Prophet Samuel anointed him about 1095 B.C. He was, however, afterwards rejected by God for his disobedience, and was succeeded by David. David was strong and mighty: when only a youth, he had slain the giant Goliath; and having been made king, he extended his kingdom by splendid victories. He served God with an upright heart, and composed in His honor those beautiful sacred songs called Psalms, in which, by Divine inspiration, he prophesied many things concerning the Redeemer of the world, who was to be born of his family, and whose kingdom should have no end. For this reason Christ is also called the Son of David.
15. [1]Solomon, his son and successor, was a wise and great king. He built a magnificent temple to the Lord in Jerusalem about the year 1000 B.C. The Sanctuary, or Holy of Holies, was overlaid with plates of the purest gold; and in it was kept the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the two Tables of Laws written by God Himself. The high-priest was the only person who was allowed, once a year, to enter the Sanctuary. The people of Israel had no other temple, nor was any one permitted to offer up sacrifice in any other place, than the temple of Jerusalem. Solomon, however, did not persevere in wisdom and goodness. He married pagan wives, and, towards the end of his life, had the misfortune of being seduced by them from the service of God into the impious practices of idolatry.
16. [2]After Solomon's death, his kingdom was divided.
- ↑ Who was Solomon? What famous building did he erect? How was the Sanctuary decorated, and what was kept in it I What did the Ark of the Covenant contain? Who was permitted to enter the Sanctuary, and how many times a year? Had the people of Israel any other temples, or altars? Did Solomon remain wise and good? What made him leave the service of God?
- ↑ What happened after Solomon's death? Which tribes formed the kingdom of Juda? Who was its first king? Which was its capital? How many tribes constituted the kingdom of Israel? Whom did they choose for their king? Which was the capital of the kingdom of Israel? Did it remain faithful to God? How did God punish it? Did the kingdom of Juda also sin against the Lord? Was it also chastised, and how? Was not its punishment less severe than that of the kingdom of Israel, and why?
