The people of Israel always...
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The people of Israel always looked back with pride to the glory their land had enjoyed in the days of King Solomon. Solomon's reign saw the building of a magnificent temple and great palaces. Kings and princes came from distant lands to see the splendors of Jerusalem and to pay tribute to Israel. However, prosperity brought not only glory, but also immorality. The building had been done by slave labor, heavy taxes had been imposed on the people, and heathen rites were permitted. As a result the glory did not last long. Five years after Solomon's death the gold was stripped off the temple and carted away to Egypt. The nation was torn apart by civil strife, not to be reunited for 900 years, and then only under Roman rule. We speak of "Solomon in all his glory," but outward glory is deceiving when there is decay and corruption within. Perhaps at some time you polished an apple, making it shiny and red. Then, when you bit into it, you found it wormy inside. So it can be with nations and with people. "What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" asks the prophet Micah.
