The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Kings — Section 79

III. MANY PLACES ARE FILLED BY THE FUNCTIONARIES OF HIS FATHER (vers. 8, 4, 6, and cf. ver. 16). An Eastern autocrat generally appoints his associates of the harem (ell. xii. 10), llis personal favourites, to positions of trust. Solomon showed his wisdom in retain~g the faithfyl servants of llis predecessor (compare the folly of Rehob_oam, eh. :,-.u. 8), and his example thus confirms his precept (Prov. xxvii. 10), "Tb.me own fnend and thy father'8 friend forsake not." IV. SOME PLA:CES ARE FILLE_D_ BY HIS OWN SONS-IN-LAW (vers. 11, 15). This does not argue nepotism, or favouritism as the hand of the king's daughter was often bestowed as the reward of distinguished services (1 Sam. xvii. 25; xviii. 17, 27), It may haYe been the due recognition of fidelity and ability. In any case the alliances would strengthen Solomon's throne. " The friends thou hast, and their adoption, tried, Grapple them to thy heart with hooks of steel." Alien princes would, no doubt, have been proud to espouse Solomon's daughters, but he preferred to marry them to faithful subjects. Blood is thicker than water. V. ALL PLACES OF TRUST WERE FILLED BY PERSONS OF PIETY. The number of priests' or prophets' sons employed by Solomon is very remarkable (vers. 4, 5, 14, and possibly 15). He knew that those who were taught in the law of the Lord would best keep and best enforce the law of the realm. Those who " fear God " are those who " honour the king" (1 Peter ii. 17). Witness Joseph, Obadiah, Daniel, and the three Hebrew children. Even in·eligious masters know the value of God- fearing servants. God blesses the house of Potiphar for the sake of its pious steward. Piety involves probity and excludes peculation and malfeasance. VI. EVERY OFFICER HAD ms PLACE AND KEPT IT. There were definite duties, definite districts. The prefectures were so many parishes. Each was responsible for his own and for that only. Order is Heaven's first law. The prosperity of Solomon's reign may have been largely due to his system and method. There is a hierarchy and a due order in heaven. The angels would almost seem to have their districts (Deut. xxx.ii. 8, LXX.) The great King gives "to every man according to his work" (Mark xiii. 34). Vere. 7-19.-The Twelve Prefects and the Twelve Apostles. "And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel." Considering how closely he foreshadows our blessed Lord, the twelve officers of Solomon can hardly fail to remind us of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. It may be instructive to compare their dignities, functions, &c. Observe- I. THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS. The officers of Solomon were princes (ver. 2); the officers of Jesus were peasants and fishermen, Ability, energy, &c., dictated Solomon's choice; humility, dependence, wee.knees, our Blessed Lord's (Matt. xviii. 3, 4; :=iii. 11; and cf. xi. 11). "Not many mighty, not many noble are called," &c. (1 Cor. i. 26). "Unlearned and ignorant men" (Acts iv. 13). II. THEIR RESPECTIVE REPUTATIONS. The officers of Solomon were reverenced and feared; the apostles of our Lord were despised and defa;med. Each of the twelve prefects was, no doubt, a little potentate. The court of Abinadab in Mahanaim, or Shimei in Benjamin, would be a copy in miniature of_ th';Lt of the king in Jerusalem. And we know what the Eastern tax-gatherer 1s like, what despotic powers he wields, &c. Witness the Pashas and Valis of Turkey. How different were the twelve apostles. The contrast could not well be greater. •• Hated of all men," esteemed "the filth and offscouring of all things ; " "a SP,ectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men" (1 Cor. iv. 9-13). What the life of an apostle was like we may learn from 2 Car. xi. 24-29. "Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled and live delicately are in king's co~s" (1 Luke vii. 25). "Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee" (M11tt. xix. 27). III. THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. The twelve officers presided over tribes; the twelve apostles ministered to continents. The whole of Palestine is about the size of Vl'ales, and this strip of territory was divided into twelve parts. Compo.re with this the apostolic commiasion, "Go ye into all the world," &c. "Ye shall be c:n. IV. 1-19.) THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. 78