2 Chronicles 9:1-31
Q.1. What was it about Solomon that impressed the Queen of Sheba? How did she respond to the God of Israel? – (2 Chr.9:1-12)
The Temple precinct and magnificent adornment and music of the priests would have been amazing. However, the Queen of Sheba was a seeker. She had come – to test Solomon with difficult questions … and – she spoke with him about all that was in her heart (2 Chr.9:1). What impacted the Queen, was his wisdom – Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from Solomon which he did not explain to her (2 Chr.9:2). This amazed her, and she declared – I did not believe their reports until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You surpass the report that I heard (2 Chr.9:6). In the end, she praised the God of Solomon and of Israel – Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king, for the Lord your God; because your God loved Israel establishing them forever … (2 Chr.9:8). I am certain that this queen returned to Ethiopia a changed woman, with regard to her thoughts about God.
Q.2. How did Solomon get all his wealth? How did his wisdom and wealth reflect on God? – (2 Chr.9:10-24 c.f. 2 Chr.1:10-12)
Solomon had a joint venture with the sea-faring nation of Tyre, under King Hiram. Every three years they sailed the globe and returned with the untold wealth of nations. Along with the Queen of Sheba, other kings travelled to seek the presence of Solomon – 22 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And all the kings of the earth were seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart. 24 They brought every man his gift, articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year (2 Chr.9:22-24). They would have heard about the temple and its worship, his palaces, the botanical and zoological gardens. However, mostly, they had heard about Solomon’s wisdom, and had to observe it for themselves. The grandeur of it all was a reflection of the glory of God. However, sadly, Solomon’s disregard for the principles that had made him great would catch up with him.
Q.3. In what way was the wisdom of Solomon limited? – (2 Chr.9:22-30 c.f. Dt.17:16-19; 1 Cor.1:19-21; 1 Cor.2:4-8)
None were greater than Solomon in his day. However, he violated the Word of God that he had written in his own hand-writing – 17 He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself. 18 “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up … (Dt.17:17-20). It is a warning to us all, that knowing the truth is not the same as practicing the truth … we all fail at many points and need God’s grace (Jms.2:10; 1:22). Of all born until the coming of Jesus, there was none greater than John the Baptizer – not Solomon. God declared – 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Cor.1:19-21 c.f. 2:4-8).