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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4a
throne upon Israel forever. Solomon feels the magnitude of the work
in building a house for God. He thus gives expression to his ideas:
“Who is able to build him an house? seeing the heaven and heaven of
heavens cannot contain him.”
The Lord imparted unto Solomon that wisdom which he desired
above earthly riches, honor, or long life. He was the wisest king that
ever sat upon the throne. God gave him an understanding heart. He
wrote many proverbs and composed many songs. For many years his
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life was marked with devotion to God, uprightness, and with firm prin-
ciple and strict obedience to God’s commands. He directed in every
important enterprise, and managed the business matters connected
with the kingdom with the greatest wisdom. His faithfully carrying out
the directions, in constructing the most magnificent building the world
ever saw, caused his fame to spread among the nations everywhere. He
was greatly blessed and honored of God. All nations acknowledged,
and marveled at, his superior knowledge, wisdom, the excellence of his
character, and the greatness of his power. Many came to him from all
parts of the world to behold his unlimited power, and to be instructed
how to conduct difficult matters. The temple built for God could not
be excelled for richness, beauty, and costly design.
After the temple was finished, Solomon assembled all Israel, and
many nations also came to witness the dedication of the house of God.
It was dedicated with great splendor. Solomon addresses the people,
and seeks to tear away from the minds of all present the superstitions
which have clouded the minds of heathen nations in regard to Jehovah.
He tells them that God is not like the heathen gods, who are confined
to temples built for them, but the God of Israel would meet them by
his Spirit when the people should assemble in that house dedicated to
his worship.
Solomon kneels before God in the presence of that immense con-
gregation and makes supplication to God. He inquires in his prayer,
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and
heaven of heavens cannot contain thee. How much less this house that
I have builded?” He continues, “That thine eyes may be open toward
this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast
said, My name shall be there; that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer
which thy servant shall make toward this place.”
“Now, when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came
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