible declares that the Ancients,
good and bad, were gathered to their fathers and slept.
R5179:4, R2617:5
Was buried -- Purportedly in a cave with Solomon and
other kings, today (1892) on Zion Street in Jerusalem.
R1390:2
Horns of the altar -- Pointing to Christ as our refuge, and
to his abundant power and grace to all who should come to
him. R101:1*
Sacrificed -- Unto the Lord. R2045:6
In high places -- This was prohibited by Mosaic Law
(Deut. 12:13, 14), but was accepted of God until the Temple
was built. R2045:6
Sacrifice -- Each has a sacrifice to bring: his justified self,
his will, his time, his influence, his talents. R4292:1
1000 burnt offerings -- Burnt offerings only in the sense
that they were offered in connection with a religious
ceremony. Certain portions, particularly the fat, were burned
and the food portions became the basis of the feast. R3277:3,
R5714:2
Appeared -- While Solomon's mind was active in religious
matters. R3277:6
In a dream -- All dreams are not of the Lord, but he is able
to use dreams when he so chooses to convey lessons and
instructions. The only safe way is to interpret dreams in full
accord with the Scriptures. R3277:6, R3278:1, R5714:5
Ask what I shall give thee -- So God is asking all who
would become his children. He desires to do them good, but
wishes them to realize their needs and make requests
accordingly. R5714:6
Thou hast shewed -- Indicating that he realized that God's
favor was merely the continuation of the divine mercies
which had blessed David. R4290:6
Thou hast made thy servant -- This should give strength
to all the Lord's consecrated people who have come into
present grace and truth, not by their own wisdom but through
the wisdom and grace of God. R3278:2
A little child -- Teachable, not boastful or self confident.
R5714:6
Go out or come in -- How to conduct myself in public or
in private before the people. R4291:1
Thy servant -- Solomon recognized that the people were
God's, not his. R4291:1, R3278:2
Midst of thy people -- A lesson to those who speak of
God's people as "My people," "My flock," "My church."
R3278:2
A great people -- Estimated 6,000,000. R3278:3
An understanding heart -- The most necessary thing for
the welfare of the nation was righteous judgment. R3278:4
Its full realization will be in Solomon's antitype. R2053:5,
R1517:2
To judge -- To administer justice. Messiah is to
accomplish this in the world in the Millennial age. R5715:1,
R3278:5
According to thy words -- Insofar as the dream was
fulfilled in Solomon and his reign, it prefigured the glorious
and peaceful reign of David's greater son, Jesus. R2046:5
Neither after thee -- Since typical of Christ, it is
harmonious with Matt. 12:42, "A greater than Solomon is
here." R1517.2
Hast not asked -- This was just like our Heavenly Father.
R3278:5
Riches and honor -- Typifying the spiritual riches and
honors given to the true Church. R3278:5
As thy father David -- Showing that the Lord was not
expecting absolute perfection, but heart intentions. R2059:6
I will lengthen thy days -- Conditional. Solomon lived to
60 years; he would have lived to 80 years had he been more
obedient. R3278:6
Adoniram -- Secretary of the treasury, the one having
charge over the assessments, etc., and who presided over the
forced labor. R3385:4
Peace on all sides -- Whereas King David's reign was full
of wars, King Solomon's had none. PD44/53
Gave Solomon wisdom -- Not the heavenly wisdom, not
spiritual understanding. R2053:2
Solomon's wisdom excelled -- Prefigured the all-comprehensive
wisdom of Christ. R2053:1
Only an imperfect realization of the wise and understanding
heart suggested in his dream-prayer. R2053:2
Children of the east -- Implying that his wisdom was
along the lines of the sciences and philosophies popular with
them. R2053:5
Wiser than all men -- In the time of Solomon, the zenith
of their glory, the Jews were a people distinguished and
honored among nations. C244
Three thousand proverbs -- Not all deemed of the Lord
worthy of preservation in sacred Scripture. R2053:5
Of all people -- "Many people will say, Come and let us
go up to the house of the Lord." (Isa. 2:3) R2053:1
My father could not build -- The lesson is that the
complete divine arrangement is not to be established by Christ
in the flesh, represented by David, but by The Christ of glory,
represented by Solomon. PD45/55
Christendom, not heeding this counsel, has built up earthly
institutions contrary to the divine intention for this present
age. R4261:3
For the wars -- David typified the battling of Christ and
the Church while in the flesh. R4261:1
Hath given me rest -- To illustrate the Millennial
Kingdom of The Christ in glory. R4261:1
I purpose to build -- The "greater than Solomon" (Matt.
12:42) is to build the antitypical Temple. R172:2
Twenty measures -- 200,000 gallons. R3431:2
Raised a levy -- Drafted. R3282:3
Costly -- The Temple of God, built by Solomon, was
probably richer in its ornamentation and more costly than any
other temple. It represented so glorious a class and such rich
blessings of God to men that it was very appropriate that the
type be costly. R2054:1, R4296:5
Lay the foundation -- The resurrection of the prophets.
The apostles and the prophets are the foundation. (Eph. 2:20,
21) R180:6*
So they prepared -- The getting out of the stones and
timbers seems to be the work done during the Gospel age.
R169:6*
In the 480th year -- The Diaglott footnote on Acts 13:20
shows that this text has been corrupted by substituting the
Hebrew character daleth (4) for hay (5), which is very similar
in form. This would make 580 (instead of 480). R1980:3;
B53
Leaving 350 years for the period of the judges whereas the
time as given in the Judges in 19 periods makes a total of 450
years. Admitting the single mistake of 480 years for 580 in
the Kings will set it right. HG104:6
He began to build -- Solomon was not only
a prince of peace but a wise, rich king, who builded the
Temple of Jehovah. PD44/53
And the house -- Typical of the greater spiritual Temple,
the Church. F73
Was built of stone -- Type of the "living stones," each one
fitted and prepared for his place. F196, F73
Made ready -- typified preparation of the Church in the
present life and their construction as God's spiritual Temple
by resurrection power. PD45/55; R1237:4, R172:2
Before it was brought -- The trials and difficulties of the
present are the chiseling, and the quarry is the world.
CR360:1
The construction of the antitypical Temple is not to take place
until all the stones have been prepared. R4261:6
All the fitting and preparation is done in the present life.
F196
Neither hammer nor axe -- No need of trimming or
altering any of the perfected ones who will constitute the
glorious Temple of God. R2987:2
Nor any tool of iron heard -- Quietly and orderly, no
confusion. CR359:6
Showing the noiseless resurrection of the dead in Christ and
the change of the living. R4296:6
Babylon's false temple, in contrast, builds and rebuilds with
great noise-confusion. R1237:5
That is, the temple -- The Hebrew term for the Jewish
Temple is heykal, a royal residence; qualified by the term
kodesh, a sanctuary, to indicate its sacredness as the dwelling
place of Jehovah. R1981:1
Knops and open flowers -- Representing the Church as
both beautiful and fruitful. T116
All was cedar -- Representing everlasting life. T109
There was no stone -- Represents the true Church, "living
stones." (1 Pet. 2:5) F196
The ark -- Represents the eternal purpose of God in The
Christ, Head and Body. T121
The oracle -- Its size indicates the size of the Most Holy of
the Tabernacle and the placement of the second veil.
R100:2*
So Solomon -- Type of Christ. (Matt. 12:42) R1517:2;
B255
Overlaid -- Wood merely used as a filler. Wood, hay and
stubble have no place in the true Temple. (1 Cor. 3:12).
R2054:5
Pure gold -- The faith and character of the true Church is
represented in the gold, silver and precious stones. R2054:5
Cherubims -- Not literal angels, but symbols of God's
attributes. R529:6*
Ten cubits high -- Probably nearly 21 feet high. R530:2*
Of one measure -- Illustrating the time equality of the
Jewish and Gospel dispensations. R39:2*
The two covenants were represented by the two cherubim
over the Mercy Seat. HG53:6
He set the cherubims -- Upon their own feet: independent,
yet in perfect harmony. R530:2*
Month Bul -- Month is translated from the Hebrew word
for "moon." R4127:3
Eighth month -- Month here translated from the Hebrew
word for "innovation." R4127:3
He finished -- After 24 years of reigning, at age 44.
R2059:2
Then Solomon -- The Great King, antitypical Solomon,
our Lord Jesus. R3283:1
Assembled -- The Lord's people are now gathering from
the four quarters of the spiritual heavens. R3283:1
Elders of Israel -- The Lord's very elect. R3283:1
The city of David -- Mount Zion was one division of the
city of Jerusalem, while the Temple was built in another
division, called Mount Moriah. R4297:1
The feast -- The Feast of Tabernacles. R3509:2*
Priests -- Little Flock. R172:4
Levites -- Great Company. R172:4
Brought in the ark -- The Temple was not complete until
the Ark was placed in position, typifying that every member
of the Body of Christ must be changed from the Tabernacle to
the Temple, or permanent, position in the first resurrection.
R3283:1
Nothing In the ark save -- Golden bowl of manna, a type
of immortality, and the budded rod of the blessings,
fruitfulness and privilege of service of the Levites, will end as
types in the present dispensation. R3283:2
Tables of stone -- Of the Law, showing how Christ would
meet in full all the requirements of God's perfect law and also
that legal authority would be vested in him as the Law-executor. T121
The Law will always be an integral part of the divine
covenant. R3283:2
The cloud -- Symbolizing the Lord's presence. R3283:2
The house -- Typifying the glorified Christ. R3283:5
The cloud -- An extreme brightness, symbol of the Lord's
presence. R3283:3
Glory of the LORD -- The fact that the glory of the Lord
filled the typical Temple before it was completed seems to
imply that at this present time there will be some
manifestation of God's favor toward his Church before the
work of construction is quite finished. R5714:4; CR360:5;
R4297:5
Causing the shekinah glory to shine upon the Mercy Seat,
thus indicating a transfer of divine presence from the
Tabernacle to the Temple. R2054:6
The fact that the Temple was built and then glorified proves
that all, dead and living, will be made spiritual bodies before
any are glorified. R169:6*
Filled -- Then the new dispensation begins. PD45/55
The house -- The Temple, permanent place for the
manifestation of God's presence. R2054:6
Out of thy loins -- Children are spoken of as being of, or
from their fathers; and borne by their mothers. E99; R776:5
Heaven of heavens -- The throne of God is referred to as
"the heaven of heavens." R619:6
Toward this house -- During the Millennium, the world
will approach God through the glorified Church. R5714:1,4
The dedication of the Temple teaches God's people it is
necessary to positively and formally dedicate themselves to
God and to his service before being recognized of him and
filled with his spirit. R5714:1
Forgive -- So, during the Millennium God will hear the
prayers thus properly presented and will forgive the sins of
the people. R5714:4
Of thy great name -- In all this Solomon very beautifully,
modestly and properly gives the credit for his wisdom and
greatness to God. R2067:3
On his knees -- Evidence of Solomon's earnestness.
Suggests to us the importance of not only having good
desires, but also of permitting those desires to occupy our
time, thoughts and attention fully. R2054:3
Not failed one word -- All who have the unction from the
Holy One can with patience wait and trust implicitly for
future good things. D616
All things will work in us for our welfare because we are his,
and for the glory of his Kingdom. R4262:4
All his good promise -- Let us not blame God for
the non-fulfillment of our expectations. R4261:6
Not leave us -- Shows great modesty as well as zeal, for he
included himself as well as the people. R2054:3
Dedicated -- God's people should positively and formally
dedicate themselves. R5714:1
About a month before the Temple was completely finished,
doubtless a typical lesson which we may some day more fully
understand. R5713:2
Finished the building -- He began the building in the
fourth year of his reign. Its construction occupied seven
years. R2059:3
The king's house -- Solomon's own palace took 13 years
to build. R2059:3
All Solomon's desire -- Reached the period where he was
"in all his glory," (Matt. 6:29) the critical point of danger.
R2059:3
Appeared ... second time -- Occurred 24 years after he
had become king, when he had reached 44 years of age.
R2059:2
As he had appeared -- As before at Gibeon, in a dream.
R2059:6
Shall be there perpetually -- Implying his approval of
Solomon's course up to this time. R2059:6
In integrity of heart -- Not absolute perfection, but heart
intentions. R2059:6
Promised to David -- Not merely to the immediate
descendants of Solomon and David, but his particular
reference is to Christ. R2059:6
Turn from following me -- Solomon chose the wrong
path. R2060:1
Cut off Israel -- The Lord's rejection for a time was the
result of their rejection of him, in part induced by Solomon's
choice. R2060:1
Byword -- The house which Solomon built unto the Lord
was later robbed, profaned, and did become a byword.
R2060:1
Among all people -- When noting the fulfillment of these
prophecies against Israel we must not forget the equally
strong testimonies of God that he will gather them again.
OV76:1
High -- Notable in the eyes of the world. R2060:1
Hiss -- It was robbed of its treasures and profaned.
R2060:1
Their children -- 150,000 laborers, probably
Canaanites. R3282:3
A tribute of bondservice -- Typical of the fact that
strangers and enemies of truth have the larger share of
preparing the antitypical temple by their hammering and
chiseling of the living stones. R3282:6
Queen of Sheba -- Presumed to have been a Negress. In
modern times the Emperor of Abyssinia claimed to be a
descendant of Solomon by this Queen. R3043:1
A more-than-ordinarily brilliant woman. R2067:2
She came -- From far-off southern Arabia, a journey of
1500 miles. R2067:2, R5722:1
Thus she put to shame the people of Israel who later
disregarded the superior wisdom of Jesus, the greater than
Solomon. PD44/53
At about the middle, or 20th year, of Solomon's reign, when
he was in all his glory. R5722:1, R2067:2
Hard questions -- Probably relating to the sciences, arts,
wise government, and respecting God and the future life.
R2067:2, R3284:5, R5722:4
She came -- A journey of 1500 miles, to Jerusalem and
back, consuming five months. R5722:1, R3284:2
Spices -- From India. R2067:5
His ascent -- The corridor, or grand stairway, which led
from his house to the Temple was a marvel of architecture.
R3284:6, R5722:1
Spirit in her -- It took her breath away. R3284:6
I believed not -- Reports of Solomon's greatness. R3284:2
Mine eyes have seen it -- The appreciation of values
depends much upon the eye. So the eyes of our
understanding must be opened truly to appreciate spiritual
things. PD44/53
Half was not told -- Applies (though not as an antitype) to
the Gospel Church. Once afar off, they come and confess
that the half was never told them of the riches of divine grace
in our Lord. R2068:4
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath in reservation for
them that love him." (1 Cor. 2:9) R3285:2
120 talents of gold -- Estimated at $3,000,000. R2067:5
All her desire -- Richly rewarded by having her every
inquiry answered and by seeing the Temple built to the glory
of God. R2067:5
Of his royal bounty -- It was a custom for kings and
princes to give presents according to their wealth, and
Solomon was no doubt more wealthy than the queen.
R2067:6
The weight of gold -- King Solomon's annuity is supposed
to have been more than ten million dollars. R4722:3
Solomon exceeded -- In glory, attracting the
wonder and admiration of the world. C244
Illustrates the tendencies of wisdom and riches to lead
imperfect men away from God, the source of wisdom and
riches. R4297:3
Solomon typified the Church glorified. PD44/53
Made silver ... as stones -- The glitter of success held the
nation loyal to him, notwithstanding the fact that it was
achieved by oppressive measures. R2324:1
Strange women -- Mismarriage was a worldly-wise step
with a view to a closer relationship with surrounding nations
and royal families, but an unwise one, for God desired his
elect people to be separate from all families of the earth.
R2324:1
700 wives -- Some of these "queens" were ladies of rank
and refinement from the various royal families of surrounding
nations, one being Pharaoh's daughter. R2068:3
Solomon was old -- Prematurely old, at about 50 years.
R2068:3
Went not fully after -- But we are not to suppose that he
ceased to believe in the only true God. R2068:3, R4297:6
Solomon build an high place -- A notable house in the
eyes of the world. R2060:1
To please his various wives. R2068:3
In a spirit of "broad-mindedness" or "public policy," which
led to laxity respecting the worship of the true God. This
finds its counterpart today. R2359:3,5
In the hill -- Now called the Mount of Offence, opposite
Siloam. R1400:6
Molech -- The Valley of Hinnom (Greek, Gehenna) had
erected in it a hollow brass figure of the god Moloch, a
torment deity, which was heated intensely and then into its
outstretched arms were occasionally placed children offered
in sacrifice. R3069:1
Today we see in nominal Christendom a Moloch on a much
larger scale, a worse misrepresentation of a loving God, in the
doctrine of purgatory and eternal torment. R2360:1, R3464:6
Likewise did he -- When one system of idolatry had been
introduced, the other foreign wives claimed similar rights, etc.
R2068:3
He sought to be more broad and liberal than the Almighty in
the recognition of foreign religions forbidden to Israel.
R2324:1
Angry -- A righteous indignation against sin. R2068:5
The Lord rebuked Solomon for his course, doubtless through
the prophet Ahijah. (verses 29-37) R4297:6
Rend the kingdom -- Would be rent or torn with violence.
R4297:6
Complete overturning. Messiah could not be expected
through the line of Solomon. E133
The penalty for Solomon's sin. R2068:5
Thy son -- Rehoboam. R2068:5
Not rend away all -- Fulfilled through Jeroboam.
R2069:1, R4297:6
Thus ten of twelve parts were rent away; two retained for
David's and Jerusalem's sake. R467:6*
Will give one tribe -- Judah's consort Benjamin (after it
was almost destroyed) was absorbed into the tribe of Judah.
R2069:4; E132
He lifted up his hand -- Contrary to the Lord's plan for the
division, which was after Solomon's death. R2069:1
Industrious -- Having a natural ability as a manager of
men. R2324:4
Take thee ten pieces -- Thus anointing him to be king over
the ten tribes. R2324:4
I will rend the kingdom -- With one favorable effect-that
the two tribes could learn from the bad example of the ten and
be more faithful. Also illustrated in the divisions within the
nominal Gospel church. R2324:6
Will give ten tribes to thee -- The division of the kingdom
was of the Lord's foreknowledge and arrangement, for the
Lord saw that it would work favorably for the development of
his purpose. R2324:5
Which I have chosen -- As the religious and political
center of the typical kingdom. R1296:6*
Walk in my ways -- Solomon lost the kingdom because of
leading the people toward idolatry. Jeroboam should have
had this in mind and sought to banish idolatry. R4723:6
Was forty years -- Possibly typifying the harvest of the
Millennial age. R4018:2*
And Solomon slept -- Death is a condition of rest, of quiet,
of peaceful unconsciousness. R5059:6
The condition of all the dead up to the time when the
resurrection work begins. R4794:2
Rehoboam his son -- His mother was Naamah, an
Ammonitess and idolater, for whom Solomon built a temple
to Moloch. R2324:5
Rehoboam -- Solomon's son by a heathen mother; had
inherited personal beauty from both parents. R4722:3
To make him king -- Rehoboam was about 21 when he
came to the throne of a great kingdom; and he quickly
dissipated a vast fortune. R4722:3
Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt -- Where he had fled when
Solomon suppressed his incipient rebellion. R4723:3
Called him -- From exile in Egypt, to become
leader and spokesman of the ten tribes. R4722:6
Spake unto Rehoboam -- A council of all the tribes except
the one to which the royal family belonged. R3384:3
They were not satisfied and would not acknowledge him as
king unless he gave them what might be termed a bill of
rights. R4722:6
Saying -- They inquired what he would promise in the way
of a reform government. R4722:6
Make our yoke grievous -- By providing magnificent
palaces for himself and his heathen wives, gardens, raiment,
chariots and soldiers. R2046:5
The capital city had been favored out of all proportion to the
remainder of the country, and the ten tribes had shared in a
labor conscription at small compensation. R5723:1
They were ready to break out in open rebellion. R3384:3
Even today many of the best governed and most prosperous
are discontented. R3384:3
Make . . . lighter -- The Jews as a people have always
zealously guarded their liberties. R2068:6
They wished assurance that there would be an abatement of
demands of levies of men for public labor, of taxes, liberties,
etc. R3384:3
A demand similar to that of the British public in connection
with the Magna Charta. R5723:1
Depart ... three days -- He and all realized that a crisis
had come, too weighty to be decided hastily. R4722:6
King Rehoboam -- Recognized as king by the tribes of
Judah and Benjamin. R4722:6
Consulted -- In every enterprise of life we should seek
counsel. R4723:4
With the old men -- His father's counselors; to
know their advice. R4722:6
They spake unto him -- Their recommendations were
good, exactly what the ten tribes desired. R4723:1
If thou wilt be a servant -- Proper advice--a ruler should
be the servant of his people. R5723:5
He forsook the counsel -- The golden rule, laid down by
the great head of Christianity, is rejected as impracticable.
R5723:5
Consulted with the young -- His friends, whom he was
disposed to bring into power with himself. R4723:1
His course should have been to seek counsel from the Lord.
R2324:4
Spake unto him -- To intimidate, rule with a heavy hand.
R4723:1
Shall be thicker -- Unwise, boastful, vainglorious
language, which no doubt was the abundant overflow of a
heart in similar condition. R2324:4
With scorpions -- Whips with metal lumps on the strands.
R3384:6, R5723:2
Answered ... roughly -- The young king had not been
rightly taught the principles of justice in human affairs. Pride
and ambition are dangerous counselors. R4723:1
Wealth, power, influence, gained through oppression and
injustice, are unworthy of noble minds. R4723:4
Forsook the old men's -- Made an unwise decision and
lost the greater part of the kingdom. R4723:1
I will chastise you -- The answer was a foolish one and
precipitated the separation of the ten tribes from the two.
R3384:6, R5723:2
Scorpions -- Whip with metal pricks at the ends of the
thongs. Drafted men were treated as the veriest slaves, under
taskmasters with whips. R4723:1, R2324:3
All Israel -- Ten tribes, and the adjacent kingdom which
had been under Solomon's sovereignty. R4723:1
Israel departed -- The ten tribes revolted and maintained
the title, "kingdom of Israel." The two tribes were called the
"kingdom of Judah" for over 500 years. R3385:4, R5723:2
393 years before the overthrow of Zedekiah, corresponding to
the division of Christendom into Papacy and Protestantism in
the year 1521, when Luther was excommunicated. R3574:1*
Unto their tents -- Splits in the nominal mass, and the
resulting benefits, do not justify splits among those faithful to
the Lord. R2325:4
Children of Israel -- Refers to the Israelites from all those
tribes which dwelt in the cities of Judah who were not moved
to join with their tribes in the rebellion. C292; R3385:4,
R1341:1
Judah -- In which God, through the prophet, had declared
that his blessings should come. R3385:4
Reigned over them -- Thus loyal to the Lord whose
worship centered in Jerusalem, and to the tribes of Judah,
from which the promised king was to come; typifying the
siftings of spiritual Israel. R3385:2
Spiritual Israelites should notice that the Lord overruled in all
the affairs of the typical people for the welfare of the
true-hearted and should expect the same. R3385:4
Adoram -- Secretary of the treasury, the one having charge
over the assessments, etc., same as in 1 Kings 4:6. R3385:4
Stoned him -- After the manner of their time. R3385:5
Israel -- The ten tribes maintained the title "kingdom of
Israel" for over 500 years, until the return from captivity.
R5723:2, R3384:6
Made him king -- The ten tribes chose Jeroboam for their
king and supported a separate government. R3385:5
To fight -- King Rehoboam, loath to lose so large a part of
his empire, at first thought to compel the union by putting
down the rebellion. R3385:5
Ye shall not -- It was part of the divine plan that the
nations should be divided. R3385:5
Jeroboam -- Of the tribe of Ephraim, a man of large
natural ability but inclined to be worldly-wise and to neglect
his God and his religion. R4723:2
Possessed more of confidence in himself than of trust in God,
more of impatience to be king than of loyalty. R4723:3,
R3385:3
Said in his heart -- Decided to take the selfish course.
R4723:5
If this people go -- To worship yearly, they would again
draw back to the kings of the line of David. R5732:2
At Jerusalem -- By divine order, the center of religious
service. R3385:6
Two calves -- Probably because the people, while in
Egypt, were accustomed to the worship of the sacred bull,
Apis, of Egyptian mythology. R2325:5
One of the first arrangements was to break the religious tie.
R3386:1, R2325:3
For policy's sake, he led the nation directly into idolatry.
R4723:6
Of gold -- Probably made of wood, overlaid with gold.
R3386:2
The one in Beth-el -- Where Jacob had his dream, and
which was therefore somewhat sacred to the minds of the
children of Israel. R3386:1
In the southern part of the territory. R5732:3
Dan -- In the northern part of the territory. R5732:3
Became a sin -- Because it was contrary to the divine
arrangement and led them gradually into idolatry. R3386:2,
R5732:3
The sons of Levi -- Probably, though not so stated, the
Levites refused in the establishment of these unauthorized
religious services. Consequently many of them removed to
the kingdom of Judah. R3386:3
And burnt incense -- Similarly the emperors of Rome took
to themselves the priestly office that they might the more
effectually bind the people to them. R3386:4
Stood by the altar -- Jeroboam seems to have appointed
himself the chief priest of the new religious institution, for he
offered the incense. R2325:6
Men's bones ... burnt -- Fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:16 and 2
Chron. 34:5. R3607:3
Shishak -- There has been discovered at Karnak, Egypt, a
splendid structure erected by him. R3467:6*
He took away -- Commemorated by a sculpture at Karnak
by Shishak, which includes a Jewish king among the 38
whom he had subdued. R3467:6*
Omri -- A great general, he succeeded Jeroboam on the
throne. His dynasty was a successful one according to
worldly standards but a failure from the divine standpoint.
R4729:2
City which he built -- Omri strengthened his hold upon
the people by the building of a new capital city, Samaria.
R3399:2
Omri wrought evil -- Outranked Jeroboam as a misleader.
Worldly wisdom suggested a still further departure from God.
R4729:3
In his sin -- Introducing idolatry and licentious practices.
R3399:2
Vanities -- Vain religious ceremonies, provocative of
greater evils. R3399:2
Omri slept -- We are not to draw the inference that, as a
wicked man, he went to eternal torment and that the nature of
the torment is sleep. R4729:3, R3399:2
With his fathers -- The Grecian theory, that when people
die they become more alive than ever, had not yet been
introduced. R3399:2
And Ahab -- Typical of the Roman empire. B256;
R234:3
Typified the civil government, symbolically called the
"dragon" in Revelation. OV268:3; Dii; R4730:4
Ahab's name signified "like his father." Surely he was. His
was a reign still more successful in unrighteousness. R4729:3
Did evil -- For 22 years he devoted himself to the further
undermining of true religion and to the introduction of the
worst forms of licentious, heathen idolatry. R4730:4,
R4729:5
To wife Jezebel -- Typical of the apostate Church of
Rome. R5629:1; B256
The improper marriage of Ahab and Jezebel, contrary to the
Jewish Law, typified the marriage, or union, of church and
state. R4730:4, R234:3
Typified a religious system. She was a desperate character,
used to symbolize the great mystery of iniquity in the book of
Revelation. (Rev. 2:20) R3399:4
In marrying her Ahab secured an able accomplice in evil.
R3399:4
Her name signifies "chaste"; yet she used her great influence
for the furtherance of unchastity in connection with the
worship of Baal and Ashtoreth. R4729:5
The effect of the prosperity of Ahab and Jezebel was two-fold:
degrading one class, while separating from itself another
class--the true worshippers of God. So it is today. R4730:1
Ethbaal -- A priest of Baal who murdered his father, the
king of Tyre, and then succeeded him. R3399:4
Served Baal -- Or Bel; type of the god of Babylon, the
Pope. D40
An altar for Baal -- The ordained worship in the Temple
was neglected and image worship established. Thus was the
true Temple and priesthood counterfeited. Similarly, we have
in nominal spiritual Israel a great counterfeit system.
PD46/56; R3399:5
And Elijah -- Type of the true Church in the flesh--The
Christ, Head and Body. B256; R5629:1, R5569:5,
R5741:3, R5857:4; Q259:1
Said unto Ahab -- Worldly system, to which this
professed nominal church of Christ is united. R5741:6
Type of the Roman empire. R3408:3; B256
He reproved King Ahab, Jezebel and the ten tribes. R4730:3
The king doubtless considered this a vain boast. R4731:2
God of Israel liveth -- Whom you seem to think is dead.
R2326:1
Before whom I stand -- Whose representative I am.
R3400:1
True prophets of God are not boastful; they speak merely as
divine mouthpieces. R5741:2
Not be dew nor rain -- A declaration of a divine judgment.
R2326:1
Intended to be corrective. R5741:2
A drouth which was a retribution of punishment upon Israel.
R4730:6
The 3-1/2 year drouth and resulting famine of 1260 days were
prophetic of the 1260 years from 539 AD to 1799 AD, when
there was a famine in the world for the hearing of the word of
the Lord (Amos 8:11, 12) under Papal domination. R5742:1,
R5741:6, R5751:5, R234:6
The word for rain is that which refers to the principal rain,
which comes in the fall of the year. R3400:2
And hide thyself -- Keep his whereabouts unknown to the
king. R3400:2
Representing the flight of the true Church into a condition of
isolation during the three and one-half symbolic "times" of
Papal supremacy. B256
Brook Cherith -- On a mountainside, on the road leading
from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea, a lonely spot.
R5741:2
Ravens to feed thee -- Our Heavenly Father was quite able
to use the ravens in supplying the needs of his servant, and we
are told, "He careth for you" (1 Pet. 5:7); "My God shall
supply all your need." (Phil. 4:19) R3400:3, 4
Dwelt by the brook -- For about two years. R2326:2
Ravens -- Exhibit not only extraordinary intelligence, but
sometimes also sympathy. R2326:2
The food for Elijah was probably stolen from the bazaars of
Jerusalem or Jericho. R2326:3
Bread and flesh -- Typifying the Lord's care of the true
Church during the time she was hiding from Papacy. B256
No rain in the land -- Typifying the lack of truth the living
water, during the 3-1/2 symbolic "times" of papal persecution.
B256
Zarephath -- Outside the kingdom of Israel. R3400:5
A widow woman -- A godly Gentile who had respect to
Jehovah. R3400:5, R2326:4
A little water -- The gift of water to the thirsty is regarded
as a sacred duty. R2326:4
The streams of that vicinity, from the mountains of Lebanon,
had evidently not completely dried up. R3400:5
An handful of meal -- Even so, small amounts of
consecrated funds can greatly spread the gospel. R2549:5
Eat It, and die -- What she presumed would be her last
meal. Your meal and oil may run low, but God knoweth it
and will provide with spiritual blessings accompanying, if you
will trust him. R2326:5, R2021:4
Fear not -- This was a severe test to the woman's faith and
generosity. R4731:4
A little cake first -- If the woman had the faith necessary
to obey she would be esteemed worthy of the Lord's
assistance through the prophet. The Lord tests our faith, too.
R2326:5, R3400:6
Barrel of meal -- Symbol of the bread of truth, of which
our supply is continued from day to day. R2326:6
Neither shall ... oil fail -- You will increase your own
store of spiritual food as you give it to others. CR302:3
Representing the holy Spirit, which helps to make the truth
nourishing and profitable to us. R2326:6
She went and did -- She had faith enough to share her
little remnant with him, resulting in a miracle. R5741:3
A lesson that, even in our extremities, we should exercise
sympathy toward others. R4731:5
Is thy cruse of comfort failing? Rise and share it with another.
R2326:6*
Did eat many days -- The Lord's people have great need to
cultivate a large generosity, not only of thought, but of deed.
R2326:4, R3400:6
And the soul -- Nephesh, being, life, existence. R366:6
And he revived -- Awakening, not resurrection, of the
dead. R2618:2, R360:2; F704
Thus foreshadowing the Times of Restitution. (Isa. 25:6-9)
R4758:5, R62:1*; HG336:1
Elijah -- Type of the true Church in the flesh--The Christ,
Head and Body. B256; PD46/56
Third year -- Either the third of Elijah's sojourn at
Zarephath, or after his original announcement to Ahab.
R4740:1
The entire period of the drouth was 3-1/2 years. (Luke 4:25;
Jas. 5:17) R4740:2
Shew thyself -- Prefigured the coming out of the true
Church of God from her wilderness hiding after the year 1799
AD. R5857:4
Unto Ahab -- Type of the Roman empire. B256
Representing the governments of earth. PD46/56
I will send rain -- Showing return of divine favor. A
sufficiency of punishment had come upon Israel for their
iniquities. R4740:2, 6
A sore famine -- Typifying the spiritual famine during the
Dark Ages. B256; R5741:6
For 3-1/2 years, typical of the "time, times, and a half,"--1260years, of the famine "not of bread, nor of water, but of
hearing the word of the Lord." (Amos 8:11) R5993:3
Typical of the period in which the true saints of God were
hidden from the eyes of the world in a wilderness condition.
R4741:2
Governor -- Royal superintendent, or prime minister.
R4740:2
Now Obadiah -- Represents partially consecrated ones.
R3401:5
Feared the LORD -- But must have failed to let his light
shine properly, else he would not have been an acceptable
servant in the house of Ahab. R3401:3
He was a true worshipper of the Lord, but timid. R3401:3
Such as are ashamed of the Lord will lose the great prize.
R3401:5
When Jezebel -- Typical of the apostate church of Rome.
B256
Symbolizes the great mystery of iniquity. R3399:4; PD46/56
Cut off the prophets -- The first religious persecution on
record. R2325:6
Hid them -- Evidently at the risk of his all. R4740:2
Fifty in a cave -- The experiences of God's prophets, for
the most part, were far from enviable. A54
Fed them -- Josephus connects Obadiah's widow with the
woman of 2 Kings 4:1-7 and her debt with the funds needed
to feed the prophets. R3430:6
Horses and mules -- Apparently he was more solicitous
for his beasts than for the poor of the people. R3401:2
Ahab went -- Probably with a good retinue of servants.
R3401:2
He shall slay me -- He surmised that Elijah would in some
manner disappear during his absence and that, in
consequence, the king's anger would be against his servant.
R3401:5, R4740:2
Slew the prophets -- See comments on 1 Kings 18:4.
LORD'S prophets -- The worthy servants of Mark 12:3-5.
R1796:1
Ahab went to meet Elijah -- Prophetic of the great contest
between Catholicism and Protestantism in the Reformation
period. R5751:5
Ahab -- Type of worldly governments claiming to be
Christ's kingdom. R5751:2, R389:2*
Elijah -- Type of the true Church of Christ in the flesh,
this side the veil. R5751:3
Although the true Church is indeed represented symbolically
by a woman, it is also represented sometimes by a man--when
the picture includes the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the
Church. R5751:3
Art thou he -- Implying that all the trouble was properly
chargeable to Elijah. R3401:6
This is the worldly custom. R4740:3
That troubleth Israel -- The valiant for the truth have
always been considered enemies by the nominal mass.
R577:5, R234:6
We would trouble Israel by showing the Lord's people their
transgressions. R234:6
Baalim -- Bel, type of the God of Babylon: the Pope.
D40
Prophets of Baal -- So the priests and the religious
representatives of a great church system have been the
obedient servants of the great false institutions, pictured by
Ahab and Jezebel. R5751:3
Jezebel -- A false Christian church system married to
earthly governments. R5751:2, R389:2*
Mount Carmel -- About seventeen miles from the palace
at Jezreel, an ideal place for such a spectacle. R3406:1
Elijah -- Here representing Jehovah. R3402:1, R4740:3
How long halt ye -- "Choose ye this day whom ye will
serve." (Josh. 24:15) R2950:4, 6
"Today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
(Heb 3:15) R2950:6
Coming to a positive decision is a great blessing, and a great
help in the formation of character. R2950:4
Two opinions -- "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."
(Matt. 6:24) R2950:3
A contrast to the present dominant religious sentiment of
compromise. D190
Your gods -- Infidelity in our day is calling upon many to
worship the god of nature; and, through Higher Criticism and
Evolution theories, the priests of error are misleading many.
R3407:5
That answereth by fire -- Elijah challenged the priests of
Baal to a public test as to which god could answer prayer.
PD46/56
Called on ... Baal -- Noted for being preeminently the sun
god, the god of nature, fertility, etc. R3406:2
To accept the offering and vindicate his cause. PD46/56
If Baal were powerful enough to answer their prayers, then
the people might understand that it was because Baal was
offended with them that they had experienced the drouth.
R2332:5
They cried aloud -- Yelling and cutting themselves,
claiming they had committed sins, chastising themselves, that
Baal be propitiated and answer them. R3406:3
The sons of Jacob -- Typifying the twelve apostles. B246
Barrels -- Earthen jars. R3406:3
Water -- From a never-failing spring which is to be found
on the slope of Mt. Carmel. R3406:3
Pour it on -- No one could say that there was a secret
smouldering of fire beneath. R4740:5; PD46/56
Came near, and said -- This prayer is beautiful in its
simplicity, manifesting no boastful spirit. R3406:4
Hear me, O LORD -- Elijah prayed to God to vindicate
his cause. PD46/56
Turned their heart -- Recalling them again by their
experiences, and by these signs, to be thy people. R2332:6
Fire of the LORD fell -- The fire descended and
consumed the sacrifice, licking up even the water in the
trench. PD46/56
All the people -- Representing the world. R5629:1
Fell on their faces -- A lesson for us is that the masses of
Christendom are deceived today, as were the masses of Israel.
By and by, when God shall open their eyes, every knee shall
bow. R4740:5
The LORD -- Jehovah, He is God. PD46/56
Prophets of Baal -- Public teachers of idolatry. A55
And slew them there -- Representing the punishments
visited upon the Papacy at the end of the three and one-half
symbolic "times" (1260 literal years). B256
It is not a divine command to us today to put all false teachers
to death. R4740:5
It is for us to slay and utterly expose the errors and follies
which are deceiving the people. R3407:5, R4211:3*
Foreshadowing the Second Death of all who work iniquity
after full opportunity. R4740:6
There is a sound -- Might be understood better, "I hear
from the Lord the message of an abundance of rain coming."
R3407:1
Abundance of rain -- Typifying the millions of Bibles
published and issued shortly after the end of 1799. B256
Showing a return of divine favor. R4740:6
Nearly all of our great Bible Societies were organized within
fifteen years after 1799. R5752:5, R4211:3*
A spiritual drouth ended in 1798. R5751:3
From 325 AD, when the Nicene creed was promulgated, there
was practically no Bible study for 12 centuries until 1526,
when the art of printing had become common and Tyndale
had published his manuscript. It was 1799 before the Bible
came into great prominence. R5752:1-5
Down upon the earth -- Elijah did not pray for rain until
he understood that it was the Lord's due time for it to come.
We are to pray for and confidently expect those things and
only those things which the Lord has promised to give us.
R3407:2-4
Great rain -- Representing the wide circulation of the
Bible since 1799. R5857:4
Was on Elijah -- Enduing him with supernatural power.
R3407:4
Ran before Ahab -- An act of courtesy, showing that he
recognized Ahab as the king of the nation. R3407:4
And Ahab -- Type of the Roman empire. B256; R5629:1,
R4741:1, R3408:2
Told Jezebel -- Type of the apostate church of Rome and
of the so-called Protestant sects. B256; R5629:1, R3408:3
Herodias was an advanced type of her. R3408:2
All that Elijah -- Representing the true Church in the
flesh. B256; R5629:1, R5857:4, R4741:1
John the Baptist was a type, corresponding to Elijah.
R3408:2
Had done -- Jezebel viewed the matter, not as a combat
between the Almighty and Baal, but as between her prophets
and Elijah. R4741:1
Jezebel -- Representing the principles of Papacy in
Protestantism. B256
Represents a form of godliness, great and boastful, and
supported by earthly power. R5752:6
Sent a messenger -- So the gospel Church has been
persecuted and compelled to flee by a woman who sat as "a
queen" (Rev. 18:7) and is called "Jezebel." (Rev. 2:20)
HG69:4
The great social and religious upheaval of a century did not
alter the attitude of the church nominal and the world toward
the true Church. The Reformation was partial only. R5752:6
Of one of them -- Declaring that he would be as dead as
the priests of Baal within 24 hours. R3408:1
The queen did not persecute him, but threatened him.
R5629:1
Went for his life -- The message was a boast and threat
designed to intimidate him and to cause him to flee, which it
did. R3408:1
Antitypically, this implies a measure of fear and cowardice on
the part of God's saintly people, and their becoming obscure
for a time. R4741:4
The reformers of the 16th century fled the threats of the
antitypical Jezebel, being caused to desert many prominent
principles of righteousness for fear of the consequences.
R2341:1
The complete separation of a class from the power of Jezebel
in the interests of the new life, 1829 to 1846. R4211:3*
Into the wilderness -- Not for a specified time, however.
R5629:1
In fulfillment, Protestant sects compel the saints again to flee
into the wilderness condition. B256
O LORD -- Signifying his discouragement. R5629:4
Take away my life -- Why thus flee from death, and yet
pray the Lord for death? An illustration of how some of
strong faith amongst the Lord's people at times become
discouraged, panic-stricken, fearful. R3408:5
Arise and eat -- God realized, better than did Elijah, the
physical exhaustion experienced in the great work he had
done. R2333:3
The "Miller Movement," with special food: the ransom, the
return of the Lord, and an understanding of prophecy.
R4211:3,6*
There was a cake -- A loaf of bread, somewhat like a
pancake; symbol of the Church's spiritual food, the
unleavened bread of life, Christ. R2333:5
The special message that is now feeding the people of God.
R5629:4
A cruse of water -- Symbol of truth, the water of life.
R2333:5
Angel of the LORD -- The Lord thus gave him a special
message of comfort and food which lasted forty days, until he
came to the mount of God--Horeb. R5752:3
The messenger whom the Lord has been using since 1874.
R4211:6*
The second time -- Second awakening, 1874 to 1914.
R4211:6*
Arise and eat -- However earnest and zealous the Lord's
people may be, they need rest and food. R3408:6
Represents the special blessings and refreshments of the truth
in the experiences of the Church. R3408:6
The journey -- The hope of our calling, to be joint-heirs
with our Lord. R4211:6*
Too great for thee -- Unless strengthened by the
special food provided. R4211:6*
That meat -- Present truth. R4212:1*
Forty days -- 1874 to 1914. R4212:1*
Unto Horeb -- Mt. Sinai, a type of the Kingdom of God.
R3408:2, 6
Represents the Messianic Kingdom. R5629:4, R5752:6,
R4212:1*
Elijah's reaching Mt. Horeb typifies the Church at the
incipient establishment of the Kingdom in 1878. R3408:6
Coming of Elijah to it shows that the Church will be in and
under the Kingdom administration while still in the flesh,
although the last members will not fully participate in the
Kingdom honors and blessings. R5752:6
He came thither -- Chronologically Messiah's Kingdom
began its operation in the world in 1878 while the last
members of the Church are still in the flesh. R5753:1
Unto a cave -- The cave of Moses. R3414:1
Lodged there -- No special aim or purpose before his
mind. R2333:5
What doest thou -- It may be asked, What are we doing
for the Lord and for his cause? R2334:1
Here -- Not in a place to do anything. R2334:1
I only, am left -- As Elijah was discouraged, so it has been
with the Church. There was much discouragement felt until
the Lord began to make clear the divine plan. R5753:5,
R3414:2
They seek my life -- The experiences of God's prophets,
for the most part, were far from enviable. A54
Stand upon the mount -- The final overthrow of present
institutions will not take place until the Elijah class has
reached the mount of God--actually changed. R4212:4*
Before the LORD -- The Lord gave him illustrations of
different ways of accomplishing results. We need, and are
getting, such a lesson. R3414:2,3
To us he makes clear the divine plan by which Messiah's
Kingdom will be inaugurated. R5753:5, R2333:5
And strong wind -- Not the Lord's manifestation of
himself, but merely an illustration of power. R4741:4,
R3414:2
Winds of strife, symbol of wars. R5753:1, R2334:4
Windy strife of words, not the voice of God, but the voice of
humanity. R4741:4, R2333:6
Quite probably they are already (1904) being let loose.
R3414:3
Represents the present (1915) war. R5629:4, R5753:1
Rent the mountains -- Mountains represent kingdoms; a
great weakening of the nations, governments of the earth, by
wars; and increased knowledge and discontent among the
people. A318; SM795:3; R5601:2, R5629:4
Not In the wind -- God's Kingdom will not follow the
epoch of war. R2334:4
An earthquake -- Symbolically represents a social
revolution. R5629:4; SM795:3; R5753:2, R2334:4,
R3414:3, R5649:5, R5601:2; A336, D528
The earthquake of Rev. 16:18. R3414:3, R2334:5
When the kings and captains of industry, finance and politics
will, in self-defense, exalt the power of religious leaders.
R5601:3
Another power by which, ultimately, the present order of
things will give way before the Kingdom of God's dear Son.
R4741:4
This will not come as soon as the war begins, but the war
might continue while the earthquake is on. R5629:4,
R5753:2
Not in the earthquake -- Revolutionary experiences will
not be sufficient to prepare men to hear the voice of God.
R2334:4
In none of these great experiences coming to the world will
God be manifest. They will all be merely to fit and prepare
man for the voice of Eden. R5753:2, R2334:4
A fire -- Anarchy, symbolically represented by St. Peter as
consuming the ecclesiastical heavens and the social, financial
and political earth. (2 Pet. 3:10-13) R5753:2, R3414:3
The great time of trouble (Dan. 12:1) is prefigured also by a
tidal wave, a whirlwind and the loosing of the four winds.
R5863:6
Celestial fire, lightning, symbol of anarchy, consuming and
destroying the present order of things. R2334:4, R5753:2,
R5567:4, R5601:2, R5629:4, R5649:5, R2333:6
The third great phase of the calamity. SM795:3
Anarchy--Armageddon experiences. I think the Church will
be gone before the Armageddon experience, but cannot be
sure. Q617:4
Not In the fire -- The fire, representing consumption,
destruction, anarchy, is not the Lord, but merely human
passions which he will permit. R4741:5
After the fire -- These calamities having completely
exhausted and humbled mankind. R2334:5, R5649:5
A still small voice -- The voice of truth, love, wisdom.
R3414:3
The voice of God, the divine power, which will bring the
blessings to the world. R5629:4, R5601:2
The "pure language" (Zeph. 3:9) or pure message of God's
Word. R3414:5
Corresponding to the "Be still" of Psa. 46:10. R3414:6,
R2334:5
Not by earthly might nor by earthly power will the Lord
establish his rule. R3414:6
The King will take his great power with the result that the
fires of anarchy will be extinguished. SM795:3
Which Luther's translation renders, "The voice of Eden." God
was in the voice--it really and truly represented him. R5752:3
"It shall come to pass that every soul that will not hear that
prophet shall be destroyed from amongst the people." (Acts
3:23) R2334:5
Elijah had expected his reformation to go forward like a
windstorm, or an earthquake or lightning; and when it did not,
he fled. Now he was to understand that it would be more
secret and quiet in the hearts of men, before giving outward
manifestation. R2340:3,6
The voice of God's Word speaking to his people today.
R4741:5
Went out -- The type here changes to teach lessons of our
present privileges and responsibilities. R4212:4*
And Elisha -- Probably a type of the Great Company until
he re-crossed Jordan. Q260:3; R3416:4, R4758:2, R5771:6
A class that will come into deep sympathy with the Elijah
class, and follow the Lord's leading with it, yet a class that
will not expect to be glorified. B265
We have no positive proof in the Scriptures that he was a type
at all. Q259:2; R3429:2
Prophet in thy room -- To prepare and instruct Elisha,
representing those who shall succeed the overcomers as the
Lord's mouthpiece on the earth. R557:6
7,000 in Israel -- Similarly there are thousands in the
nominal system who are not in sympathy with the errors they
are taught, but are confused and blinded. R3415:1
Similarly today there are two classes in spiritual Israel: one
class is in the wilderness condition; another, a larger class, is
still more or less associated with, and bound up in, Babylon.
R4741:5
The "Little Flock" may be rather difficult to discern. We are
to look for them everywhere--in all denominations, and
outside all. SM702:1
Unto Baal -- The Papal "Beast" and the Protestant
"Image." (Rev. 13) R290:6
Hath not kissed him -- Which was the custom. R3415:1
Elisha -- Signifying, "God is deliverer." R3428:3
With twelve yoke -- Indicating that he was the son of a
wealthy Israelite. R3428:3
Ministered unto him -- For more than 10 years. R3428:3
Ben-hadad the king -- Overlord of Syria, who had under
him 32 kings. R4758:3
King of Israel answered -- Recognizing the greatness of
Syria's army and his unpreparedness for resisting. R4758:3
Let not him -- The test of endurance is one of the severest
to which the elect Church is subjected. R1656:1
Boast himself -- Applicable, not only to every new recruit
in the Lord's army, but similarly to all who have not yet
finished the good fight of faith. R1656:1
Putteth it off -- We are forewarned of the great necessity
of the whole armor of God. R1656:2
To put on the robes of glory in the first resurrection. R3125:2
That I am the LORD -- God would demonstrate his
power by protecting his covenant people, reviving their faith
and loyalty. R4758:6
Thirty and two kings -- Benhadad and his host would
correspond to Satan and his various hosts of unrighteousness.
R4759:1
May represent various trusts, political grafters, various
preying vices. R4759:1
Let me -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E334
Of the prophets -- Gatherings of young men desirous of
studying the Law and appreciating the divine will. R3415:1
Give the inheritance -- Jewish Law forbade the selling of
family inheritances; but he could have given a lease for a time
to the king's pleasement. R5770:6, R4741:3
And Ahab -- Type of the Roman empire. B256;
R3408:3
But Jezebel -- Type of the apostate church of Rome and
her false spirit in Protestant sects. R5629:1; B256
Give me thy vineyard -- The crime of covetousness is
now not only general and common, but almost approved as
proper. It seems to be generally practiced. R2340:1
With his seal -- The emblem of authority. R360:4*
Unto the elders -- Ahab's covetousness was of the most
approved kind, in that it sought to act through others, and
stoned Naboth by proxy. R2340:3
Proclaim a fast -- To make a mockery of religion.
R4741:5
Seemingly in honor of God's laws and his justice. R5771:2
Set Naboth on high -- Religion has often been injured by
being made the tool of hypocrisy and covetousness. R2340:4,
R4741:6
Even the elders -- It is doubtful whether our disgust should
be greater with the queen who instigated the evil, or with the
elders who so supinely became the tool to accomplish it.
R2339:6
Set Naboth on high -- Covetousness sometimes strikes the
dagger of scandal under professions of love and esteem, or of
pity and sympathy. R2340:2
Naboth did blaspheme -- Sometimes covetousness has the
hypocritical mask of duty, religion and fidelity to God.
R2340:2
And stoned him -- Jewish Law provided that any
blasphemy against God's name should be punished by
stoning. R5771:1, R4741:6
That he died -- Wars of commercialism show a spirit of
willingness to kill our neighbors in order to enlarge our own
properties. R5853:2, R4741:6
Sharp, competitive business practices are covetousness of the
same kind. R4741:6
To take possession -- Thus he fully endorsed the conduct
of Jezebel. R2340:3
As though he did not recognize that there is a God of justice
to whom he must ultimately account. R4742:4
Came to Elijah -- Type of the true Church in the flesh.
B256; R5629:1
Thou shalt speak -- So it is our place to speak the word of
God that the antitypical Ahab shall be slain. R235:5
Dogs lick thy blood -- This prophecy was fulfilled to the
letter very shortly after. R4742:4
Ahab -- The Roman empire. R235:5
Hast thou found me -- Inclined to ignore the Lord and to
think merely of the prophet. R4742:4
Sold thyself -- If God denounced Ahab, what would the
Lord's verdict be on some of the customs of our day?
R4742:1
Covetousness is one of the most crying evils of our day.
R4742:4
Thy posterity -- Empires succeeding the Roman. R235:5
The dogs -- The degraded. R235:5
Eat Jezebel -- The church and world united system shall
be cast down and consumed. R235:5
Because he humbleth himself -- On account of this degree
of repentance. R2340:5
In his son's days -- A mark of God's patience and
forbearance. R2340:6
A lying spirit -- One of the fallen angels. R2173:4,
R2171:3
Micaiah -- One of the worthy servants of Mark 12:3-5.
R1796:1
Slept with his fathers -- Death is a condition of rest, quiet,
or peaceful unconsciousness. R5605:4, R5059:6, R4794:2
In the fourth year -- The total years of the reigns of Asa,
Jehoshaphat and Jehoram of Judah agree with the total of
Ahab, Ahaziah and Jehoram of Israel; though the details do
not show the closest harmony. R4601:5*