The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 26

how much grander, and every way nobler, is the Benediotus of the latter than tho.t of the former ; of the New Testament than the Old. It is because the theme is so much higher, and the benefits a.re so much greater, because " a greater than Solomon is here." The two friwmp71'1l entries.-Twice in the history of Jerusalem has a Son of David ridden through her streets, sitting on ass or mule, amid the shouts and praises of the people. Let us compare the two occasions. They will furnish Q. fortlrnr proof nnd illustration of the typical character of Solomon; a further proof tJmt a " greater than Solomon is here." Observe- r. THE TRIUMPHAL RIDE THROUGH THE CITY WAS IN EACH CASE AFTER AN ANOIKTING.-Solomon bad been anointed by prophet and priest: JEsus, the Divine Solomon, by God himself. Solomon's anointing was with holy oil out of the tabernacle (ver. 39); that of Jesus with the Holy Ghost (Luke iv. 18; Acts iv. 27; x. 38). Solomon was anointed to be king : Jesus to be King, and Priest, and Prophet. II. EACH RODE THROUGH THE CITY AS KING (vers. 84, 35).-" God save King Solomon," cried the populace. "Blessed is the king that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Luke xix. 38). In each case the words were true," Behold thy King cometh" (Matt. xxi. 5; John xii 15). And III. EACH RODE AS THE SoN OF DAVID (1 Kings i. 43; Matt. xxi. 9).-Did the populace remember the triumphal progress of Solomon, one thousand years before, through those same streets, as they cried, " Hosanna to the Son of David" (Matt. xxi. 9-15). IV. EACH RODE AMID THE ACCLAMATIONS OF THE PEOPLE.-Each, that is to say, was acknowledged as king by popular acclaim. In each case, a curious Oriental hyperbole expresses the enthnsiastic rejoicing and the deafening cries of the throng. "The earth rent" (1 Kings i. 40). "The stones would immediately cry out" (Luke xix. 40; cf. Matt. xxi. 10). But here the resemblance ends. Hence- forward how great and striking is the contrast. l. ALL THE GREAT PEOPLE SURROUNDED SOLOMON: OUR LORD WAS PRECEDl!.D AND FOLLOWED BY THE POOR. The dignitaries of the realm, both in church and state, prophet and priest, soldier and civilian, all assembled to do Solomon honour. But our Lord bad none of these to do Him reverence. "Master, rebuke Thy disciples" (Luke xix. 39). The pomp and grandeur were all on the side of Solomon. II. SOLOMON WENT TO SIT ON HIS THRONE: JESUS TO SUFFER AND REIGN ON THE CROSS. The former rode to ease and glory and pomp and unparalleled magnifi- cence ; the latter to shame and spitting, to denial and death. But, crua: scala caeli. III. SOLOMON RODE TO GLORY: JESUS TO BRING OTHERS TO GLORY. The triumphal entry of Solomon was an ordinary thing. Such royal progresses have often been before and since. But never has the world seen such an entry as that of our Redeemer. He might have reigned as a king, but He chose to suffer as a felon: He might have lived for self, He chose to die for otl:iers. Shall we deny Him our hosannas? Shall not earth and heaven ring with His praises? HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Ver. 5.-The sin of ambition. Ambition is not always wrong. It is a common inspiration; and when the desire for distinction is associated with fitness for it, the call to effort and advance is from God. But for such ambition the world would stagnate. When the schoolboy is working for a prize, when the writer or speaker resolves to be amongst the foremost men of his age, when the man of buRi- ness presses on towards the front ranks in the commercial world, we sec what should be applauded and not condemned? so long as lawful objects are sought. by lawful means. Let us, in all our puremte, remember God's laws for exaltation. Men are to go higher, when they have fulfilled the duties of the lower sphere. They are to rise on performances, and not on discontent. Renee, if ambi~o? be c?n• ecientious, it will prompt to the minutely faithful performance of tnvial dnt1~s. With a tireless hand crooked things will be made straight, and rough places plam, before the glory ls revealed. If, however, ambition be not ruled by righteousness, OR. I, 1-58.] THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 19,