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SOLOMON AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

2 Chron. 9:1-31

“Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne… Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.” (8)

First, the queen of Sheba praised the Lord (1-12). The queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon to hear his wisdom and to see the glory of his kingdom. She tested him with many hard questions but he answered them all with ease. She was amazed at his wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom. What she saw far exceeded the reports she had heard. Usually, people exaggerate stories. Then when others check out the reality, they are disappointed when they find out the truth doesn’t measure up to what they had heard. But in the case of Solomon, it was exactly the opposite. His wisdom and his kingdom far exceeded the rumors and reports. The queen of Sheba praised the Lord, the God of Israel. She gave glory to God who made Solomon king to rule over God’s people. Later, Jesus said that the queen of the South will rise at the judgment to condemn the generation that didn’t acknowledge Jesus because someone greater than Solomon had come and they refused to listen.

Here, I learn the attitude of the Queen of Sheba. She was a good Bible student. She humbly came seeking the truth and rejoiced when she found the treasure of God’s wisdom. Solomon was her Bible teacher. Even though she was a queen, she was humble in heart and full of learning mind. This is the way I must approach God’s word. Lord, help me to have a humble learning mind like the queen of Sheba. Help me to see the treasures of your word and rejoice when I find them.

Second, the splendor of Solomon (13-31). God blessed Solomon so much that he made gold shields and a gold throne with twelve lions on the steps. All of his household articles were of gold. There was no king like Solomon. Even the kings of the earth sought audience with him to hear his wisdom and they gave him precious gifts. His kingdom extended from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt.

Solomon’s kingdom is a shadow of the kingdom of God where Jesus will be King and will rule with wisdom and power and majesty. Solomon’s kingdom is just a small foreshadow of the majestic glory we will see in heaven.

Lord, thank you that you bless those who seek you wholeheartedly. Help us to come to Jesus who gives wisdom of salvation to all who seek Him. Thank you that your kingdom will be heavenly and far more glorious than that of Solomon. May your kingdom come.

One Word: Come and listen to Jesus!