he queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon. (1-13) Solomon's
wealth. (14-29)
Verses 1-13: The queen of Sheba came to Solomon to hear his wisdom,
thereby to improve her own. Our Saviour mentions her inquiries
after God, by Solomon, as showing the stupidity of those who
inquire not after God, by our Lord Jesus Christ. By waiting and
prayer, by diligently searching the Scriptures, by consulting
wise and experienced Christians, and by practising what we have
learned, we shall be delivered from difficulties. Solomon's
wisdom made more impression upon the queen of Sheba than all his
prosperity and grandeur. There is a spiritual excellence in
heavenly things, and in consistent Christians, to which no
reports can do justice. Here the truth exceeded; and all who,
through grace, are brought to commune with God, will say the one
half was not told them of the pleasures and the advantages of
wisdom's ways. Glorified saints, much more, will say of heaven,
that the thousandth part was not told them, (1Co 2:9). She
pronounced them happy that constantly attended Solomon. With
much more reason may we say of Christ's servants, Blessed are
they that dwell in his house; they will be still praising him.
She made a noble present to Solomon. What we present to Christ,
he needs not, but will have us do so to express our gratitude.
The believer who has been with Jesus, will return to his
station, discharge his duties with readiness, and from better
motives; looking forward to the day when, being absent from the
body, he shall be present with the Lord.
Verses 14-29: Solomon increased his wealth. Silver was nothing
accounted of. Such is the nature of worldly wealth, plenty of it
makes it the less valuable; much more should the enjoyment of
spiritual riches lessen our esteem of all earthly possessions.
If gold in abundance makes silver to be despised, shall not
wisdom, and grace, and the foretastes of heaven, which are far
better than gold, make gold to be lightly esteemed? See in
Solomon's greatness the performance of God's promise, and let it
encourage us to seek first the righteousness of God's kingdom.
This was he, who, having tasted all earthly enjoyments, wrote a
book, to show the vanity of all worldly things, the vexation of
spirit that attends them, and the folly of setting our hearts
upon them: and to recommend serious godliness, as that which
will do unspeakably more to make us happy, that all the wealth
and power he was master of; and, through the grace of God, it is
within our reach.
he queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon. (1-13) Solomon's
wealth. (14-29)