"The reverence of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."-Proverbs 9:10 (Lamsa Translation)

King David loved the LORD with all his heart, but most of his years were spent in battle. When he wanted to build a temple for the LORD he was not permitted to do so. David was experiencing sorrows, testings, and lessons just as all the LORD's people do during their lives on earth.

King Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba and became heir to the throne after the deaths of his older half-brothers. He had been educated by the prophet Nathan. His reign was peaceful and prosperous and he was permitted to build the temple of Jehovah. The world marveled at his wisdom and great riches. Solomon was like the LORD's people in their heavenly glory-able to bless wisely from their abundant riches.

Solomon's fame spread throughout the civilized world. The Queen of Sheba, who lived in southern Arabia and was also very wealthy, came to visit him and see for herself. She was amazed at what she saw and said, "The half was not told me" (1 Kings 10:1-8 Lamsa Translation).

After Nathan's death, Solomon turned to the ways of the heathen gods. Therefore God took away from him the privilege of having the Messiah, Jesus, born of his line of descendants.

Jesus was the perfect son of God and much wiser than Solomon. Strangely, the people of Palestine did not appreciate Jesus. They wanted a great warrior, a strong athlete, a rich king, a clever ruler. They heard Jesus, a poor carpenter's son, talking about flowers and fish and ordinary people and very few were impressed.

The "eyes" of our understanding must be opened to be able to truly appreciate spiritual things (Matthew 13:16). Only then can we see the lengths and breadths and heights and depths of the love of God.

Only a few will have their eyes opened at the present time (during the Gospel Age). In the kingdom all people will know of the love, wisdom and great riches of God and his dear Son. They will then worship them in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

King Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba!

The people of Israel rejected Jesus at his first advent!

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