1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.
2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.
3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.
4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,
5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.
8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
9 Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”
10 And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 (Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones.
12 The king used the almugwood to make supports for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almugwood has never been imported or seen since that day.)
13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.

Reflection

The Testimony of Our Lives (10:1–9)
Our success can become a testimony of God’s grace, especially to non-believers. The queen of Sheba, hearing about the wisdom of Solomon and his relationship with God, came to see if things were really as the reports described. When the queen speaks with Solomon and asks him her questions, then sees his works as well as how he treats his servants and honors God, it makes a lasting impression on her. Solomon’s success and character created new opportunities and friendships with distant nations, as well as praise for God from non-believers. When we practice what we have learned from God in our vocations and relationships, this becomes a testimony that touches others.

- How have you seen God’s grace manifested in a person’s life? How do your works and relationships reflect God’s character?

The Testimony of Our Generosity (10:10–13)
The queen of Sheba found Solomon’s words edifying, his character impressive, and the love of his God winsome. She had brought many precious gifts for Solomon as a show of goodwill and respect. It would have been enough for Solomon to reciprocate with a similar number of gifts but we see in this passage that he gave the queen far more than she had given him. This further shows Solomon’s wisdom in that his vast wealth holds no sway over his heart, which frees him to display God’s abundance to others as well as he can. We may not have much but there are many other ways we can display God’s generosity. Let us be eager to do so when the occasion presents itself.

- When you think of God’s generosity, what story or passage from Scripture comes to mind? What are some ways you can show God’s generosity in your life? 

A letter to God 

Dear God, equip Your people with Your wisdom that we may reflect Your goodness in this broken world. Show me ways and opportunities to display Your generosity toward those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

All Copyrights of the text in Living Life belong to Duranno Books.