David, Solomon, The Savior

Ancient Kings Who Revealed The Coming Kingdom DAVID, SOLOMON & THE SAVIOR The Ancient Kings Who Revealed the Coming Kingdom Rev. John Shane Vaughn First Harvest Ministries International DAVID, SOLOMON & THE SAVIOR The Ancient Kings Who Revealed the Coming Kingdom © Rev. John Shane Vaughn First Harvest Ministries International All Rights Reserved Full permission is granted for the reproduction of this booklet: provided there are no changes nor any charges - this work will always be free of charge THIS FREE BOOKLET WAS MADE POSSIBLE by the donations of faithful and loving saints of First Harvest Ministries Intl. HisComingKingdom.com | TheTruthTv.tv CONTENTS Introduction Chapter 1: The Pattern of Two Kings Chapter 2: David — The Warrior King Chapter 3: Gathering the Cedars Chapter 4: Zadok — The Faithful Priest Chapter 5: Solomon — The Prince of Shalom Chapter 6: The Economics of Abundance Chapter 7: The Mystery of 666 Talents Chapter 8: Why Solomon Fell Chapter 9: The Melchizedek Order Revealed Chapter 10: The Greater Than Solomon About the Author INTRODUCTION Most people know David and Solomon as Israel’s great- est kings. Their names echo through history as builders, warriors, poets, and sages. But few realize they were far more than historical figures—they were prophetic shad- ows, living blueprints that revealed the two comings of the Messiah. Something always bothered my mind: David was always said to represent Christ and also then we were told Solomon represented Christ as well. Yet, how could both Father and Son represent Christ, it made no sense to my mind. Obvious reasons were glaring, both men were filled with sin. David an adulterer and even worse, his son, Sol- omon, fell into absolute pagan worship at the end of his life. As I sought the Spirit of Yahweh for the revelation of these two men, suddenly it came to me. David, the warrior king, spent his entire reign in conflict. From his youth fighting lions and bears, to his legendary confrontation with Goliath, to his years fleeing Saul’s murderous jealousy, to the constant military cam- paigns that marked his kingship—David’s life was defined by warfare. Even within his own family, rebellion and strife pursued him relentlessly. Solomon, by divine design, received a different call- ing. His very name speaks of peace—SHALOM. Under his reign, Israel experienced what no generation before or since has witnessed: complete rest from enemies on every side, unprecedented prosperity, and the construction of YAHWEH’s temple in Jerusalem. This pattern was not coincidental. YAHWEH or- chestrated these two reigns to reveal His eternal plan of redemption through YAHSHUA the Messiah: David = YAHSHUA’s First Coming (warfare, struggle, suffering) Solomon = YAHSHUA’s Second Coming (SHALOM, peace, prosperity) In the pages that follow, we will explore how David’s gathering of materials and mighty men parallels YAHS- HUA’s current work of calling and preparing believers. We will discover why the temple could not be built during David’s reign and what that teaches us about the com- ing kingdom. We will examine Zadok, the faithful priest who bridged both kingdoms, and learn what his example means for our own faithfulness. We will unpack the mystery of Solomon’s 666 tal- ents of gold and why this number points to the fullness of humanity acknowledging the true King. Perhaps most importantly, we will grapple with Solomon’s tragic fall into idolatry and discover how his failure propheti- cally reveals the final rebellion at the end of the millenni- um—proving once and for all that perfect conditions can- not produce perfect hearts. Finally, we will encounter the Melchizedek priest- hood—that mysterious order that unites king and priest in one person—and discover how faithful believers are being prepared to share in that eternal priesthood with YAHSH- UA Himself. The story of David and Solomon is not merely an- cient history. It is the story of your future. You are being gathered like cedars of Lebanon. You are being forged like David’s mighty men. You are being tested like Zadok. And if you remain faithful, you will reign like Solomon—not for forty years, but forever. Turn the page and discover your destiny in the pat- tern of two kings. CHAPTER ONE The Pattern of Two Kings “Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Be- hold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.” — 1 Chronicles 22:8-9 The Three-Kingdom Framework To understand the prophetic significance of David and Solomon, we must first grasp the three-kingdom frame- work that underlies all of Scripture’s teaching about the Messiah’s reign. The First Kingdom is represented by David’s warfare. His entire reign was marked by constant battles, military conquests, and unending conflict. This corre- sponds to YAHSHUA’s First Coming and the current age in which we live. Just as David conquered his enemies and gathered materials for the temple he would never build, so YAHSHUA conquered sin and death at Calvary and now gathers His people—the living materials—for the kingdom to come. The Second Kingdom is represented by Solo- mon’s peace. SHALOM reigned on every side. Enemies were subdued. The temple was built. Unprecedented pros- perity filled the land. This corresponds to YAHSHUA’s Millennial Reign—the thousand-year period when He will rule from Jerusalem, Satan will be bound, and righteous- ness will cover the earth as waters cover the sea. The Third Kingdom extends beyond the millen- nium into eternity. After the final rebellion is crushed and judgment completed, the kingdom will be delivered to the Father. New heavens and new earth will replace the old. This eternal kingdom has no end—it continues forever and ever. Why Two Kings? Why couldn’t David build the temple? The answer re- veals the fundamental principle that building follows battles. The temple represented YAHWEH’s dwelling place—a house of peace, presence, and worship. Such a house required SHALOM, not warfare. The sounds of con- struction could not mingle with the clash of swords. David understood this principle. He gathered ev- erything needed for the temple—gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and stone in quantities beyond measure. He or- ganized the Levites, established the patterns of worship, and received the divine blueprints from YAHWEH’s own hand. But he could not lay a single stone of the temple itself. That honor belonged to his son, the prince of peace. This same principle governs YAHSHUA’s two com- ings. At His first coming, He engaged in the ultimate spir- itual warfare—conquering sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrifice on Calvary. But He did not establish His visible kingdom on earth. Like David, He gathered and prepared while the battles raged. Understanding Biblical Typology Solomon functioned as a type—a prophetic shadow—of YAHSHUA the Messiah. He was beloved of YAHWEH from birth. He possessed unprecedented wisdom. He ren- dered perfect judgment. He brought peace and prosperity. He built the temple. He received tribute from all nations. He sat on David’s throne. Yet Solomon’s imperfections were intentional within the prophetic design. His eventual fall into idolatry demon- strated that even the greatest human type could never fulfill what only the true Messiah could accomplish. Every shadow has limitations—the substance alone is perfect. David’s Mighty Men Pattern Perhaps the most personally relevant aspect of this pat- tern concerns David’s mighty men. When David fled from Saul and hid in the cave of Adullam, a remarkable group gathered to him: “Every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was dis- contented, gathered themselves unto him.” Distressed. In debt. Discontented. These were not society’s elite—they were its rejects. Yet under David’s leadership, through years of hardship and warfare, these broken men became the mighty warriors of Israel. Consider Benaiah. Under David, he killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day and struck down mighty warriors with his own hands. But when Solomon took the throne, Benaiah was elevated from commander of the bodyguard to commander of the entire army. The warrior forged in David’s battles became the general who maintained Solo- mon’s peace. Do you see the application? You are David’s mighty men being forged NOW for rulership THEN. Scripture promises that saints will judge the world, that overcomers will reign with YAHSHUA for a thousand years. Your current struggles are not obstacles to your destiny—they are the training ground for it. CHAPTER TWO David — The Warrior King “He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms... I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were con- sumed.” — Psalm 18:34, 37 David as Man of War David’s entire existence was shaped by conflict. Be- fore he ever faced a human enemy, he battled wild beasts to protect his father’s flock. When a lion came and took a lamb, David pursued it, struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. When it rose against him, he caught it by its beard and killed it. The same fate befell a bear. Goliath represented more than a military threat—he was a spiritual challenge, defying the armies of the living God. While seasoned warriors cowered, a shepherd boy ran toward the giant with nothing but a sling, five smooth stones, and unshakable faith. But victory over Goliath did not bring peace. In- stead, it initiated years of fleeing from a jealous king. Saul’s spear flew at David in the palace. His soldiers hunt- ed David through wilderness and cave. The warfare was constant. When David finally took the throne, the battles intensified. Second Samuel chapter eight records his mil- itary campaigns against the Philistines, Moab, Syria, and Edom. Even within his own household, warfare raged— Amnon, Absalom, Adonijah—conflict everywhere. YAHWEH’s own summary of David’s life empha- sized this defining characteristic: “Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars.” YAHSHUA’s First Coming Parallels The prophet Isaiah described the Messiah’s first coming in terms that mirror David’s experience: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” From His birth in a stable to His death on a cross, YAHSHUA’s earthly ministry was marked by struggle and suffering. Consider Gethsemane. Luke records that YAHSH- UA’s sweat became as great drops of blood falling to the ground. This was spiritual warfare of the most intense kind. The wilderness temptation lasted forty days, with Satan deploying every weapon against the Son of YAH- WEH. The cross itself was the ultimate battlefield. To hu- man eyes, it appeared to be the Messiah’s utter defeat. Yet in that moment of apparent destruction, YAHSHUA accomplished the greatest victory in cosmic history. Paul declares that He “spoiled principalities and powers, mak- ing a show of them openly, triumphing over them.” Why Temple Had to Wait The temple represented everything warfare is not: peace, presence, rest, completion. It was YAHWEH’s dwelling place among His people. Such a house could not rise while swords clashed and blood flowed. We live in David’s time. Paul wrote that we must “through much tribulation enter into the kingdom.” The present age is not Solomon’s reign—it is David’s warfare. But this reality should not discourage us. David fought; Solomon built. YAHSHUA conquered; we will reign. CHAPTER THREE Gathering the Cedars “Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of YAHWEH an hundred thou- sand talents of gold, and a thousand thou- sand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared.” — 1 Chronicles 22:14 What David Gathered The quantities David accumulated stagger the imagina- tion. One hundred thousand talents of gold. One million talents of silver. Bronze and iron “without weight”—so abundant that measuring it seemed pointless. All gath- ered through decades of warfare, all dedicated to a temple David would never see completed. Among all these materials, the cedars of Lebanon held special significance. These ancient trees were the most prized building material in the ancient world—dura- ble enough to last millennia, beautiful in grain, fragrant in aroma, and massive enough to span great distances. The Psalmist captured the spiritual significance: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Believers as Living Cedars Paul told Timothy that in a great house there are ves- sels of gold and silver, but also of wood—and that those who purge themselves become vessels of honor. Peter declared that believers are “living stones, built up a spiri- tual house.” The writer of Ephesians explained that we are “built together as temple.” We are the cedars being gathered! The temple that YAHSHUA is building consists not of dead timber but of living souls. And like the cedars of Lebanon, we must undergo a process: Cut down: Called out from the world, severed from old identity. Stripped: Pruned of selfish desires and worldly attachments. Shaped: Trials and disciplines form us according to divine blueprints. Seasoned: Time and experience develop enduring character. Transported: Moved from this earthly realm to the heavenly city. David’s Mighty Men The transformation of David’s mighty men illustrates this process dramatically. Remember their condition when they first gathered: distressed, in debt, discontent- ed. They were failures by every worldly measure. But by Second Samuel chapter twenty-three, these same men had become legends. Adino killed eight hun- dred men in a single encounter. Eleazar fought until his hand froze to his sword. Shammah stood alone in a field when all Israel fled. These men were forged in the cave of Adullam. Their greatness emerged not despite their brokenness but through it. This is you. Broken when Christ found you. Being forged through trials as an elite warrior of faith. Destined to rule in the millennium that follows. Qualities Being Developed The cedar qualities being developed in you correspond to kingdom necessities: Durability: “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of YAHSHUA the Messiah.” Beauty: “Let the beauty of YAHWEH our God be upon us.” Fragrance: “We are unto YAHWEH a sweet savour of Christ.” Strength: “Till we all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Paul assured the Philippians: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of YAHSHUA the Mes- siah.” You are not merely enduring life’s difficulties—you are being prepared for eternal glory. CHAPTER FOUR Zadok — The Faithful Priest “But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me.” — Ezekiel 44:15 Zadok During David’s Reign The book of Second Samuel introduces Zadok as one of two high priests serving under David, alongside Abia- thar. This dual priesthood represented two different lin- eages: Zadok descended from Eleazar, the legitimate line, while Abiathar came from the line of Eli, whose house had been pronounced cursed. Both priests served David faithfully during the ear- ly years. But the crises that punctuated David’s kingdom revealed a crucial difference between them. During Absalom’s rebellion, Zadok remained utter- ly faithful, serving as David’s intelligence network from within Jerusalem. During Adonijah’s attempted coup, the contrast became stark: “Joab and Abiathar joined Adon- ijah. But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah, and Nathan the prophet, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.” When Solomon was named heir, Zadok performed the anointing. His loyalty in warfare earned him promi- nence in peace. Zadok’s Reward in Solomon’s Reign Solomon’s first acts as king included settling ac- counts. Abiathar was removed from the priesthood— fulfilling the ancient prophecy against Eli’s house. And Zadok? “The king put Zadok the priest in the room of Abiathar.” The faithful servant who had passed every test be- came sole high priest under Solomon. He would serve in the completed temple his loyalty had helped make possi- ble. Prophetic Significance Zadok’s story establishes a principle that echoes through Scripture: faithfulness in warfare determines po- sition in peace. What we do in David’s age shapes what we become in Solomon’s age. NOW, in David’s age, believers function as a roy- al priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices. We are tested, as Zadok was tested—not in comfortable circumstances but in times of rebellion and pressure to compromise. THEN, in Solomon’s age, Scripture promises that overcomers will be made “kings and priests unto YAHWEH” and will “reign on the earth.” Ezekiel’s Zadokite Priesthood The prophet Ezekiel, writing during the Babylonian exile, received visions of a future temple. In those visions, a specific priesthood is designated for closest access to YAHWEH: “The sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray.” They are rewarded for faithfulness when others failed. They receive the highest honor: coming near to YAHWEH Himself. The Name Connection The Hebrew name Zadok means “righteous.” It shares its root with Melchizedek, which means “king of righ- teousness.” Both names derive from the Hebrew root tzedek. This linguistic connection points forward to the Melchizedek priesthood we will explore in chapter nine. Lessons from Zadok Zadok’s example teaches us principles essential for those who would reign with YAHSHUA: Faithful during crisis. When rebellion threw Je- rusalem into chaos, Zadok remained loyal. Obedient when difficult. David commanded Za- dok to return the Ark and remain under Absalom’s control. Zadok obeyed without argument. Supportive of the true anointed. While Abia- thar followed Adonijah, Zadok waited for David’s choice. Served without seeking power. He simply served faithfully wherever placed, and YAHWEH ex- alted him in due time. Your faithfulness NOW determines your po- sition THEN. Zadok overcame; Abiathar compromised. Zadok served in Solomon’s temple; Abiathar was ban- ished. CHAPTER FIVE Solomon — The Prince of Shalom “His name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.” — 1 Chronicles 22:9 The Meaning of SHALOM The Hebrew word SHALOM carries far more weight than its common English translation “peace” suggests. SHALOM encompasses completeness where nothing is missing, wholeness where everything functions properly, soundness and structural integrity, prosperity and abun- dance, health in physical, mental, and spiritual dimen- sions, harmony in right relationships, and divine order according to YAHWEH’s perfect design. SHALOM is not merely the absence of war—it is total restoration of everything to its intended state. Establishment of Peace Before Solomon’s SHALOM could begin, rebels had to be removed. Adonijah had attempted to seize the throne, declaring “I will exalt myself”—echoing Satan’s ancient pride. He was executed. Abiathar was removed from the priesthood. Joab, who had joined the rebellion, was exe- cuted at the altar where he had fled for refuge. This pattern parallels the establishment of the mil- lennium. Satan will be bound. False religion will be re- moved. Corrupt rulers will be destroyed. Only then can true SHALOM begin. First Kings records the result: “And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.” Did you notice that? David built the Kingdom but Solomon will establish it. Fullness of SHALOM Solomon’s SHALOM manifested in every dimension of life: Political peace: “He had peace on all his sides round about. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree.” This fore- shadows Isaiah’s prophecy: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares... nation shall not lift up sword against nation.” Judicial perfection: The famous judgment be- tween two mothers demonstrated wisdom that caused all Israel to fear the king. This points to YAHSHUA’s millen- nial reign: “With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity.” Spiritual presence: When the temple was ded- icated, “the glory of YAHWEH filled the house... so that the priests could not stand to minister.” This foreshadows the day when “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of YAHWEH, as the waters cover the sea.” Universal Recognition All nations came to hear Solomon’s wisdom. The Queen of Sheba represented the Gentiles acknowledging Israel’s king, declaring, “Blessed be YAHWEH thy God!” This foreshadows Isaiah’s prophecy: “All nations shall flow unto it.” Temple as Center Everything in Solomon’s kingdom pointed to and flowed from the temple. It was the center of worship, justice, and national identity. In the millennium, YAHSH- UA Himself will be that center—”the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” Solomon’s reign previewed what the millennium will accomplish in full: rebels removed, political peace established, perfect justice administered, YAHWEH’s presence manifested, universal recognition achieved, and economic abundance flowing to all. CHAPTER SIX The Economics of Abundance “And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the vale, for abun- dance.” — 1 Kings 10:27 The Unprecedented Wealth The economic conditions of Solomon’s reign defy imag- ination. Scripture records that “none of the drinking ves- sels were of silver; it was nothing accounted of.” Gold had become so abundant that silver—normally a precious metal—was treated as worthless. Silver was “as common as stones.” Solomon received 666 talents of gold annually—ap- proximately twenty-five tons—plus additional revenue from trade, merchants, tributary kings, and governors. The wealth was staggering. Not Just Royal Wealth The remarkable feature of Solomon’s economy was not merely royal wealth but national prosperity. The text specifies that silver became as stones “in Jerusalem”—the whole city, all the people. Matthew Henry observed that Solomon “dispersed it, that silver was nothing accounted of.” The kingdom became as rich as the king. This stands in radical contrast to most human kingdoms, where rul- ers accumulate wealth while subjects struggle. Scripture records that “Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.” Every man sat under his own vine and fig tree. This phrase represents personal prosperity, security, and con- tentment—not poverty or dependence but ownership and abundance. YAHWEH’s heart is abundance, not poverty. Millennial Economics The prophets describe millennial conditions in terms that echo Solomon’s reign: Isaiah declares that “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad... and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Amos prophesies that “the plowman shall overtake the reaper”—supernatural productivity so great that harvesting cannot keep pace with planting. Zechariah promises that “the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew.” All earth brought presents to Solomon year by year. So shall all nations bring their glory and honor to the King of kings. No Scarcity Economics When silver equals stones, there is no need to hoard. When food is abundant, there is no famine. When every- one possesses vine and fig tree, there is no crisis. Kingdom economics operates on different principles than the scar- city-based systems we know. Perfect stewardship under a righteous king produc- es abundance for all—not through forced redistribution but through blessed productivity. The Spiritual Principle Matthew Henry posed a penetrating question: “If gold makes silver despicable, shall not wisdom, grace, and foretastes of heaven make earth worthless?” The progression is instructive: Gold makes silver worthless. Spiritual riches make gold worthless. Eternal glory makes temporal wealth worthless. Paul counted “all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.” Prosperity With Purpose Solomon’s gold served kingdom purposes: the tem- ple, national defense, the throne of judgment, worship vessels, and trade that blessed the entire nation. Millen- nial prosperity will similarly serve perfect stewardship, righteous distribution, and abundance that fuels worship and justice. This is not the poverty gospel that despises wealth. Neither is it the prosperity gospel that idolizes it. This is kingdom prosperity under a righteous king—wealth as a tool for divine purposes, not an end in itself. CHAPTER SEVEN The Mystery of 666 Talents “Now the weight of gold that came to Solo- mon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold.” — 1 Kings 10:14 The Prophetic Number Most readers encountering 666 immediately think of Revelation’s mark of the beast. But the number appears first in Scripture in a completely different context—as Solomon’s annual gold revenue. This connection is not coincidental. The number six in Scripture represents humanity— mankind was created on the sixth day. The triple six (666) represents the fullness or completion of human effort and acknowledgment. The number itself is not inherently evil. Context determines meaning. With the Antichrist, 666 represents humanity rejecting YAHWEH and worshiping the beast. With Solomon, 666 represents humanity acknowledging YAHWEH’s anointed king. Fullness of Mankind Coming Scripture records that “all the earth sought to Solo- mon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present... year by year.” This was universal tribute—voluntary acknowledg- ment of the king’s wisdom and authority. The Queen of Sheba represented the Gentiles, traveling from the ends of the earth to acknowledge Israel’s king and to de- clare, “Blessed be YAHWEH thy God!” The 666 talents represents complete human recog- nition of YAHWEH’s appointed ruler. Millennial Parallel Paul wrote that at the name of YAHSHUA “every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that “the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy ris- ing.” Revelation declares that “the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” The fullness of redeemed humanity will bring trib- ute to the true King. The Contrast: 666 vs 7 Solomon’s 666 represents the fullness of fallen hu- manity, complete human acknowledgment, temporal and limited. YAHSHUA’s 7 represents divine perfection, not just human but divine worship, eternal glory. Why This Matters This mystery reveals several truths: YAHWEH’s sov- ereignty extends to prophetic details across millennia. The same number can carry opposite meanings depending on context. Human acknowledgment alone is insufficient— Solomon’s kingdom eventually failed. The pattern fore- shadows millennium conditions. The 666 was not everything—trade, merchants, and kings added more. All human activity will ultimately serve YAHSHUA’s kingdom: technology, arts, science, com- merce, agriculture. Voluntary vs Forced Solomon’s tribute was mostly voluntary—his wisdom attracted the nations. The millennium will feature obvi- ously righteous rule that draws willing worship. But here lies the sobering reality: even voluntary submission and perfect conditions cannot change unre- generate hearts. This prepares us for chapter eight’s diffi- cult lesson. Personal question: Will you bring tribute will- ingly NOW, or wait until forced to bow? There is a small remnant of people on planet earth today who are willingly bringing tribute to Solomon/Messiah today in anxious anticipation of the establishment of His kingdom. CHAPTER EIGHT Why Solomon Fell “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with YAHWEH his God, as was the heart of David his father.” — 1 Kings 11:4 The Tragic Turn The record of Solomon’s fall reads like a nightmare. At the end of his reign “Solomon loved many strange wom- en.” He accumulated “seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.” He “went after Ashtoreth” and “built an high place for Chemosh” and “for Molech.” The wisest man who ever lived, the richest king on earth, the builder of YAHWEH’s temple—worshiping demons on the hills surrounding Jerusalem. How is this possible? God’s Response YAHWEH’s anger burned against Solomon. The judg- ment was severe: “I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” Only for David’s sake would one tribe remain with Solomon’s son. The united kingdom would shatter. The Gradual Drift Solomon’s fall did not happen overnight. It began with a political marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter—pragmat- ic, seemingly wise. But Deuteronomy had commanded, “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.” Each subsequent marriage seemed to make political sense. Each treaty cemented with a princess appeared to strengthen the kingdom. But collectively, they violated YAHWEH’s explicit command. The drift was gradual, the compromises incremental, the end catastrophic. The Mystery Resolved Here we encounter a profound mystery: Solomon was not only a type of YAHSHUA—he was also a type of mil- lennial saints who will come to faith in YAHSHUA. What we must see here is that beleivers in Messiah are now one body with Him, buried in baptism into His body. There- fore, the person of Solomon is no longer just repesenting the resurrected Christ but all of those who have been or will be resurrected with him. This is the absolute key to understanding why the Torah gives us these details of Solomons fall into paganism, it is given as an ensample or example for us all. One would think if Solomon was going to turn to idols it would be in his youth but this story tell us on pur- pose “at the end of his days, when he was old” his heart turned. Everything in Yahwehs word is there for a reason and this reason is huge. This Prophetic foreshadow had to be placed in the story to show how “at the end of his kindgom age” the body of Solomon - the saved believers all over the world, many will turn to the temptations of the Nameless, evil one when he is released. When does the evil one get released? At the end of the kingdom age, when Solomon is old. The corporate body of Solomon will turn at the end when the Solomonic age is old. Paul wrote that “the saints shall judge the world.” John saw those who “reigned with Christ a thousand years.” These saints will rule in perfect conditions: perfect government under YAHSHUA, perfect environment with the curse lifted, perfect knowledge filling the earth, perfect prosperity, and no Satan—bound for a thousand years. Yet Revelation records what happens when the thousand years end: “Satan shall be loosed out of his pris- on, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth... the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.” After a thousand years of perfect conditions, count- less multitudes will rebel instantly! This will not be the 144,000 Remnant Bride of Christ government, the First Harvest, the First Fruits. This will be those who come to Christ and believe on him during His Solomonic millenni- al reign on earth. Those believers in fact become part o the body of Christ. (Not the Bride of Christ) But, the mind begs to know How? Solomon’s fall provides the answer. He had perfect wisdom, unprecedented prosperity, complete peace, YAHWEH’s presence, and no external enemies. Yet his heart turned away. The Lesson External blessing does not equal internal faithful- ness. Perfect conditions do not produce perfect hearts. Paradise does not guarantee transformation. The millennium will prove definitively that the hu- man problem is not bad government—YAHSHUA’s rule will be perfect. The problem is not poor environment—the curse will be lifted. The problem is not lack of knowl- edge—the earth will be full of it. The problem is not eco- nomic hardship—abundance will flow. The problem is not demonic influence—Satan will be bound. The problem is the unregenerate human heart. A heart that is saved but not transformed. Necessity of New Birth YAHSHUA told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.” Ezekiel prophesied, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new mind will I put (bring forth or reveal) from within you.” JSV Not reformed. Not educated. Not exposed to perfect conditions. BORN AGAIN. The millennium will demonstrate YAHSHUA’s per- fect rule, expose unregenerate hearts through the final rebellion, justify the final judgment, and vindicate the absolute requirement of new birth. Warning For Us Solomon’s fall warns us: Beware compromise—small leads to large. Beware prosperity—it is easy to forget YAH- WEH when everything goes well. Beware thinking your safe because you’ve heard this message for many years— ”when Solomon was old” his heart turned. Beware exter- nal religion—he built the temple yet lost his heart. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” CHAPTER NINE The Melchizedek Order Revealed “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” — Psalm 110:4 The Mysterious Melchizedek Genesis introduces one of Scripture’s most enig- matic figures: “Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed Abram.” This Melchizedek was simultaneously king of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the Most High God—both offices united in one person. Hebrews adds that he was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.” No genealogy. No beginning or end. The pattern for an eternal priesthood uniting kingship and priesthood in one person. David’s Melchizedek Priesthood YAHWEH declared through David himself: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” But David was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. He was not eligible for the Levitical priesthood. Yet YAHWEH de- clared him a priest—of the Melchizedek order. How did David function in this priesthood? He conquered Jerusalem—like Melchizedek who ruled Salem. He brought the Ark to Jerusalem, leading worship, offer- ing sacrifices, and blessing the people. He organized the Levites and exercised authority over the priesthood. He prepared for the temple and received its blueprints from YAHWEH’s hand. David was not usurping the Levitical priesthood—he was operating in a higher priesthood. Solomon’s Melchizedek Priesthood Solomon exercised the same authority. He removed Abiathar and elevated Zadok—not as a Levite making priestly decisions but as a king-priest of the Melchizedek order exercising authority over the priesthood. He built the temple—only a priest could build YAHWEH’s house. He blessed the people after the temple dedication, just as Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Believers as Melchizedek Priests Hebrews declares that YAHSHUA is “priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” and that “the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” YAHSHUA came from Judah, not Levi. Under the Levitical system, He could not be priest. But He IS priest—of the Melchizedek order! And believers share this priesthood: “Hath made us kings and priests unto God.” “Hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” “Ye are a royal priesthood.” Not just priests—ROYAL priests. King-priests. Melchizedek priests! The Three-Kingdom Priesthood Pattern David’s Kingdom (NOW): David functioned as Melchizedek priest in warfare. Levites served under him. Believers are being prepared as Melchizedek priests, exer- cising spiritual priesthood now, being tested like Zadok. Solomon’s Kingdom (MILLENNIUM): Solo- mon functioned as Melchizedek priest in peace. Zadok’s line served under him. Believers will reign as king-priests for a thousand years. Eternal Kingdom (FOREVER): YAHSHUA reigns as eternal Melchizedek priest-king. All redeemed function as royal priests forever. The distinction between king and priest fully merged for eternity. The Melchizedek Mysteries This order contains several mysteries: Not based on genealogy. Levitical priests had to prove descent. Melchizedek priests are appointed by YAHWEH. Superior to Levitical. Abraham—and therefore Levi still in his loins—gave tithes to Melchizedek. The lesser is blessed by the greater. Eternal. Levitical priests died and were replaced. Melchizedek “abideth continually.” YAHSHUA lives for- ever; His priesthood never ends. Unites King and Priest. Under the Levitical sys- tem, kings could not be priests—Uzziah was struck with leprosy for trying. Melchizedek combines both offices. YAHSHUA is King AND Priest. We are kings AND priests. Requires Faithfulness. Zadok was elevated for faithfulness. Abiathar was removed for compromise. Melchizedek priesthood is earned through proven loyalty. From Zadokites to Melchizedekites The progression is beautiful: In David’s time, Zadok served as a Levite under a Melchizedek king. In Solomon’s time, Zadok became sole high priest under a Melchizedek king. In the millennium, the “sons of Zadok” will serve under YAHSHUA, the ultimate Melchizedek priest-king. In eternity, all of the manifested Son of Yah- weh will function as Melchizedek king-priests forever. The Zadok priest under David become the Melchi-ZADOK kings under Solomon. Notice that Zadok serves both comings of Christ, both David and Solomon. Under the David ministry, ZADOK - John the Baptist baptized Christ/David. Under the Solomon ministry those faithful Zadokites under the first coming of Christ are granted eternal status as Melchi_ZADOKITES. This parable or foreshadow would not be perfect if Zadok did not serve under both kings or bother ministries of Christ. Do you see it? Those who serve faithfully under David will rule eternally under Solomon. Faithful Zadokites become eternal Melchize- dekites! Personal Challenge Are you living as a royal priest NOW? Peter called believers a “royal priesthood”—that is Melchizedek lan- guage! Are you offering spiritual sacrifices? Proclaiming His praises? Interceding as a priest? Preparing to reign as a king? The Melchizedek order is not just future—it is NOW. Zadok’s faithfulness in warfare led to prominence in peace. Your faithfulness NOW leads to rulership THEN. Priesthood is changing. Are you? Zadokites became Melchizedekites. Will you? CHAPTER TEN The Greater Than Solomon “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solo- mon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” — Matthew 12:42 The Infinite Contrasts YAHSHUA declared Himself not equal to Solomon, not similar to Solomon, but GREATER than Solomon. The contrasts are infinite: Solomon’s wisdom was GIVEN; YAHSH- UA IS wisdom. YAHWEH gave Solomon wisdom. But YAHSHUA is “the wisdom of God”—in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Solomon’s peace FAILED; YAHSHUA’s is ETERNAL. Solomon’s kingdom ended in division and civil war. Of YAHSHUA’s government “there shall be no end.” Solomon FELL; YAHSHUA CANNOT fall. Solomon drifted into idolatry and spiritual bankruptcy. YAHSHUA has “an unchangeable priesthood” and “ever liveth.” Solomon received 666; YAHSHUA receives 7. Solomon received the fullness of human acknowledg- ment. YAHSHUA receives the fullness of divine wor- ship—”Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power... for ever and ever.” Solomon was TEMPORARY; YAHSHUA is FOREVER. Solomon reigned forty years, one genera- tion. YAHSHUA’s dominion is “an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.” The Eternal SHALOM Beyond the millennium stretches eternity. After the thousand years, after the final rebellion, after the last judgment, the eternal state begins. After the body of Christ gained in the Millenium falls and suffers the wrath of judgment and are restored. John saw “a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” He saw “the holy city, new Jeru- salem, coming down from God out of heaven.” He heard the declaration: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the for- mer things are passed away.” This is SHALOM in its fullest, eternal expression. Solomon’s reign was a shadow; the millennium is sub- stantial; eternity is ultimate. What Solomon’s Reign Teaches The necessity of heart transformation. Solo- mon’s fall proves that external blessing plus perfect con- ditions does not equal automatic faithfulness. We must be born again—regeneration, not reformation. The insufficiency of external religion. Solo- mon built the temple, offered sacrifices, followed rituals— and his heart still drifted. Is your faith genuine or merely cultural? The importance of vigilance. Solomon started well and finished poorly. “Let him that thinketh he stan- deth take heed.” Early faithfulness does not guarantee fi- nal faithfulness. Stay vigilant, guard your heart, maintain your first love. You are being prepared NOW. Remember the cedars of Lebanon? Your trials, refining, and shaping are preparation. Are you yielding to the Master Builder or resisting Him? Steward resources eternally. Solomon’s wealth served the kingdom until it became an idol. YAHWEH is not against prosperity—He is against prosperity turning your heart from Him. The Call “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Pray for YAHSHUA’s return. Pray for the kingdom’s establishment. Pray for the day of SHALOM. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” Watch. Pray. Prepare. “Maranatha”—Our Lord, come! The Final Word David fought the battles and gathered the materials. Sol- omon built the temple and reigned in peace. Both pointed to YAHSHUA—the Greater Than Solomon. He will reign in perfect wisdom, unlimited power, and eternal SHALOM. The question for you: Are you being gathered as His cedar? Are you being shaped as His vessel? Are you being prepared for kingdom service? David prepared. Solomon built. YAHSHUA will reign forever. And you—if truly His—will reign with Him. The golden shadow of King Solomon has revealed the coming glory of the true King. Now your answer: Will you be ready when He comes? Even so, come, YAHSHUA. FOR FURTHER STUDY HisComingKingdom.com TheTruthTv.tv First Harvest Ministries International