1 Kings 10

A note on godly wisdom and knowledge to get us started:

Pastor James white and a pastor from a Presbyterian church on whether Presbyterians should become affirming or not affirming. Dr. Kirk says that they should be affirming when it comes to homosexuality. Dr J.R. Daniel Kirk of Fuller Theological Seminary.

The argument was that we have learned already learned past Paul a first century Jew. We also need to learn to recognize that Jesus was a first century Jew as well so we should not be limited by the categories in which he thought either. That to open up the door for the Holy Spirit to lead the church to recognize that the there are certain things in the scripture that we no longer need to be concerned about. In a private conversation during the break of the debate so you don’t believe in the Nicene orthodox understanding of Jesus as being God and he just scoffed and said “you don’t think the apostles thought that Jesus was God do you?”

Full Expository Sermon on 1 Kings 10 (NKJV)

1. The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13)

Verses 1-2:

1 Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.

Context and Commentary Integration: The Queen of Sheba likely hailed from the Sabean kingdom of Yemen, known as a land of great wealth and trade. Yemen extended to the shores of the Indian Ocean and was considered "the uttermost parts of the earth," aligning with Christ’s reference in Matthew 12:42.

Jesus has called this generation of Israelites evil and spiritually adulterous. They have failed to repent despite His preaching about the kingdom of heaven and despite all the displays of power they have seen in Him.

Jesus has called this generation of Israelites evil and spiritually adulterous. They have failed to repent despite His preaching about the kingdom of heaven and despite all the displays of power they have seen in Him. Some believed Him to be the Messiah and repented in preparation for His kingdom; most Israelites did not believe or declare their faith in Him (Matthew 12:38–41). Jesus has refused to give them any immediate miraculous sign to prove Himself. However, He has predicted a supernatural event which they ought to recognize when it happens. As Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish for three days (Jonah 1:15–17; 2:10), Christ, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth for three days. At this time, Jesus did not elaborate, but He was describing His own death and miraculous resurrection (John 2:19–22). Part of the criticism Jesus levels against His peers is that even wicked, pagan nations like Nineveh were willing to repent when they heard a message from God. Even the king of the wicked city repented when Jonah finally came to preach about God's judgment. Jesus implies that when all men are eternally judged, in the end times, the people of Nineveh will have every right to condemn that generation of Israelites for their unbelief and unrepentance. The queen of the South is also known as the Queen of Sheba. She heard about the wisdom of Solomon and the splendor of Israel under his rule and traveled great distances to see it with her own eyes (1 Kings 10:1–29). Jesus now says that something greater than Solomon is here, meaning Himself as the Messiah. The Queen of Sheba traveled all the way to Israel to hear Solomon. In contrast, this generation of Israelites would not even receive the Messiah—far greater than any other king—when He appeared in person and performed miracles right in front of them (Matthew 12:9–13; 22)! Jesus has now declared Himself to be greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6), greater than the prophet Jonah (Matthew 12:41), and greater than King Solomon. His words and deeds proved this to be true, as did the prophecies of Scripture (John 5:39–40). Still, the Israelites of His day would not believe.

The story of the Queen of Sheba adds to the historical narrative connecting these regions. While the Bible places Sheba as a wealthy and influential kingdom, which many scholars associate with Yemen, Ethiopian tradition also claims that she ruled or had significant ties with Ethiopia. In Ethiopian tradition, she is often referred to as Makeda, and the story holds that she visited Solomon in Jerusalem and had a son, Menelik I, who would go on to become the first Emperor of Ethiopia.

The Queen heard of Solomon’s wisdom, particularly "concerning the name of the LORD," emphasizing that Solomon’s fame was intricately tied to God’s hand in his life. The queen's visit also underscores the value placed on intellectual challenges, as “hard questions” or riddles were esteemed as tests of wisdom in ancient Eastern culture.

Across the Scriptures, Christ embodies the ultimate wisdom of God, as seen in Jesus' teachings and actions. He is presented as the fulfillment of God’s wisdom, teaching us that true understanding comes through Him and a relationship with the Father.

True wisdom is found in God alone, and when we align our lives with His divine perspective, we discover clarity and direction that human wisdom cannot provide.

Proverbs 2 and Proverbs 3 says “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,” for biblical perspectives on wisdom, and how they contrast with worldly views. Additionally, use your Logos library to study the Greek term for wisdom (sophia) found in 1 Corinthians 1:24 and how Paul connects it to Christ, providing a deeper understanding of how God’s wisdom operates in contrast to human reasoning.

Last week we talked about how the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The cross of Christ, which challenges human notions of wisdom, demonstrates that God's ways, although counterintuitive to humans, are supreme and redemptive.

4. Pursue Peaceful Wisdom

James 3:13-18

Maybe this section can contrast heavenly wisdom with earthly wisdom, where the former is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy. You might conclude this point by encouraging the audience to evaluate their own lives for characteristics of divine wisdom, promoting peace and humility as reflections of living in alignment with God’s wisdom.

Tell the story of the homeless man that Jeejo encountered in New York City

Application:

Pursuit of True Wisdom: The Queen's journey symbolizes the lengths people will go to seek wisdom and truth. This challenges believers to live in such a way that others are drawn to seek the source of their wisdom—God Himself.Test of Reputation vs. Reality: Her visit tests the truth behind Solomon’s reputation, paralleling how our own testimonies are tested when others encounter us personally (1 Peter 3:15).

The wise men, also known as the Magi, likely traveled hundreds of miles to see Jesus:

Distance: The wise men may have traveled over 900 miles from Babylon, which is near modern-day Bagdad, Iraq.

Time: The wise men traveled for a long time, as they were looking for a child, not a baby, when they arrived in Jerusalem.

Verses 3-5:

3 So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.

The Queen’s astonishment highlights not just Solomon’s wisdom but the organizational excellence and divine favor visible in every aspect of his court. The splendor of Solomon's palace, the order of his court, and the opulent details—including the "arched viaduct" (a potential bridge or stairway from his palace to the temple)—overwhelmed her. This showcases that Solomon's wisdom was not theoretical but practically evident in how he ruled. How he was a great wisdom in imagination of things, architecture and vision for something grandeur.

Application:

Living Out God’s Wisdom: Our lives should display the wisdom of God in both word and deed, demonstrating God’s order and goodness.A Testament of God’s Glory: The Queen’s reaction reflects how God’s work in our lives can evoke awe and a realization of His greatness in those who witness it (Matthew 5:16).

Verses 6-9:

6 Then she said to the king: “It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 7 However, I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. 8 Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”

Commentary Context: The Commentary Critical and Explanatory underscores the Queen’s astonishment as more than amazement—it suggests her deep respect for the divine source of Solomon’s wisdom. The acknowledgment, "Blessed be the LORD your God," indicates that Solomon's influence potentially led her to revere the God of Israel, possibly even considering conversion.

Application:

Impactful Testimony: The Queen’s exclamation challenges us to consider if our wisdom and conduct point others to praise God.

Living Witnesses: The happiness of Solomon’s servants (v. 8) indicates that those who consistently live in God’s wisdom and presence will experience true contentment.

Verses 10-13:

10 Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in great quantity, and precious stones. There never again came such abundance of spices as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 11 Also, the ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought great quantities of almug wood and precious stones from Ophir. 12 And the king made steps of the almug wood for the house of the LORD and for the king’s house, also harps and stringed instruments for singers. There never again came such almug wood, nor has the like been seen to this day. 13 Now King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, besides what Solomon had given her according to the royal generosity. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.

Detailed Commentary Integration: The Queen’s extravagant gifts—120 talents of gold (worth millions today)—and Solomon’s generosity underscore the mutual respect and exchange between them. It suggests that almug wood might have been sandalwood or another rare, valuable wood used for temple and palace enhancements. Sandalwood is the most stolen wood in Asia as far as I know… everyone would like to have some of that… and so it makes sense….

Application:

Generosity as a Reflection of God’s Provision: Solomon’s generosity exemplifies how God’s wisdom leads to a spirit of giving.

The Reward of Seeking Wisdom: The Queen returned home blessed and enriched, a reflection of how seeking Godly wisdom yields immeasurable spiritual and material benefits.

2. The Wealth and Influence of Solomon’s Reign (1 Kings 10:14-29)

Verses 14-15:

14 The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, 15 besides that from the traveling merchants, from the income of traders, from all the kings of Arabia, and from the governors of the country.

Historical Insight: Solomon’s significant yearly income, approximated at $20 million in modern terms, ( LITERALLY EXACTLY HOW MUCH KAMALA HARRIS OWES… OR HOW MUCH MIKE TYSON WON)…showcasing God’s fulfillment of His promise for prosperity. This wealth came from various sources: merchants, spice traders, and tributes from regional rulers. Solomon’s secure and fortified kingdom made him a focal point of regional commerce.

Application:

Caution with Prosperity: While Solomon’s wealth demonstrated God’s blessing, it foreshadowed the danger of reliance on material wealth (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). A WARNING BUT also … reminder to praise him at all times.. in health, in sickness, in wealth and in poverty and all the time..

Verses 16-21:

16 And King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. 17 He also made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 19-21 … All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold.

Commentary Details: These shields, covered with fine gold, symbolized the splendor of Solomon’s reign but were primarily decorative, kept in the House of the Forest of Lebanon, a palace used for official functions.

These displays represented wealth beyond practical necessity.

Application:

Material Glory vs. Eternal Value: Solomon’s grandeur is a reminder that while material success is fleeting, true security is found in God (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Verses 22-25:

22 For the king had merchant ships at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. 23-25 Solomon’s wisdom and riches drew tributes and gifts from all the kings of the earth, fulfilling the divine promise of unparalleled fame.

Commentary Insight: The “navy of Tarshish” is noted to represent maritime trade with the West, enriching Israel further and bringing exotic items. These periodic voyages illustrate Solomon’s global reach and Israel’s influence at its height.

Application:

Witness to the Nations: Just as the world sought Solomon’s wisdom, believers should live so that their lives are a beacon that draws others to seek God (Isaiah 60:1-3).

Verses 26-29:

26-29 Solomon’s accumulation of chariots, horsemen, and imported horses demonstrates his military and economic power