1Kings:9

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* Verse 1-9 - God warned Solomon , now he had newly built and dedicated the temple , that he and his people might not be high-minded , but fear . After all the services we can perform , we stand upon the same terms with the Lord as before . Nothing can purchase for us liberty to sin , nor would the true believer desire such a licence . He would rather be chastened of the Lord , than be allowed to go on with ease and prosperity in sin . * Verse 10-14 - Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities . Hiram did not like them . If Solomon would gratify him , let it be in his own element , by becoming his partner in trade , as he did . See how the providence of God suits this earth to the various tempers of men , and the dispositions of men to the earth , and all for the good of mankind in general . * Verse 15-28 - Here is a further account of Solomon 's greatness . He began at the right end , for he built God 's house first , and finished that before he began his own ; then God blessed him , and he prospered in all his other buildings . Let piety begin , and profit follow ; leave pleasure to the last . Whatever pains we take for the glory of God , and to profit others , we are likely to have the advantage . Canaan , the holy land , the glory of all lands , had no gold in it ; which shows that the best produce is that which is for the present support of life , our own and others ; such things did Canaan produce . Solomon got much by his merchandise , and yet has directed us to a better trade , within reach of the poorest . Wisdom is better than the merchandise of silver , and the gain thereof than fine gold , Proverbs strkjv @3:14 . Henry ' _1__10 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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