The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible: Ecclesiastes & Song of Solomon

By Leadership Ministries Worldwide

Preach powerful, life-changing sermons every Sunday with the bestselling commentary series, The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible. This unique resource will help you do more sermon preparation in less time.

• Cut research time in half with balanced, comprehensive insight from 2,00

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leadership Ministries Worldwide
• Release date: Sep 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781574074369

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THE PREACHER’S OUTLINE & SERMON BIBLE® ECCLESIASTES & SONG OF SOLOMON

KING JAMES VERSION

Copyright © 2011 by ALPHA-OMEGA MINISTRIES, INC.

Published by Leadership Ministries Worldwide, Chattanooga, Tennessee

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means— electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording. or otherwise—without the prior permission of the publisher.

All other Bible study aids, references, indexes, reference materials

Copyright © 1991 by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

Previous Editions of The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®,

New International Version NT Copyright © 1998

King James Version NT Copyright© 1991, 1996, 2000

by Alpha-Omega Ministries, Inc.

Please address all requests for information or permission to:

Leadership Ministries Worldwide

Ph.# [phone]     E-Mail: [e-mail]

Web: lmw.org

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 96-75921

ISBN Softbound Edition: 978-1-57407-255-6

Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATED

To all the men and women of the world who preach and teach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Mercy and Grace of God

&

Demonstrated to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. (Ep.1:7)

Out of the mercy and grace of God, His Word has flowed. Let every person know that God will have mercy upon him, forgiving and using him to fulfill His glorious plan of salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. (Jn.3:16‐17)

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Ti.2:3‐4)

6/10

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®

is written for God’s servants to use in their study, teaching, and preaching of God’s Holy Word…

to share the Word of God with the world.

to help believers, both ministers and laypersons, in their understanding, preaching, and teaching of God’s Word.

to do everything we possibly can to lead men, women, boys, and girls to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ and to secure the eternal life that He offers.

to do all we can to minister to the needy of the world.

to give Jesus Christ His proper place, the place the Word gives Him. Therefore, no work of Leadership Ministries Worldwide—no Outline Bible Resources—will ever be personalized.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Every child of God is precious to the Lord and deeply loved. And every child as a servant of the Lord touches the lives of those who come in contact with him or his ministry. The writing ministries of the following servants have touched this work, and we are grateful that God brought their writings our way. We hereby acknowledge their ministry to us, being fully aware that there are many others down through the years whose writings have touched our lives and who deserve mention, but whose names have faded from our memory. May our wonderful Lord continue to bless the ministries of these dear servants—and the ministries of us all—as we diligently labor to reach the world for Christ and to meet the desperate needs of those who suffer so much.

THE REFERENCE WORKS

Aharoni, Yohanan, Michael Avi-Yonah, Anson F. Rainey and Ze’ev Safrai, Editors. The MacMillan Bible Atlas, 3rd Ed. Jerusalem: Carta, The Israel Map and Publishing Company, 1993.

Albright, W.F. History, Archaeology and Christian Humanism. New York: McGraw Hill, 1964. Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1974.

___. Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982.

Atlas of the World. Hammond Concise Edition. Maplewood, NJ: Hammond Inc., 1993.

Baker’s Dictionary of Theology. Everett F. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1960. Barker, William P. Everyone in the Bible. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1966.

Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament. Everyman’s Bible Commentary. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1993. Bromiley, Geoffrey W., Editor, et. al. David. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988.

Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions. Electronic Edition STEP Files: Parsons Technology, 1999.

Brown, Francis. The New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1979.

Criswell, W.A., ed. The Believer’s Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991. Electronic Edition STEP Files, Parsons Technology, 1998.

Cruden’s Complete Concordance of the Old & New Testament. Philadelphia, PA: The John C. Winston Co., 1930. Dake, Finis Jennings. Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, The Holy Bible. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake Bible Sales, Inc., 1963. Douglas, J.D. Editor. New Bible Dictionary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1982.

Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary. Database NavPress Software, 1996.

Elwell, Walter A., Editor. The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984.

Enhanced Nave’s Topics. Database NavPress Software, 1991, 1994.

Frank, Harry Thomas, ed. Atlas of the Bible Lands. Maplewood, NJ: Hammond Incorporated, 1977. Freedman, David Noel, Editor, et. al. The Anchor Bible Dictionary. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary. Lippincott & Crowell, Publishers, 1980, Vol.2.

Geisler, Norman. A Popular Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977. Gill, Dr. A.L., Compiler. God’s Promises For Your Every Need. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing, 1995.

Good News Bible. Old Testament: © American Bible Society, 1976. New Testament: © American Bible Society, 1966, 1971, 1976. Collins World.

Good News for Modern Man, The New Testament. New York, NY: American Bible Society, 1971.

Goodrick, Edward W. and John R. Kohlenberger, III. The NIV Exhaustive Concordance. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1990.

Grun, Bernard. The Timetables of History. 3rd Edition. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.

Harrison, Roland Kenneth. Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1969. Holman Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991. Database NavPress Software. Holman Christian Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2004.

Hooper, Jerry L., Editor. The Holman Bible Atlas. Philadelphia, PA: A.J. Holman Company, 1978.

ISBE. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988.

Josephus, Flavius. Complete Works. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981.

Kaiser, Walter C. A History of Israel. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1998.

Kee, Howard C., ed. Cambridge Annotated Study Bible. Great Britain: Cambridge University Press, 1994. Electronic Edition STEP Files: Parsons Technology, 1998.

Kelly, Page H. Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1992. Kipfer, Barbara Ann, Ph.D. Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus. New York, NY: Dell Publishing, 1992.

Kohlenberger, John R. III. The Interlinear NIV Hebrew‐English Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1987.

Kouffman, Donald T. The Dictionary of Religious Terms. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1967.

Life Application® Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1991.

Life Application Study Bible, NASB. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.

Life Application® Study Bible. New International Version. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.: Wheaton, IL 1991, and Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, MI, 1984.

Lindsell, Harold and Woodbridge, Charles J. A Handbook of Christian Truth. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, A Division of Baker Book House, 1953.

Living Quotations For Christians. Edited by Sherwood Eliot Wirt and Kersten Beckstrom. New York, NY: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1974.

Lockyer, Herbert. All the Books and Chapters of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1966.

___. All the Kings and Queens of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1961.

___. All the Men of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1958.

___. All the Miracles of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1961.

___. All the Parables of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963.

___. The Women of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967.

Luckenbill, Daniel David. Ancient Records of Assyria and Babylonia, 2 Vols. (ARAB) London: Histories and Mysteries of Man Ltd., 1989.

Martin, Alfred. Survey of the Scriptures, Part I, II, III. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1961. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997.

McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vol.1. San Bernardino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, Inc., 1979.

Merrill, Eugene H. An Historical Survey of the Old Testament Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1991.

Miller, Madeleine S. and J. Lane. Harper’s Bible Dictionary. New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1961.

Nave, Orville J. Nave’s Topical Bible. Nashville, TN: The Southwestern Company. Copyright © by J.B. Henderson, 1921. Nave, Orville J. Nave’s Topical Bible: A Digest of the Holy Scriptures. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984.

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & Charts. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., 1996.

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.

Nelson Study Bible, The. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997. Electronic Edition STEP Files: Parsons Technology, 1999.

New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

New Bible Dictionary, 3rd Edition. Leicester, England: Universities & Colleges Christian Fellowship, 1996.

New Living Translation, Holy Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996.

NIV Thompson Student Bible. Jauchen, John S., Editor, et. al. Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, 1999.

Orr, James, Editor. The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1939. Orr, William. How We May Know That God Is. Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen Press, n.d.

Owens, John Joseph. Analytical Key to the Old Testament, Vols.1, 2, 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1989. Payne, J. Barton. Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy. New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1973.

Pilgrim Edition, Holy Bible. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1952.

Pratico, Gary D. and Miles V. Van Pelt. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2001.

Ridout, Samuel. Lectures on the Tabernacle. New York, NY: Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., 1914. Rodale, J.I. The Synonym Finder. NY, NY: Warner Books, 1978.

Ryrie Study Bible, Expanded Edition, NASB. Charles Caldwell Ryrie. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1995. Silverman, David P. ed. Ancient Egypt. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Smith, William. Smith’s Bible Dictionary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d. Stone, Nathan J. Names of God. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1944.

Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1990.

Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary as compiled by iExalt Software. Database NavPress Software, 1990‐1993.

The Amplified Bible. Scripture taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Publishing House. The Amplified New Testament copyright © 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

The Doubleday Roget’s Thesaurus in Dictionary Form. NY, NY: Doubleday, 1987.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers, 2001.

The Holy Bible in Four Translations. Minneapolis, MN: Worldwide Publications. Copyright © The Iversen‐Norman As‐ sociates: New York, NY, 1972.

The Illustrated Bible Atlas, with Historical Notes by F. F. Bruce. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1994.

The Interlinear Bible, Vols.1, 2, 3. Translated by Jay P. Green, Sr. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1976.

The Interpreter’s Bible, 12 Vols. New York, NY: Abingdon Press, 1956.

The NASB Greek/Hebrew Dictionary and Concordance. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1988.

The Nelson Study Bible, New King James Version. Earl D. Radmacher, General Editor. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., 1997.

The New American Bible. The New Catholic Translation. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1987.

The New Compact Bible Dictionary. Edited by T. Alton Bryant. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1967. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

The New Scofield Reference Bible. Edited by C.I. Scofield. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1967.

The New Testament‐English, PI‐RHO. The Complete Biblical Library. Springfield, MO: World Library Press Inc, 1991.

The New Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B.B. Kirkbride Bible Co., Inc., 1964.

The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1998. Database NavPress Software, 1997.

The NIV Study Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2002.

The Old Testament Hebrew‐English Dictionary, NUN—AYIN. The Complete Biblical Library. Springfield, MO: World Library Press Inc., 1999.

The Open Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1977.

The Quest Study Bible. New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.

The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol.1. Merrill C. Tenney, Editor. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub‐ lishing House, 1982.

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Edited by R. Laird Harris. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1980.

Thompson, Frank C., ed. The Thompson Chain‐Reference Bible, Second Improved Edition. Indianapolis: B.B. Kirkbride, 1990.

Unger, Merrill F. & William White, Jr. Nelson’s Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nel‐ son Publishers, 1980.

Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Handbook. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1967.

Vine, W.E., Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words.

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985.

Walton, John H. Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus. NY, NY: Macmillan, 1996.

Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Company, Publishers, 1971. Willmington, Harold L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.

___. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981.

___. The Outline Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1999.

Wilson, William. Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies. McLean, VA: MacDonald Publishing Company, n.d. Wood, Leon. A Survey of Israel’s History. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982.

Young, Edward J. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1964. Young, Robert. Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., n.d.

Zodhiates, Spiros, Th.D., Executive Editor. The Hebrew‐Greek Key Study Bible, New International Version. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1996.

Zondervan NIV Bible Library. Version 2.5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

THE COMMENTARIES

Adams, Jay E. Solving Marriage Problems: Biblical Solutions for Christian Counselors. Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1983. Adams, Peter. Speaking God’s Words. Downers Grove, IL: Inter‐Varsity Press, 1996.

Akin, Daniel. God on Sex: The Creator’s Ideas About Love, Intimacy and Marriage. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2003.

Alcorn, Randy. Heaven. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.

Alexander, Ralph H. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol.6. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986. Austel, Richard D. Patterson and Hermann J. 1, 2 Kings. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol.4. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan Publishing House, 1988.

Baxter, J. Sidlow. Explore the Book. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1960. Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament Revised. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1993.

Boice, James Montgomery. The Last and Future World. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1964.

Bridges, Charles. The Geneva Series of Commentaries – Ecclesiastes. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1961. Bruce, F.F. The Epistle to the Ephesians. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1961.

Burroughs, P.E., D.D. Old Testament Studies. Nashville, TN: Sunday School Board, Southern Baptist Convention, 1915. Burrowes, George. The Song of Solomon. Lafayette, IN: Sovereign Grace Publishers, 2001.

Carr, G. Lloyd. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: The Song of Solomon. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1984.

Clarke, Adam. Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Old Testament. Electronic Edition STEP Files: Parsons Technology, 1999.

Cook, F.C., ed. Barnes’ Notes, the Bible Commentary: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.

Crabb, Larry. The Marriage Builder: A Blueprint for Couples and Counselors. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982.

___. Men and Women: Enjoying the Difference. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.

DeHaan, Richard W. The Art of Staying off Dead‐End Streets. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1974.

Dentan, Robert C. Kings and Chronicles. Layman’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 7. Richmond, VA: John Knox Press, 1964. Dilday, Russell. The Preacher’s Commentary on 1, 2 Kings. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1988, 2003.

Dillow, Joseph C. Solomon on Sex. Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 1977. Douglas, J.D., ed. The New Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962.

___. New Commentary on the Whole Bible: Old Testament Volume. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, n.d. Electronic Edi‐ tion STEP Files, Parsons Technology, 1998.

Eaton, Michael A. Tyndale Old Testament Commentary: Ecclesiastes. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983. Elwell, Walter A., Editor. Topical Analysis of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1991.

Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1978. Gaebelein, Frank E., ed. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary with the New International Version, Vol.5. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan Publishing House, 1991.

Garrett, Duane A. The New American Commentary, Volume 14. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1993.

Goldberg, Louis. Bible Study Commentary: Ecclesiastes. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1983. Glickman, S. Craig. A Song for Lovers. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1976.

Gray, James M. Christians Workers’ Commentary on the Old and New Testaments. New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1915. Gray, John. I and II Kings. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1963.

Halley, Henry H. Halley’s Bible Handbook: An Abbreviated Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1965. Harley, Willard. F, Jr. Fall in Love, Stay in Love. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2001.

___. His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair‐Proof Marriage. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 2001.

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, 6 Vols. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d. Heschel, Abraham J. The Prophets. Peabody, MA: Prince Press, 1962.

Hess, Richard S. Song of Songs. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.

Holy Bible: The Open Bible Edition. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975.

Hubbard, David A. The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 16: Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, A.R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary on the Whole Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub‐ lishing House, n.d.

Jensen, Irving L. Jensen’s Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago, IL: Moody Press. 1978.

Jones, Gwilym H. 1 and 2 Kings. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989. Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. Ecclesiastes: Total Life. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1979.

Keil, C.F. and F. Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament, Vol.6: Proverbs‐Song of Solomon. Electronic Edition STEP Files, Parsons Church Group, 2000.

Keil‐Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament, Vol.9. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., n.d.

Leale, Thomas H. The Preacher’s Complete Homiletic Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1996.

Leman, Kevin. Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Wheaton, IL:Tyndale House, 2003. Leupold, H.C. Exposition of Ecclesiastes. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1952.

Limburg, James. Encountering Ecclesiastes: A Book for Our Time. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2006.

Longman, Tremper, III. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament: The Book of Ecclesiastes. Grand Rap‐ ids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998.

MacDonald, Willia Commentary m. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Edited by Art Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

McDonald, Cleveland and Philip McDonald. Creating a Successful Christian Marriage, Fourth Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1994.

Maclaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture, 11 Vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1952‐59.

McGee, J. Vernon. Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, Vol. III: Proverbs – Malachi. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Pub‐ lishers, 1982.

Meredith, Don and Sally Meredith. Two Becoming One: Applying the Power of Oneness in Your Marriage. Chicago: Moody Press, 1999.

Moore, David G. and Daniel L. Akin. Holman Old Testament Commentary: Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max An‐ der. Nashville,TN: Broadman and Holman, 2003.

Morgan, G. Campbell. The Unfolding Message of the Bible: The Harmony and Unity of the Scriptures. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1961.

Morris, Henry M. The Genesis Record. Grand Rapids, MI., 1996.

___. The Remarkable Wisdom of Solomon. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2001.

Moulton, Harold K., ed. The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978. Nee, Watchman. The Song of Songs. Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1993.

Nelson, Tommy. The Book of Romance. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

___. A Life Well Lived: A Study of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman, 2005.

Parrott, Les III and Leslie Parrott. Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions To Ask Before and After You Marry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.

Patterson, Paige. Everyman’s Bible Commentary: Song of Solomon. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Wisdom Books. Electronic Edition STEP Files: The Learning Company, 1999. Poole, Matthew. Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible, Vol.2. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d. Provan, Iain. The NIV Application Commentary: Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing

House, 2001.

Rainey, Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Starting Your Marriage Right: What You Need To Know and Do in the Early Years to Make It Last a Lifetime. Nashville, Thomas Nelson. 2000.

Redpath, Alan. Victorious Christian Service. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1958. Rogers, Adrian. The Legacy Bible. Memphis, TN: Love Worth Finding Ministries, 2009. Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago: Moody Press, 1976.

Sailhamer, John. First and Second Chronicles. Everyman’s Bible Commentary. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1983. Santayana, George. The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in Common Sense, 2nd ed. New York,

NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1924.

Schulz, Samuel J. The Old Testament Speaks, 4th Edition. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins Publishers, 1990. Scott, Walter. Handbook of the Bible: Old Testament. London: G. Morrish.

Smith, James E. What the Bible Teaches about the Promised Messiah. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993. Smith, William. The New Smith’s Bible Dictionary. Garden City, NY: Doubleday and Company, 1966.

Snaith John G. New Century Bible Commentary: The Song of Songs. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.

Spence, H.D.M. and Joseph S. Exell. The Pulpit Commentary. 23 Vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1950. Spurgeon, C.H. Spurgeon’s Sermon Notes. Genesis to Malachi. Westwood, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., n.d.

Stedman. Ray. Ecclesiastes: The Inspired Book of Error. Ray Stedman Ministries, http:testament/ecclesiastes.

Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. Electronic Edition STEP Files: Parsons Technology, 1998. Swindoll, Charles R. Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1985.

___. Solomon: Bible Study Guide. Fullerton, CA: Insight for Living, 1978.

Thompson, Frank C., ed. The Thompson Chain‐Reference Bible, Second Improved Edition. Indianapolis:B.B. Kirkbride, 1990.

Thompson, J.A. 1, 2 Chronicles. New American Commentary, Vol.9. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1994.

Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Handbook. Chicago: Moody Press, 1967.

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck, ed. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1985. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications, 1985. WORDsearch CROSS e‐book.

Wellhausen, J. Prolegomena to the History of Ancient Israel. Cleveland, OH: World Publishing, 1957.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Amazed. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 1996.

___. Be Concerned. (Colorado: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1996

___. Be Satisfied. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 1990.

___. The Bible Exposition Commentary – The Prophets. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2002. WORDsearch CROSS e‐book.

___. The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2004, WORDsearch CROSS e‐book.

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HOW TO USE

The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible®

Follow these easy steps to gain maximum benefit from The POSB.

Tap or double tap on the picture to increase the image.

Glance at the Subject Heading. Think about it for a moment.

Glance at the Subject Heading again, and then the Major Points (1, 2, 3, etc.). Do this several times, reviewing them together while quickly grasping the overall subject.

Glance at both the Major Points and Subpoints together while reading the Scripture. Do this slower than Step 2. Note how these points sit directly beside the related verse and simply restate what the Scripture is saying-in Outline form.

Next read the Commentary. Note that the Major Point Numbers in the Outline match those in the Commentary. A small raised number (DS1, DS2, etc.) at the end of a Subject Heading or Outline Point, directs you to a related Deeper Study in the Commentary.

Finally, read the Thoughts and Support Scripture (not shown).

As you read and re-read, pray that the Holy Spirit will bring to your attention exactly what you should preach and teach. May God bless you richly as you study and teach His Word.

The POSS contains everything you need for sermon preparation:

The Subject Headingdescribes the overall theme of the passage, and is locateddirectly above the Scripture (keyed alphabetically).

Major Points are keyed with an outline number guiding you to related commentary. Note that the Commentary includes Thoughts (life app lica tion) and abundant Supporting Scriptures.

Subpoints explain and clarify the Scripture as needed.

Commentary is fully researched and developed for every point.

Thoughts (in bold) help apply the Scripture to real life.

Deeper Studies provide in-depth discussions of key words.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ECCLESIASTES ~ SONG OF SOLOMON

ECCLESIASTES

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES

HISTORICAL AND PRACTICAL BACKGROUND

GENERAL OUTLINE OF ECCLESIASTES

DIVISION I. THE FUTILE SEARCH FOR TRUE HAPPINESS: MAN’S STRUGGLE FOR MEANING, PURPOSE, AND FULFILLMENT IN LIFE, 1:1–3:22

DIVISION II. THE OBSTACLES CONFRONTED IN THE SEARCH FOR TRUE HAPPINESS: THE PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIFE, 4:1–8:17

DIVISION III. THE ANSWER TO MAN’S FUTILE SEARCH FOR TRUE HAPPINESS: FOLLOW WISE COUNSEL, 9:1–11:10

DIVISION IV. THE APPEAL TO ALL WHO SEARCH FOR TRUE HAPPINESS: REMEMBER GOD—YOUR CREATOR—AND FEAR HIM, 12:1-14

OUTLINE & SUBJECT INDEX – ECCLESIASTES

SONG OF SOLOMON

INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON

GENERAL OUTLINE OF SONG OF SOLOMON

DIVISION I. THE COUPLE’S COURTSHIP—A PERIOD OF STRONG SEXUAL DESIRE BUT GREAT RESTRAINT: A PICTURE OF PREPARING FOR A GODLY MARRIAGE, 1:1–5:1

DIVISION II. THE COUPLE’S WEDDING DAY: THE CONSUMMATION AND BEGINNING OF A GODLY MARRIAGE, 3:6–5:1

DIVISION III. THE COUPLE’S MARRIED LIFE—A TIME OF BEING MESHED TOGETHER IN LOVE: A PICTURE OF GROWTH IN A GODLY MARRIAGE, 5:2–8:14

OUTLINE & SUBJECT INDEX – SONG OF SOLOMON

THE BOOK OF

ECCLESIASTES

AUTHOR: Uncertain. The statement in 1:1 identifies the source of Ecclesiastes, but not necessarily the author of the book. Two primary views exist:

There are strong arguments for Solomon’s being the author of this great book, and the weight of evidence points to him.

Internal evidence in Ecclesiastes supports Solomon as its author:

The author identifies himself as the son of David (1:1), and king in Jerusalem (1:1, 12).

The emphasis on wisdom is indicative of the most notable quality of Solomon’s life, and is consistent with Proverbs. The words wise and wisdom appear forty-nine times in the book, in nearly one out of four verses. In comparison, meaningless and under the sun, which are the key phrases of the book, appear thirtyeight and twenty-nine times, respectively.

The author claimed that he had increased in wisdom more than anyone who had ruled over Jerusalem before him (1:16). This is consistent with 1 Kings 3, and no subsequent king could ever make such a statement.

The opulent lifestyle of possessions and pleasures in 2:1-10 is consistent with what we know about Solomon. He claimed that he had increased the nation’s wealth far more than anyone in Jerusalem before him (2:9), and history records no king in Israel after him whose wealth exceeded his.

Specific details in 2:1-10 are consistent with both Biblical and secular historical accounts about Solomon. Solomon is known for his building and beautification projects (2:4-6; 1 K.7), his vast number of servants (2:7; 1 K.5:13-16, 9:15-23), and his harem of 700 wives and 300 concubines (2:8; 1 K.11:3).

The author claims to have studied, searched out, and set in order many proverbs (12:9). In fact, Solomon is credited with 3,000 proverbs.

Jewish tradition clearly claims Solomon as author.

Most Biblical writers and scholars accepted Solomon as author until the rise of higher criticism in the nineteenth century.

Linguistic evidence supports Solomon’s authorship. Twentieth century research not only refutes the linguistic arguments against the authorship of Solomon, but presents convincing evidence to the contrary.¹

The obvious suggestion in the text points to Solomon as author.

Many solid, conservative scholars have agreed with liberal scholars that Ecclesiastes was written by someone other than Solomon and written after the Jews returned from exile (post-exilic). Naming the author as Qoheleth, the pseudonym taken by the author in 1:1, these scholars contend that the author presents the teachings and writings of Solomon several hundred years later, from the perspective of Solomon. Their major arguments can be summarized as follows:

A large number of Aramaic terms in the text indicate the book was written in late Hebrew, or even Aramaic and then translated into Hebrew.

Because two Persian words appear in the text, these scholars assume that the book was written during or after the Persian Empire ruled the world. This would mean that the author lived after the exile of Israel to Babylon in 586 B.C.

The use of the perfect tense in 1:12 (I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem) rules out Solomon, as he served as king until the end of his life.

A king would not have taken the critical position toward government that the author takes.

The oppressive social conditions the author writes about were not prevalent in Israel until approximately three hundred years after the death of Solomon.

Solomon is never mentioned by name in the book.

DATE WRITTEN: Uncertain, because the author is uncertain. If Solomon is the author, the book can be dated to the latter years of his life, which ended in 931 B.C. If the book was written by a later, post-exilic author, it would have been written sometime between 450 and 200 B.C.

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The original audience was the assembly implied by the word qoheleth (the Preacher) in 1:1. The use of this word indicates that the carefully-prepared message of Ecclesiastes was preached or taught to a body of people (12:10). Opinions vary as to who this audience was. The following have been suggested:

All the people of the kingdom of Israel (12:9).

Wise men in Jerusalem, which would have included teachers. Duane Garrett sees the link of the book with intellectual literature of the ancient Near East. Therefore, he suggested that Ecclesiastesmay have been written primarily for the intellectual elite of ancient Jerusalem.²To support his position, Garrett cites specific parallelsbetween portions of the book and ancient Egyptian and Babylonian works, and he concludes that only this groupwouldhavebeen familiar with theseissues.

The young people of the kingdom (11:9; 12:1, 12).

People of other nations and kingdoms of Solomon’s day. World leaders regularly traveled to Solomon’s court to learn from the world’s wisest man. Solomon’s influence was worldwide, extending beyond the kingdom of Israel to those nations whose leaders bowed to him, and whose princesses he had wed.

It is highly possible that Solomon repeated this message to multiple groups. Whatever the case, the Holy Spirit has inspired the book and destined it to be used by the assembly of the human race…

to give an example and warning to us

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (1 Co.10:11).

to teach us how to live

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Ro.15:4).

PURPOSE:

The HistoricalPurposeof Ecclesiastesmay be best understood by identifying the dual scope of its audience:

To the national audience: Solomon’s purpose was to present the lessons he had learned as he searched for meaning and satisfaction in life. Chief among the lessons was the fact that a sense of lasting fulfillment can only be found by fearing and obeying God. His burden for the Hebrews—especially the young ones—was that they not waste their lives as he had, but that they make God the center of their lives.

To the international audience: Solomon’s purpose was to present a Godcentered alternative to the various Eastern philosophies of life, death, and purpose. In Ecclesiastes,Solomon made a significant contribution to the wisdom literature of the Eastern world. This type of literature was characterized by wise sayings intended to give guidance for day-to-day living as well as to teach about virtue and spirituality. By the inspiration of God (12:11). Solomon pointed people to the one true God and their responsibility to Him. He presented a realistic viewpoint about life against the various ideas and wisdom of the philosophers of his day.

The Doctrinal Purpose of Ecclesiastes is summarized in the book’s concluding statement: Fear God, and keep His commandments (12:13). This charge points to at least three very distinct purposes:

It is an evangelistic book that leads people to God. Conservative Christians and scholars have always recognized its evangelistic nature. As Walter Kaiser points out…

Solomon may have intentionally written Ecclesiastes with an eye to a wider circle of readers than just the Hebrews—perhaps those Aramaean and other Semitic nations that were then subject to his government and those nations that had caused a good deal of his spiritual downfall through his attempt to placate the numerous wives who hailed from them.…The book would then have a missionary flavor as it attempted to…call Gentiles at large to straighten out their thinking, acting, values, and preparation for their eternal destiny.³

It is a theological book that paints a portrait of God:

As Creator: life is a highly complex creation that only a great and mighty God and Creator could conceive and bring into existence. The use of Elohim rather than Jehovah emphasized God’s great, creative power. He is the Source of all things (1:9-10) and the Designer of an amazing plan for the world (1:4-7). He has created and designed humans with an eternal purpose; therefore, He is working and moving all things toward that end (3:1-11). He created the world perfectly and problem-free; all of the world’s problems are caused by people’s sinful schemes (7:29). Only God’s work endures (3:14). We, God’s creatures, are accountable and responsible to Him, and will face Him in judgment (11:9–12:14).

As Sovereign: Solomon’s teaching about God’s sovereignty can be summarized as follows: God is in control (3:11, 6:10, 7:14, 9:1); there is an appropriate time for everything (3:1-11); even the wisest people cannot fully understand God’s ways and works (3:11, 8:17).4

It is a practicalbook that teaches great precepts about life:

True meaning, lasting satisfaction, and total fulfillment in life cannot be found on earth—not in anything under the sun. They can be found only by placing God at the center of one’s life. Apart from Him, all of life is empty and futile.

Ecclesiastes reveals the impact of a life of folly, compared to Proverbs, which shows the benefits of wisdom.5

Life is filled with problems that we cannot change, but we should enjoy life in spite of its many problems. R.N. Whybray comments that each of the seven sections of Ecclesiastes focusing on life’s problems ends with an exhortation to rejoice.6

God wants us to enjoy life, and true enjoyment in life is found in Him and His great gifts.

We must have faith in the sovereign God. Solomon’s answer to the unsolvable problems of life is that God is aware of them, and that He—in His time—will deal with and correct them.

Humans are mortal creatures; we are all going to die. Death is inevitable and unavoidable. Our bodies will degenerate, die, and decay.

Man was not made for this life only but also for eternity. Eternal life is not merely unending existence. It includes meaning and enjoyment in life under thesun.

We should live every day with the conscious awareness that God will judge our lives and deeds; therefore, we should fear and obey Him.

The Christological Purpose is to show the reader his or her need for Christ. Michael Eaton explains that Solomon’s message is similar to Paul’s Mars Hill message to pagan philosophers in Acts 17. Paul focused on their need for and responsibility to the one true God. Only in his last sentence does he mention Jesus and then not by name, only as ‘a man whom God has appointed’.⁷ This is what Solomon does at the end of this great books; he cites the one Shepherd as the source of his book. And the one Shepherd would ultimately be revealed as Christ (Jn.10:16).

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Ecclesiastes is The Great Book That Investigates the Subject of Life (1:1–12:14). No other book delves into life on earth as does Ecclesiastes; and no other book focuses solely on life’s pursuits, problems, meaning, satisfaction, and fulfillment.

Ecclesiastes is The Great Book That Is Designated a Sermon (1:1-2; 12:8-10). Certainly many other books of the Bible include sermons, but Ecclesiastes is a sermon. The defining term qoholeth (The Preacher) appears in the Old Testament only in Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes is The Great Book of Vanity—Meaninglessness, Emptiness, and Futility (1:1; 12:8). The term vanity (hebel) appears thirty-nine times in the book, and is the book’s primary topic: all of life—and everything under thesun—is meaningless and empty apart from God.

Ecclesiastesis The Great Book That Illustrates Man’s Ungodly Attachment to the World (11:12–2:17; see 1 Jn.2:15-17). Solomon tried all that is in the world. He indulged in every pleasure his flesh could imagine, every possession his eyes could behold, and achieved every position his ego could desire. But none of it lasted; the satisfaction was shortlived and passed away. His conclusion was the same as John’s inspired declaration: only that which is done in obedience to God lasts.

Ecclesiastesis The Great Book of God’s Sovereignty (3:1-11). Solomon teaches us a great deal about how God alone can work out all things for the good of those who trust Him—how God alone can bring permanent satisfaction and fulfillment to our lives.

Ecclesiastes is The Great Book of Solomon’s Repentance (11:9–12:1; 12:13-14). Many who doubt Solomon’s being the author of Ecclesiastes argue that the Bible never mentions that Solomon ever repented of his sinful lifestyle, his disobedience to God, or his idolatry. Only those who accept the authorship of Solomon can honestly recognize that Ecclesiastes is the Biblical record of his repentance. Walter Kaiser comments, There is in the book an air of repentance and humility for past values and performance. Then there is the matter of later books using both David and Solomon as models for the expected Messianic kingdom (1 and 2 Chron.) or as the ‘way’; that is, the life-styles of both David and Solomon were considered to be worthy of emulation (2 Chr.11:17).⁸Solomon’s entire message in Ecclesiastes is an exhortation not to follow his example by seeking the things of this world, but to fear and obey God from youth, throughout all the days of life.

AN EXTENSIVE HISTORICAL AND PRACTICAL BACKGROUND TO THE TIMES OF ECCLESIASTES AND SONG OF SOLOMON

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Eccl. 12:13-14)

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. (Song 8:6-7)

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***Please note that the Historical Background for Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon is the same. For that reason, we are including it only once in this volume.

AN EXTENSIVE HISTORICAL AND PRACTICAL BACKGROUND TO THE TIMES OF ECCLESIASTES AND SONG OF SOLOMON

OVERVIEW: to gain a proper understanding of the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, a person should be aware of the historical background in which these poetic books were first written and read. The most accurate history book in the world is, of course, the Bible. There is a section in the book of 1 Kings that records what historical information we have about Solomon’s life and reign as king of Israel.

Take a look at the outline below. As you read the background, you will see what a tremendous resource this overview is.

Background to Solomon’s Day

The Rise and Reign of Solomon As King: Beginning in Glory and Ending in Shame, 1 K.1:1–11:43

THE SECOND APPEARANCE OF GOD TO SOLOMON AND SOLOMON’S ACHIEVEMENTS: A NEED TO BE OBEDIENT AND DILIGENT IN LIFE AND WORK, 1 K.9:1-28

1 K.9:1-9; see 2 Chr.7:11-22

1 K.9:10-28; see 2 Chr.8:1-18

THE WISDOM, WEALTH, AND POWER OF SOLOMON: A PICTURE OF SEEKING TRUTH AND OF BEING MATERIALLY BLESSED BY GOD, 1 K.10:1-29

1 K.10:1-13; see 2 Chr.9:1-12

1 K.10:14-29; see 2 Chr.1:14-17; 9:13-28

THE SHOCKING DECLINE AND DEATH OF SOLOMON: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF EXTRAVAGANCE, SHAMEFUL INDULGENCE, AND COMPROMISE, 1 K.11:1-43

1 K.11:41-43; see 2 Chr.9:29-31

I. The Second Appearance Of God To Solomon And Solomon’s Achievements: A Need To Be Obedient And Diligent In Life And Work, 1 K.9:1-28

1 K.9:1-9; see 2 Chr.7:11-22

1 K.9:10-28; see 2 Chr.8:1-18

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(9:1-28) Introduction: we all have some duty, some obligation to every person we know and to society in general. We do not live on an island, isolated from every other person. Even if we were isolated, we would still be obligated, have the duty to provide for our own survival. Duties or obligations permeate every aspect of our lives. For example:

We have a duty to be friendly and kind to everyone we know.

We have the obligation to cultivate friendliness and kindness within society—within our communities, workplaces, schools, and the halls of justice and government.

When considering the workplace, look at our obligation to be good employees, working hard and diligently. We must always give a fair day’s work for a full day’s wages. When it comes to our schools, think about the duties of the teachers and those of the students. Within our families, think about the duties, the obligations of every family member to be faithful, loyal, kind, supportive, and loving, and to contribute toward building a strong family.

In considering any area of life, we have personal obligations toward all the people and relationships involved. If a relationship revolves around us, we have a duty to strengthen and build this relationship. By faithfully fulfilling our duties and obligations, we strengthen society.

The concern of the present passage of Scripture is the duties and obligations that faced King Solomon. Solomon was obligated to obey God and to be a faithful, diligent, hardworking king on behalf of the Israelites. Before God, Solomon was obligated to fulfill his task, and to fulfill it faithfully and diligently. This is the subject of the present passage of Scripture: The Second Appearance of God to Solomon and Solomon’s Achievements: A Need to Be Obedient and Diligent in Life and Work, 9:1-28.

God’s encounter with Solomon: the blessings for obedience and the judgment for disobedience (vv.1-9).

Solomon’s economic pursuits: a picture of extravagance, worldliness (vv.10-28).

(9:1-9) God encountered Solomon a second time after Solomon had spent twenty years completing his building projects. He had been reigning over Israel for a total of twenty-four years (v.10; 6:1; 7:1). It seems as though God needed to give Solomon a warning, for Solomon was beginning to disobey the LORD. He was engaging in false worship and allowing his heart to turn away from the LORD (11:4, 9). In an attempt to stop Solomon from turning away and slipping into apostasy, God issued a strong warning. Scripture gives the details of God’s appearance, His warning:

God encountered Solomon after all his building projects were completed, including the temple and the palace complexes (v.1). Having completed these projects was a significant achievement for Solomon and, no doubt, was a significant relief for him. The pressure of such mammoth building projects was now lifted from his shoulders. It was a pivotal time in Solomon’s life. For this reason, it was an ideal time for God to confront Solomon and to issue a warning to him. God could now renew the covenant relationship with Solomon, assure him of God’s presence if obedient but of God’s judgment if disobedient.

God had already honored Solomon with His presence by appearing to him at Gibeon in a dream (3:4-15). Now He was honoring him with His presence a second time, just as He had done before (v.2).

God appeared to Solomon for the purpose of assuring him that his prayer had been answered (v.3). Note that God Himself had consecrated the temple by putting His name there forever. It was not consecrated as a place of worship because of the ceremonies, rituals, and services held by the people. It was set apart and made holy for one reason and one reason only: because God accepted the temple as a place where His Name could be honored. As long as the Israelites honored God’s Name in the temple, He would always keep His eyes and heart on the temple. He would watch over its care and welfare, holding it ever so dear to His heart.

God’s second purpose for appearing to Solomon was that of promising to bless him personally. But to be blessed, he had to remain obedient to the LORD (v.4). God’s blessing was conditional. Solomon must walk with integrity, living a life of righteousness and obedience just as his father David had. If he obeyed the commandments of the LORD, he could expect the most wonderful promise: a permanent dynasty. His sons would rule upon the throne of Israel after him (3:12-14; 6:11-13).

God also had a third purpose for appearing to Solomon, that of warning him of judgment if he disobeyed the LORD(vv.6-9). In particular, God revealed the shocking judgments that would fall upon Solomon and his people if they committed apostasy. If they turned away from God or engaged in false worship or idolatry, they would suffer the hand of God’s judgment (v.6). Note that the judgments are applicable to any generation of people who disobey and turn to false worship:

They would be cut off from the promised land.

They would see their temple (church) and worship rejected by God.

They would be mocked and ridiculed by people (v.7).

They would suffer terrible destruction, so much destruction that some people would hiss and mock, whereas others would question and be appalled at the devastation of their land (v.8).

They would bear the shameful testimony of apostasy and idolatry. They would be accused of hypocrisy because they had turned away from the LORDand had embraced false gods and false worship (v.9).

These are the frightening consequences that result from false worship, from turning away from the LORD and committing apostasy against Him. The judgments spelled out are serious, very serious. Some commentators say that the word cut off (karat, v.7) often means that a person is cut off or excluded from the fellowship of God’s people (Le.17:4, 9; Nu.19:20). The word reject (sillah, v.7) is the very same word used for a man who divorces his wife. Thus the idea seems to be that the person will be divorced, cut off, separated from the LORD—a very serious warning. And the word byword (masal, v.7) indicates a terrible calamity coming upon a person (De.28:37; Ps.64:3; Je.24:9).⁹

Thought 1. Just as Solomon was warned by God, so we are warned. God demands obedience, demands that we keep His commandments. If we keep them, we will be blessed. But if we disobey God, ignore and fail to keep His commandments, we will face the hand of His judgment. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about obedience and disobedience:

IfweobeyGod,wewillreceivetheblessingsofGod.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (Mt.7:24-25).

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother (Mt.12:50).

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (Jn.14:23).

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love (Jn.15:10).

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (Ja.1:25).

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight (1 Jn.3:22).

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Re.22:14).

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine (Ex.19:5).

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! (De.5:29).

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Jos.1:8).

If we disobey God, the hand of God’s chastisement and judgment will fall upon us.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it (Mt.7:26-27).

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (Ep.5:3-6).

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2 Th.1:7-9).

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him (He.2:2-3).

"And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the

Lord

your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known" (De.11:28).

"But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the

Lord

be against you, as it was against your fathers" (1 S.12:15).

(9:10-28) Solomon’s pursuits and achievements are covered in the remaining section of this chapter. Under Solomon, Israel became the most wealthy, powerful, and dominant nation of that day and time. Just how Solomon achieved this wealth and power is explained in the seven points covered by the Scripture:

Solomon built the temple and royal palace complex (v.10). Both construction achievements were wonders to behold in the ancient world, as has been explained in earlier Scriptures (see outline and notes—1 K.6:1-38; 7:1-51).

Solomon sought to build a strong treasury by replenishing the depleted funds and gold that had been used in the massive building projects (vv.11-14). During the twenty years of construction, he apparently ran short of funds and became indebted to King Hiram of Tyre. For this reason, he gave King Hiram twenty border towns close to the capital Tyre in exchange for additional materials and gold. These were offered either as payment or as collateral until such time as Solomon could secure the funds to repay King Hiram.

When King Hiram inspected the towns, he considered them useless, taunting and teasing Solomon over giving him such worthless cities. Later Scripture indicates that he returned the cities to Solomon, expecting payment instead of the cities (2 Chr.8:1-2). Some form of payment was expected, for Hiram had given Solomon four metric tons or 9,000 pounds of gold.

It was the close relationship with King Hiram that enabled Solomon to continue and complete his building projects. In light of this fact, Solomon owed a great deal to his friend Hiram, for without his help it is unlikely Solomon could have achieved fame as a great builder. The commentator Paul R. House suggests that this particular episode shows a conniving side of Solomon, suggesting that he perhaps was not entirely trustworthy at this point of his life.¹⁰

Solomon pursued a strong construction and public works program that included the following (vv.15-19):

Solomon built the temple and palace mentioned in point one above (v.15).

Solomon built the Millo in the city of Jerusalem. This was either fortified terraces or a tower.

Solomon reinforced the wall of Jerusalem and perhaps added sections to it.

Solomon built the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer (vv.15-17). The latter, Gezer,