SOLOMON.
Reading edition
In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said, Give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.—I. Kings, iii. 5, 6, 9, 10.
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.—II. Chronicles, i. 11, 12.
A righteous sceptre in Jerusalem Reigned over Israel; and the arts of peace In higher honour placed King David’s son, Than all the father’s fierce and weary wars. Plenty and comfort blessed the labouring poor, And splendour graced the noble and the wise: Silver was nothing counted; massive gold Adorned the temple and the royal board, And richly-laden ships, from distant shores, Swelled the king’s tribute and the people’s wealth. Worthier than gold, than jewels far more rare, Was the king’s wisdom; all the people bowed Before the mighty mind of Solomon, For God was with him. H. H. Weld.
In wealth, in power, tranquillity, and fame, His mightier son, high-favoured Solomon, Serene in strength, and dreadful without war, Reigns jubilant: in knowledge peerless he, With proverb, meditation, holy song, Exalts the soul; while o’er his laws preside Truth unncorrupt, integrity severe, By keen discernment led. With lustrous train See Sheba’s queen, to prove his wisdom come, And kings from every realm, admiring, hear His varied eloquence; admiring, view Magnificence and regal state profuse Beyond compare. Charles Hoyle.