Chapter 19—An Object Lesson
The beginnings of Solomon’s apostasy may be traced to many
seemingly slight deviations from right principles. Associations with
idolatrous women was by no means the only cause of his downfall.
Among the primary causes that led Solomon into extravagance and
tyrannical oppression, was his course in developing and cherishing a
spirit of covetousness.
In the days of ancient Israel, when at the foot of Sinai Moses told
the people of the divine command, “Let them make me a sanctuary;
that I may dwell among them” (
Exodus 25:8
), the response of the
Israelites was accompanied by appropriate gifts. “They came, every
one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made
willing” (
Exodus 35:21
), and brought offerings. For the building of the
sanctuary, great and expensive preparations were necessary; a large
amount of the most precious and costly material was required; yet the
Lord accepted only freewill offerings. “Of every man that giveth it
willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering” (
Exodus 25:2
), was
the divine command repeated by Moses to the congregation. Devotion
to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first requisites in preparing a
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dwelling place for the Most High.
A similar call to self-sacrifice was made when David turned over
to Solomon the responsibility of erecting the temple. Of the assembled
multitude that had brought their liberal gifts, David asked, “Who then is
willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” (
1 Chronicles
29:5
). This call should ever have been kept in mind by those who had
to do with the construction of the temple.
Chosen men were specially endowed by God with skill and wisdom
for the construction of the wilderness tabernacle. “Moses said unto
the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel ...
of the tribe of Judah; and he hath filled him with the Spirit of God,
in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner
of workmanship.... And he hath put in his heart that he may teach,
both he, and Aholiab ... of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with
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