‏ 1 Kings 9

* God's answer to Solomon. (1-9) The presents of Solomon and

Hiram. (10-14) Solomon's buildings, His trade. (15-28)

1-9 God warned Solomon, now he had newly built and dedicated

the temple, that he and his people might not be high-minded, but

fear. After all the services we can perform, we stand upon the

same terms with the Lord as before. Nothing can purchase for us

liberty to sin, nor would the true believer desire such a

licence. He would rather be chastened of the Lord, than be

allowed to go on with ease and prosperity in sin. 10-14 Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities. Hiram did not like

them. If Solomon would gratify him, let it be in his own

element, by becoming his partner in trade, as he did. See how

the providence of God suits this earth to the various tempers of

men, and the dispositions of men to the earth, and all for the

good of mankind in general. 15-28 Here is a further account of Solomon's greatness. He

began at the right end, for he built God's house first, and

finished that before he began his own; then God blessed him, and

he prospered in all his other buildings. Let piety begin, and

profit follow; leave pleasure to the last. Whatever pains we

take for the glory of God, and to profit others, we are likely

to have the advantage. Canaan, the holy land, the glory of all

lands, had no gold in it; which shows that the best produce is

that which is for the present support of life, our own and

others; such things did Canaan produce. Solomon got much by his

merchandise, and yet has directed us to a better trade, within

reach of the poorest. Wisdom is better than the merchandise of

silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold, #Pr 3:14|.