Category: Kings
Scriptures:
1 Kings 10:1-10:13
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1 Kings 10:1-10:13
1 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning Yahweh’s name, she came to test him with hard questions.
2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart.
3 Solomon answered all her questions. There was not anything hidden from the king which he didn’t tell her.
4 When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
5 the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to Yahweh’s house; there was no more spirit in her.
6 She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom.
7 However I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.
8 Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom.
9 Blessed is Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
10 She gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was there such an abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
11 The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir, also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious stones.
12 The king made of the almug trees pillars for Yahweh’s house, and for the king’s house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers; no such almug trees came or were seen, to this day.
13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, besides that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own land, she and her servants.
Commentary
We can learn some important lessons from the encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, such as:
1. Pursue wisdom and pursue Jesus Christ. A bride and groom say “I do” on the wedding day, but to cultivate a growing, fulfilling relationship, they continue to engage one another in conversation, date nights, etc. Similarly, believers must devote their hearts and soul to seeking the Lord, His wisdom, and guidance (1 Chronicles 22:19).
2. Seek wisdom in the counsel of wise counselors. Queen of Sheba traveled far to ask well-thought-out, even complex, questions of a king known for possessing God’s wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).
3. Live in such a way that God’s goodness is evident. We are ambassadors of Christ, and like King Solomon, our relationship with God is displayed (2 Corinthians 5:20).
4. Our obedience affects those around us. “How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” (2 Chronicles 9:7)
5. There’s an eternal difference between knowing about God and knowing God. In 2 Chronicles 9:8, the Queen of Sheba praises God for delighting in King Solomon and placing him on the throne as King, but in context, there is no evidence of her allegiance to his God. It was most likely a polite gesture, recognizing the king’s God.