NOVEMBER 17, 2025 – WISDOM AND GOLD

READ: 1 Kin. 9:26–10:29: … when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built … there was no more spirit in her … Happy are your men … who … hear your wisdom! …

King Solomon asked the LORD only for wisdom, but God gave him not only wisdom in abundance, but also great wealth and honor. This the LORD had promised him in answer to his prayer at Gibeon (1 Kin. 3:11-14).

Now that Solomon’s reign prospers in dependence upon the LORD, the promised wealth and honor also come. After the gold from Hiram (9:14), a great influx of gold arrives from Ophir in Arabia, for which he builds a fleet of ships (9:26).

Then comes a remarkable visit by the queen of distant Sheba in Arabia. The reason for her journey is the widespread report that King Solomon has received surpassing wisdom from the God of Israel.

The queen decides to travel personally to test Solomon with a number of difficult riddles. She arrives with a very large caravan carrying great quantities of precious goods.

A lengthy conversation takes place between her and King Solomon. In all things Solomon exceeds her expectations. She is deeply impressed not only by his wisdom but also by the splendor and majesty of the royal palace and his attendants.

She even praises the God of Solomon, who has set him on the throne and through him brings forth justice and righteousness. She gives Solomon many gifts, including an immense quantity of spices. Solomon in turn also gives her gifts.

From verse 14 onward we read of Solomon’s overwhelming wealth: gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. Solomon is now richer and more renowned than all the kings of the earth.

Visitors come from every direction to hear the wisdom God has placed in his heart (v.24). Yet from 10:26 onward we read something troubling: the possession of 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen (cf. Deut. 17:16-17; Ps. 20:8; 33:17; 147:10).

 Is wealth for a believer a blessing from the LORD?
Sing: Ps. 72:8