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.
Monday, February 12, 2007
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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