What I Noticed Today (1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9)
1 Kings 10
The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon.
In verses 1-13, through his foreign trade, Solomon’s wisdom became known throughout the world, and the Queen of Sheba came to visit. The Queen recognized the Lord’s blessing on Solomon and his reign, as a sign of the Lord’s love for Israel.
Note: Sheba is modern Yemen and is about 1,200 miles from Jerusalem.
- The queen admitted that Solomon’s wisdom and wealth were even greater than she had heard. Although the Queen was a pagan, she gave credit for this to Yahweh.
- She gave Solomon 4-1/2 tons of gold (120 talents), spices, and precious stones.
- Solomon gave the queen whatever she desired, and she returned home.
In verses 14-29, Solomon had enormous wealth flowing into the country from all his foreign trade. 25 tons of gold came to him every year through his trade with other nations.
- People from all over the world came bearing gifts to hear the wisdom of Solomon.
- Among other things, Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen and stationed them in the chariot cities.
Note: The accumulation of horses was contrary to the admonition ins Deuteronomy 17:16 not to do so.
1 Kings 11
1 Kings 11 marks Solomon’s stark turn away from the Lord.
In verses 1-13, Solomon loved the ladies. He didn’t care where they came from or what gods they worshiped.
Note: Deuteronomy 17:17 warned kings not to accumulate wives. Additionally, Deuteronomy 7:3-4 warned the Israelites not to intermarry with women who worshiped foreign Gods.
- Solomon ignored both of these commands from God by accumulating 700 wives and princesses, and 300 concubines, many of whom worshiped foreign gods.
- To keep them happy, he allowed them to worship their foreign gods, and eventually, he even helped build altars to those gods.
- God called Solomon to account for turning away from Him and told him judgment would come in the form of having all of his kingdom except for one tribe stripped away.
In verses 14-40, God raised up enemies against Solomon.
- God began to raise up adversaries against Solomon (Hadad vv. 14-22, Rezon vv. 23-25, and Jeroboam 26-39).
- Ahijah, the prophet met Jeroboam and told him the Lord would strip away ten tribes from Solomon and give them to Jeroboam if Jeroboam would keep the Lord’s commands and statutes.
- Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam, so Jeroboam fled to Shishak king of Egypt and stayed there until Solomon’s death.
In verses 41-43, Solomon reigned over Israel 40 years. He died and was buried in Jerusalem and his son; Rehoboam became king.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Interestingly, Solomon began so fully alive for God and for the privilege of leading His people that all Solomon asked of God was wisdom. But once wealth and power became his, he began to fall away. He turned away from God for riches and wives. Even in the midst of God’s rebuke, we do not see Solomon repenting of his sin or taking any action to restore his relationship with the Lord.
- God’s blessings come out of God’s grace, but they can only be retained and enjoyed by obedience!
2 Chronicles 9
2 Chronicles 9 recounts the visit from the Queen of Sheba.
In verses 1-12, the Queen of Sheba had heard about Solomon’s wisdom and the wealth in the kingdom, and she wanted to see and hear for herself.
Note: Solomon’s wisdom is referenced six times in this passage.
- Having seen all Solomon’s palace and the Lord’s temple, Sheba concluded his success was a sign that the Lord loved Israel and He had made Solomon king to reign over the people.
- Sheba gave Solomon 4-1/2 tons of gold, rare spices, and precious stones. Solomon reciprocated by giving her more than she had given him.
In verses 13-28, the latter part of the chapter details the wealth of Solomon’s kingdom:
- All the shields, implements drinking cups, and other items made of pure gold are listed (this passage mentions gold 16 times).
- Kings from all over the world came to Solomon to hear his wisdom and bring him gifts.
- Solomon had 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots and 12,000 horsemen. He stationed them in chariot cities throughout Israel and with him in Jerusalem.
Note: Solomon’s accumulation of horses and chariots was a violation of Deuteronomy 17:16-17.
In verses 29-31, Solomon reigned over Israel from Jerusalem for 40 years. After he had died his son, Rehoboam reigned in his place.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Solomon was very careful to observe the statutes given by God in his prayers and by observing the daily sacrifices, yet he married an Egyptian woman, which as we shall see, ultimately led to Solomon participating in idolatrous ceremonies himself. God had warned Solomon what would happen if he turned away, yet Solomon brought the idolatry into the country himself.
- How we need to be careful as we accept God’s blessings that we follow Him faithfully in all aspects of our lives.
