1 Kings 10
-We observe the visit of the Queen of Sheba in this passage
of 1 Kings. She had heard about Solomon’s fame concerning the Name of the LORD
and came with an inquisitive heart to learn and understand more (1 Kings 10:1).
Solomon answered all of her questions, and the LORD revealed all to him as he
spoke wisdom to her (1 Kings 10:3). The queen perceived his greatness and
observed all the abundance with which the LORD had blessed Israel (1 Kings
10:4-6). The reports she heard gave her great expectation, but when she
realized the facts there was only half told to her about the wisdom and riches
of this kingdom. She blessed the LORD and Israel His people giving gifts to the
king of gold, plentiful spices (which had never been exceeded), precious
stones, and almug trees (which were used in the house of the LORD and the
king’s house, 1 Kings 10:7-13).
-Gold and many material goods poured into the land from all
over the earth during the time of Solomon as the LORD blessed all that was
going on. Solomon had an extravagant throne built superior to any other kingdom
(1 Kings 10:20), and silver was considered as common as stones in Jerusalem (1
Kings 10:27a). Expensive wood was as plentiful as the common-native kind of
wood (1 Kings 10:27b). He gathered chariots and multiplied horses (1 Kings
10:26), which went against what God had commanded (Deuteronomy 17:16). This
begins a turning from the ways of God, which would soon lead to a weak finish
in his reign as king (1 Kings 11:4).
-*Application* It is true that the hardest thing to deal
with in life is prosperity. As much as we want the riches and pleasures of this
world, we can see in this instance (and many others if we care to seek it out)
that luxury was the beginning of the demise of character, fame, and fortune.
The Word says, “But let the brother of
humble circumstances glory in his high position; and let the rich man glory in
his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun
rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off,
and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst
of his pursuits will fade away (James
1:9-11).” If the LORD has blessed you with much, it is important to realize that
the hope that you have is in the realm of being generous with your wealth, not hording
it or wasting it on your own pleasures. God is a giver, and He created us to share.
We will be blessed and finish strong if we use what God has blessed us with as good
stewards rather than selfish misers in our own personal kingdom.
Verse to Memorize: 1 Kings
10:23
No comments:
Post a Comment