Ecclesiastes 2
King Solomon ordered the work of grand palaces and many things to make Jerusalem a fine city. Some of the things may still be seen, as, the great pools, or reservoirs, to supply water to the city; they are several miles outside, and are partly cut out in the rocks, and partly made from cement; one is so large that it could hold a big ship; water still flows underground from these, to the city’s fountains and pools.
Some of the great stones of the present city walls are thought to have been placed in Solomon’s time. He built a porch with great pillars which seems to have been a very special work, with an ivory throne and steps of gold, before which the people came for him to decide matters. His own palaces and porches must have been very grand, being built with cedar wood and large cut rocks with years of labor by his men. Solomon said of these things,
“I made me great works; builded me houses; I planted me vineyards; I made me gardens and orchards, and planted trees in them of all fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith.”
You see he seems to have had all possible good things done, and with great skill. Men now do not understand how the great stones could have been put in place. These works were done about 1,000 years before Christ, and were used when He was on earth. No doubt much of the work would still be there if armies had not destroyed them.
But Solomon did not have happiness from all his great works, because he knew he must die and others would have the things, who would not value or keep them he said,
“I looked on all the work my hands had wrought,... behold, all was vanity.... there was no profit under the sun” (or on earth).
The work which Solomon did for the building of the Temple of God, is not spoken of in this writing. He had that built just as the Lord had directed, so we are certain he was satisfied in that; for to obey the Lord, always gives true joy. But the other works were done to please himself, and did not make him happy.
Many people since this king have done great works for cities and people, but not to honor God, and they too have been disippointed. The Word of God teaches that he wants His people to work as is needed and for good uses and to help others; and to be thankful to God for what they have; but their hope is for a better city than any here, one in heaven, where all will last forever.
Solomon’s houses are told of in 1 Kings 7:1-12,
Solomon’s throne is told of in 1 Kings 10:18-20.
What did Solomon have on the Red Sea? (1 Kings 9:26).
What did ships bring to the king? (1 Kings 10:22).
What were a surprise to a queen? (Kings 10:4,5).
Who once walked in Solomon’s porch? (John 10:23, see also Acts 3:11; 5:12).
How much better is wisdom than folly? (Ecc. 2:13).
ML 05/15/1941