415. LUK 2:31. SOLOMON A TYPE OF CHRIST

Luk_2:31. Solomon a Type Of Christ

"A greater than Solomon is here."’97Luk_2:31.

The history of Solomon is connected with much that is dark, mysterious, and distressing. He commenced his public career under the most bright and encouraging circumstances. The son of the pious David, he had been favored with his religious instructions and example He had been interested, too, in many fervent prayers which had ascended to God in his behalf. He began his course in a way so devoutly and wisely, that God greatly approved of him and gave him largely beyond what he had sought of him in prayer, and for a time the prospects before him were more fraught with hope and promise than any who had swayed the sceptre in Israel. But he did not maintain that piety and purity with which he commenced his reign; he wandered awfully from God, and exhibited in his own conduct the weakness and frailty even of the wisest and best of men, when they do not closely and faithfully depend upon God for assistance and strength. It is to be hoped that the book of Ecclesiastes was written after he had experienced the emptiness of the world, and the bitterness of sin, and as such that it indicates his repentance and restoration to the favor and service of God. It is very clear in his public movements, that he was an eminent type of Jesus Christ. He was so,

I. As the Descendant of David.

Jesus is described as both the root and offspring of David. And there is one scripture which was originally expressly applied to Solomon as David’s son, 2Sa_7:14, which is afterwards as distinctly applied to Jesus. "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son," Heb_1:6. We need not try to prove the genealogical descent of Jesus from David, Mat_1:6-16.

II. In his extraordinary Knowledge and Wisdom.

Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God richly endowed him with it. He seemed to understand all the principles of nature. He was celebrated as a sacred poet, and his proverbs exhibit the supernatural attainments which heavenly inspiration conferred upon him. Jesus is the wisdom of God. In him dwelt all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Peter said truly to him, "Lord, thou knowest all things." He is emphatically wise of heart, and his understanding is infinite.

III. As Monarch of Israel

No king in Israel ever possessed equal glory and riches with Solomon. His reign seemed typical of Christ’s regal character.

(1) In its righteousness and equity.

(2) In its riches and glory, representing he true spiritual riches and dignity of the kingdom of Christ.

(3) In its peaceableness. Jesus is "The Prince of peace." His kingdom is a peaceable kingdom. He brought peace and good will to a rebellious world. He confers peace, which the world can neither give nor take away.

IV. In his Connection with the Temple

He had it in his heart to honor God by erecting a splendid edifice for his worship and glory. He entered zealously on the work. He persevered till the erection was completed. He dedicated it, with the greatest solemnity and devotion to God. In these things Christ and his church are evidently typified in the spirit and conduct of Solomon.

Jesus came expressly to rear a spiritual edifice in the world for the honor and glory of the living God. The materials of which it is composed, he redeemed to God by his own blood. These by his Spirit and word he prepares and builds up, into a house and dwelling or habitation for God. These he sacredly dedicated to God by intercessory prayer, John 17. All the services and ordinances of this temple, Jesus, as supreme Prince, and great High-priest, he solemnly fixed and established. And he is still rearing this glorious building, and shall do so until the head-stone is elevated amid shouts of "Grace, grace unto it!"

The heart of Christ is fully set on this, and all the dispensations of time, and events of providence, are tending to this one august and inconceivably grand consummation.

But a greater than Solomon is here. Greater even in those things for which Solomon was most justly celebrated. Greater in wisdom,’97greater in true glory,’97greater in the extent of his dominions,’97greater in the happiness of his subjects,’97greater in the righteous and benevolent characteristics of his administration. Solomon’s glory declined, and his honors faded away. His kingdom has been revolutionized, and the site of the temple he erected has been ploughed up. Christ’s glories are increasingly resplendent. His honors are ever increasing. His kingdom cannot be moved. His reign shall be forever, and his sceptre shall be swayed from the rivers to the ends of the earth.

Application

1. How happy, dignified, and secure the subjects of Christ’s kingdom.

2. How unspeakably wonderful his per son and perfections.

3. Let his people celebrate his praise.

4. Let his foes fall down before him and kiss the sceptre of mercy which he extends to all.

5. His obdurate enemies shall be covered with shame and perish forever.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS