Read: 1
Kings 10
1 Kings 10 shows Solomon at the pinnacle of his
majesty. First we read of the Queen of Sheba visiting King Solomon. The Queen
has heard of Solomon’s fame and knows that it is somehow connected to his God
(v 1). She intends to question him and determine if his reputation is accurate.
After hearing Solomon’s wise answers to her questions and seeing his house,
servants, and other material
accomplishments, and observing his devoutness, the queen’s inquisitive mind is
satisfied. Beyond mere satisfaction, the queen is actually amazed at what she
sees. She responds by declaring the blessings of Solomon, his people and his
God. In parting, she gives Solomon a lavish gift of gold and spices. This
fulfilled David’s prophetic psalm concerning Solomon (Ps 72:15). Solomon
responded with gifts of his own, solidifying a relationship between the two
monarchs (v 13).
The rest of chapter 10 consists of a description of
Solomon’s many riches. He grows these riches through trade and tariffs as
Israel is at a strategic position where many trading routes meet (v 15).He is a
partner with Hiram’s Tarshish fleet (v 22), received much in gifts (v 24), and
traded with Egypt (v 28-29). Solomon personally enjoys some of his riches. For
example, he builds a lavish throne and surrounds himself with gold shields and
drinking glasses. We must take this description of Solomon in the context of
the entire Bible. In 1 Kings 3 Solomon did not ask God for riches, but for a
wise and understanding heart. Further, Solomon also wrote the Book of
Ecclesiastes, a central theme in which is the folly of setting our hearts on
worldly riches. While we must study this description of Solomon and acknowledge
his majesty, we should not believe that this is the standard set out for all
people. Money and material possessions are not evil in and of themselves.
However, we must always set the truth in our minds that loving money before God
is the root of many evils (1 Timothy 6:10).
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. What does it say about
worldly riches? Ask God to search your heart in this area. Confess as
necessary.
2. Pray for our government today. Pray that how
they govern would lead people to worship God, just as Solomon’s governance led
the Queen of Sheba to exalt God. Pray that our national, provincial and local
leaders would stand firm for godly morality. Pray that they would experience
God, learn about his heart for people, and boldly enact His wishes.
