1 Kings 10:1-29
10:1 Stories of the blessings God provided to Solomon and His people began to pique the interest of the nations around them. As we read about ancient kings and queens and divine wisdom, it can be easy to believe this an antiquated circumstance. But our faith transcends our individual sphere of life. The people are us are on the same journey on earth; for them to witness someone just like them prospering in a way they cannot fathom, it quietly leads them toward the Lord. Toward their own personal relationship with Him.
The Queen of Sheba hears of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord. She hears about what the Lord is doing and it all sounds amazing, but she doubts that it is true. But the Queen of Sheba is so intrigued by Solomon and his God that she travels to meet him. Her plan is to test Solomon's wisdom with difficult questions, thinking that she will reveal him as a charlatan.
10:2 She arrives in Jerusalem with her council of people as well as camels, spices, gold, precious stones and her questions for Solomon. She speaks all that is in her heart to Solomon. While we are not privy to the specifics of her questions, they were likely important and very personal to her. Perhaps she had a broken spirit or felt lost in a tumultuous sea. Perhaps even though Solomon's God seemed too good to be true, she needed Him badly enough to make this massive journey.
10:3 So the queen asks her questions and Solomon's earnest answers convince her of his truly God-given wisdom. As God's faithful children, we are often instruments through which His compassion can read another soul. God prepared Solomon for the queen's questions; God provided answers that would provide her rest, answers that would calm her ceaseless sea of chaos.
And are we not just like this? Do we not become overwhelmed by all that is expected of us by the world, all that is required to survive in it? Questions of the heart are often deep and complex and revolve around the emotions that punch into us while we are here. God is the only one with the empathy and wisdom to counsel us.
No matter what she asked, Solomon answered and answered wisely. Her answers satisfied her but more importantly, they likely brought her peace. This is a reminder to us that no matter how intricate or impossible our problem, God easily and swiftly untangles it. With an expert and deft hand, God frees us from the snare of darkness.
10:4-5 The queen continues to observe this kingdom established by God. She finds beauty and abundance and her spirit of doubt disintegrates into nothing. It is clear to her that divine intervention has blessed this people.
10:6-7 The queen admits her initial suspicion. She tells Solomon that she did not believe all that was told to her about him and his kingdom. She also admits that now that she has seen it, she can no longer deny its truth. It's interesting, we often cannot adequately explain God, but in the midst of all His blessings, He's impossible to deny.
As she experiences the wonder of God, she reveals that what she sees and feels exceeds the descriptions she heard.
10:8 Perhaps what is most marvelous to the queen is how happiness abounds. Every person, from king to servant, is filled with joy. Remarkable is the source which can animate so many people with His love.
10:9 The queen declares her own wonder for God. It is apparent to her that God loves His people and fiercely provides for them. In her discussion with Solomon, he likely started by telling her the promises God made: this is what he said He would do, this is what He has done. As you walk around, you will see that He has been loyal to each specific detail.
God makes a lot of promises throughout scripture (and to each individual through prayer) and none of those promises are empty. Stalwart faith connects a person to the manifestation of those promises. God fully intents to provide and sustain this miraculous joy and prosperity we are reading about. He doesn't just have good intentions; He follows through. He is able. Willing. It gives Him joy to take care of His children, Luke 12:32.
10:10-13 It is beautiful that God is able to transform this queen's doubting and broken heart into one filled with wonder. The queen presents her gifts to this people of Israel, to their God: gold, spices, and precious stones in abundance. God's revelations of truth to her inspired generosity: this God worth giving my best to. And Solomon provides an abundance of gifts to her nation.
Our comfort in God teaches us that we do not have to horde or hide provisions to survive or even thrive; He is generous in abundance with each of us so that we are comfortable living in such a manner: living generosity. Because the supply never empties. It is easy to hand over large quantities of gold, rare spices, and precious stones. It is easy to give our livelihood away because we know that God constantly replenishes.
10:14-23 The great wealth of Solomon's kingdom is described: everything is covered in gold. This should be symbolically inspiring. God's love permeates our lives, covering every aspect.
10:24-25 People continue to travel to Solomon with their awe and questions. Each time they do, Solomon responds with the wisdom God had put into his heart. It is God's plan to reach each of his children through Solomon, through us, through His children, He provides what they are looking for if they are willing to seek.
10:26-27 The wealth of this land is tremendous: silver as common as stones! The land is fertile, cedar trees and sycamores covering the region. Strong, massive trees which thrive throughout the seasons. When we create a space for God, He transforms that place for us.
10:28-29 Solomon began importing horses from Egypt. In doing this, he began to acquire wealth outside of the ways God instructed. Perhaps the wealth thrilled him and his desire grew too large, by trading with Egypt, Solomon breaks a law given in Deuteronomy 17:16. They are not supposed to trade with Egypt, the country which enslaved them.
The message here is that God does not want us to regress. Once He has removed us from a situation, we should not return to it. We cannot profit from doing so. God brought strategic upheaval to that land because of their corruption; Israel are not supposed to mine from corruption. Everything God provides is provision given to keep us from relying on, or falling back to that which is bad for us.
