What can we learn from the Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon's wisdom? Setting the scene • 1 Kings 10:4: “When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built…” • A foreign monarch travels nearly 1,500 miles because rumors of Solomon’s wisdom have reached her royal court (1 Kings 10:1). • She arrives with “a very large retinue” (v. 2)—treasures in tow—expecting greatness, yet what she witnesses exceeds every report. The Queen’s breathtaking discovery (1 Kings 10:4–5) • She observes more than clever answers; she sees wisdom fleshed out in architecture, administration, worship, and daily life. • Verse 5 notes her reaction: “she was overwhelmed” (literally, “there was no more spirit in her”). • Her amazement turns to confession (v. 6) and then to doxology: “Blessed be the LORD your God” (v. 9). Lessons on seeking true wisdom 1. A diligent pursuit • She “came to test him with hard questions” (v. 1). Rather than dismiss rumors, she investigates personally—an example of Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge.” 2. The value of firsthand experience • Second-hand reports only whet her appetite; seeing makes the difference (vv. 6–7). Like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11), she refuses to rest until truth is verified. 3. Costly commitment • Her caravan of spices, gold, and precious stones (v. 2) shows that genuine seekers are willing to invest resources to gain wisdom (Proverbs 4:7). Responding with humble praise • Her royal status does not prevent her from acknowledging a higher throne (v. 9). • Humility is the hallmark of wisdom’s true encounter (James 3:13). • Compare with Luke 5:8, where Peter, struck by Christ’s power, confesses, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Both reactions spring from awe before divine wisdom. Recognizing the Source of wisdom • She traces Solomon’s brilliance back to God: “Because of the LORD’s everlasting love for Israel, He has made you king” (v. 9). • Solomon himself affirms this link: “The LORD gives wisdom” (Proverbs 2:6). • New Testament echo: “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The ripple effect of godly excellence • Solomon’s ordered kingdom becomes a witness to the nations (1 Kings 4:34). • Quality and beauty in our work can likewise point observers to God (Matthew 5:16). • A life shaped by divine wisdom is evangelistic without a word. Bringing it home today • Approach Scripture with the queen’s earnest curiosity; ask hard questions and expect rich answers (Jeremiah 33:3). • Invest time, energy, and resources into knowing God’s wisdom—He promises generous supply to those who ask (James 1:5). • Let every sphere of life—home, workplace, church—display excellence that lifts eyes heavenward. • When God’s wisdom leaves people breathless, be quick, like the queen, to redirect admiration to Him alone. |
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