I.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
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A.
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THE MAN.
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1.
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Solomon. (Meaning, Peaceable)
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2.
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Called Jedidiah by the prophet Nathan. (II Sam.12:25)
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3.
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Second son of Bathsheba, wife of David.
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4.
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Began his reign about age 20 when David was old. (Another son of David was trying to wrest the throne at this time.)
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5.
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Reigned as king of all Israel 40 years (United Kingdom -- 12 tribes).
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6.
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The author of 3000 proverbs and 1005 psalms.
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7.
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Began humble but ended with much pride and sin.
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8.
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He lost devotion to God and introduced Baal and pagan worship to the kingdom through his many wives.
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9.
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Another gross error he committed was levying a heavy burden of taxation upon his people.
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B.
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THE WOMAN.
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1.
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A bride of Solomon's, probably his favored.
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2.
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A Shulamite (symbolic, not a proper name) from Lebanon.
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3.
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Many believe her to be Abishag of Shunum, the virgin brought to care (warm) for Solomon's aging father, David (I Ki.1:1-4).
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4.
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Some say the daughter of the Pharaoah of Egypt, however, most unlikely.
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5.
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Others say a simple rustic country girl.
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6.
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In any case, a most beautiful girl of physique and spirit; much desired and loved by the king.
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7.
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Her skin tanned from daily exposure to the burning sun while tending her brother's vineyards -- to the neglect of her own.
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C.
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THE TIME.
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1.
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During the days of the United Kingdom, following kings Saul and David, Solomon's father. (Kingdom = 50,000 sq. mi.)
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2.
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Early in Solomon's reign. (For he had only 80 concubines and 60 wives to date,
later acquiring some 700 wives and 300 concubines for his harem.)
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3.
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His reign a peaceful one for 40 years, with many prospering in the earlier years. Commerce and foreign trade excelled.
Festivity was the order of the day.
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4.
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Many psalms and much literature recorded at this time.
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5.
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Solomon's reputation heard all over the world. Dignitaries came from afar to see for themselves this man of great wisdom and wealth.
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D.
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THE MESSAGE. (A Love Song - Marital Love)
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1.
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A song. (Poem of excellent Hebrew composition.)
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2.
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Written by Solomon as evidenced by his knowledge and use of gardens and nature. (Compare: I Ki.4:33 & Ecc.2:4-6.)
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3.
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In the context of Psalm 45.
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4.
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To the Jew, an allegory of God's love for Israel. Read on the 8th day of the Passover in reference to the Exodus.
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5.
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To the Christian, Christ's love for His Church and the individual believer. (First espoused by Origen, 3rd
century A.D.)
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6.
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Certainly a testimony to the institution of marriage as God ordained it to be.
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7.
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Has been depicted as a play with some 4 or 5 Acts with many scenes, though maybe never presented on stage.
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8.
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Is a unity in itself, not a compilation of songs.
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9.
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Written some time after 970 B.C. in the earlier years of king Solomon's reign.
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