Daily Devotional | We Have Visitors!

In today’s world, fame spreads at the speed of light. One viral video can bring a person instant fame. News is pushed to us as it happens. But in Solomon’s day, it took 20 years for Solomon’s reputation to catch the attention of the queen of Sheba!

When the news reached her, she decided to journey to Jerusalem to see Solomon’s kingdom for herself (v. 2). She came with “hard questions” (v. 1), paying careful attention to the food, his servants, their clothes, even what he offered to God.

When she saw it, the text tells us, “She was overwhelmed” (v. 5). Yet, the writer is careful to note that Solomon possessed his wisdom and wealth only because God had established him (vv. 9–10). Why include an account of this visit? The writer wants us to note that everything the Lord promised Solomon at Gibeon had come true (1 Kings 3:11–14).

You will recall that God promised He would give Solomon what he asked for, wisdom. But He would also give him things he hadn’t asked for, but which kings often desired. He gave him wealth, prosperity, peace, success, etc. The rest of chapter 10 highlights that God was true to His word. Solomon had received everything he ever wanted and then some!

Wealth flowed into the nation as ships returned from trading visits, spreading wealth to the point that “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth” (v. 23)! Even rulers of other nations had to acknowledge the greatness of Solomon, “the whole world sought audience with Solomon” (v. 24). This was a golden age in Israel and this visit was a testimony to the blessing of the Lord on a faithful ruler.

>> How has the Lord blessed you? Everything we have is from Him! Consider how you can share the blessings God has given you with those around you. Even better, how can you use your resources to further the work of the gospel?

Pray with Us

Whether materially wealthy or poor, we all have reason to praise Your name for Your blessings! Thank You for keeping us fed, sheltered, and clothed. Thank You for being our Father, our Savior, and our Friend.

BY Dr. Steven H. Sanchez

Dr. Steven H. Sanchez is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. His specific areas of study include the Israelite monarchy, the Pentateuch, the Second Temple period, and biblical archeology. Steven earned his BA from Columbia University (New York), and his ThM and PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was one of 30 faculty contributors to The Moody Bible Commentary.