18
Prophets and Kings
and magnanimity that he revealed in word and deed, won the loyalty
of his subjects and the admiration and homage of the rulers of many
lands.
The name of Jehovah was greatly honored during the first part of
Solomon’s reign. The wisdom and righteousness revealed by the king
bore witness to all nations of the excellency of the attributes of the
God whom he served. For a time Israel was as the light of the world,
showing forth the greatness of Jehovah. Not in the surpassing wisdom,
the fabulous riches, the far-reaching power and fame that were his,
[33]
lay the real glory of Solomon’s early reign; but in the honor that he
brought to the name of the God of Israel through a wise use of the gifts
of Heaven.
As the years went by and Solomon’s fame increased, he sought
to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength, and
by continuing to impart to others the blessings he received. None
understood better than he that it was through the favor of Jehovah that
he had come into possession of power and wisdom and understanding,
and that these gifts were bestowed that he might give to the world a
knowledge of the King of kings.
Solomon took an especial interest in natural history, but his re-
searches were not confined to any one branch of learning. Through
a diligent study of all created things, both animate and inanimate, he
gained a clear conception of the Creator. In the forces of nature, in
the mineral and the animal world, and in every tree and shrub and
flower, he saw a revelation of God’s wisdom; and as he sought to learn
more and more, his knowledge of God and his love for Him constantly
increased.
Solomon’s divinely inspired wisdom found expression in songs of
praise and in many proverbs. “He spake three thousand proverbs: and
his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the
cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of
the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things,
and of fishes.”
1 Kings 4:32, 33
.
In the proverbs of Solomon are outlined principles of holy living
and high endeavor, principles that are heaven-born and that lead to
godliness, principles that should govern every act of life. It was the
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wide dissemination of these principles, and the recognition of God as