Page 243 - Bible History

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216 GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE UNDER KINGS
rents and taxes. The neighboring states presented him with costly gifts. His income in gold every year was enormous. Besides this, he received cattle and provisions from his own kingdom.
The money for e building of the Temple had been saved by David. But Solomon's expenses were heavy. To meet these expenses, the people were taxed in two ways: they were commanded to supply Solomon with meat and grain, and to pay a tax on every article they bought. This tax went to Solomon for the sup­ port of the palace. The people became dissatis ed with these heavy taxes.
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d1v1s1ons keep the people attached to the Kmg of Jerusalem,
Fearing that the Temple would not be su cient to
Solomon divided the country into twelve provinces and no longer respected the division into tribes. He thought this new division would destroy the jealousies that had existed among the tribes, and would prevent future civil wars.
But Solomon forgot the one important means for keeping the people united with him. He neglected to worship the true God. His heavy taxes caused the people to hate him, and prepared them to follow the rst strong leader who would rise up against him.
Had Solomon remained true to God, he could have pointed to the Temple, and rallied the people around him again. But he did not remain true to God. As he grew older, he became very fond of pleasure, and his great wisdom left him. To please his pagan wives, he built temples to their false gods. This act de·