XXXIII
Menelik I
IBNA HAKIM, the son of the wise man, Solomon, who had adopted the throne name, Menelik I, was anointed by the Jewish high priest, Azariah, before the Ark after his mother, Makeda, died at the age of 60.
During his reign, he patterned his government and set policies, which were similar to those of the Hebrews, and he appointed Twelve Judges, according to the number of tribes of Israel.
Azariah drew up a code of laws and regulations based directly on the laws of Moses and tradition says that this code was the source of all subsequent legal decisions and ordinances,
Menelik I tried to legislate in every way like his father, Solomon, and his grandfather, David. He also adopted many of the engineering techniques of his Israeli friend, Adoniram, in building dams in the highlands where he stored water to irrigate the land in the dry season just as he did in Marib in the Arabian Saba.
He married a Hebrew woman and they had a son, named Thomas. He was to be the second emperor of the Ark.
In 930 B.C., he died at age 50 after reigning for 24 years.
IN 1904, the tomb of Menelik I was found in a large stone mausoleum in Ethiopia. The coffin contained the body of a king still wearing his golden crown. The crown was carefully removed and was placed with the crowns of other Ethiopian kings in St. Mary of Zion Cathedral in Aksum, the ancient capital. It is also the place where the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle of the Lord God of Israel, had rested for nearly 3,000 years.
The 225th Emperor, Haile Selassie I -- the Power of the Trinity -- and Tafari Makkonen before he took the throne name rode up to the gates of Aksum on his horse during his coronation celebrations in the 1930s where he cut a symbolic cord and, like those many kings before him, declared, "I am the son of David and Solomon, and Ibna Hakim."
(End of Part I of The Glory of The King)
Monday, February 12, 2007
The Death of Solomon
XXXII
The Death of Solomon
AT AGE 60, Solomon lost his will to live. The Ark was gone and so was his wisdom the God of Israel had given him.
The Angel of Death hovered over his bed.
"O Lord God of Israel, I'm conquered by the terrestrial law," he cried. "Please, have mercy on me and remember the covenant you made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Have mercy on me, for the sake of David. O Master of the world and of kings and of governors have mercy on me."
Tears streams down his face and he tried to dry them.
The Angel of Death reminded Solomon that his anguish was caused by marrying alien women and taking the Law of God lightly, and believing he would sire many male offspring.
"He has only given you three sons," said the Angel, whose name was Gabriel. "The one who carried your glory to Ethiopia, whom they call Ibna Hakim, then there's the little crippled one, Rehoboam, from the house of Judah and Adramis, who's the son of a Greek handmaiden."
Gabriel then touched Solomon on the foot and his health seemed to be restored.
Later, the king prayed, "I give thanks to the Lord, for he's looked on my affliction and didn't allow me to die in my grief."
He then told the court reporter to write down his final words, which were these:
"As a rsult of worshipping the strange gods of my wives, the spirit of God departed from me and from that day on my words became as idle talk., for she convinced me to build temples of idols. As a result I, wretched man that I am, carried out her advice and the glory of God completely departed from me. My spirit darkened and I became a laughing stock to the idols and demons. For the reason I have written out this, my testament, in order that those who hear might pray about, and pay attention to, the last things and not the first things."
Then Solomon ordered Zadok to anoint Rehoboam king, just like his father, David, had done while he was still alive.
The city was alive with celebrating as Rehoboam rode the king's mule through the streets, but before the son could return to his father, Solomon died.
Although Solomon had strictly ruled during the latter part of his reign, Rehoboam was a cruel and contemptible monarch and later the kingdom was divided in two -- Israel and Judah -- with Jeroboam picked by lot.
And then its people were scattered to the four winds of the earth, for the Glory of the King had vanished.
The Death of Solomon
AT AGE 60, Solomon lost his will to live. The Ark was gone and so was his wisdom the God of Israel had given him.
The Angel of Death hovered over his bed.
"O Lord God of Israel, I'm conquered by the terrestrial law," he cried. "Please, have mercy on me and remember the covenant you made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Have mercy on me, for the sake of David. O Master of the world and of kings and of governors have mercy on me."
Tears streams down his face and he tried to dry them.
The Angel of Death reminded Solomon that his anguish was caused by marrying alien women and taking the Law of God lightly, and believing he would sire many male offspring.
"He has only given you three sons," said the Angel, whose name was Gabriel. "The one who carried your glory to Ethiopia, whom they call Ibna Hakim, then there's the little crippled one, Rehoboam, from the house of Judah and Adramis, who's the son of a Greek handmaiden."
Gabriel then touched Solomon on the foot and his health seemed to be restored.
Later, the king prayed, "I give thanks to the Lord, for he's looked on my affliction and didn't allow me to die in my grief."
He then told the court reporter to write down his final words, which were these:
"As a rsult of worshipping the strange gods of my wives, the spirit of God departed from me and from that day on my words became as idle talk., for she convinced me to build temples of idols. As a result I, wretched man that I am, carried out her advice and the glory of God completely departed from me. My spirit darkened and I became a laughing stock to the idols and demons. For the reason I have written out this, my testament, in order that those who hear might pray about, and pay attention to, the last things and not the first things."
Then Solomon ordered Zadok to anoint Rehoboam king, just like his father, David, had done while he was still alive.
The city was alive with celebrating as Rehoboam rode the king's mule through the streets, but before the son could return to his father, Solomon died.
Although Solomon had strictly ruled during the latter part of his reign, Rehoboam was a cruel and contemptible monarch and later the kingdom was divided in two -- Israel and Judah -- with Jeroboam picked by lot.
And then its people were scattered to the four winds of the earth, for the Glory of the King had vanished.
The Pharoah's Daughter
XXXI
The Pharoah's Daughter
ONE OF his great loves, besides Makeda, was Makshara, the daughter of Pharoah and she brought him into the house he'd built where there were figures of the sun, moon and stars in the roof causing the rooms to be lighted brightly day and night.
The mansion's beams were made of bras and its roof of silver and its panels of lead and its walls of stones, red with black, and brown with white and green and its floor was of blacks of sapphire stone and sardius.
Makshara possessed certain idols which her father had given her and Solomon saw her sacrificing to them. He didn't rebuke her about idol worship and sorcery because God was angry with him and caused him to forget his wisdom.
She even talked some of the Israelites into joining her in worshipping her idols.
Even Solomon became excited with Makshara's folly.
"It's good to worship the gods like my father and all the kings of Egypt, who were before my father," she told Solomon with a sweet smile.
"They call gods the things which have been made by the hands of the worker in metal , and the carpenter and the potter and the painter. They're not gods, but the work of the hand of man, but we worship none else than the Holy God of Israel and our Lady, the holy and heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, whom He gave us to worship and our seed after us."
Makshara shook her head.
"Your son took the Ark, didn't he?"
Solomon remained silent.
"Your son, you had with an alien woman which God hadn't commanded you to marry, and what's more she's an Ethiopian, who isn't of your color, and isn't from your country and, moreover, she's black."
Solomon, inwardly, trembled at her words, but he refused to bow down to her idols.
A month later, Makshara turned against the king, treating him disdainfully and refusing his advances.
"What do you want me to do?" moaned Solomon. "You've turned against me and I don't know what's the matter. Tell me and I'll do anything you ask."
"Do you mean it, you'll do anything I ask?" she said, slowly.
"Yes," he whispered.
"Makshara then tied a scarlet thread on the middle of the door of the shrine she'd made to her gods and brought three locusts and put them in the shrine.
"Here's what you have to do, Solomon, kill those three locusts within breaking the scarlet thread." He did as he was told.
"I'll have sex with you now because you've sacrificed to my gods by entering into this shrineto kill the locusts."
Solomon returned to his own quarters, and remembering how he had enticed Makeda into his bed through deception so long ago and now he was the one who had been duped.
In the night, a shadow fell across him and a voice thundered, "Why, Solomon did you marry alien women and sacrifice to their gods?"
From being the wisest man in the world, he had become a fool.
The Pharoah's Daughter
ONE OF his great loves, besides Makeda, was Makshara, the daughter of Pharoah and she brought him into the house he'd built where there were figures of the sun, moon and stars in the roof causing the rooms to be lighted brightly day and night.
The mansion's beams were made of bras and its roof of silver and its panels of lead and its walls of stones, red with black, and brown with white and green and its floor was of blacks of sapphire stone and sardius.
Makshara possessed certain idols which her father had given her and Solomon saw her sacrificing to them. He didn't rebuke her about idol worship and sorcery because God was angry with him and caused him to forget his wisdom.
She even talked some of the Israelites into joining her in worshipping her idols.
Even Solomon became excited with Makshara's folly.
"It's good to worship the gods like my father and all the kings of Egypt, who were before my father," she told Solomon with a sweet smile.
"They call gods the things which have been made by the hands of the worker in metal , and the carpenter and the potter and the painter. They're not gods, but the work of the hand of man, but we worship none else than the Holy God of Israel and our Lady, the holy and heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, whom He gave us to worship and our seed after us."
Makshara shook her head.
"Your son took the Ark, didn't he?"
Solomon remained silent.
"Your son, you had with an alien woman which God hadn't commanded you to marry, and what's more she's an Ethiopian, who isn't of your color, and isn't from your country and, moreover, she's black."
Solomon, inwardly, trembled at her words, but he refused to bow down to her idols.
A month later, Makshara turned against the king, treating him disdainfully and refusing his advances.
"What do you want me to do?" moaned Solomon. "You've turned against me and I don't know what's the matter. Tell me and I'll do anything you ask."
"Do you mean it, you'll do anything I ask?" she said, slowly.
"Yes," he whispered.
"Makshara then tied a scarlet thread on the middle of the door of the shrine she'd made to her gods and brought three locusts and put them in the shrine.
"Here's what you have to do, Solomon, kill those three locusts within breaking the scarlet thread." He did as he was told.
"I'll have sex with you now because you've sacrificed to my gods by entering into this shrineto kill the locusts."
Solomon returned to his own quarters, and remembering how he had enticed Makeda into his bed through deception so long ago and now he was the one who had been duped.
In the night, a shadow fell across him and a voice thundered, "Why, Solomon did you marry alien women and sacrifice to their gods?"
From being the wisest man in the world, he had become a fool.
The Last Days of Solomon
XXX
The Last Days of Solomon
1. THEIR SECRET
AFTER SOLOMON realized his son, Ibna Hakim, and the young noblemen, including Zadok's son, Azariah, had stolen the Ark and taken it away to Ethiopia, he returned to Jerusalem from Egypt.
Both he and Zadok wept bitterly in the Temple and they remained silent for a long time.
However, his elders tried to comfort him.
"Don't be sorrowful concerning this," said Adoniram, his former cabinet minister for public works and now a court adviser, "for we know, from first to last, that without the will of God, the Ark won't dwell anywhere."
Adoniram thought of his first meeting with Tamrin, and being in the mountains of Lebanon with the now crippled Chief Merchant and ambassador for Makeda. "If only we'd never met, then maybe, just maybe, the Ark would still be with us," he thought to himself.
Out loud, however, he continued with his words of comfort, recalling how the Philistines once carried it away, only to send it back to Israel because it carried such destruction.
Maybe this would happen to the Ethiopians, he thought.
"For it's impossibe," he continued, "to carry the Ark away unless she wanted to and God wanted it.
"When your father, Solomon, reigned over Israel he took the Ark from the city of Samaria and brought the Ark here to Jerusalem, dancing on her feet before her, and clapping his hands because of the joy for her. And the reason she wrent to the Ethiopian capital was because God willed it and she willed it."
Solomon seemed to be resigned to Adoniram's words when he said: "If the Ark doesn't return it will be God's good pleasure.
Although, they all had wept bitter tears, Solomon ordered them to cease with the words, "Cease so that the uncircumised people won't boast and won't say, 'Their glory is taken away and God has forsaken them.' Don't tell anything to alien people."
Then he told them of a secret plan.
"Let's take the boards Azariah and his henchmen set up in the Temple when they stole our Lady, and decorate them and cover with gold and let's put the Book of the Law inside it."
He assured his leaders that God hadn't abandoned them because of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the later covenant with his father, David, and the one with himself.
Solomon lived for 11 years after the Ark was stolen and then his heart turned aside from the love of God and he forgot his wisdom,. through the excessive love of women.
The Last Days of Solomon
1. THEIR SECRET
AFTER SOLOMON realized his son, Ibna Hakim, and the young noblemen, including Zadok's son, Azariah, had stolen the Ark and taken it away to Ethiopia, he returned to Jerusalem from Egypt.
Both he and Zadok wept bitterly in the Temple and they remained silent for a long time.
However, his elders tried to comfort him.
"Don't be sorrowful concerning this," said Adoniram, his former cabinet minister for public works and now a court adviser, "for we know, from first to last, that without the will of God, the Ark won't dwell anywhere."
Adoniram thought of his first meeting with Tamrin, and being in the mountains of Lebanon with the now crippled Chief Merchant and ambassador for Makeda. "If only we'd never met, then maybe, just maybe, the Ark would still be with us," he thought to himself.
Out loud, however, he continued with his words of comfort, recalling how the Philistines once carried it away, only to send it back to Israel because it carried such destruction.
Maybe this would happen to the Ethiopians, he thought.
"For it's impossibe," he continued, "to carry the Ark away unless she wanted to and God wanted it.
"When your father, Solomon, reigned over Israel he took the Ark from the city of Samaria and brought the Ark here to Jerusalem, dancing on her feet before her, and clapping his hands because of the joy for her. And the reason she wrent to the Ethiopian capital was because God willed it and she willed it."
Solomon seemed to be resigned to Adoniram's words when he said: "If the Ark doesn't return it will be God's good pleasure.
Although, they all had wept bitter tears, Solomon ordered them to cease with the words, "Cease so that the uncircumised people won't boast and won't say, 'Their glory is taken away and God has forsaken them.' Don't tell anything to alien people."
Then he told them of a secret plan.
"Let's take the boards Azariah and his henchmen set up in the Temple when they stole our Lady, and decorate them and cover with gold and let's put the Book of the Law inside it."
He assured his leaders that God hadn't abandoned them because of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the later covenant with his father, David, and the one with himself.
Solomon lived for 11 years after the Ark was stolen and then his heart turned aside from the love of God and he forgot his wisdom,. through the excessive love of women.
The Ark Goes to War
XXIX
The Ark Goes to War
THREE MONTHS after the Ark arrived, Menelik and his soldiers learned of pockets of resistance to his leadership and with the priests carrying the Ark they headed for the camp at Maya Abaw.
The following morning they laid waste the district of Zawa and then they camped at Gerra before destroying the city of vipers, which had the faces of men and tails of asses attached to the loins.
Makeda joined her son on the battlefield and for three months they waged war, conquering the city of Saba, which had fallen into enemy hands, and Noba and upwards towards the borders of Egypt.
Because of this terrible weapon of destruction, in the small golden container, the kings of Medyam and Egypt trembled and they sent gifts to Menelik to try to appease his wrath.
They also moved towards the king of India with the same results, for Menelik waged war wherever he wanted and he conquered all the lands his troops entered.
The Ark had made him invincible.
They were able to travel in one day distances that usually took three months and none of the Ethiopians suffered any loss of life because the angel Michael was directing the movements of the Ark, the Very Essence of God.
Menelik I, or Ibna Hakim and David II, stayed much of time at Debra Makeda and if he wanted something to be done, it was just by his thoughts. The Hand of God was with him.
The Ark Goes to War
THREE MONTHS after the Ark arrived, Menelik and his soldiers learned of pockets of resistance to his leadership and with the priests carrying the Ark they headed for the camp at Maya Abaw.
The following morning they laid waste the district of Zawa and then they camped at Gerra before destroying the city of vipers, which had the faces of men and tails of asses attached to the loins.
Makeda joined her son on the battlefield and for three months they waged war, conquering the city of Saba, which had fallen into enemy hands, and Noba and upwards towards the borders of Egypt.
Because of this terrible weapon of destruction, in the small golden container, the kings of Medyam and Egypt trembled and they sent gifts to Menelik to try to appease his wrath.
They also moved towards the king of India with the same results, for Menelik waged war wherever he wanted and he conquered all the lands his troops entered.
The Ark had made him invincible.
They were able to travel in one day distances that usually took three months and none of the Ethiopians suffered any loss of life because the angel Michael was directing the movements of the Ark, the Very Essence of God.
Menelik I, or Ibna Hakim and David II, stayed much of time at Debra Makeda and if he wanted something to be done, it was just by his thoughts. The Hand of God was with him.
Solomonic Dynasty
XVIII
Solomonic Dynasty
GATHERING HER NOBLES into the inner court of the Palace, Makeda said: "Swear by the heavenly Zion that in the future you won't allow any queen to ascend this throne and that no one except the male seed of my son, Ibna Hakim, the son of Solomon, will be worthy of it"
They agreed with a great shout.
In the following days, she appointed Elyas the chief of priests and Azariah the chief of deacons and with Ibna Hakim's assistance a similar administration as to the one in Jerusalem was set up.
Finally, Makeda turned over her kingdom to her son with these words, "Take the kingdom, I've given to you. I have made king whom God has made king, and I have chosen him whom God has chosen as the keeper of His pavilion. I'm well pleased with him whom God has been pleased with him whom God has been pleased to make the envoy of the Tabernacle of His Covenant and His Law. I have magnified him whom God has magnified and the director of his widows and I've honored him whom God has honored as the giver of food to orphans."
Ibna Hakim rose to his feet and praised Makeda and then said: "Please, pray for me, mother, that we'll respect the habitation of the Glory of God and those that come after me will obey His will and do what's right in respect of the Ark then we'll become chosen men and no one will be able to treat us evilly in the mountain of His holiness while His habitation is us.
"Also, I know God is with us because He sent the mighty angel, Michael, who directed us here and he'll be with us forever.
Ibna Hakim: And we've brought the whole Law of the kingdom and the commandment of God which Zadok declared to us when he anointed me with the oil of sovereignity in the Temple, the horn of oil, which is the unction of priesthood and royalty, being in his hand. And he did what was written in the Law and we were anointed along with Azariah to the priesthood and Elymas as the keeper of Zion and the Ear of the King in every path of righteousness. Zadok told me that I should listen to their advice about everything.
Then Elymas and Azariah brought Zadok's writing and read it to Makeda.
Then she spoke to the two advisers, saying, "Protect him and teach him the path of the kingdom of God and honor our Lady Zion, for you are the guardians of the Ark."
In the following days, Azariah issued the same dietary laws to his new nation that were applicable in Israel.
Azariah ordered the Jubilee trumpets to be blown and for the Ethiopians to be gathered around the mountain of Debra Makeda, where the Ark was now resting inside a tent.
"Let us go to Zion and there we will make new the kingdom of our lord, David," Azariah said.
There he anointed Ibna Hakim with the throne name of Menelik. Afterwards they blew horns and pipes and trumpets and beat drums with singing, dancing and displays of jousting and horsemanship.
The boundaries of the new kingdom began on the east at the city of Gaza in the land of Judah and along the coastline to Leba and Saba and down to Bisis and Asnet with its boundary the Sea of Blacks and Naked Men and towards Mount Kebereneyon into the Sea of Darkness, the place where the sun sets. The border also extended to Feneel and Lasifala and then towards the Sea of India.
Solomonic Dynasty
GATHERING HER NOBLES into the inner court of the Palace, Makeda said: "Swear by the heavenly Zion that in the future you won't allow any queen to ascend this throne and that no one except the male seed of my son, Ibna Hakim, the son of Solomon, will be worthy of it"
They agreed with a great shout.
In the following days, she appointed Elyas the chief of priests and Azariah the chief of deacons and with Ibna Hakim's assistance a similar administration as to the one in Jerusalem was set up.
Finally, Makeda turned over her kingdom to her son with these words, "Take the kingdom, I've given to you. I have made king whom God has made king, and I have chosen him whom God has chosen as the keeper of His pavilion. I'm well pleased with him whom God has been pleased with him whom God has been pleased to make the envoy of the Tabernacle of His Covenant and His Law. I have magnified him whom God has magnified and the director of his widows and I've honored him whom God has honored as the giver of food to orphans."
Ibna Hakim rose to his feet and praised Makeda and then said: "Please, pray for me, mother, that we'll respect the habitation of the Glory of God and those that come after me will obey His will and do what's right in respect of the Ark then we'll become chosen men and no one will be able to treat us evilly in the mountain of His holiness while His habitation is us.
"Also, I know God is with us because He sent the mighty angel, Michael, who directed us here and he'll be with us forever.
Ibna Hakim: And we've brought the whole Law of the kingdom and the commandment of God which Zadok declared to us when he anointed me with the oil of sovereignity in the Temple, the horn of oil, which is the unction of priesthood and royalty, being in his hand. And he did what was written in the Law and we were anointed along with Azariah to the priesthood and Elymas as the keeper of Zion and the Ear of the King in every path of righteousness. Zadok told me that I should listen to their advice about everything.
Then Elymas and Azariah brought Zadok's writing and read it to Makeda.
Then she spoke to the two advisers, saying, "Protect him and teach him the path of the kingdom of God and honor our Lady Zion, for you are the guardians of the Ark."
In the following days, Azariah issued the same dietary laws to his new nation that were applicable in Israel.
Azariah ordered the Jubilee trumpets to be blown and for the Ethiopians to be gathered around the mountain of Debra Makeda, where the Ark was now resting inside a tent.
"Let us go to Zion and there we will make new the kingdom of our lord, David," Azariah said.
There he anointed Ibna Hakim with the throne name of Menelik. Afterwards they blew horns and pipes and trumpets and beat drums with singing, dancing and displays of jousting and horsemanship.
The boundaries of the new kingdom began on the east at the city of Gaza in the land of Judah and along the coastline to Leba and Saba and down to Bisis and Asnet with its boundary the Sea of Blacks and Naked Men and towards Mount Kebereneyon into the Sea of Darkness, the place where the sun sets. The border also extended to Feneel and Lasifala and then towards the Sea of India.
The Glory in Ethiopia
XVII
The Glory in Ethiopia
ALTHOUGH IBNA HAKIM and his entourage travelled through Egypt to the borders of Ethiopia, the old Regent Tamrin sent two messengers down the Nile with the report to Makeda that her son had been anointed king and they were bringing the Ark with them.
In her court, the Ethiopian queen wondered out loud, "The Ark? You must mean the fringe of its covering, just like I asked?"
"No, my Lady, they're bringing the Tabernacle of the Law of God with them, and they're flying through the air just like heavenly beings," replied the messengers in unison.
"Could it be true?"
"Yes, yes, my Lady."
Makeda realized it was true.
She then ordered the news to be spread throughout her land, that the Ark and her son were returning from Jerusalem and she began preparing for a great celebration by ordering special perfumes from India be brought to her.
Travelling on the Azyaba Road to Wakerom, Ibna Hakim finally entered Ethiopia and at Debra Makeda, the new capital city, which the queen had built.
Looking up, Makeda could see the Ark shining in the afternoon sun, the light flashing of it and when she saw this, she gave thanks to the God of Israel.
Bowing low, she smote her breast, while remembering the great cloud, which swooped over her and Solomon in the Temple so many years ago.
Makeda was overwhelmed with excitement. She laughed. She cried. She began to dance.
Her actions were contagious.
Ordering the official celebrations to begin, pavilions and tents were set up beside the river on the flat plain at the foot of the plateau of Debra Makeda and there 32,000 stalled oxen and bulls were slaughtered.
Azariah and his companions carried the Ark to a large rock formation, much like the one on Mount Moriah, and had it watched over by Makeda's special guard of 300 sword-wielding men. Her son also commanded a 700-man specially-trained contingent.
Three days after the Ark's arrival in Ethiopia, Makeda gave a gift of 17,700 chosen horses for her son's army when she abdicated her throne.
The Glory in Ethiopia
ALTHOUGH IBNA HAKIM and his entourage travelled through Egypt to the borders of Ethiopia, the old Regent Tamrin sent two messengers down the Nile with the report to Makeda that her son had been anointed king and they were bringing the Ark with them.
In her court, the Ethiopian queen wondered out loud, "The Ark? You must mean the fringe of its covering, just like I asked?"
"No, my Lady, they're bringing the Tabernacle of the Law of God with them, and they're flying through the air just like heavenly beings," replied the messengers in unison.
"Could it be true?"
"Yes, yes, my Lady."
Makeda realized it was true.
She then ordered the news to be spread throughout her land, that the Ark and her son were returning from Jerusalem and she began preparing for a great celebration by ordering special perfumes from India be brought to her.
Travelling on the Azyaba Road to Wakerom, Ibna Hakim finally entered Ethiopia and at Debra Makeda, the new capital city, which the queen had built.
Looking up, Makeda could see the Ark shining in the afternoon sun, the light flashing of it and when she saw this, she gave thanks to the God of Israel.
Bowing low, she smote her breast, while remembering the great cloud, which swooped over her and Solomon in the Temple so many years ago.
Makeda was overwhelmed with excitement. She laughed. She cried. She began to dance.
Her actions were contagious.
Ordering the official celebrations to begin, pavilions and tents were set up beside the river on the flat plain at the foot of the plateau of Debra Makeda and there 32,000 stalled oxen and bulls were slaughtered.
Azariah and his companions carried the Ark to a large rock formation, much like the one on Mount Moriah, and had it watched over by Makeda's special guard of 300 sword-wielding men. Her son also commanded a 700-man specially-trained contingent.
Three days after the Ark's arrival in Ethiopia, Makeda gave a gift of 17,700 chosen horses for her son's army when she abdicated her throne.
In Pursuit of the Robbers
XXVI
In Pursuit of the Robbers
SOLOMON WAS furious and he commanded his soldiers to set out on the chase.
Arriving in Egypt, Benaiah questioned the border residents.
"Some days ago some strangers passed here," they said.
"They travelled swiftly in wagons like the angels and they were swifter than the eagles of heaven."
"How many days ago was this?" they were asked.
Gathering information, one of Benaiah's aides returned to Jerusalem and told him that his son and his companions had left Egypt almost two weeks before.
Solomon and his contingent of troops went down to Gaza and asked they'd seen the Ark.
"We didn't see anything," they said.
Leaving Gaza, Solomon went deeper into Egypt and met one of Pharoah's ambassadors who told him that he'd seen the Ethiopians in Cairo.
"They were blowing flutes and they travelled on wagons like the host of the heavenly beings. Even our priests knew that the Ark was with them, for our idols were broken into fragments because of its presence."
Then the envoy asked a question, which seared deep into Solomon's soul.
"Why did you give away the Ark, which your fathers kept pure for you? For, according to what we hear, that Ark used to deliver you out of the land of your enemies and you used to be able to talk to your God because of it."
Solomon entered his tent and cried.
"God, I wish you'd taken my life."
He then tried to analyze the reason the Ark was no longer with Israel.
"I know why it's gone," he said to Zadok.
"Why?" said the priest, who slowly was beginning to regain his strength after collapsing in the Temple.
"Because God hates idolatry and seeking the advice of witches and divination and magic and we've been guilty of them as well as drunkeness and false testimony against neighbors. It's because of them that God has taken away the Ark and given it to my son and his descendants."
The tears continually ran down the king's face.
"It must have been the will of God," he sobbed.
"Why are you sad, then?" asked Zadok. "The will of God gave the Ark to your first-born son and he'll rule forever."
Resigning himself to this fate, the king said: "The will of God be done and not the will of man."
The chase was over.
Solomon and his men returned to Jerusalem, a city still in shock.
In Pursuit of the Robbers
SOLOMON WAS furious and he commanded his soldiers to set out on the chase.
Arriving in Egypt, Benaiah questioned the border residents.
"Some days ago some strangers passed here," they said.
"They travelled swiftly in wagons like the angels and they were swifter than the eagles of heaven."
"How many days ago was this?" they were asked.
Gathering information, one of Benaiah's aides returned to Jerusalem and told him that his son and his companions had left Egypt almost two weeks before.
Solomon and his contingent of troops went down to Gaza and asked they'd seen the Ark.
"We didn't see anything," they said.
Leaving Gaza, Solomon went deeper into Egypt and met one of Pharoah's ambassadors who told him that he'd seen the Ethiopians in Cairo.
"They were blowing flutes and they travelled on wagons like the host of the heavenly beings. Even our priests knew that the Ark was with them, for our idols were broken into fragments because of its presence."
Then the envoy asked a question, which seared deep into Solomon's soul.
"Why did you give away the Ark, which your fathers kept pure for you? For, according to what we hear, that Ark used to deliver you out of the land of your enemies and you used to be able to talk to your God because of it."
Solomon entered his tent and cried.
"God, I wish you'd taken my life."
He then tried to analyze the reason the Ark was no longer with Israel.
"I know why it's gone," he said to Zadok.
"Why?" said the priest, who slowly was beginning to regain his strength after collapsing in the Temple.
"Because God hates idolatry and seeking the advice of witches and divination and magic and we've been guilty of them as well as drunkeness and false testimony against neighbors. It's because of them that God has taken away the Ark and given it to my son and his descendants."
The tears continually ran down the king's face.
"It must have been the will of God," he sobbed.
"Why are you sad, then?" asked Zadok. "The will of God gave the Ark to your first-born son and he'll rule forever."
Resigning himself to this fate, the king said: "The will of God be done and not the will of man."
The chase was over.
Solomon and his men returned to Jerusalem, a city still in shock.
Solomon's Sorrow
XXV
Solomon's Sorrow
1. THE WOODEN PIECES
IN JERUSALEM, Solomon couldn't understand the sudden panic within himself.
When Zadok found him in a depressed state, he asked:
"What's the matter?"
"Do you remember when Makeda, the queen of Ethiopia, was here?"
"Yes."
"Well, when I slept with her, I had a vision. It seemed as I were standing in the chamber of Jerusalem and the sun came down from heaven into the land of Judah and lighted it up with great splendor and it stayed here for a short time and then it moved on and lighted on Ethiopia and it didn't return to Judah."
"Why didn't you tell me this before that you'd seen a vision of this kind? You make my knees tremble. What if your sons have stolen the Ark?"
Solomon was shocked by Zadok's question.
"When you took off the covering, didn't you check to make certain the Ark was there?"
"No, I didn't," came the reply. "It had three coverings on it and I took off the outtermost and put the covering you gave me on it."
Solomon was like a crazed man.
"Go to the Temple and examine it," he yelled, his voice crackling with anticipation.
Zadok took the keys and entered into the sanctuary and proceeded to cautiously walk in the darkness of the Holy of Holies.
He found nothing except the wooden boards that Azariah had fastened together to resemble the sides of the pedestal of the Ark.
It was gone.
Zadok collapsed in terror.
Benaiah found him there. He thought he was dead and frantically felt his pulse. He lifted him to a table and tried to revive him.
Slowly, Zadok came out of his faint and staggered to his feet.
Looking at the place where the Ark should have been, Zadok started screaming and wailing at the Temple doors.
Solomon, in the nearby king's quarters, now knew his most frightening nightmare had become true.
Army commander Benaiah was ordered to assemble the troops and set out after the thieves, who had taken the greatest treasure on earth, an object on which no monetary value could ever be placed.
Solomon told Benaiah to seize his son and bring him back to Jerusalem and kill the other men in his company.
"As the Lord God of Israel lives, they're men of death and not of life. They deserve to die because they''ve robbed the Temple."
Solomon's Sorrow
1. THE WOODEN PIECES
IN JERUSALEM, Solomon couldn't understand the sudden panic within himself.
When Zadok found him in a depressed state, he asked:
"What's the matter?"
"Do you remember when Makeda, the queen of Ethiopia, was here?"
"Yes."
"Well, when I slept with her, I had a vision. It seemed as I were standing in the chamber of Jerusalem and the sun came down from heaven into the land of Judah and lighted it up with great splendor and it stayed here for a short time and then it moved on and lighted on Ethiopia and it didn't return to Judah."
"Why didn't you tell me this before that you'd seen a vision of this kind? You make my knees tremble. What if your sons have stolen the Ark?"
Solomon was shocked by Zadok's question.
"When you took off the covering, didn't you check to make certain the Ark was there?"
"No, I didn't," came the reply. "It had three coverings on it and I took off the outtermost and put the covering you gave me on it."
Solomon was like a crazed man.
"Go to the Temple and examine it," he yelled, his voice crackling with anticipation.
Zadok took the keys and entered into the sanctuary and proceeded to cautiously walk in the darkness of the Holy of Holies.
He found nothing except the wooden boards that Azariah had fastened together to resemble the sides of the pedestal of the Ark.
It was gone.
Zadok collapsed in terror.
Benaiah found him there. He thought he was dead and frantically felt his pulse. He lifted him to a table and tried to revive him.
Slowly, Zadok came out of his faint and staggered to his feet.
Looking at the place where the Ark should have been, Zadok started screaming and wailing at the Temple doors.
Solomon, in the nearby king's quarters, now knew his most frightening nightmare had become true.
Army commander Benaiah was ordered to assemble the troops and set out after the thieves, who had taken the greatest treasure on earth, an object on which no monetary value could ever be placed.
Solomon told Benaiah to seize his son and bring him back to Jerusalem and kill the other men in his company.
"As the Lord God of Israel lives, they're men of death and not of life. They deserve to die because they''ve robbed the Temple."
Michael's Protection
XXIV
Michael's Protection
AFTER THEY left Jerusalem, a fiery cloud swept over their wagons and the Archangel Michael appeared in it.
He spread out his wings and was their guide to Ethiopia.
It was a supernatural journey, for no man hauled his wagon, with the entire caravan, both man and beast, raised above the ground to the height of at least a dozen inches.
Everyone travelled in wagons like a ship on the sea when the wind blows and like a bat through the air and like an eagle when his body glides above the wind!
They halted at Gaza, Makeda's city, and from there they arrived at Mesrin, on the Egyptian border in one day. The entourage was amazed for the distance usually was a 13-day march and they weren't tired or thirsty.
They all believed that this thing was from God.
The wagons rested at the Nile and they set up their tents.
Ibna Hakim looked around and was baffled by the events.
"I don't understand any of this," he said to Azariah.
"Can we tell you something?" Azariah asked, adding, "Can you keep a secret?"
"Certainly, I can keep a secret. I'll keep it to the day I die."
Azariah, being the group's leader, said: "The sun descended from heaven and was given on Sinai to Israel and it became the salvation of the race of Adam from Moses to the seed of Jesse and behold it is with us by the will of God. It's not through us that this has been done, but by the will of God. The will of God has fashioned it and made it happen.
"God has chosen you and is well pleased with your city to be the servant of the holy and heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God and it will be your guide forever, to you and your seed after you if you will keep His command and perform the will of the Lord your God. For you will not be able to take it back, even you wanted to and your father, Solomon, can't seize it, even if he wanted to, for it goes on its own free will where it wants to and can't be removed from its seat if it doesn't desire it. And now, it's our salvation and our place of refuge"
Azariah signalled to Elyas and said to him: "Go, take the Ark out of the lead wagon and put the proper covering over her.
Ibna Hakim was in shock.
"What does this mean? Did you steal it?" he gasped, barely able to breathe.
Then he looked towards heaven and said, "Have you, O Lord, remembered us, the outcasts?"
The High Priest then took off the great covering and there lay the golden container, glistening in the early African sun. Ibna Hakim began to yelp and dance around it just like his grandfather, David, had so many years before. It was contagious. Soon all Azariah's group joined in, stomping their feet like young bulls, clapping their hands and stretching their hands skyward and then casting themselves on the ground and giving thanks to God.
Then circling the Ark, Ibna Hakim said, "Behold Zion, behold salvation, behold the splendor like the sun."
Suddenly, his words flowed out of his mouth in a strange language and those that listened were astonished, believing they were hearing a prophet.
In Egypt, the Ethiopians blew horns and beat the drums as they continued their journey down the Nile and as they went the idols of men, dogs and cats as well as the obelisks fell down and broke into pieces before the wagon carrying the Ark.
The Egyptians were amazed as they watched the Ethiopians passing before them like shadows.
Finally, they reached the borders of their beloved country -- Ethiopia.
Michael's Protection
AFTER THEY left Jerusalem, a fiery cloud swept over their wagons and the Archangel Michael appeared in it.
He spread out his wings and was their guide to Ethiopia.
It was a supernatural journey, for no man hauled his wagon, with the entire caravan, both man and beast, raised above the ground to the height of at least a dozen inches.
Everyone travelled in wagons like a ship on the sea when the wind blows and like a bat through the air and like an eagle when his body glides above the wind!
They halted at Gaza, Makeda's city, and from there they arrived at Mesrin, on the Egyptian border in one day. The entourage was amazed for the distance usually was a 13-day march and they weren't tired or thirsty.
They all believed that this thing was from God.
The wagons rested at the Nile and they set up their tents.
Ibna Hakim looked around and was baffled by the events.
"I don't understand any of this," he said to Azariah.
"Can we tell you something?" Azariah asked, adding, "Can you keep a secret?"
"Certainly, I can keep a secret. I'll keep it to the day I die."
Azariah, being the group's leader, said: "The sun descended from heaven and was given on Sinai to Israel and it became the salvation of the race of Adam from Moses to the seed of Jesse and behold it is with us by the will of God. It's not through us that this has been done, but by the will of God. The will of God has fashioned it and made it happen.
"God has chosen you and is well pleased with your city to be the servant of the holy and heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God and it will be your guide forever, to you and your seed after you if you will keep His command and perform the will of the Lord your God. For you will not be able to take it back, even you wanted to and your father, Solomon, can't seize it, even if he wanted to, for it goes on its own free will where it wants to and can't be removed from its seat if it doesn't desire it. And now, it's our salvation and our place of refuge"
Azariah signalled to Elyas and said to him: "Go, take the Ark out of the lead wagon and put the proper covering over her.
Ibna Hakim was in shock.
"What does this mean? Did you steal it?" he gasped, barely able to breathe.
Then he looked towards heaven and said, "Have you, O Lord, remembered us, the outcasts?"
The High Priest then took off the great covering and there lay the golden container, glistening in the early African sun. Ibna Hakim began to yelp and dance around it just like his grandfather, David, had so many years before. It was contagious. Soon all Azariah's group joined in, stomping their feet like young bulls, clapping their hands and stretching their hands skyward and then casting themselves on the ground and giving thanks to God.
Then circling the Ark, Ibna Hakim said, "Behold Zion, behold salvation, behold the splendor like the sun."
Suddenly, his words flowed out of his mouth in a strange language and those that listened were astonished, believing they were hearing a prophet.
In Egypt, the Ethiopians blew horns and beat the drums as they continued their journey down the Nile and as they went the idols of men, dogs and cats as well as the obelisks fell down and broke into pieces before the wagon carrying the Ark.
The Egyptians were amazed as they watched the Ethiopians passing before them like shadows.
Finally, they reached the borders of their beloved country -- Ethiopia.
The Covering
XXIII
The Covering
AS SOLOMON watched, he called for Zadok, the priest.
Go, bring that covering which is on the Ark and take this covering which is better and lay it over the two coverings which are over it."
This covering was made of the finest gold wirework twisted together and hammered out into a pattern and they weren't woven like the threats of purple.
"Take the five golden mice which was given to the Ark and the 10 figures of their shame, the emrods, which the Philistines made for their redemption as well as the fringes of figures of gold that came from the land of Kades, which Moses, in the Sinai, commanded should be worked into the Ark's covering, and give them to my son for his mother said in Tamrin's message that they wanted the fringes to worship."
Then he added that the Ark fringes should be their guide, but he insisted it must remain with Israel forever, although he realized it hadn't been paid all the honor it was due."
Solomon towards where his son was standing by the lead wagon and said to him: "Take this covering and place it on your sanctuary as a sign of your worship of the God of Israel. And when you sacrifice to Jerusalem and the Ark, let your face be towards Jerusalem and pray towards us."
"This will be for my Lady," said Ibna Hakim.
Before the caravan departed, Zadok asked Solomon to put his son, Azariah in charge of the Ark's covering and to be the official in charge of anointing future kings of Ethiopia.
The Covering
AS SOLOMON watched, he called for Zadok, the priest.
Go, bring that covering which is on the Ark and take this covering which is better and lay it over the two coverings which are over it."
This covering was made of the finest gold wirework twisted together and hammered out into a pattern and they weren't woven like the threats of purple.
"Take the five golden mice which was given to the Ark and the 10 figures of their shame, the emrods, which the Philistines made for their redemption as well as the fringes of figures of gold that came from the land of Kades, which Moses, in the Sinai, commanded should be worked into the Ark's covering, and give them to my son for his mother said in Tamrin's message that they wanted the fringes to worship."
Then he added that the Ark fringes should be their guide, but he insisted it must remain with Israel forever, although he realized it hadn't been paid all the honor it was due."
Solomon towards where his son was standing by the lead wagon and said to him: "Take this covering and place it on your sanctuary as a sign of your worship of the God of Israel. And when you sacrifice to Jerusalem and the Ark, let your face be towards Jerusalem and pray towards us."
"This will be for my Lady," said Ibna Hakim.
Before the caravan departed, Zadok asked Solomon to put his son, Azariah in charge of the Ark's covering and to be the official in charge of anointing future kings of Ethiopia.
The Glory Departs
XXII
The Glory Departs
1. AMONG THE DIRTY CLOTHING
IN 945 B.C.E., the Glory of the King left for Ethiopia, hidden in a wagon filled with worthless stuff and dirty clothing.
The noblemen's entourage had loaded the wagons during the day while the Ark was moved into its hiding place in the middle of the night by Azariah and his companions.
The horn was blown and Jerusalem went into mourning for their pride was leaving for Makeda's kingdom.
Although the city didn't actually know that the Ark had been taken from them, there as a heaviness in all their hearts and they wept bitter tears, even greater than those when God slew the first-born in Egypt.
There wasn't a house where there wasn't wailing.
Even the animals sensed the despair. The dogs howled. The donkeys screamed.
It was if a general of a mighty army had besieged Jerusalem, looting, taking people prisoners and killingf them with the sword.
2. FROM THE PALACE ROOF
SOLOMON was upset at the weeping and the outcry of the city as he looked from the Palace roof.
Even he was moved at seeing the young noblemen leaving, particularly his son and he trembled and his bowels quaked and his tears fell drop by drop on his apparel and he said, "Woe is me, for my glory has departed and the majesty of my city and the children of my might are removed. From this moment out glory has passed away and our kingdom has been carried off to a strange people who don't know God. From this time forth, the law, the wisdom and understanding will be given to them.
"My father prophesied concerning them, saying, 'Ethiopia will bow before him and the enemies will eat the dust'. And in another place, he said, 'Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God and he will receive her with honor and the kings of earth will praise God.'"
The Glory Departs
1. AMONG THE DIRTY CLOTHING
IN 945 B.C.E., the Glory of the King left for Ethiopia, hidden in a wagon filled with worthless stuff and dirty clothing.
The noblemen's entourage had loaded the wagons during the day while the Ark was moved into its hiding place in the middle of the night by Azariah and his companions.
The horn was blown and Jerusalem went into mourning for their pride was leaving for Makeda's kingdom.
Although the city didn't actually know that the Ark had been taken from them, there as a heaviness in all their hearts and they wept bitter tears, even greater than those when God slew the first-born in Egypt.
There wasn't a house where there wasn't wailing.
Even the animals sensed the despair. The dogs howled. The donkeys screamed.
It was if a general of a mighty army had besieged Jerusalem, looting, taking people prisoners and killingf them with the sword.
2. FROM THE PALACE ROOF
SOLOMON was upset at the weeping and the outcry of the city as he looked from the Palace roof.
Even he was moved at seeing the young noblemen leaving, particularly his son and he trembled and his bowels quaked and his tears fell drop by drop on his apparel and he said, "Woe is me, for my glory has departed and the majesty of my city and the children of my might are removed. From this moment out glory has passed away and our kingdom has been carried off to a strange people who don't know God. From this time forth, the law, the wisdom and understanding will be given to them.
"My father prophesied concerning them, saying, 'Ethiopia will bow before him and the enemies will eat the dust'. And in another place, he said, 'Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God and he will receive her with honor and the kings of earth will praise God.'"
The Blessing
XXI
The Blessing
"BLESS ME, my father," Ibna Hakim said.
Solomon, with his heart breaking, smiled and embraced him, saying, "Blessed be the Lord my God who blessed my father David and blessed our father Abraham, May he be with you always and bless be your seed even as he blessed Jacob and made his seed to be as many as the stars of heaven and the sand of the sea.
"And as Abraham blessed Isaac even so will your blessing be -- the dew of heaven and the spaciousness of earth -- and may all the birds of the heavens and all the hearts of the beasts of the fields and the fish of the sea be in subjection to you.
"Be full and not lacking in fullness; be perfect and not lacking in perfection; be gracious and obstinate; be in in good health and not suffering; be generous and not vindictive; be pure and not defiled; be righteous and not a sinner; be merciful and not oppressive; be sincere and not perverse; be long suffering and not prone to wrath. And the enemy will be afraid of you and your adversaries will cast themselves under the sole of your foot. And my Lady Zion, the holy and heavenly, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, will be your guide to you all times. A guide in respect of what you should think in your heart and should do with your fingers, whether it be far or near to you, whether it be low or high to you, whether it be strong or weak to you, whether it be inside or out to you, whether it be in the house or in the field, whether it be away from you, whether it be in secret or published abroad to you -- to your Lady Zion, the holy and heavenly, the pure Tabernacle of the Law of God will be your guide.
David II -- Ibna Hakim -- the son of Solomon and Makeda bowed down and then departed.
The Blessing
"BLESS ME, my father," Ibna Hakim said.
Solomon, with his heart breaking, smiled and embraced him, saying, "Blessed be the Lord my God who blessed my father David and blessed our father Abraham, May he be with you always and bless be your seed even as he blessed Jacob and made his seed to be as many as the stars of heaven and the sand of the sea.
"And as Abraham blessed Isaac even so will your blessing be -- the dew of heaven and the spaciousness of earth -- and may all the birds of the heavens and all the hearts of the beasts of the fields and the fish of the sea be in subjection to you.
"Be full and not lacking in fullness; be perfect and not lacking in perfection; be gracious and obstinate; be in in good health and not suffering; be generous and not vindictive; be pure and not defiled; be righteous and not a sinner; be merciful and not oppressive; be sincere and not perverse; be long suffering and not prone to wrath. And the enemy will be afraid of you and your adversaries will cast themselves under the sole of your foot. And my Lady Zion, the holy and heavenly, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, will be your guide to you all times. A guide in respect of what you should think in your heart and should do with your fingers, whether it be far or near to you, whether it be low or high to you, whether it be strong or weak to you, whether it be inside or out to you, whether it be in the house or in the field, whether it be away from you, whether it be in secret or published abroad to you -- to your Lady Zion, the holy and heavenly, the pure Tabernacle of the Law of God will be your guide.
David II -- Ibna Hakim -- the son of Solomon and Makeda bowed down and then departed.
Secret Place
XX
Secret Place
THAT SAME NIGHT, Azariah had another vision when the Angel of the Lord appeared above him like a pillar of fire and he filled the house with his light.
"Stand up, be strong and roust up Elyas, Abis and Makris, " said the angel, adding, "Then take the pieces of wood and I'll open the doors of the sanctuary for you and you will take the Ark out of the Temple without any trouble."
Azariah jumped up and woke up his three companions and they took the pieces of wood and went into the Temple. They found the doors open to the Holy of Holies and the angel directed the entire operation. They carried it to Azariah's house and then they returned to the Temple with pieces of wood. They covered them over with the Ark covering. They took lamps and set them in the place where the Ark was now hidden and there they sacrificed the sheep and burned incense and they spread purple cloths over it and set it again in the secret place for seven days and seven nights.
Secret Place
THAT SAME NIGHT, Azariah had another vision when the Angel of the Lord appeared above him like a pillar of fire and he filled the house with his light.
"Stand up, be strong and roust up Elyas, Abis and Makris, " said the angel, adding, "Then take the pieces of wood and I'll open the doors of the sanctuary for you and you will take the Ark out of the Temple without any trouble."
Azariah jumped up and woke up his three companions and they took the pieces of wood and went into the Temple. They found the doors open to the Holy of Holies and the angel directed the entire operation. They carried it to Azariah's house and then they returned to the Temple with pieces of wood. They covered them over with the Ark covering. They took lamps and set them in the place where the Ark was now hidden and there they sacrificed the sheep and burned incense and they spread purple cloths over it and set it again in the secret place for seven days and seven nights.
A Night Vision
XIX
A Night Vision
AZARIAH received instructions in a night vision.
The Angel of the Lord told him: "Take four goats, each a yearling, for yourself, Elyas, Abis and Makri, and four pure sheep, yearlings also and an ox as a sacrifice on the east side of Zion and sheep and goats to the right and left thereof and at the west of it, which is close to the exit."
After that the entity in glowing white robes said, "And your lord, Ibna Hakim, should speak to Solomon and he must say to him, 'One thing I ask from you, O father, that I would offer up a sacrifice to the holy city Jerusalem and to my Lady Zion. And Solomon will say to him, 'Do so.' And Ibna Hakim must say to him, 'Let Zadok's son, Azariah, offer up a sacrifice on my behalf,' and he'll give you a command to offer up a sacrifice. And you must bring the Ark after you have offered up the sacrifice and I will again show you what you must do in respect to bringing it out, for this is from God; for Israel has provoked God to wrath and for this he'll make the Ark to leave."
The dream ended, but when Azariah woke up, he remembered everything the angel had said.
He went to his companions and told them of his vision and what the angel told him about Israel and how she was to be divided in the future.
"Rejoice with me," Azariah said, "because of what the angel said. So let's go to Ibna Hakim and tell him what to say to Solomon about the sacrifice in the Temple."
David II sent Benaiah to his father, Solomon, with the message: "Send me away, for I'll depart to my own country, together with everything that your goodness has given me. May your prayers accompany me always whithersoever I will go. But now there's one petition which I would make to you, peradventure I found grace with you and turn not away your face from me. For I your servant am going to depart and I wish to offer up a sacrifice of salvation for my sins in this your holy city of Jerusalem and of Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God. And peace be with your majesty,"
After hearing the message, Solomon readied 100 bulls, 100 oxen, 10,000 sheep, 10,000 goats and 10 of every clean birds and 20 silver sahal of fine white flour and 40 baskets of bread, for the sacrifice.
Benaiah then remembered the last part of the message.
"Let Azariah offer up the sacrifice on my behalf ."
The king agreed.
Azariah then went to the Temple and mingled his own offerings just as the angel had ordered him in the dream.
Later, they went back to their houses and slept.
A Night Vision
AZARIAH received instructions in a night vision.
The Angel of the Lord told him: "Take four goats, each a yearling, for yourself, Elyas, Abis and Makri, and four pure sheep, yearlings also and an ox as a sacrifice on the east side of Zion and sheep and goats to the right and left thereof and at the west of it, which is close to the exit."
After that the entity in glowing white robes said, "And your lord, Ibna Hakim, should speak to Solomon and he must say to him, 'One thing I ask from you, O father, that I would offer up a sacrifice to the holy city Jerusalem and to my Lady Zion. And Solomon will say to him, 'Do so.' And Ibna Hakim must say to him, 'Let Zadok's son, Azariah, offer up a sacrifice on my behalf,' and he'll give you a command to offer up a sacrifice. And you must bring the Ark after you have offered up the sacrifice and I will again show you what you must do in respect to bringing it out, for this is from God; for Israel has provoked God to wrath and for this he'll make the Ark to leave."
The dream ended, but when Azariah woke up, he remembered everything the angel had said.
He went to his companions and told them of his vision and what the angel told him about Israel and how she was to be divided in the future.
"Rejoice with me," Azariah said, "because of what the angel said. So let's go to Ibna Hakim and tell him what to say to Solomon about the sacrifice in the Temple."
David II sent Benaiah to his father, Solomon, with the message: "Send me away, for I'll depart to my own country, together with everything that your goodness has given me. May your prayers accompany me always whithersoever I will go. But now there's one petition which I would make to you, peradventure I found grace with you and turn not away your face from me. For I your servant am going to depart and I wish to offer up a sacrifice of salvation for my sins in this your holy city of Jerusalem and of Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God. And peace be with your majesty,"
After hearing the message, Solomon readied 100 bulls, 100 oxen, 10,000 sheep, 10,000 goats and 10 of every clean birds and 20 silver sahal of fine white flour and 40 baskets of bread, for the sacrifice.
Benaiah then remembered the last part of the message.
"Let Azariah offer up the sacrifice on my behalf ."
The king agreed.
Azariah then went to the Temple and mingled his own offerings just as the angel had ordered him in the dream.
Later, they went back to their houses and slept.
The Deal
XVIII
The Deal
1. PREPARATIONS FOR A GRAND THEFT
THE RELATIVES weren't the only ones grumbling about the appointments, but the 21, who were ordered to accompany David II, fumed over their fate.
"What will he do?" asked Akonhel, the youth leader. "For we have to leave our country and our birthplace and our kinsfolk and the people of our city. Now, come let us establish a covenant between us only and our kinsfolk will know nothing of this that we will love each other in that country; none will hasten or tarry here and we will neither fear nor have any doubt. For God is here and God is there and may God's will be done.
Azariah, the High Priest stepped forward. A man of commanding presence, he said: "It doesn't matter if our kinsfolk hate us, what matters is that we should be sad because we'll have to leave the Ark of the Covenant. It's because of her we should weep."
"You're right, Azariah," said Awsteran. "She is our hope and the object of our boasting and we've grown up under our blessedness. And how is it possible for us to forsake Zion our mistress?
"And what will we do? If we resist his command the king will king us and we're unable to trangress the word of our fathers or the king's command. But what will be do concerning Zion our Lady?"
"I'll counsel you on what we should do," replied Azariah. "I want you to swear an oath that you'll never repeat. I mean they might torture you with your life on the line and you'll still keep our secret."
After taking the oath, Azariah said, "Come now, let us take our Lady Zion with us to Ethiopia."
The group couldn't comprehend what the High Priest was saying.
"That's what I said. Let's take the Ark with us and I'll show you how if you all listen to my plan. Even if they learn what we're doing and kill us, that shouldn't trouble us because we're all willing to die for our Lady Zion. If we die it will not cause us sorrow and if we live, the will of God be done."
Zechariah, the son of army commander Benaiah and a confidante of Azariah, looked at his close friend. He shook his head and exclaimed, "What you're saying is wonderful, but you know, Azariah, you can't go into the Temple in the place of your father, Zadok, because he keeps the keys with him at all times."
The Deal
1. PREPARATIONS FOR A GRAND THEFT
THE RELATIVES weren't the only ones grumbling about the appointments, but the 21, who were ordered to accompany David II, fumed over their fate.
"What will he do?" asked Akonhel, the youth leader. "For we have to leave our country and our birthplace and our kinsfolk and the people of our city. Now, come let us establish a covenant between us only and our kinsfolk will know nothing of this that we will love each other in that country; none will hasten or tarry here and we will neither fear nor have any doubt. For God is here and God is there and may God's will be done.
Azariah, the High Priest stepped forward. A man of commanding presence, he said: "It doesn't matter if our kinsfolk hate us, what matters is that we should be sad because we'll have to leave the Ark of the Covenant. It's because of her we should weep."
"You're right, Azariah," said Awsteran. "She is our hope and the object of our boasting and we've grown up under our blessedness. And how is it possible for us to forsake Zion our mistress?
"And what will we do? If we resist his command the king will king us and we're unable to trangress the word of our fathers or the king's command. But what will be do concerning Zion our Lady?"
"I'll counsel you on what we should do," replied Azariah. "I want you to swear an oath that you'll never repeat. I mean they might torture you with your life on the line and you'll still keep our secret."
After taking the oath, Azariah said, "Come now, let us take our Lady Zion with us to Ethiopia."
The group couldn't comprehend what the High Priest was saying.
"That's what I said. Let's take the Ark with us and I'll show you how if you all listen to my plan. Even if they learn what we're doing and kill us, that shouldn't trouble us because we're all willing to die for our Lady Zion. If we die it will not cause us sorrow and if we live, the will of God be done."
Zechariah, the son of army commander Benaiah and a confidante of Azariah, looked at his close friend. He shook his head and exclaimed, "What you're saying is wonderful, but you know, Azariah, you can't go into the Temple in the place of your father, Zadok, because he keeps the keys with him at all times."
The Appointments
XVII
The Appointments
JERUSALEM REJOICED because Solomon had made his son king and appointed him monarch over Ethiopia, however, they were sad that he'd commanded they should send their first-born sons to the faraway land.
He told David II that he should direct his kingdom like his namesake, his grandfather.
The men appointed by Solomon and their offices were:
* High Priest: Azariah, the son of Zadok, the priest.
* Archdeacon: Elyas, the son of Arni, whose father was the Archdeacon to Nathan the Prophet.
* Leader of the Peoples: Adram, the son of Arderones.
* Scribe of the Oxen: Fankera, son of Soba.
* Leader of the Youth: Akonhel, the son of Tofel.
* The Recorder: Samneyas, the son of Akitalam.
* Chief of the Troops: Fikaros, the son of Neya.
* Commander of the Recruits: Lewandos, the son of Akire.
* Commander of the Sea: Fakuten, the son of Adray.
* Chief of the House: Matan, the son of Benyas.
* Servant of Decorations: Adaraz, the son of Kirem.
* Chief of the Horse Soldiers: Dalakem, the son of Matrem
* Chief of the Foot Soldiers: Adaryos, the son of Nedros.
* Bearer of the Glory: Awsteran, son of Yohad.
* Messenger of the Palace: Astarayon, the son of Asa.
* Commander of the Host: Imi, the son of Matatyas.
* Assessor of Taxes and Tithes: Abis, the son of Karyos.
* Judge of the Assembly: Lik Wendeyos, the son of Nelenteyos.
* Administrator of the Royal Workmen: Karmi, the son of Hadneyes.
* Administrator (of the king's house): Seranyas, son of Akazel.
In addition to the 21 administrators, Solomon gave his eldest son horses, chariots, riding camels and mules and wagons for carrying loads of gold and silver and apparel as well as bysses, the precious linen fabric. Included in the gifts to be taken to Ethiopia were purple and gems, pearls and precious stones.
There was a mixture of joy and sadness.
Among the relatives, they secretly cursed Solomon because he had ordered their sons to accompany David II to Ethiopia, however, to his face they said, " Because of this you have done well. Your wisdom is so good that the kingdom of Israel, by the will of of God and by your wisdom, extends to the country of Ethiopia. And God will gather together the other kingdoms of the world into your hand, for you have a right mind towards God."
Solomon was aware of their double-minded words.
The Appointments
JERUSALEM REJOICED because Solomon had made his son king and appointed him monarch over Ethiopia, however, they were sad that he'd commanded they should send their first-born sons to the faraway land.
He told David II that he should direct his kingdom like his namesake, his grandfather.
The men appointed by Solomon and their offices were:
* High Priest: Azariah, the son of Zadok, the priest.
* Archdeacon: Elyas, the son of Arni, whose father was the Archdeacon to Nathan the Prophet.
* Leader of the Peoples: Adram, the son of Arderones.
* Scribe of the Oxen: Fankera, son of Soba.
* Leader of the Youth: Akonhel, the son of Tofel.
* The Recorder: Samneyas, the son of Akitalam.
* Chief of the Troops: Fikaros, the son of Neya.
* Commander of the Recruits: Lewandos, the son of Akire.
* Commander of the Sea: Fakuten, the son of Adray.
* Chief of the House: Matan, the son of Benyas.
* Servant of Decorations: Adaraz, the son of Kirem.
* Chief of the Horse Soldiers: Dalakem, the son of Matrem
* Chief of the Foot Soldiers: Adaryos, the son of Nedros.
* Bearer of the Glory: Awsteran, son of Yohad.
* Messenger of the Palace: Astarayon, the son of Asa.
* Commander of the Host: Imi, the son of Matatyas.
* Assessor of Taxes and Tithes: Abis, the son of Karyos.
* Judge of the Assembly: Lik Wendeyos, the son of Nelenteyos.
* Administrator of the Royal Workmen: Karmi, the son of Hadneyes.
* Administrator (of the king's house): Seranyas, son of Akazel.
In addition to the 21 administrators, Solomon gave his eldest son horses, chariots, riding camels and mules and wagons for carrying loads of gold and silver and apparel as well as bysses, the precious linen fabric. Included in the gifts to be taken to Ethiopia were purple and gems, pearls and precious stones.
There was a mixture of joy and sadness.
Among the relatives, they secretly cursed Solomon because he had ordered their sons to accompany David II to Ethiopia, however, to his face they said, " Because of this you have done well. Your wisdom is so good that the kingdom of Israel, by the will of of God and by your wisdom, extends to the country of Ethiopia. And God will gather together the other kingdoms of the world into your hand, for you have a right mind towards God."
Solomon was aware of their double-minded words.
The Oil of Kingship
XVI
The Oil of Kingship
MOUNT MORIAH was ablaze with color and the Temple sparkled in the Jerusalem sunlight as Israel made ready the oil of kingship for Ibna Hakim. The sounds of the large horn and flute and pipes filled the air along with the loud thumps of the drums as the city resounded with cries of joy.
Solomon's officers brought the young man into the Holy of Holies and he laid hold onto the horns of the altar and sovereignity was given to him by two priests, Zadok and Benaiah, who was also the army commander. They anointed him with the holy oil of the ointment of kingship.
After the brief ceremony, in which the oil flowed down over Ibna Hakim's face and his robes, he went out of the Temple and was presented to the people with the throne name of David II, after his illustrious grandfather,
He then was placed on King Solomon's mule and they led throughout the city and the people yelled: "We have appointed you from this moment" and "Long live the royal father."
One elder rushed up to him and said, "It's right that your dominion of Ethiopia will be from the Nile River to the stting sun, from Shoa to the east of India. And the Lord God of Israel will be a guide to you and the Tabernacle of the Law of God will be with all you look on and all your seed after you. You will judge many nations and none will judge you."
Then Solomon blessed him with these words: "The blessing of heaven and earth will be your blessing.," and all the people of Israel agreed with a hearty "Amen."
Then his father told Zadok, "Make him know and tell him the judgment and decrees of God which he should observe in Ethiopia. In a lengthy speech, the priests then outlined the curses and blessings of the Almighty.
The Oil of Kingship
MOUNT MORIAH was ablaze with color and the Temple sparkled in the Jerusalem sunlight as Israel made ready the oil of kingship for Ibna Hakim. The sounds of the large horn and flute and pipes filled the air along with the loud thumps of the drums as the city resounded with cries of joy.
Solomon's officers brought the young man into the Holy of Holies and he laid hold onto the horns of the altar and sovereignity was given to him by two priests, Zadok and Benaiah, who was also the army commander. They anointed him with the holy oil of the ointment of kingship.
After the brief ceremony, in which the oil flowed down over Ibna Hakim's face and his robes, he went out of the Temple and was presented to the people with the throne name of David II, after his illustrious grandfather,
He then was placed on King Solomon's mule and they led throughout the city and the people yelled: "We have appointed you from this moment" and "Long live the royal father."
One elder rushed up to him and said, "It's right that your dominion of Ethiopia will be from the Nile River to the stting sun, from Shoa to the east of India. And the Lord God of Israel will be a guide to you and the Tabernacle of the Law of God will be with all you look on and all your seed after you. You will judge many nations and none will judge you."
Then Solomon blessed him with these words: "The blessing of heaven and earth will be your blessing.," and all the people of Israel agreed with a hearty "Amen."
Then his father told Zadok, "Make him know and tell him the judgment and decrees of God which he should observe in Ethiopia. In a lengthy speech, the priests then outlined the curses and blessings of the Almighty.
The Noblemen's Sons
XV
The Noblemen's Sons
1. SOLOMON'S PROPOSAL
SOLOMON was deeply perturbed.
His son had rejected him.
He returned to the Throne Room and consulted with his officers and the elders, telling them that he was unable to persuade Ibna Hakim to stay in Israel.
SOLOMON: Come let us make him king of Ethiopia, together with your children.. You sit on my right hand and on my left hand and in like manner the eldest of your children will sit on his right and left hand. So all you counsellors and officers, let us give him your first-born children and we'll have two kingdoms. I'll rule here and our children will rule there. And I put my trust in God that a third time he'll give me seed and that a third king will be here with me.
The Throne Room was abuzz as their monarch made a proposal that few, if any had heard before.
SOLOMON: Now, Baltasar, the king of Byzantium, wants me to give my son, Rehoboam, to his daughter king over the whole country of Byzantium. For besides her he has no other child and he's sworn that he'll only make king a man who's the seed of David, my father. And if we reign there we will be three kings. According to my father's prophecy, it declared: 'The seed of Solomon will become three heads of kingdoms on earth.' And we'll send to them priests and we'll ordain laws for them and they'll worship and serve the God of Israel under the three royal heads. And now let us make this young man king and let us send him away with your children, you who possess wealth and possession. According to the position and wealth you have here, your children will rule there. And they'll see the ordering of royalty and we'll establish them according to our law and we'll direct them and give them commands and send them away to reign there.
The priests, officers and counsellors answered: "Since you're sending your firs-born and then we'll send out children also according to your wish. Who can resist the commandment of God and the king? They're your servants and of your seed as you've proclaimed. If you wish, you can sell them and mothers as slaves. It isn't for us to trangress your command and the command of the Lord your God.
Despite the outward show of support for Solomon's proposal, there were grumblings within the Palace walls.
The Noblemen's Sons
1. SOLOMON'S PROPOSAL
SOLOMON was deeply perturbed.
His son had rejected him.
He returned to the Throne Room and consulted with his officers and the elders, telling them that he was unable to persuade Ibna Hakim to stay in Israel.
SOLOMON: Come let us make him king of Ethiopia, together with your children.. You sit on my right hand and on my left hand and in like manner the eldest of your children will sit on his right and left hand. So all you counsellors and officers, let us give him your first-born children and we'll have two kingdoms. I'll rule here and our children will rule there. And I put my trust in God that a third time he'll give me seed and that a third king will be here with me.
The Throne Room was abuzz as their monarch made a proposal that few, if any had heard before.
SOLOMON: Now, Baltasar, the king of Byzantium, wants me to give my son, Rehoboam, to his daughter king over the whole country of Byzantium. For besides her he has no other child and he's sworn that he'll only make king a man who's the seed of David, my father. And if we reign there we will be three kings. According to my father's prophecy, it declared: 'The seed of Solomon will become three heads of kingdoms on earth.' And we'll send to them priests and we'll ordain laws for them and they'll worship and serve the God of Israel under the three royal heads. And now let us make this young man king and let us send him away with your children, you who possess wealth and possession. According to the position and wealth you have here, your children will rule there. And they'll see the ordering of royalty and we'll establish them according to our law and we'll direct them and give them commands and send them away to reign there.
The priests, officers and counsellors answered: "Since you're sending your firs-born and then we'll send out children also according to your wish. Who can resist the commandment of God and the king? They're your servants and of your seed as you've proclaimed. If you wish, you can sell them and mothers as slaves. It isn't for us to trangress your command and the command of the Lord your God.
Despite the outward show of support for Solomon's proposal, there were grumblings within the Palace walls.
Father and Son
XIV
Father and Son
1. TWO PLACES AT ONCE?
BEFORE LEAVING Gaza for Jerusalem, Ibna Hakim took some of the fine apparel and gave it to Benaiah and his company of 50 men, who went ahead of the Ethiopians to the Royal Equestrian Center, where Solomon had built luxurious stables.
The army commander told the king he was impressed by Ibna Hakim's noble appearance, but Solomon cut him off short and said, "Where is he? Didn't I send you to bring him as quickly as possible?"
"He is here. I'll bring him quickly.
Mounting his horse, Benaiah galloped outside the city walls to where the Ethiopians were camped.
"Get up, sir, and come."
They entered Jerusalem by the King's Gate and when the city's soldiers saw him, they bowed down and said, "Look, King Solomon has left his lodgings."
Some re-entered the Royal Stables and saw Solomon grooming his favorite stallion.
"What's going on? How can the king be in two places at once?" said one of the troopers.
When Benaiah and his men brought Ibna Hakim into the city core, the word spread like wildfire and thousands swelled the streets, hundreds peering out of the windows, trying to get a glimpse of the horse caravan.
"Who is he?"
"That's Solomon."
"No, it's not."
"It's his son."
"No, it's his brother."
2. 'THE RING' RETURNED
BENAIAH went inside the stables with Ibna Hakim and when Solomon saw him, he embraced him with his hands resting on the young man's chest, and then kissed him on the mouth and forehead and eyes.
"Behold, my father, David, has renewed his youth and risen from the dead."
Then Solomon turned around to Benaiah and said, "You told me, 'He resembles you,' but this isn't my stature, but the stature of David my father in the days of his early manhood and he's handsomer than I am."
The king took Ibna Hakim into the nearby Palace and went into his bedroom and brought out an outfit embroidered with gold and a belt of gold. He then set a crown on his head, put a ring on his finger and led him into the Throne Room where he sat to Solomon's right.
"Those who look on me and contempiously say among yourselves that I have no son except Rehoboam, well, look. this is my son, whom the God, the Lord of Israel, has given me when I didn't expect it."
One of Israel's nobles answered him, saying, "Blessed be the mother, who has delivered this young man and blessed be the day when you had union with the mother of this young man. For there has risen from the root of Jesse a shining man who will be king of the posterity of our seed. Concerning his father none shall ask questions and none will say, "Where did he come from?" Surely, he's an Israelite of the seed of David, fashioned perfectly in the likeliness of his father's form and appearance. We are his servants and he'll be our king."
After the nobleman's speech, Ibna Hakim took the Ring of Solomon, the one which could even subdue demons, from his finger and gave it to his father.
"Take this ring and remember the word you spoke to the queen and give us a portion of the fringe of the covering of the Tabernacle of the Law of God so we can worship it all our days and all those who are subject to us and those who are in the Kingdom of Makeda."
"Why do you give me this ring as a sign?" Solomon asked. "Without you giving me a sign I discovered that you're indeed my son."
Tamrin, who had been standing beside Makeda's son, asked:
"Don't you recognize me, Solomon?"
"Is that you, Mr. Ambassador?"
"Yes, my lord."
3. LETTER FROM THE QUEEN
THE YEARS hadn't been kind to the former Chief Merchant of Ethiopia, now bent over from arthritis and his face was even more wrinkled and his once-taut body had become fleshy from a sedentary lifetsyle as Makeda's regent.
Slowly, he began to read a letter from his queen to Solomon:
THE LETTER: Take this young man, anoint him, consecrate him and bless him and make him king over our country and give him the command that a woman will never again reign in this country and send him back in peace. And peace be with the might of your kingdom and your brilliant wisdom. As for me, I didn't want to go to you, but he begged me that he should see you. And besides, I was afraid for him, should he fall sick on the journey, either from thirst for water or heat of the sun and I should bring grey hairs down to the grave with sorrow. Then I put my trust in the holy, heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, that you won't hold it in your wisdom. For your nobles can't return to their houses and look on their children, by reason of the abundance of widom and food which you gave them, according to their desire and they say, the table of Solomon is better for us than enjoying and gratifying ourselves in our own houses. And because of this, through my fear, but would send him back to me in peace, without sickness and suffering, in love and in peace that my heart might rejoice at having encountered him.
Tamrin then stepped back from the throne after reading Makeda's letter and waited for Solomon's reply.
"Besides travailing with him and suckling him, what else has a woman to do do with a son? A daughter belongs to the mother and a boy to the father. God cursed Eve, saying "Bring forth children in anguish and with sorrow of heart and after forth you will return to your husband. With an oath he said, 'Bring forth,' and having sworn, you return to your husband will follow. As for this my son, I will not give him to the queen, but I will make him king over Israel. For this is my firstborn, the first of my race who God has given me."
Solomon did everything in his power, trying to convince his new-found son to remain in Israel, supplying him with fine clothing, gold, fine food and taking him to all his cities near Jerusalem as far as up as Megiddo.
"It's better for you to dwell here in our country with us, where the House of God is and where God dwells."
Later, Ibna Hakim wrote a note to the king:
IT READ: Gold and silver and rich apparel aren't wanting in our country, but I came to see you and to hear your wisdom and to see face to face and to salute you and to pay homage to your kingdom and then I intended for you to send me away to my own country and my own mother. For no man hates the place where he's born and everyone loves the things of his native country. Although you give me dainty meats, I don't love them and they aren't suitable for my body, but the meats whereby I grow and become strong are those that are gratifying to me. And although your country pleases me even as does a garden, yet my heart's not gratified. The mountains of the land of of my motherwhere I as born are far better in my sight. And as for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel, if I adore it where I am, it will give me great glory and I will look on the House of God, which you have built and I'll make offering and supplication there. And as for Zion the fringe of the covering and I will worship it with my mother and with all those who are subject to my sovereignty.
Ibna Hakim also told Solomon that his mother had rooted out all idol worshippers, including those who bowed down to strange objects and stones and trees.
4. HIS FATHER'S PLEAS
SOLOMON was persistent in trying to convince his son to stay in Jerusalem.
"Why do want to leave me?"
Ibna Hakim listened intently to his father's pleas.
"What do you lack here that you would go to the country of the heathen? Tell me what drives you to forsake the kingdom of Israel?"
Speaking with conviction in his voice, Ibna Hakim said, "No, I must go to my mother with your blessing, for you have a son who's better than me, namely Rehoboam, who was born of your wife lawfully while my mother, Makeda, isn't your wife according to the law."
Solomon, thoughtfull, replied: "Since you speak in this wise, according to the law, I, myself, am not the son of my father, David, for he took the wife of another man whom he caused to be slain in battle and he begot me by her, but God is compassionate and he has forgiven him.
"Who's as compassionate and wise as God? He has made me of my father and you He has made of me, according to His will. And as for you, O my son, you who fears our Lord God, don't do any violence in the face of your father, so that in time to come you might not meet with violence from him that will go forth from your loins and that your seed might prosper on the earth. My son, Rehoboam, is only six years old and you're my first-born and you've come to reign and lift up the spear of him that begot you. Listen, I've been reigning for 29 years and your mother came to see me in the seventh year of my kingdom and if God pleases, he will make me attain the span of the days of my father.
"And when I'm gathered with my fathers, you will sit on my throne and you'll reign in my stead and the elders of Israel will love you exceedingly and I'll make a marriage for you and I'll give you as many queens and concubines as you desire.
"You'll be blessed in this land of inheritance with the blessing that God gave to out fathers, even as he covenanted with his servant, Noah, and with his friend, Abraham, and the righteous men right down to my father, David.
"You see me, a weak man, on the throne of my father's and you will be like me and you'll judge the nations without number and families that can't be counted. And the Tabernacle of the God of Israel will belong to you and your seed and you'll make offerings and make prayers to ascend. And God will dwell within it forever and hear your prayers therein and your remembrance will be in it from generation to generation."
His father's conversation brought tears to Ibna Hakim's eyes, but in a low voice he said: "O my lord, it's impossible to leave my country and my mother, for my mother made me swear on her breasts that I wouldn't stay here but would return to her quickly and also I wouldn't marry a wife here.
"And the Tabernacle of the God of Israel will bless me wheresoever I go. I desired to see your face and to hear your voice and to receive your blessing and now I desire to depart to my mother in safety."
Father and Son
1. TWO PLACES AT ONCE?
BEFORE LEAVING Gaza for Jerusalem, Ibna Hakim took some of the fine apparel and gave it to Benaiah and his company of 50 men, who went ahead of the Ethiopians to the Royal Equestrian Center, where Solomon had built luxurious stables.
The army commander told the king he was impressed by Ibna Hakim's noble appearance, but Solomon cut him off short and said, "Where is he? Didn't I send you to bring him as quickly as possible?"
"He is here. I'll bring him quickly.
Mounting his horse, Benaiah galloped outside the city walls to where the Ethiopians were camped.
"Get up, sir, and come."
They entered Jerusalem by the King's Gate and when the city's soldiers saw him, they bowed down and said, "Look, King Solomon has left his lodgings."
Some re-entered the Royal Stables and saw Solomon grooming his favorite stallion.
"What's going on? How can the king be in two places at once?" said one of the troopers.
When Benaiah and his men brought Ibna Hakim into the city core, the word spread like wildfire and thousands swelled the streets, hundreds peering out of the windows, trying to get a glimpse of the horse caravan.
"Who is he?"
"That's Solomon."
"No, it's not."
"It's his son."
"No, it's his brother."
2. 'THE RING' RETURNED
BENAIAH went inside the stables with Ibna Hakim and when Solomon saw him, he embraced him with his hands resting on the young man's chest, and then kissed him on the mouth and forehead and eyes.
"Behold, my father, David, has renewed his youth and risen from the dead."
Then Solomon turned around to Benaiah and said, "You told me, 'He resembles you,' but this isn't my stature, but the stature of David my father in the days of his early manhood and he's handsomer than I am."
The king took Ibna Hakim into the nearby Palace and went into his bedroom and brought out an outfit embroidered with gold and a belt of gold. He then set a crown on his head, put a ring on his finger and led him into the Throne Room where he sat to Solomon's right.
"Those who look on me and contempiously say among yourselves that I have no son except Rehoboam, well, look. this is my son, whom the God, the Lord of Israel, has given me when I didn't expect it."
One of Israel's nobles answered him, saying, "Blessed be the mother, who has delivered this young man and blessed be the day when you had union with the mother of this young man. For there has risen from the root of Jesse a shining man who will be king of the posterity of our seed. Concerning his father none shall ask questions and none will say, "Where did he come from?" Surely, he's an Israelite of the seed of David, fashioned perfectly in the likeliness of his father's form and appearance. We are his servants and he'll be our king."
After the nobleman's speech, Ibna Hakim took the Ring of Solomon, the one which could even subdue demons, from his finger and gave it to his father.
"Take this ring and remember the word you spoke to the queen and give us a portion of the fringe of the covering of the Tabernacle of the Law of God so we can worship it all our days and all those who are subject to us and those who are in the Kingdom of Makeda."
"Why do you give me this ring as a sign?" Solomon asked. "Without you giving me a sign I discovered that you're indeed my son."
Tamrin, who had been standing beside Makeda's son, asked:
"Don't you recognize me, Solomon?"
"Is that you, Mr. Ambassador?"
"Yes, my lord."
3. LETTER FROM THE QUEEN
THE YEARS hadn't been kind to the former Chief Merchant of Ethiopia, now bent over from arthritis and his face was even more wrinkled and his once-taut body had become fleshy from a sedentary lifetsyle as Makeda's regent.
Slowly, he began to read a letter from his queen to Solomon:
THE LETTER: Take this young man, anoint him, consecrate him and bless him and make him king over our country and give him the command that a woman will never again reign in this country and send him back in peace. And peace be with the might of your kingdom and your brilliant wisdom. As for me, I didn't want to go to you, but he begged me that he should see you. And besides, I was afraid for him, should he fall sick on the journey, either from thirst for water or heat of the sun and I should bring grey hairs down to the grave with sorrow. Then I put my trust in the holy, heavenly Zion, the Tabernacle of the Law of God, that you won't hold it in your wisdom. For your nobles can't return to their houses and look on their children, by reason of the abundance of widom and food which you gave them, according to their desire and they say, the table of Solomon is better for us than enjoying and gratifying ourselves in our own houses. And because of this, through my fear, but would send him back to me in peace, without sickness and suffering, in love and in peace that my heart might rejoice at having encountered him.
Tamrin then stepped back from the throne after reading Makeda's letter and waited for Solomon's reply.
"Besides travailing with him and suckling him, what else has a woman to do do with a son? A daughter belongs to the mother and a boy to the father. God cursed Eve, saying "Bring forth children in anguish and with sorrow of heart and after forth you will return to your husband. With an oath he said, 'Bring forth,' and having sworn, you return to your husband will follow. As for this my son, I will not give him to the queen, but I will make him king over Israel. For this is my firstborn, the first of my race who God has given me."
Solomon did everything in his power, trying to convince his new-found son to remain in Israel, supplying him with fine clothing, gold, fine food and taking him to all his cities near Jerusalem as far as up as Megiddo.
"It's better for you to dwell here in our country with us, where the House of God is and where God dwells."
Later, Ibna Hakim wrote a note to the king:
IT READ: Gold and silver and rich apparel aren't wanting in our country, but I came to see you and to hear your wisdom and to see face to face and to salute you and to pay homage to your kingdom and then I intended for you to send me away to my own country and my own mother. For no man hates the place where he's born and everyone loves the things of his native country. Although you give me dainty meats, I don't love them and they aren't suitable for my body, but the meats whereby I grow and become strong are those that are gratifying to me. And although your country pleases me even as does a garden, yet my heart's not gratified. The mountains of the land of of my motherwhere I as born are far better in my sight. And as for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel, if I adore it where I am, it will give me great glory and I will look on the House of God, which you have built and I'll make offering and supplication there. And as for Zion the fringe of the covering and I will worship it with my mother and with all those who are subject to my sovereignty.
Ibna Hakim also told Solomon that his mother had rooted out all idol worshippers, including those who bowed down to strange objects and stones and trees.
4. HIS FATHER'S PLEAS
SOLOMON was persistent in trying to convince his son to stay in Jerusalem.
"Why do want to leave me?"
Ibna Hakim listened intently to his father's pleas.
"What do you lack here that you would go to the country of the heathen? Tell me what drives you to forsake the kingdom of Israel?"
Speaking with conviction in his voice, Ibna Hakim said, "No, I must go to my mother with your blessing, for you have a son who's better than me, namely Rehoboam, who was born of your wife lawfully while my mother, Makeda, isn't your wife according to the law."
Solomon, thoughtfull, replied: "Since you speak in this wise, according to the law, I, myself, am not the son of my father, David, for he took the wife of another man whom he caused to be slain in battle and he begot me by her, but God is compassionate and he has forgiven him.
"Who's as compassionate and wise as God? He has made me of my father and you He has made of me, according to His will. And as for you, O my son, you who fears our Lord God, don't do any violence in the face of your father, so that in time to come you might not meet with violence from him that will go forth from your loins and that your seed might prosper on the earth. My son, Rehoboam, is only six years old and you're my first-born and you've come to reign and lift up the spear of him that begot you. Listen, I've been reigning for 29 years and your mother came to see me in the seventh year of my kingdom and if God pleases, he will make me attain the span of the days of my father.
"And when I'm gathered with my fathers, you will sit on my throne and you'll reign in my stead and the elders of Israel will love you exceedingly and I'll make a marriage for you and I'll give you as many queens and concubines as you desire.
"You'll be blessed in this land of inheritance with the blessing that God gave to out fathers, even as he covenanted with his servant, Noah, and with his friend, Abraham, and the righteous men right down to my father, David.
"You see me, a weak man, on the throne of my father's and you will be like me and you'll judge the nations without number and families that can't be counted. And the Tabernacle of the God of Israel will belong to you and your seed and you'll make offerings and make prayers to ascend. And God will dwell within it forever and hear your prayers therein and your remembrance will be in it from generation to generation."
His father's conversation brought tears to Ibna Hakim's eyes, but in a low voice he said: "O my lord, it's impossible to leave my country and my mother, for my mother made me swear on her breasts that I wouldn't stay here but would return to her quickly and also I wouldn't marry a wife here.
"And the Tabernacle of the God of Israel will bless me wheresoever I go. I desired to see your face and to hear your voice and to receive your blessing and now I desire to depart to my mother in safety."
The Son in Jerusalem
XIII
The Son in Jerusalem
1. THE ARGUMENT
BENAIAH, the son of Jehoida, the commander of King Solomon's army, was summoned to the Palace and ordered to go to Gaza with a message for the Ethiopian travelers.
"Get ready and come with me," said Benaiah to Ibna Hakim, "for the heart of the king is burned as with fire with his love for you. Peradventure he will find out for himself whether you're his own son or his brother, for your appearance is no different that his."
Ibna Hakim looked at the army commander and stuttered: "I thank God that I found grace with the king without having seen him and he'll bring me back safely to my mother and to my country, Ethiopia."
Benaiah thought he noted a sense of arrogance in both Ibna Hakim and the men in his entourage.
"My lord, this is a small matter and you'll find greater joy and pleasure with the lord the king, " said Benaiah, sarcastically, adding , "And as concerning what you said, 'my mother and my country,' Solomon the king is better than my mother and this our country is better than your country."
Benaiah wasn't finished in his tirade.
"As for your country, we've heard that it's a land of cold and cloud and a country of glare and burning heat and a region of snow and ice. And when the sons of Noah, Shem and Ham and Japhet divided the world among them, they looked on your country with wisdom and saw that it was spacious and broad. It was a land of whirlwind and burning heat and therefore gave it to Canaan, the son of Ham, as a portion for himself and his seed forever.
"But the land that is ours is the Promised Land, which God has given us, according to oath that he swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. A land that yields fruit of every kind in its season without exhausting labor. A land which God keeps watching over continually from one year to the beginning of the next. All this is yours and we're yours and we will be your heirs and you will dwelling our country, for all the seed of David, the lord of my lord, and to you belongs this throne of Israel."
Benaiah's smugness upset Dima, one of Tamrin's company of traders.
"What do mean your country's better than ours?" Dima seemed to spit out the words. "Our country of Ethiopia is better. The climate's good, for it's without burning heat and fire and our water's sweet. We don't do as you do in your country in that you have to dig very deep wells in search of water and we don't have to die from the sun's heat
"Listen, even at noonday we hunt wild buffaloes, gazelle, birds and small animals. And in the winter God takes care of us from one year to the next. And in springtime the people eat what they've trodden down with their feet in Egypt and as for our trees they produce good crops of fruit and the wheat and barley and all our fruits and cattle are good and wonderful."
Dima then realized the argument had taken on a bitter edge and he calmly said, "But there's one thing that you have that's better than ours ..."
"What's that?" asked Benaiah.
"Wisdom and because of it, we've journeyed to you."
"What's better than wisdom?" replied Benaiah. "For wisdom has founded the earth and made strong the heavens and fettered the waves of the sea so that it might not cover the earth. However, rise up and let's go to my lord, for his heart is greatly moved by his love for you, Ibna Hakim, and he's sent me to bring you to him with all the speed possible."
The tension eased.
The Son in Jerusalem
1. THE ARGUMENT
BENAIAH, the son of Jehoida, the commander of King Solomon's army, was summoned to the Palace and ordered to go to Gaza with a message for the Ethiopian travelers.
"Get ready and come with me," said Benaiah to Ibna Hakim, "for the heart of the king is burned as with fire with his love for you. Peradventure he will find out for himself whether you're his own son or his brother, for your appearance is no different that his."
Ibna Hakim looked at the army commander and stuttered: "I thank God that I found grace with the king without having seen him and he'll bring me back safely to my mother and to my country, Ethiopia."
Benaiah thought he noted a sense of arrogance in both Ibna Hakim and the men in his entourage.
"My lord, this is a small matter and you'll find greater joy and pleasure with the lord the king, " said Benaiah, sarcastically, adding , "And as concerning what you said, 'my mother and my country,' Solomon the king is better than my mother and this our country is better than your country."
Benaiah wasn't finished in his tirade.
"As for your country, we've heard that it's a land of cold and cloud and a country of glare and burning heat and a region of snow and ice. And when the sons of Noah, Shem and Ham and Japhet divided the world among them, they looked on your country with wisdom and saw that it was spacious and broad. It was a land of whirlwind and burning heat and therefore gave it to Canaan, the son of Ham, as a portion for himself and his seed forever.
"But the land that is ours is the Promised Land, which God has given us, according to oath that he swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. A land that yields fruit of every kind in its season without exhausting labor. A land which God keeps watching over continually from one year to the beginning of the next. All this is yours and we're yours and we will be your heirs and you will dwelling our country, for all the seed of David, the lord of my lord, and to you belongs this throne of Israel."
Benaiah's smugness upset Dima, one of Tamrin's company of traders.
"What do mean your country's better than ours?" Dima seemed to spit out the words. "Our country of Ethiopia is better. The climate's good, for it's without burning heat and fire and our water's sweet. We don't do as you do in your country in that you have to dig very deep wells in search of water and we don't have to die from the sun's heat
"Listen, even at noonday we hunt wild buffaloes, gazelle, birds and small animals. And in the winter God takes care of us from one year to the next. And in springtime the people eat what they've trodden down with their feet in Egypt and as for our trees they produce good crops of fruit and the wheat and barley and all our fruits and cattle are good and wonderful."
Dima then realized the argument had taken on a bitter edge and he calmly said, "But there's one thing that you have that's better than ours ..."
"What's that?" asked Benaiah.
"Wisdom and because of it, we've journeyed to you."
"What's better than wisdom?" replied Benaiah. "For wisdom has founded the earth and made strong the heavens and fettered the waves of the sea so that it might not cover the earth. However, rise up and let's go to my lord, for his heart is greatly moved by his love for you, Ibna Hakim, and he's sent me to bring you to him with all the speed possible."
The tension eased.
In the Image of Solomon
XII
In the Image of Solomon
GAZA WAS OVERWHELMED when Ibna Hakim arrived, for they were certain this was King Solomon on a royal visit from Jerusalem. Thousands filled the streets.
"Hail, the royal father lives," they cried and bowed down and brought him huge amounts of food and clothing.
The whispers became a crescendo: "This is King Solomon."
Ibna Hakim was bewildered by all the attention.
"The king's in Jerusalem, building his palaces," said some onlookers while others commented, "No, this is really Solomon the king."
A contingent of Gaza's armed officers left on horseback to Jerusalem to discover the truth.
They were welcomed by Adoniram at the Fountain Gate.
"Why have you come?" asked the long-time cabinet minister.
"Well, my lord," said the captain of the armed officers, "someone has arrived in Gaza that looks like the king. We wanted to know if he's in Jerusalem or did he go to Gaza?"
Adoniram smiled.
"Come with me."
Arriving at the Palace, they were welcomed by King Solomon.
Bowing down, they spoke in unison, "Hail, may the royal father live. Our country is disturbed because a merchant has come there who resembles you in form and appearance, without the smallest alteration or variation."
"Where does he want to go?" asked Solomon.
"We haven't asked him," said the captain of the small contingent. "But his people told us they came from Ethiopia and that they were going to King Solomon in Jerusalem."
"Who are these men?" asked a small boy, tugging on the king's robe.
"They've seen your older brother, Rehoboam."
"My older brother, father?" the seven-year old asked, with a quizzical look.
Solomon knew at that moment, knew the man they talked about, was his first-born, who arrived in Gaza.
His heart skipped a beat as he thought of the night he had spent with Makeda. He would never forget her.
In the Image of Solomon
GAZA WAS OVERWHELMED when Ibna Hakim arrived, for they were certain this was King Solomon on a royal visit from Jerusalem. Thousands filled the streets.
"Hail, the royal father lives," they cried and bowed down and brought him huge amounts of food and clothing.
The whispers became a crescendo: "This is King Solomon."
Ibna Hakim was bewildered by all the attention.
"The king's in Jerusalem, building his palaces," said some onlookers while others commented, "No, this is really Solomon the king."
A contingent of Gaza's armed officers left on horseback to Jerusalem to discover the truth.
They were welcomed by Adoniram at the Fountain Gate.
"Why have you come?" asked the long-time cabinet minister.
"Well, my lord," said the captain of the armed officers, "someone has arrived in Gaza that looks like the king. We wanted to know if he's in Jerusalem or did he go to Gaza?"
Adoniram smiled.
"Come with me."
Arriving at the Palace, they were welcomed by King Solomon.
Bowing down, they spoke in unison, "Hail, may the royal father live. Our country is disturbed because a merchant has come there who resembles you in form and appearance, without the smallest alteration or variation."
"Where does he want to go?" asked Solomon.
"We haven't asked him," said the captain of the small contingent. "But his people told us they came from Ethiopia and that they were going to King Solomon in Jerusalem."
"Who are these men?" asked a small boy, tugging on the king's robe.
"They've seen your older brother, Rehoboam."
"My older brother, father?" the seven-year old asked, with a quizzical look.
Solomon knew at that moment, knew the man they talked about, was his first-born, who arrived in Gaza.
His heart skipped a beat as he thought of the night he had spent with Makeda. He would never forget her.
Fringes from the Ark
XI
Fringes from the Ark
TAMRIN, her regent, was now 74 and arthritis had savaged his body. However, he was summoned into the Throne Room.
"I know this would be a terrible hardship," she began, "but would you consider taking Ibna Hakim to Jerusalem, for he pesters me night and day."
The light shone in the old merchant's eyes again.
"I thought you'd never ask."
Makeda grew pensive and said, "Tam, when he returns to me, I'm going to give up my throne to him. I'll rescind the law of this country, which my father, Agabos, that only a virgin daughter would reign."
"I agree," said Tamrin.
"You know, Tam, I told Solomon that a woman wouldn't reign in Ethiopia any more and a male child of his and his descendants would rule forever? Did you know that? It must have been a premonition, for I didn't even know I was pregnant at the time. I told Solomon that he should write it down and put it in the Temple that will be built in the Last Days?"
"The Last Days?"
"I must have had a spell when I said it, for I had a dream, which I really couldn't understand."
Makeda wrote a letter to be delivered to Solomon. In it she told him of her decision to abdicate and that her people would adopt the rleligion of Israel. Finally, she pleaded with him to send her the fringes from the covering of the Ark of the Covenant, in the Temple.
"Peace be to the strength of your kingdom and to your brilliant wisdom, which God, the Lord of Israel our creator has given you."
Then Makeda took Ibna Hakim aside and gave him the Ring of God in order that Solomon might know his son and also know of the covenant she had made that she would worship God all the days of her life.
Fringes from the Ark
TAMRIN, her regent, was now 74 and arthritis had savaged his body. However, he was summoned into the Throne Room.
"I know this would be a terrible hardship," she began, "but would you consider taking Ibna Hakim to Jerusalem, for he pesters me night and day."
The light shone in the old merchant's eyes again.
"I thought you'd never ask."
Makeda grew pensive and said, "Tam, when he returns to me, I'm going to give up my throne to him. I'll rescind the law of this country, which my father, Agabos, that only a virgin daughter would reign."
"I agree," said Tamrin.
"You know, Tam, I told Solomon that a woman wouldn't reign in Ethiopia any more and a male child of his and his descendants would rule forever? Did you know that? It must have been a premonition, for I didn't even know I was pregnant at the time. I told Solomon that he should write it down and put it in the Temple that will be built in the Last Days?"
"The Last Days?"
"I must have had a spell when I said it, for I had a dream, which I really couldn't understand."
Makeda wrote a letter to be delivered to Solomon. In it she told him of her decision to abdicate and that her people would adopt the rleligion of Israel. Finally, she pleaded with him to send her the fringes from the covering of the Ark of the Covenant, in the Temple.
"Peace be to the strength of your kingdom and to your brilliant wisdom, which God, the Lord of Israel our creator has given you."
Then Makeda took Ibna Hakim aside and gave him the Ring of God in order that Solomon might know his son and also know of the covenant she had made that she would worship God all the days of her life.
The Son of the Wise
X
The Son of the Wise
1. HIS NAME IS IBNA HAKIM
QUEEN MAKEDA and her great entoruarge left Israel and travelled on the land and the Nile River route towards Ethiopia and the City of the Throne.
Her first resting place was Gaza, which Solomon, in his generosity, had given her. It was there she felt ill. Morning sickness. Makeda knew she was pregnant.
It was an arduous journey and the caravan took its time, realizing the delicate condition of their ruler. The contractions came closer together and her lady-in-waiting, Tera, comforted her.
Nine months and five days after she left Solomon , she yelped because of the pain. A boy. Seven pounds and eight ounces. He looked like a minature Solomon.
"Oh, Tera, if only he could see him," said Makeda.
"He will some day, he will," replied Tera, while wiping the sweat off Makeda's forehead.
"What are you going to name him, my Lady?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"That means son of the wise," said Tera, with a smile.
"That's right, for he truly is the son of the wise man, Solomon."
While Makeda nursed the baby boy in preparation of the purification rites, the caravan leader Gizaw left the country of Bala Zadisareya for Ethiopia.
"I'll get everything in readiness, my Lady," said Gizaw, "and I'll send Tamrin back here to escort you home."
"Thank you, Gizaw, you're so kind."
Two weeks later, a company of officers of her Royal Staff, and led by Tamrin, her regent, arrived in Bala Zadisareya.
"Isn't he beautiful, Tam?"
"Yes, my Lady," smiled Tamrin, who would become his surrogate grandfather.
"What's his name?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"The son of the wise."
"Yes."
"Does Solomon know he has a son."
"No."
"I'm sure he'll find out."
"Yes, I'm sure."
2. WHO IS MY FATHER?
THE PURIFICATION rites ended and she and her remaining entourage entered Ethiopia.
The route to the capital was lined with her people, from noblemen to peasant girls, waving palms and bowing low. Tossing flower petals on the ground, the sweet smell of her country filled her nostrils.
"It's good to be home," Tam.
Finally, the 6,000 wagons were unloaded and the splendid apparel, gold, silver, hyacinthe and purple robes were handed to her people.
"Tam, Solomon gave me two vehicles, for the air and the sea, but I didn't use them on my journey. I place them in your care.
"Solomon also gave me what he called the Ring of God. I will wear it until Ibna Hakim grows up."
Tamrin and Gizaw were given charge of the son's upbringing, training him in military strategy, history and astronomy and also physical skills involved in hunting.
Ibna Hakim, growing up in the Royal Court, knew that neither Tamrin nor Gizaw was his father, and he questioned in his mind whom his father might be.
At age 12, he asked his companions: "Who's my father?"
"Solomon, the king," they replied in unison.
Ibna Hakim immediately went to Makeda.
"Who's my father?"
Although, she'd never spoken harshly to him before, she snapped: "Why do you ask me about your father? I'm your father and your mother. You don't need to know any more."
Makeda knew the outburst wouldn't satisfy the curious youngster, but she hoped he wouldn't go to Solomon, for she believed, once there in Israel he'd never return.
Ibna Hakim was persistent and continually pestered his mother with the same question: "Who's my father?"
Finally, Makeda gave in.
"His country is far away and the road there is difficult, so why wouldn't you want to stay here?"
Ibna Hakim had made up his mind. He would see Solomon's Court for himself.
By age 22, he was the image of Solomon, according to Tamrin, although his mother couldn't see the resemblance. At least she wouldn't admit it to herself.
"Mother," he said, hesistantingly, "I will go look on the face of my father and I will come back here by the will of God, the Lord of Israel."
Makeda knew he had to go to Jerusalem and knew he'd return to Ethiopia, if it was God's will.
The Son of the Wise
1. HIS NAME IS IBNA HAKIM
QUEEN MAKEDA and her great entoruarge left Israel and travelled on the land and the Nile River route towards Ethiopia and the City of the Throne.
Her first resting place was Gaza, which Solomon, in his generosity, had given her. It was there she felt ill. Morning sickness. Makeda knew she was pregnant.
It was an arduous journey and the caravan took its time, realizing the delicate condition of their ruler. The contractions came closer together and her lady-in-waiting, Tera, comforted her.
Nine months and five days after she left Solomon , she yelped because of the pain. A boy. Seven pounds and eight ounces. He looked like a minature Solomon.
"Oh, Tera, if only he could see him," said Makeda.
"He will some day, he will," replied Tera, while wiping the sweat off Makeda's forehead.
"What are you going to name him, my Lady?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"That means son of the wise," said Tera, with a smile.
"That's right, for he truly is the son of the wise man, Solomon."
While Makeda nursed the baby boy in preparation of the purification rites, the caravan leader Gizaw left the country of Bala Zadisareya for Ethiopia.
"I'll get everything in readiness, my Lady," said Gizaw, "and I'll send Tamrin back here to escort you home."
"Thank you, Gizaw, you're so kind."
Two weeks later, a company of officers of her Royal Staff, and led by Tamrin, her regent, arrived in Bala Zadisareya.
"Isn't he beautiful, Tam?"
"Yes, my Lady," smiled Tamrin, who would become his surrogate grandfather.
"What's his name?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"The son of the wise."
"Yes."
"Does Solomon know he has a son."
"No."
"I'm sure he'll find out."
"Yes, I'm sure."
2. WHO IS MY FATHER?
THE PURIFICATION rites ended and she and her remaining entourage entered Ethiopia.
The route to the capital was lined with her people, from noblemen to peasant girls, waving palms and bowing low. Tossing flower petals on the ground, the sweet smell of her country filled her nostrils.
"It's good to be home," Tam.
Finally, the 6,000 wagons were unloaded and the splendid apparel, gold, silver, hyacinthe and purple robes were handed to her people.
"Tam, Solomon gave me two vehicles, for the air and the sea, but I didn't use them on my journey. I place them in your care.
"Solomon also gave me what he called the Ring of God. I will wear it until Ibna Hakim grows up."
Tamrin and Gizaw were given charge of the son's upbringing, training him in military strategy, history and astronomy and also physical skills involved in hunting.
Ibna Hakim, growing up in the Royal Court, knew that neither Tamrin nor Gizaw was his father, and he questioned in his mind whom his father might be.
At age 12, he asked his companions: "Who's my father?"
"Solomon, the king," they replied in unison.
Ibna Hakim immediately went to Makeda.
"Who's my father?"
Although, she'd never spoken harshly to him before, she snapped: "Why do you ask me about your father? I'm your father and your mother. You don't need to know any more."
Makeda knew the outburst wouldn't satisfy the curious youngster, but she hoped he wouldn't go to Solomon, for she believed, once there in Israel he'd never return.
Ibna Hakim was persistent and continually pestered his mother with the same question: "Who's my father?"
Finally, Makeda gave in.
"His country is far away and the road there is difficult, so why wouldn't you want to stay here?"
Ibna Hakim had made up his mind. He would see Solomon's Court for himself.
By age 22, he was the image of Solomon, according to Tamrin, although his mother couldn't see the resemblance. At least she wouldn't admit it to herself.
"Mother," he said, hesistantingly, "I will go look on the face of my father and I will come back here by the will of God, the Lord of Israel."
Makeda knew he had to go to Jerusalem and knew he'd return to Ethiopia, if it was God's will.
The Glory of His Presence
IX
The Glory of His Presence
1. UNBELIEF WRITTEN ON HER FACE
MAKEDA STOOD with unbelief written on her face. The cloud has passed over her head and the heads of her noblemen in the outer court of the Temple.
"What's that, my lord?" she asked Solomon. Her voice was a mixture of amazement and shock.
"My Lady, this Yahweh's presence."
As she turned to look into the king's face, it was shining with his robes taking on a supernatural quality and in a passionate voice he said: "O, Lord, you said you'd live in the thick darkness."
With dramatic suddenness the cloud swooped low over their heads. This time the pure light was more intense,
"Don't look, Makeda," cried Solomon as he clutched her dainty hand, tightly. "Keep your eyes shut." They sank to the Temple floor, along with the royal party as the heavenly spectacle continued.
Swirling around the heavily-covered Ark were now white clouds and sparks and the sounds of distant trumpets.
"How good he is," whispered Solomon. "He is always so loving and kind."
Makeda kept her eyes closed for what seemed like an eternity and when she finally did open them her entourage were still prostrate and worshipping a god they had only heard of from Tamrin and his company of traders.
The smoke from the Great Fire hung over the Mount and the smell of incense was heavy in the air after Solomon commanded the sacrifice of thousands of lambs. Shechita.
The sights and sounds of the Tabernacle Festival flooded Makeda's mind. She was overwhelmed in her spirit -- and she was in love.
The face of Solomon invaded her thoughts; speaking words of wisdom and, of passion. Bursts of light of the glory, which had filled the Temple, and caused her to prostrate herself on the ground also occupied her thoughts during her waking hours -- and even in the night, she couldn't erase her ectasy.
Tamrin had told her of his dream of the golden container; and now she had seen its power and Makeda would never be the same again.
2. A SMITTEN SOLOMON
MAKEDA WAS torn between her father's words concerning pursuing wisdom and understanding and her infatuation with this monarch.
"O, Solomon," she whispered. "I only wish I could be one of the least of your handmaidens so I could wash your feet and listen to your wisdom and serve your majesty."
The king was smitten by her beauty. He, although a womanizer to the extreme, was drawn to her daintiness; the nape of her neck.
"As for me, I only possess wisdom and understanding in the measure the God of Israel has given me because I asked and pleaded with him." The words spurted out of his lips, but his mind was whirling with thoughts of seducing this truly magnificent virgin of Ethiopia. He would give up his kingdom and his wives and concubines, if only he could have this woman, he thought.
"And you, although you don't know the God of Israel, has this wisdom which has grown in your heart and it made you come to me, for you see, Makeda, I do whatever He commands me to do and whatever wisdom He gives me, I understand. My Lady is the Tabernacle of the Law, the holy and heavenly Zion -- the Ark of the Covenant."
Looking out the Palace window, Solomon watched a laborer with a stone on his head and a flask of water around his neck and shoulders. His food and sandals were ragged and tattered and sweat was falling from his face.
"Makeda, come to the balcony with me."
Both looked over the railing, and Solomon told the hireling to stand still.
"Look at this man," Solomon said, turning to Makeda, and asking, "Am I superior to this man? And why should I glory over this man? For I'm just a man and dust and ashes and tomorrow will become worms and corruption and yet, at this moment, I appear as one who will never die. Who would complain to God if he were to make me as this man is? Are we not just both men? As is his death, so is my death; and as his life so is my life. Yet this man is stronger to work than me, for God gives power to those who need it."
Solomon told the man to go back to work. The laborer left, still carrying the stone on his head.
"What is the use for the children of men, if we don't exercise kindness and love on the earth? Aren't we all nothingness, mere grass of the field, which withers in its season and is burned in the fire?
"On the earth we provide ourselves with dainty meats and we wear costly apparel, but while we are alive we stink of corruption; we provide ourselves with sweet scents, but even while we are alive we are dead in sin and in trangressions; being wise we become fools through disobedience and deeds of iniquity; being held in honor, we become contemptible through magic and sorcery and worshipping idols."
"Tell me now, who should I worship?" asked an attentive Makeda. "I worship the sun because my father said it was the king of the gods. Others of my subjects worship stones, some worship trees, some worship carved figures and some images of gold and silver.
"No man has told me that there's any god besides the sun, but you, my lord, have shown me there's one who comes down to you and talks with you and resides right here in the Temple, which you've built."
Solomon then told her, "It's right that men should worship God, who created the universe, the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land, the sun and the moon, the stars and the brilliant bodies of the heavens, the trees and the stones, the beasts and the feathered fowl. It is him alone we should worship in fear and trembling, with joy and gladness. For he's the Lord of the universe, the creator of angels and men.
"You're right in saying that he's given us the Tabernacle of the Law, the Ark, and has brought down to us His commandments, in writing, so that we can know His decree and judgment that he ordained in the mountain of His holiness."
Makeda confirmed she had made up her mind. Although, she knew in her heart it had occurred as she was laying in the Temple and overwhelmed by the great presence.
"From this moment on," she began, "I will not worship the sun, but I'll worship the creator of the sun, the God of Israel. The Tabernacle of the God of Israel will be my Lady and to my seed after me and to all the kingdoms that are under my dominion. And because of this I have found favor before you and before the God of Israel my creator who brought me to you and allowed me to hear your voice and has let me understand your commandment."
3. GROWING HOMESICK
DESPITE THE SPLENDOR of Jerusalem, Makeda began to grow homesick even though Ethiopia seemed sometimes to be so far away -- a distant memory of her youth.
The six months of listening to Solomon, of touring his flourishing kingdom in the monarch's golden chariots, inspecting his cities and forts, had given he maturity beyond her years, Makeda knew the knowledge of his administrative skills would serve her well.
Separating from Solomon, even though they had no sexual contact to this point, would be difficult. Her heart was with him.
Finally, mustering courage, she sent a message to the king: "I would like to stay with you, but for the sake on my people, I want to return to my own country. What I have heard and seen I intend to keep in my heart."
He was shaken by the message.
Solomon (inner thoughts): A woman of such splendid beauty has come to me from the ends of the earth! What do I know? Will God give me seed in her?
The king tried to persuade Makeda to change her mind with a message to the queen. It read: Follow me now and I'll complete your instruction about my administration.
Makeda: Oh, Tera, what should I do?
Tera (her lady-in-waiting and confidante): Follow your heart!
Makeda sent Solomon a second message. It read: From being a fool, I have become wise by following your wisdom and from a thing rejected by the God of Israel, I have become a chosen woman because of this faith which is in my heart; and from now on I will worship no one except him. And as far as what you've said, that you want me to increase in wisdom and honor, I will come according to your desire.
Solomon was excited by the message, so he decided to have another grand banquet in Makeda's honor.
4. SEDUCTION
THE SPLENDOR of Solomon's refurbished tent beside the Palace even caught Makeda by surprise. The purple hangings and thick crimson carpeting, decorated with the marble and precious stones.
He burned aromatic powders and sprinkled oil of myrrh and cassia round about and scattered frankincense and costly in all directions.
Solomon intentionally sent her spicy meats which would make her thirsty and drinks which were mingled with vinegar and fish and dishes made of pepper.
After the 10-course meal, the administrators, counsellors and servants left, leaving Solomon and Makeda alone in the luxurious tent.
"Now that we're alone together, why not stay here with me until daybreak."
Flushed with the wine, she blushed and whispered: "Swear to me by the God of Israel, you won't take me by force, for I'm still a virgin. If you were the seduce me, I'd travel back to Ethiopia in sorrow and affliction."
Solomon was accustomed to playing games of seduction and already a number of his other wives, particularly Pharah's daughter had noticed the king was paying undue interest in this Ethiopian.
"Are you sleeping with her?" they brayed.
"No!" It was an honest answer; not that he didn't want to and now, with Makeda's imminent departure, there was little time left to seduce her.
With the heavy aromatic perfumes wafting through the room and the lights dimmed, he said, "I swear to you I won't take you by force, but you must swear to me that you won't take anything in my house by force."
Makeda barely heard him.
She giggled. A virgin's laugh.
"Being a wise man, why do you speak like a fool? Why would I steal anything or carry anything out of the house that you haven't given me already? Do you imagine I came to you because of the love of riches. Moreover, Ethiopia is as wealthy as yours and I lack nothing. I've only come to you to seek wisdom."
Solomon sulked.
"Alright, swear to me you won't take me by force and I won't take any of your possessions by force."
A manservant got a large bed ready and the king said to him, "Wash out the bowl and fill it with water while the queen is looking and then close the doors on this tent and go to sleep."
The king pretended to sleep.
Meanwhile, Makeda, the thoughts of the farewell banquet still fresh in her mind, was restless. She woke up and her mouth was dry. She moved her lips and found no moisture.
Looking across at the appealing form of Solomon, she was certain he was sleeping. She tiptoed towards the bowl filled with water and lifted it to her thirsty lips.
Suddenly, Solomon seized her by the right wrist before she could drink.
"Why have you broken your oath? You said you wouldn't take anything by force which is in my house."
Makeda shivered at the words.
"Is the oath broken by my drinking water?"
"Is there anything that you've seen under the heavens that's better than water?" Solomon retorted.
Makeda realized he had placed her in a compromising situation.
"I have sinned against myself and you're free from your oath, but let me drink the water for my thirst."
She drank her fill.
Realizing she was a virgin, Solomon slowly kissed her on the cheeks, trying to alleviate her fears. The kisses moved along the nape of her neck and then the lips.
The pentup passion of years of suppression erupted in a volcano os lust as Makeda gave herself freely.
"Solomon, she moaned as she felt his manhood slowly thrust into her. The pain of her first time was acute, but only for a moment, and then it became a pleasureable experience. Both were soon awash in sexual ectasy.
After his explosion of passion inside her, Solomon rolled over on the bed and he dreamed of a brilliant sun that came down from heaven and spread over Israel. After it stayed there for a while, it suddenly withdrew and it flew away to the country of Ethiopia.
Waking up with a start, he thought to himself, I wanted to see if it would come back to Israel, but it didn't return."
He closed his eyes again and the imagery was even more intense.
The night of lovemaking weighed heavily on both their minds.
He couldn't dismiss the dreams and she was trapped in a dilemma, of exhileration and also disgust, for she's lost her virginity, even if it was to this handsome king.
"Dismiss me," snapped Makeda. "Let me depart to my own country."
Solomon wanted to pacify her and he loaded up a caravan of 6,000 camels and wagons with beautiful apparel.
Summoning the demon Ornais with the Ring of God, he had him construct, with the assistance of other spirits, two special vehicles, one in which to travel over the sea and one which to travel through the air.
5. THE RING
THE NIGHT of seduction was imbedded in her mind even as she got ready to leave for Ethiopia.
Solomon, a man who believed in ceremony, arranged for Jerusalem to come out en masse to bid and her entourage goodbye.
For a few moments they were alone within the Palace and he took the Ring of God -- the small gold band with Yahweh's special name inscribed inside it -- and gave it to her. The ring had been given to Solomon by his father, David, and was the most powerful connection to the Almighty with the exception of the Ark of the Covenant.
"Take this so you won't forget me. And if it happens I obtain seed from you, this ring will be a sign. If it's a man child he will come to me and the peace of God be with you."
Then he related the dream.
"While I was sleeping with you I saw many visions in a dream and it seemed as if the sun had risen on Israel, but it snatched itself away and flew off and lighted up Ethiopia, peradventure your country will be blessed through you, God knows. For he punishes those who are arrogant and he shows compassion on those who are humble. He removes the thrones of those who are needy. For death and life are with him and riches and poverty are bestowed by His will. For judgment in the heavens and in the earth or in the sea or in the abysses. God be with you. Go in peace."
"I love you, Makeda."
"I love you, Solomon."
The Glory of His Presence
1. UNBELIEF WRITTEN ON HER FACE
MAKEDA STOOD with unbelief written on her face. The cloud has passed over her head and the heads of her noblemen in the outer court of the Temple.
"What's that, my lord?" she asked Solomon. Her voice was a mixture of amazement and shock.
"My Lady, this Yahweh's presence."
As she turned to look into the king's face, it was shining with his robes taking on a supernatural quality and in a passionate voice he said: "O, Lord, you said you'd live in the thick darkness."
With dramatic suddenness the cloud swooped low over their heads. This time the pure light was more intense,
"Don't look, Makeda," cried Solomon as he clutched her dainty hand, tightly. "Keep your eyes shut." They sank to the Temple floor, along with the royal party as the heavenly spectacle continued.
Swirling around the heavily-covered Ark were now white clouds and sparks and the sounds of distant trumpets.
"How good he is," whispered Solomon. "He is always so loving and kind."
Makeda kept her eyes closed for what seemed like an eternity and when she finally did open them her entourage were still prostrate and worshipping a god they had only heard of from Tamrin and his company of traders.
The smoke from the Great Fire hung over the Mount and the smell of incense was heavy in the air after Solomon commanded the sacrifice of thousands of lambs. Shechita.
The sights and sounds of the Tabernacle Festival flooded Makeda's mind. She was overwhelmed in her spirit -- and she was in love.
The face of Solomon invaded her thoughts; speaking words of wisdom and, of passion. Bursts of light of the glory, which had filled the Temple, and caused her to prostrate herself on the ground also occupied her thoughts during her waking hours -- and even in the night, she couldn't erase her ectasy.
Tamrin had told her of his dream of the golden container; and now she had seen its power and Makeda would never be the same again.
2. A SMITTEN SOLOMON
MAKEDA WAS torn between her father's words concerning pursuing wisdom and understanding and her infatuation with this monarch.
"O, Solomon," she whispered. "I only wish I could be one of the least of your handmaidens so I could wash your feet and listen to your wisdom and serve your majesty."
The king was smitten by her beauty. He, although a womanizer to the extreme, was drawn to her daintiness; the nape of her neck.
"As for me, I only possess wisdom and understanding in the measure the God of Israel has given me because I asked and pleaded with him." The words spurted out of his lips, but his mind was whirling with thoughts of seducing this truly magnificent virgin of Ethiopia. He would give up his kingdom and his wives and concubines, if only he could have this woman, he thought.
"And you, although you don't know the God of Israel, has this wisdom which has grown in your heart and it made you come to me, for you see, Makeda, I do whatever He commands me to do and whatever wisdom He gives me, I understand. My Lady is the Tabernacle of the Law, the holy and heavenly Zion -- the Ark of the Covenant."
Looking out the Palace window, Solomon watched a laborer with a stone on his head and a flask of water around his neck and shoulders. His food and sandals were ragged and tattered and sweat was falling from his face.
"Makeda, come to the balcony with me."
Both looked over the railing, and Solomon told the hireling to stand still.
"Look at this man," Solomon said, turning to Makeda, and asking, "Am I superior to this man? And why should I glory over this man? For I'm just a man and dust and ashes and tomorrow will become worms and corruption and yet, at this moment, I appear as one who will never die. Who would complain to God if he were to make me as this man is? Are we not just both men? As is his death, so is my death; and as his life so is my life. Yet this man is stronger to work than me, for God gives power to those who need it."
Solomon told the man to go back to work. The laborer left, still carrying the stone on his head.
"What is the use for the children of men, if we don't exercise kindness and love on the earth? Aren't we all nothingness, mere grass of the field, which withers in its season and is burned in the fire?
"On the earth we provide ourselves with dainty meats and we wear costly apparel, but while we are alive we stink of corruption; we provide ourselves with sweet scents, but even while we are alive we are dead in sin and in trangressions; being wise we become fools through disobedience and deeds of iniquity; being held in honor, we become contemptible through magic and sorcery and worshipping idols."
"Tell me now, who should I worship?" asked an attentive Makeda. "I worship the sun because my father said it was the king of the gods. Others of my subjects worship stones, some worship trees, some worship carved figures and some images of gold and silver.
"No man has told me that there's any god besides the sun, but you, my lord, have shown me there's one who comes down to you and talks with you and resides right here in the Temple, which you've built."
Solomon then told her, "It's right that men should worship God, who created the universe, the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land, the sun and the moon, the stars and the brilliant bodies of the heavens, the trees and the stones, the beasts and the feathered fowl. It is him alone we should worship in fear and trembling, with joy and gladness. For he's the Lord of the universe, the creator of angels and men.
"You're right in saying that he's given us the Tabernacle of the Law, the Ark, and has brought down to us His commandments, in writing, so that we can know His decree and judgment that he ordained in the mountain of His holiness."
Makeda confirmed she had made up her mind. Although, she knew in her heart it had occurred as she was laying in the Temple and overwhelmed by the great presence.
"From this moment on," she began, "I will not worship the sun, but I'll worship the creator of the sun, the God of Israel. The Tabernacle of the God of Israel will be my Lady and to my seed after me and to all the kingdoms that are under my dominion. And because of this I have found favor before you and before the God of Israel my creator who brought me to you and allowed me to hear your voice and has let me understand your commandment."
3. GROWING HOMESICK
DESPITE THE SPLENDOR of Jerusalem, Makeda began to grow homesick even though Ethiopia seemed sometimes to be so far away -- a distant memory of her youth.
The six months of listening to Solomon, of touring his flourishing kingdom in the monarch's golden chariots, inspecting his cities and forts, had given he maturity beyond her years, Makeda knew the knowledge of his administrative skills would serve her well.
Separating from Solomon, even though they had no sexual contact to this point, would be difficult. Her heart was with him.
Finally, mustering courage, she sent a message to the king: "I would like to stay with you, but for the sake on my people, I want to return to my own country. What I have heard and seen I intend to keep in my heart."
He was shaken by the message.
Solomon (inner thoughts): A woman of such splendid beauty has come to me from the ends of the earth! What do I know? Will God give me seed in her?
The king tried to persuade Makeda to change her mind with a message to the queen. It read: Follow me now and I'll complete your instruction about my administration.
Makeda: Oh, Tera, what should I do?
Tera (her lady-in-waiting and confidante): Follow your heart!
Makeda sent Solomon a second message. It read: From being a fool, I have become wise by following your wisdom and from a thing rejected by the God of Israel, I have become a chosen woman because of this faith which is in my heart; and from now on I will worship no one except him. And as far as what you've said, that you want me to increase in wisdom and honor, I will come according to your desire.
Solomon was excited by the message, so he decided to have another grand banquet in Makeda's honor.
4. SEDUCTION
THE SPLENDOR of Solomon's refurbished tent beside the Palace even caught Makeda by surprise. The purple hangings and thick crimson carpeting, decorated with the marble and precious stones.
He burned aromatic powders and sprinkled oil of myrrh and cassia round about and scattered frankincense and costly in all directions.
Solomon intentionally sent her spicy meats which would make her thirsty and drinks which were mingled with vinegar and fish and dishes made of pepper.
After the 10-course meal, the administrators, counsellors and servants left, leaving Solomon and Makeda alone in the luxurious tent.
"Now that we're alone together, why not stay here with me until daybreak."
Flushed with the wine, she blushed and whispered: "Swear to me by the God of Israel, you won't take me by force, for I'm still a virgin. If you were the seduce me, I'd travel back to Ethiopia in sorrow and affliction."
Solomon was accustomed to playing games of seduction and already a number of his other wives, particularly Pharah's daughter had noticed the king was paying undue interest in this Ethiopian.
"Are you sleeping with her?" they brayed.
"No!" It was an honest answer; not that he didn't want to and now, with Makeda's imminent departure, there was little time left to seduce her.
With the heavy aromatic perfumes wafting through the room and the lights dimmed, he said, "I swear to you I won't take you by force, but you must swear to me that you won't take anything in my house by force."
Makeda barely heard him.
She giggled. A virgin's laugh.
"Being a wise man, why do you speak like a fool? Why would I steal anything or carry anything out of the house that you haven't given me already? Do you imagine I came to you because of the love of riches. Moreover, Ethiopia is as wealthy as yours and I lack nothing. I've only come to you to seek wisdom."
Solomon sulked.
"Alright, swear to me you won't take me by force and I won't take any of your possessions by force."
A manservant got a large bed ready and the king said to him, "Wash out the bowl and fill it with water while the queen is looking and then close the doors on this tent and go to sleep."
The king pretended to sleep.
Meanwhile, Makeda, the thoughts of the farewell banquet still fresh in her mind, was restless. She woke up and her mouth was dry. She moved her lips and found no moisture.
Looking across at the appealing form of Solomon, she was certain he was sleeping. She tiptoed towards the bowl filled with water and lifted it to her thirsty lips.
Suddenly, Solomon seized her by the right wrist before she could drink.
"Why have you broken your oath? You said you wouldn't take anything by force which is in my house."
Makeda shivered at the words.
"Is the oath broken by my drinking water?"
"Is there anything that you've seen under the heavens that's better than water?" Solomon retorted.
Makeda realized he had placed her in a compromising situation.
"I have sinned against myself and you're free from your oath, but let me drink the water for my thirst."
She drank her fill.
Realizing she was a virgin, Solomon slowly kissed her on the cheeks, trying to alleviate her fears. The kisses moved along the nape of her neck and then the lips.
The pentup passion of years of suppression erupted in a volcano os lust as Makeda gave herself freely.
"Solomon, she moaned as she felt his manhood slowly thrust into her. The pain of her first time was acute, but only for a moment, and then it became a pleasureable experience. Both were soon awash in sexual ectasy.
After his explosion of passion inside her, Solomon rolled over on the bed and he dreamed of a brilliant sun that came down from heaven and spread over Israel. After it stayed there for a while, it suddenly withdrew and it flew away to the country of Ethiopia.
Waking up with a start, he thought to himself, I wanted to see if it would come back to Israel, but it didn't return."
He closed his eyes again and the imagery was even more intense.
The night of lovemaking weighed heavily on both their minds.
He couldn't dismiss the dreams and she was trapped in a dilemma, of exhileration and also disgust, for she's lost her virginity, even if it was to this handsome king.
"Dismiss me," snapped Makeda. "Let me depart to my own country."
Solomon wanted to pacify her and he loaded up a caravan of 6,000 camels and wagons with beautiful apparel.
Summoning the demon Ornais with the Ring of God, he had him construct, with the assistance of other spirits, two special vehicles, one in which to travel over the sea and one which to travel through the air.
5. THE RING
THE NIGHT of seduction was imbedded in her mind even as she got ready to leave for Ethiopia.
Solomon, a man who believed in ceremony, arranged for Jerusalem to come out en masse to bid and her entourage goodbye.
For a few moments they were alone within the Palace and he took the Ring of God -- the small gold band with Yahweh's special name inscribed inside it -- and gave it to her. The ring had been given to Solomon by his father, David, and was the most powerful connection to the Almighty with the exception of the Ark of the Covenant.
"Take this so you won't forget me. And if it happens I obtain seed from you, this ring will be a sign. If it's a man child he will come to me and the peace of God be with you."
Then he related the dream.
"While I was sleeping with you I saw many visions in a dream and it seemed as if the sun had risen on Israel, but it snatched itself away and flew off and lighted up Ethiopia, peradventure your country will be blessed through you, God knows. For he punishes those who are arrogant and he shows compassion on those who are humble. He removes the thrones of those who are needy. For death and life are with him and riches and poverty are bestowed by His will. For judgment in the heavens and in the earth or in the sea or in the abysses. God be with you. Go in peace."
"I love you, Makeda."
"I love you, Solomon."
In Pursuit if Wisdom
VIII
In Pursuit of Wisdom
1. MAKEDA'S DECISION
THE WORDS of Ethiopia's Chief Merchant and Ambassador Tamrin, concerning Solomon, slowly seeped into Makeda's soul through the years, stirring up her desire to savor the glory of Jerusalem and to see, for herself, the Great Temple.
She realized the route would be exhausting, moving from the City of the Throne, known as Debre Makeda and later as Yeha, through the treacherous sands of the Danakil to the Narrows and the tedious crossing to the Arabian Saba and Marib. That would be the starting point, for her 1,400-mile trek northward in her pursuit of wisdom.
In the eight years since Tamrin had returned from his first visit to Israel, Makeda had asked repeatedly about the contents of the golden box which emitted a strange light.
The trader would only shake his head, obviously confused and mystified by its contens and its meaning. He had recurring dreams of the strange experience in the mountains of Lebanon.
"Do you mean it could access my thoughts and emotions?" Makeda asked, not expecting an answer.
"I must go, for my father told me on his deathbed to seek wisdom wherever it may be found. He would want to go to Jerusalem. Wouldn't he, Tam?"
He only nodded in agreement, for the same line of reasoning had echoed through the palace walls for what seemed like an eternity.
In 958 B.C.E., the rhetoric faded and she had made a decision.
The panorama was awe inspiring as the hills above the City of the Throne swelled with Ethiopians by the thousands, waiting to hear the words of their queen.
Pitched in the center of one of these plateaus was the Royal Tent, which was surrounded by the chiefs and notables in mantles of crimson, richly embroidered with gold thread; some had lion-skin capes draped over their upper bodies, and all displayed gold-embossed shields, hiding long, curved weapons. In contrast, the plateaus were splashes of whites and blues of her subjects.
Makeda, regal in a white gown with purple trimming and a jeweled tiara on her head, began to speak in a loud voice, which echoed through the hills:
"Listen to my words, my people, for I desire wisdom and my heart seeks to find understanding."
Tamrin, standing at her side, smiled. He admired her appearance and royal bearing.
Continuing, she said, "I am smitten with the love of wisdom and I'm constrained by the understanding; for wisdom is the best of everything that has been created on the earth.
"What under the heavens can wisdom be compared? It's sweeter than honey and it makes one more to rejoice more than wine and it illumines more than the sun and it's to be loved more than precious stones."
It was obvious the throngs were impressed by her words, for they remained attentive and silent, except for the rustle of the wind.
"Wisdom is the source of joy for the heart and a bright and shining light for the eyes and a giver of speed to the feet and a shield for the breast and a helmet for the head and chainwork for the neck and a belt for the loins. It makes the ears to hear and hearts to understand. It is a teacher of those who are learned and it's a consoler of those who are discreet and prudent and it gives fame to those who seek after it. And as for a kingdom, it can't stand without wisdom and riches can not be preserved without wisdom.
"The honoring of wisdom is the honoring of the wise man and the loving of wisdom is the loving of the wise man. Love the wise man and don't withdraw from him and by the sight of him you will become wise. Listen to the words of my mouth, so that you'll become like him. Watch the place where he has his foot and don't kleave himdo that you may receive the remainder of his wisdom.
There was a tittering, however muted,and knowing glances between some of the young virgins in the Royal Tent when Makeda said: "And love him merely on hearing about himand without seeing him and the whole story that's been told to me by Tamrin, who has put a great desire in me to see King Solomon of Israel to ask him hard questions."
Her audience pressd towards her as the Noblman Asa bowed and meekly said: "My Lady, as for wisdom, it's not lacking in you and it's because of your wisdom that you love wisdom. And as for us, if you go we will go with you and if you sit down we will sit down with you. Our death will be with your death and our life will be your life.
The Virgin Queen felt confident in leaving the administrative duties of Ethiopia in Tamrin's capable hands, whom she elevated to regent. Gizaw, the aide-de-camp had been promoted to Chief Merchant and would accompany her on the journey to Jerusalem. By the fall, she would enter the gates of Solomon's city.
2. MAKEDA'S ARRIVAL
SOLMON COULD SEE the caravan of spices and precious stones winding its way as he looked from his Palace windows across the sweep of the expanded City of David towards the magnificent cluster of palatial mansions and public institutions and the drown jewel, the Temple.
Queen Makeda's entourage of 797 camels and the host of nobles and their retainers moved slowly through the Gate of Ephraim on the Western Hill -- Zion -- where luxurious royal apartments dotted the once-barren landscape.
Trumpets blared with the king leading the welcoming delegation, for the Ethiopian ruler's visit had been greatly anticipated for months, not only by Solomon, but by everyone in Jerusalem, with the exception of some of Solomon's wives.
Her arrival was in time for October's Feast of Tabernacles and the celebration planned for the just completed Temple.
Makeda's heart leaped within her breast, for Solomon was even more handsome than the image Tamrin had implanted in her mind.
She, to Solomon, was the epitome of womanhood, standing before him like a goddess, tall and slender and unafraid; her head a shiny aureole, her face filled with purity, a beauty, and a strength that made him look at her speechless, waiting for the sound of her voice. In her look was neither boldness nor suspicion. Her eyes were clear, deep pools of velvet that defied him to ever lie to her. He felt under those eyes he could have knelt down and emptied his soul of its secrets for their inspection.
Makeda's entourage of 350 were given the finest of accommodations in a royal palace adjacent to Solomon's and after three days' rest from the lengthy trek from Arabian Saba., the king formally welcomed the Ethiopians at a grand banquet.
With Makeda sitting next to Solomon, the partgoers saved the platters of oxen, bulls, sheep, goats, deer, gazelles and fatted fowls along with the finest honey and sweets. In the midst of this feasting, 50 male and female singers serenaded the visitors, much to everyone's delight.
However, the two monarchs were almost oblivious of the celebration, so engrossed were they in each other.
In the following days, he provided her with a dozen garments daily, which bewitched her eyes. Solomon also visited Makeda in her quarters and she was able to see his wisdom in action with his just judgments, his splendor, his grace and was able to hear the eloquence of his speech.
Makeda also spent time with the kingdom's minister of public works, Adoniram, his wife, Sarah, and their growing family of our children, two boys and two girls. They had been a family to Tamrin when he first visited Jerusalem eight years earlier.
She would definitely tell her regent of their hospitality on her return.
Makeda had hard questions concerning the mysterious light, which set Jerusalem apart from any other city, including her own.
"What is that light?" she asked Solomon.
"It is the fire of our Lord God," he replied.
"Solomon," she said, solemnly, "I worship the sun and the moon and the other gods of the heavens, as my father did, but they don't provide such illumination."
With quietness, the king related the journeys of the Ark since Moses' day in the Sinai Wilderness.
"I know of Moses. He once ruled Ethiopia," she said, without breaking his train of thought.
"Yes, he did, he wasn't only an Egyptian adept in the magical arts, but a Hebrew, one of my ancestors, chosen by my God to lead our people out of slavery."
The following morning, she and her entourage went on a walking tour of the Mount with the king's party. The magnificence of it caused her to catch her breath.
Solomon and Makeda entered the inner part of the Temple and saw the Temple, along with the 200 gems glittering from the various ornaments of the lamps, and the lamps were decorated with emeralds, violet blue hyacinct and lapis lazuli, There for her inspection were the silver, bronze and gold vessels and the bases of the pillars enterwined with bronze wrought in the pattern of a chain. There was also the Bronze Sea, which was supported by 36 bulls of detailed metal.
Inside the Temple there was an eerie glow and as she tried to separate this light from the darkness of one end of the structure, she asked Solomon, "What's that?" amd without waiting for an answer, she knew it was the Ark of the Covenant, the Glory of the King.
Makeda only wanted to have a glimpse of it and, perhaps, she would be able to, for she was the special guest during the Feast of Tabernacles.
In Pursuit of Wisdom
1. MAKEDA'S DECISION
THE WORDS of Ethiopia's Chief Merchant and Ambassador Tamrin, concerning Solomon, slowly seeped into Makeda's soul through the years, stirring up her desire to savor the glory of Jerusalem and to see, for herself, the Great Temple.
She realized the route would be exhausting, moving from the City of the Throne, known as Debre Makeda and later as Yeha, through the treacherous sands of the Danakil to the Narrows and the tedious crossing to the Arabian Saba and Marib. That would be the starting point, for her 1,400-mile trek northward in her pursuit of wisdom.
In the eight years since Tamrin had returned from his first visit to Israel, Makeda had asked repeatedly about the contents of the golden box which emitted a strange light.
The trader would only shake his head, obviously confused and mystified by its contens and its meaning. He had recurring dreams of the strange experience in the mountains of Lebanon.
"Do you mean it could access my thoughts and emotions?" Makeda asked, not expecting an answer.
"I must go, for my father told me on his deathbed to seek wisdom wherever it may be found. He would want to go to Jerusalem. Wouldn't he, Tam?"
He only nodded in agreement, for the same line of reasoning had echoed through the palace walls for what seemed like an eternity.
In 958 B.C.E., the rhetoric faded and she had made a decision.
The panorama was awe inspiring as the hills above the City of the Throne swelled with Ethiopians by the thousands, waiting to hear the words of their queen.
Pitched in the center of one of these plateaus was the Royal Tent, which was surrounded by the chiefs and notables in mantles of crimson, richly embroidered with gold thread; some had lion-skin capes draped over their upper bodies, and all displayed gold-embossed shields, hiding long, curved weapons. In contrast, the plateaus were splashes of whites and blues of her subjects.
Makeda, regal in a white gown with purple trimming and a jeweled tiara on her head, began to speak in a loud voice, which echoed through the hills:
"Listen to my words, my people, for I desire wisdom and my heart seeks to find understanding."
Tamrin, standing at her side, smiled. He admired her appearance and royal bearing.
Continuing, she said, "I am smitten with the love of wisdom and I'm constrained by the understanding; for wisdom is the best of everything that has been created on the earth.
"What under the heavens can wisdom be compared? It's sweeter than honey and it makes one more to rejoice more than wine and it illumines more than the sun and it's to be loved more than precious stones."
It was obvious the throngs were impressed by her words, for they remained attentive and silent, except for the rustle of the wind.
"Wisdom is the source of joy for the heart and a bright and shining light for the eyes and a giver of speed to the feet and a shield for the breast and a helmet for the head and chainwork for the neck and a belt for the loins. It makes the ears to hear and hearts to understand. It is a teacher of those who are learned and it's a consoler of those who are discreet and prudent and it gives fame to those who seek after it. And as for a kingdom, it can't stand without wisdom and riches can not be preserved without wisdom.
"The honoring of wisdom is the honoring of the wise man and the loving of wisdom is the loving of the wise man. Love the wise man and don't withdraw from him and by the sight of him you will become wise. Listen to the words of my mouth, so that you'll become like him. Watch the place where he has his foot and don't kleave himdo that you may receive the remainder of his wisdom.
There was a tittering, however muted,and knowing glances between some of the young virgins in the Royal Tent when Makeda said: "And love him merely on hearing about himand without seeing him and the whole story that's been told to me by Tamrin, who has put a great desire in me to see King Solomon of Israel to ask him hard questions."
Her audience pressd towards her as the Noblman Asa bowed and meekly said: "My Lady, as for wisdom, it's not lacking in you and it's because of your wisdom that you love wisdom. And as for us, if you go we will go with you and if you sit down we will sit down with you. Our death will be with your death and our life will be your life.
The Virgin Queen felt confident in leaving the administrative duties of Ethiopia in Tamrin's capable hands, whom she elevated to regent. Gizaw, the aide-de-camp had been promoted to Chief Merchant and would accompany her on the journey to Jerusalem. By the fall, she would enter the gates of Solomon's city.
2. MAKEDA'S ARRIVAL
SOLMON COULD SEE the caravan of spices and precious stones winding its way as he looked from his Palace windows across the sweep of the expanded City of David towards the magnificent cluster of palatial mansions and public institutions and the drown jewel, the Temple.
Queen Makeda's entourage of 797 camels and the host of nobles and their retainers moved slowly through the Gate of Ephraim on the Western Hill -- Zion -- where luxurious royal apartments dotted the once-barren landscape.
Trumpets blared with the king leading the welcoming delegation, for the Ethiopian ruler's visit had been greatly anticipated for months, not only by Solomon, but by everyone in Jerusalem, with the exception of some of Solomon's wives.
Her arrival was in time for October's Feast of Tabernacles and the celebration planned for the just completed Temple.
Makeda's heart leaped within her breast, for Solomon was even more handsome than the image Tamrin had implanted in her mind.
She, to Solomon, was the epitome of womanhood, standing before him like a goddess, tall and slender and unafraid; her head a shiny aureole, her face filled with purity, a beauty, and a strength that made him look at her speechless, waiting for the sound of her voice. In her look was neither boldness nor suspicion. Her eyes were clear, deep pools of velvet that defied him to ever lie to her. He felt under those eyes he could have knelt down and emptied his soul of its secrets for their inspection.
Makeda's entourage of 350 were given the finest of accommodations in a royal palace adjacent to Solomon's and after three days' rest from the lengthy trek from Arabian Saba., the king formally welcomed the Ethiopians at a grand banquet.
With Makeda sitting next to Solomon, the partgoers saved the platters of oxen, bulls, sheep, goats, deer, gazelles and fatted fowls along with the finest honey and sweets. In the midst of this feasting, 50 male and female singers serenaded the visitors, much to everyone's delight.
However, the two monarchs were almost oblivious of the celebration, so engrossed were they in each other.
In the following days, he provided her with a dozen garments daily, which bewitched her eyes. Solomon also visited Makeda in her quarters and she was able to see his wisdom in action with his just judgments, his splendor, his grace and was able to hear the eloquence of his speech.
Makeda also spent time with the kingdom's minister of public works, Adoniram, his wife, Sarah, and their growing family of our children, two boys and two girls. They had been a family to Tamrin when he first visited Jerusalem eight years earlier.
She would definitely tell her regent of their hospitality on her return.
Makeda had hard questions concerning the mysterious light, which set Jerusalem apart from any other city, including her own.
"What is that light?" she asked Solomon.
"It is the fire of our Lord God," he replied.
"Solomon," she said, solemnly, "I worship the sun and the moon and the other gods of the heavens, as my father did, but they don't provide such illumination."
With quietness, the king related the journeys of the Ark since Moses' day in the Sinai Wilderness.
"I know of Moses. He once ruled Ethiopia," she said, without breaking his train of thought.
"Yes, he did, he wasn't only an Egyptian adept in the magical arts, but a Hebrew, one of my ancestors, chosen by my God to lead our people out of slavery."
The following morning, she and her entourage went on a walking tour of the Mount with the king's party. The magnificence of it caused her to catch her breath.
Solomon and Makeda entered the inner part of the Temple and saw the Temple, along with the 200 gems glittering from the various ornaments of the lamps, and the lamps were decorated with emeralds, violet blue hyacinct and lapis lazuli, There for her inspection were the silver, bronze and gold vessels and the bases of the pillars enterwined with bronze wrought in the pattern of a chain. There was also the Bronze Sea, which was supported by 36 bulls of detailed metal.
Inside the Temple there was an eerie glow and as she tried to separate this light from the darkness of one end of the structure, she asked Solomon, "What's that?" amd without waiting for an answer, she knew it was the Ark of the Covenant, the Glory of the King.
Makeda only wanted to have a glimpse of it and, perhaps, she would be able to, for she was the special guest during the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Temple Dedication
VII
The Temple Dedication
1. JERUSALEM, OCTOBER, 959 B.C.E.
ARK OF THE COVENANT
MOVED TO NEW TEMPLE
Israel's leaders watch in awe
at ceremony during Feast
WHEN THE Temple was finally finished, Solomon stored all the treasures in the magnificent structure, and then he summoned all of Israel's leaders -- the heads of the tribes and clans -- to Jerusalem for the ceremony of transferring the Ark of th Covenant from the Tent in the City of David to its new home.
In October, 959 B.C.E., during the annual Feast of Tabernacles, the leaders watched in awe as the Levites lifted the Ark and carried it out of David's makeshift dwelling along with all the other sacred vessels.
Then the king and the others sacrificed sheep and oxen before the Ark in such numbers that no one tried to keep count.
The priests then carried the Ark into the inner room of the Temple -- the Holy of Holies -- and placed it beneath the angels' wings; their wings spread over the Ark and its carrying poles. These carrying poles were so long that their ends could be seen from the outer room, but not from the outside doorway.
Nothing was in the golden container except the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Mount Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were leaving Egypt.
When the priests had undergone the purification rites for themselves, they all took part in the ceremonies without regard to their normal duties.
And how the Levites were praising the Lord as the priests came out of the Holy of Holies.
The singers were Asaph, Heman, Juduthun and all their sons and brothers, dressed in finespun linen robes and standing at the east side of the altar. The choir was accompanied by 120 priests who were trumpeters, while others played the cymbals, lyres and harps. The band and chorus united as one to praise and thank the Lord; their selections were interspersed with trumpet obbligatos, the clashing of cymbals, and the loud playing of other musical instruments -- all praising and thanking Yahweh. There theme was "He is so good! His lovingkindness lasts forever!"
And at that moment the glory of the Lord, coming as a bright cloud, filled the Temple so much so that the priests could not continue their work.
Solomon stood and prayed: "The Lord has said that he would live in the thick darkness, but I have made a Temple for you, O Lord, to live in forever!"
Then the king turned around to the people and they stood and received his blessing:
Solomon: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, the God who talked personally to my father David and has now fulfilled the promise He made to him. For He told him, 'I have never before, since bringing my people from the land of Egypt, chosen a city anywhere in Israel as a location for my Temple where My name will be glorified; and never before have I chosen a king for my people Israel. But now I have chosen Jerusalem as that city; and David as that king. My father wanted to build this Temple, but the Lord said not to. It was good to have the desire, the Lord told him, but he wasn't the one to build it: his son was chosen for that task. And now the Lord has done what he promised, for I have become the king in my father's place, and I have built the Temple for the Name of the Lord God of Israel, and placed the Ark there. And in the Ark is the Covenant between the Lord and his people Israel.
As he spoke, Solomon was standing on a platform in the center of the outer court, in front of the altar of the Lord. The platform was made of bronze, 7 1/2 feet square and 4 1/2 feet high. Now, as the people watched, he knelt down, reached out his arms towards heaven, and prayed this prayer:
Solomon: O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in all of heaven and earth. You are the God who keeps His kind promises to all those who obey You, and who are anxious to do Your will. And You have kept Your promise to my father David, as evidence today. And now, O God of Israel, carry out Your further promise to him that 'your descendants will always reign over Israel if they obey My laws as you have.' Yes, Lord God of Israel, please fulfill this promise, too. But will God really live upon the earth with me? Why even the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You -- how much less this Temple which I have built! How I pray that You will heed my prayers, O Lord, my God! Listen to my prayer that I am praying to You now! Look down with favor day and night upon this Temple -- upon this place where You have said that You would put Your name. May You always hear and answer the prayers I will pray to You as I face towards this place. Listen to my prayers and to those of Your people Israel when they pray toward this Temple; yes, hear us heaven, and when you hear, forgive ... Whenever sometone commits a crime, and is required to swear to his innocence before this altar, then hear from heaven and punish him if he is lying, or else declare him innocent ... If Your people Israel are destroyed before their enemies because they have sinned against You, and if they turn to You and call themselves Your people, and pray to You here in this Temple, then listen to them from heaven and forgive their sins and give them back this land You gave to their fathers ... When the skies are shut and there is no rain because of our sins, and then we pray toward this Temple and claim You as our God, and turn from our sins because You have punished us, then listen from heaven and forgive the sins of Your people, and teach them what is right and send rain upon this land which You have given to Your people as their own property ... If there is famine in the the land, or plagues, or crop disease, or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if Your people's enemies are in the land besieging our cities -- whatever the trouble is -- listen to every individual's prayer concerning his private sorrow, as well as the public prayers. Hear from heaven where you live, and forgive, and give each one whatever he deserves, for You know the hearts of all mankind. Then they will reverence You forever, and will continually walk where You tell them to go ... And when foreigners hear of Your power, and come from distant lands to worship Your great name, and to pray toward this Temple, hear them from heaven where You live, and do what they request of You. Then all the peoples of the earth will hear of Your fame and will reverence You, just as Your people Israel do; and they too will know that this Temple I have built is truly Yours ... If Your people go out at Your command to fight their enemies, and they pray toward this city of Jerusalem which You have chosen, and this Temple which I have built for Your name, then hear their prayers from heaven and give them success ... If they sin against You (and who has never sinned?) and You become angry with them, and You let their enemies defeat them and take them away as captives to some foreign nation near or far, and if in that land of exile they turn to You again, and face toward this land You gave their fathers, and this city and this Temple I have built, and plead with You with all their hearts to forgive them, then hear from heaven where You live and help them and forgive Your people who have sinned against You ... Yes, O my God, be wide awake and attentive to all the prayers made to You in this place. And now, O Lord God, arise and enter this resting place of Yours where the Ark of Your strength has been placed. Let your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in Your kind deeds, O Lord God, do not ignore me -- do not turn Your face away from me, Your anointed one. Oh, remember Your love for David and Your kindness to him.
As Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the sacrifices. And the glory of the Lord filled the Temple, so much so that all the people who had been watching, fell flat on the pavement, and they worshipped and thanked the Lord.
"How good he is!" they exclaimed. "He is always so loving and kind."
Then the king and all the people dedicated the Temple by sacrificing burnt offerings to the Lord. King Solomon's contribution for this purpose was 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. The priests were standing at their posts of duty, and the Levites were playing their thanksgiving song, "His Loving Kindness is Forever," using the musical instruments that King David himself had made and had used to praise the Lord. Then, when the priests blew the trumpets, all the people stood again. Solomon consecrated the inner court of the Temple for use that day as a place of sacrifice, for there were too many sacrifices for the bronze altar to accommodate.
For the next seven days, they celebrated the Tabernacle Festival, with large crowds coming in from all over Israel; they arrived from as far as Hamath at one end of the country to the brook of Egypt at the other. A final religious service was held on the eighth day. Then on October 7, 959 B.C.E., he sent the people home, joyful and happy because the Lord had been so good to David and Solomon and his people Israel.
So Solomon finished building the Temple as well as his own palace. He had completed what he had planned to do.
One night the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place where I want you to sacrifice to me. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust swarms to eat up all of your crops, or if I send an epidemic among you, then if my people will humble themselves and pray,. and search for me, and turn from their wicked way, I will heard from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and sanctified it to be my home forever; My eyes and My heart will always be here.
"As for yourself, if you follow Me as your father did, then I will see to it that you and your descendants will always be kings of Israel; but if you don't follow Me, if you refuse the laws I have given you, and worship idols, then I will destroy My people from this land of mine, which I have given them , and this Temple will be destroyed even though I sanctified it for Myself. Instead, I will make it a public horror and disgrace. Instead of it being famous, all who pass by will be incredulous.
"Why has the Lord done such a terrible thing to this land and to this Temple, they will ask and they answer will be, 'because his people abandoned the Lord God of their fathers, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they worshipped other gods instead. That is why He has done all this to them."
2.
IT WAS now 20 years since Solomon had become king and the great building projects of the Lord's Temple and his own royal palace were completed.
He now turned his energies to rebuilding the cities which King Hiram of Tyre had given him , and he relocated some of the people of Israel into them.
It was at this time, too, that Solomon fought against the city of Hamath-zobah and conquered it. He built Tadmor in th desert and built cities in Hamath as supply centers.
He fortified the cities of upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon, both being supply centers, building their walls and installing barred gates. He also built Baalath and other centers at this time, and constructed cities where chariots and horses were kept. He built to his heart's desire in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout the entire realm.
He began the practice of conscripting as slave laborers the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites -- the descendants of those nations which the Israelites hadn't completely wiped out. However, he didn't make any slaves of any of the Israeli citizens, but used them as soldiers, officers, charioteers, and cavalrymen; also 250 of them were government officials, who administered all public affairs.
Solomon now moved his wife (she was the Pharoah's daughter) from the City of David sector of Jerusalem to his new palace he had built for her. For he said, "She must not live in King David's palace, for the Ark of the Lord was there and it is holy ground."
Then Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar he had built in front of the porch of the Temple. The number of sacrifices differed from day to day in acordance with the instructions Moses had given; there were extra sacrifices on the Sabbath, on new moon festivals, and on the three annual festivals -- the Passover celebration, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles.
In assigning the priests to their posts of duty he followed the organizational chart prepared by his father David; he also assigned the Levites to their work of praise and of helping the priests in each day's duties; and he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates.
Solomon didn't deviate in any way from David's instructions concerning these matters and concerning the treasury personnel. Thus, Solomon successfully completed the construction of the Temple.
Then he went to the seaport towns of Ezion-geber and Eloth, in Edom, to launch a fleet presented to him by King Hiram. These ships, with Hiram's experienced crews working alongside Solomon's own went to Ophir and brought back tons of gold to him.
He also received countless foreign visitors, including the Queen of Sheba, who had heard of Solomon's fabled wisdom. Makeda came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.
The Temple Dedication
1. JERUSALEM, OCTOBER, 959 B.C.E.
ARK OF THE COVENANT
MOVED TO NEW TEMPLE
Israel's leaders watch in awe
at ceremony during Feast
WHEN THE Temple was finally finished, Solomon stored all the treasures in the magnificent structure, and then he summoned all of Israel's leaders -- the heads of the tribes and clans -- to Jerusalem for the ceremony of transferring the Ark of th Covenant from the Tent in the City of David to its new home.
In October, 959 B.C.E., during the annual Feast of Tabernacles, the leaders watched in awe as the Levites lifted the Ark and carried it out of David's makeshift dwelling along with all the other sacred vessels.
Then the king and the others sacrificed sheep and oxen before the Ark in such numbers that no one tried to keep count.
The priests then carried the Ark into the inner room of the Temple -- the Holy of Holies -- and placed it beneath the angels' wings; their wings spread over the Ark and its carrying poles. These carrying poles were so long that their ends could be seen from the outer room, but not from the outside doorway.
Nothing was in the golden container except the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Mount Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were leaving Egypt.
When the priests had undergone the purification rites for themselves, they all took part in the ceremonies without regard to their normal duties.
And how the Levites were praising the Lord as the priests came out of the Holy of Holies.
The singers were Asaph, Heman, Juduthun and all their sons and brothers, dressed in finespun linen robes and standing at the east side of the altar. The choir was accompanied by 120 priests who were trumpeters, while others played the cymbals, lyres and harps. The band and chorus united as one to praise and thank the Lord; their selections were interspersed with trumpet obbligatos, the clashing of cymbals, and the loud playing of other musical instruments -- all praising and thanking Yahweh. There theme was "He is so good! His lovingkindness lasts forever!"
And at that moment the glory of the Lord, coming as a bright cloud, filled the Temple so much so that the priests could not continue their work.
Solomon stood and prayed: "The Lord has said that he would live in the thick darkness, but I have made a Temple for you, O Lord, to live in forever!"
Then the king turned around to the people and they stood and received his blessing:
Solomon: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, the God who talked personally to my father David and has now fulfilled the promise He made to him. For He told him, 'I have never before, since bringing my people from the land of Egypt, chosen a city anywhere in Israel as a location for my Temple where My name will be glorified; and never before have I chosen a king for my people Israel. But now I have chosen Jerusalem as that city; and David as that king. My father wanted to build this Temple, but the Lord said not to. It was good to have the desire, the Lord told him, but he wasn't the one to build it: his son was chosen for that task. And now the Lord has done what he promised, for I have become the king in my father's place, and I have built the Temple for the Name of the Lord God of Israel, and placed the Ark there. And in the Ark is the Covenant between the Lord and his people Israel.
As he spoke, Solomon was standing on a platform in the center of the outer court, in front of the altar of the Lord. The platform was made of bronze, 7 1/2 feet square and 4 1/2 feet high. Now, as the people watched, he knelt down, reached out his arms towards heaven, and prayed this prayer:
Solomon: O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in all of heaven and earth. You are the God who keeps His kind promises to all those who obey You, and who are anxious to do Your will. And You have kept Your promise to my father David, as evidence today. And now, O God of Israel, carry out Your further promise to him that 'your descendants will always reign over Israel if they obey My laws as you have.' Yes, Lord God of Israel, please fulfill this promise, too. But will God really live upon the earth with me? Why even the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You -- how much less this Temple which I have built! How I pray that You will heed my prayers, O Lord, my God! Listen to my prayer that I am praying to You now! Look down with favor day and night upon this Temple -- upon this place where You have said that You would put Your name. May You always hear and answer the prayers I will pray to You as I face towards this place. Listen to my prayers and to those of Your people Israel when they pray toward this Temple; yes, hear us heaven, and when you hear, forgive ... Whenever sometone commits a crime, and is required to swear to his innocence before this altar, then hear from heaven and punish him if he is lying, or else declare him innocent ... If Your people Israel are destroyed before their enemies because they have sinned against You, and if they turn to You and call themselves Your people, and pray to You here in this Temple, then listen to them from heaven and forgive their sins and give them back this land You gave to their fathers ... When the skies are shut and there is no rain because of our sins, and then we pray toward this Temple and claim You as our God, and turn from our sins because You have punished us, then listen from heaven and forgive the sins of Your people, and teach them what is right and send rain upon this land which You have given to Your people as their own property ... If there is famine in the the land, or plagues, or crop disease, or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if Your people's enemies are in the land besieging our cities -- whatever the trouble is -- listen to every individual's prayer concerning his private sorrow, as well as the public prayers. Hear from heaven where you live, and forgive, and give each one whatever he deserves, for You know the hearts of all mankind. Then they will reverence You forever, and will continually walk where You tell them to go ... And when foreigners hear of Your power, and come from distant lands to worship Your great name, and to pray toward this Temple, hear them from heaven where You live, and do what they request of You. Then all the peoples of the earth will hear of Your fame and will reverence You, just as Your people Israel do; and they too will know that this Temple I have built is truly Yours ... If Your people go out at Your command to fight their enemies, and they pray toward this city of Jerusalem which You have chosen, and this Temple which I have built for Your name, then hear their prayers from heaven and give them success ... If they sin against You (and who has never sinned?) and You become angry with them, and You let their enemies defeat them and take them away as captives to some foreign nation near or far, and if in that land of exile they turn to You again, and face toward this land You gave their fathers, and this city and this Temple I have built, and plead with You with all their hearts to forgive them, then hear from heaven where You live and help them and forgive Your people who have sinned against You ... Yes, O my God, be wide awake and attentive to all the prayers made to You in this place. And now, O Lord God, arise and enter this resting place of Yours where the Ark of Your strength has been placed. Let your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in Your kind deeds, O Lord God, do not ignore me -- do not turn Your face away from me, Your anointed one. Oh, remember Your love for David and Your kindness to him.
As Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the sacrifices. And the glory of the Lord filled the Temple, so much so that all the people who had been watching, fell flat on the pavement, and they worshipped and thanked the Lord.
"How good he is!" they exclaimed. "He is always so loving and kind."
Then the king and all the people dedicated the Temple by sacrificing burnt offerings to the Lord. King Solomon's contribution for this purpose was 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. The priests were standing at their posts of duty, and the Levites were playing their thanksgiving song, "His Loving Kindness is Forever," using the musical instruments that King David himself had made and had used to praise the Lord. Then, when the priests blew the trumpets, all the people stood again. Solomon consecrated the inner court of the Temple for use that day as a place of sacrifice, for there were too many sacrifices for the bronze altar to accommodate.
For the next seven days, they celebrated the Tabernacle Festival, with large crowds coming in from all over Israel; they arrived from as far as Hamath at one end of the country to the brook of Egypt at the other. A final religious service was held on the eighth day. Then on October 7, 959 B.C.E., he sent the people home, joyful and happy because the Lord had been so good to David and Solomon and his people Israel.
So Solomon finished building the Temple as well as his own palace. He had completed what he had planned to do.
One night the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place where I want you to sacrifice to me. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust swarms to eat up all of your crops, or if I send an epidemic among you, then if my people will humble themselves and pray,. and search for me, and turn from their wicked way, I will heard from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and sanctified it to be my home forever; My eyes and My heart will always be here.
"As for yourself, if you follow Me as your father did, then I will see to it that you and your descendants will always be kings of Israel; but if you don't follow Me, if you refuse the laws I have given you, and worship idols, then I will destroy My people from this land of mine, which I have given them , and this Temple will be destroyed even though I sanctified it for Myself. Instead, I will make it a public horror and disgrace. Instead of it being famous, all who pass by will be incredulous.
"Why has the Lord done such a terrible thing to this land and to this Temple, they will ask and they answer will be, 'because his people abandoned the Lord God of their fathers, the God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they worshipped other gods instead. That is why He has done all this to them."
2.
IT WAS now 20 years since Solomon had become king and the great building projects of the Lord's Temple and his own royal palace were completed.
He now turned his energies to rebuilding the cities which King Hiram of Tyre had given him , and he relocated some of the people of Israel into them.
It was at this time, too, that Solomon fought against the city of Hamath-zobah and conquered it. He built Tadmor in th desert and built cities in Hamath as supply centers.
He fortified the cities of upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon, both being supply centers, building their walls and installing barred gates. He also built Baalath and other centers at this time, and constructed cities where chariots and horses were kept. He built to his heart's desire in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout the entire realm.
He began the practice of conscripting as slave laborers the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites -- the descendants of those nations which the Israelites hadn't completely wiped out. However, he didn't make any slaves of any of the Israeli citizens, but used them as soldiers, officers, charioteers, and cavalrymen; also 250 of them were government officials, who administered all public affairs.
Solomon now moved his wife (she was the Pharoah's daughter) from the City of David sector of Jerusalem to his new palace he had built for her. For he said, "She must not live in King David's palace, for the Ark of the Lord was there and it is holy ground."
Then Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar he had built in front of the porch of the Temple. The number of sacrifices differed from day to day in acordance with the instructions Moses had given; there were extra sacrifices on the Sabbath, on new moon festivals, and on the three annual festivals -- the Passover celebration, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Tabernacles.
In assigning the priests to their posts of duty he followed the organizational chart prepared by his father David; he also assigned the Levites to their work of praise and of helping the priests in each day's duties; and he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates.
Solomon didn't deviate in any way from David's instructions concerning these matters and concerning the treasury personnel. Thus, Solomon successfully completed the construction of the Temple.
Then he went to the seaport towns of Ezion-geber and Eloth, in Edom, to launch a fleet presented to him by King Hiram. These ships, with Hiram's experienced crews working alongside Solomon's own went to Ophir and brought back tons of gold to him.
He also received countless foreign visitors, including the Queen of Sheba, who had heard of Solomon's fabled wisdom. Makeda came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions.
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