- 2 -
CONTENTS
PREFACE 5
CHAPTER 1 : Jewish view of the history of David — Amnon’s crime —
Absalom’s vengeance — flight of Absalom — the wise
woman of Tekoah — Absalom returns to Jerusalem — his
conspiracy — David’s flight. (2 SAMUEL 13-16) 9
CHAPTER 2 : Ahithophel’s twofold advice — Hushai prevents imminent
danger — David is informed, and crosses the Jordan — the
battle in the forest — death of Absalom — mourning of
David — David’s measures — return to Gilgal — Barzillai
and Joab as representative men of their period — federal
republican rising under Sheba — murder of Amasa — death
of Sheba. 17
CHAPTER 3 : The famine — the pestilence — the temple arrangements —
David’s last hymn and prophetic utterance. 27
CHAPTER 4 : Adonijah’s attempt to seize the throne — anointing of
Solomon — great assembly of the chiefs of the people —
dying charge of David — Adonijah’s second attempt and
punishment — execution of Joab and of Shimei 34
CHAPTER 5 : Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh — his sacrifice at
Gibeon — his dream and prayer — Solomon’s wisdom —
Solomon’s officers and court — prosperity of the country —
understanding and knowledge of the king. 41
CHAPTER 6 : The building of Solomon’s temple — preparations for it —
plan and structure of the temple, internal fittings — history of
the temple — jewish traditions. 47
CHAPTER 7 : Dedication of the temple — when it took place — connection
with the feast of tabernacles — the consecration services —
the king’s part in them — symbolical meaning of the great
institutions in Israel — the prayer of consecration — analogy
to the Lord’s prayer — the consecration — thanksgiving and
offerings. 56
CHAPTER 8 : The surroundings of the temple — description of Jerusalem at
the time of solomon — the palace of solomon — Solomon’s
fortified cities — external relations of the kingdom —
internal state — trade — wealth — luxury — the visit of the
queen of Sheba. 63
CHAPTER 9 : Solomon’s court — his polygamy — spread of foreign ideas
in the country — imitation of foreign manners — growing
luxury — Solomon’s spiritual decline — judgment predicted
(^)