1 Kings #10: an exposition of 1 Kings 10:1-29. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, April 12, 2015.
Intro:
I remember a line from an old Mel Brooks movie. I think it was History of the World: Part II, Brooks is playing Louis the XIV. Through that segment of the movie Brooks would look to the camera and say, “It’s good to be king.” It was always at a point when the king was indulging in some extravagance. Living well above the level of his people or engaged is something they would never be able to engage in. Getting away with something they would never get away with – “It’s good to be king.” I have to admit when I come to 1 Kings 10 and read this account, a part of me says, “Wow. It’s good to be king.” The writer is having a hard time controlling his enthusiasm. One wonders if there is a bit of hyperbole here but the point is Solomon’s reign was glorious. Israel was in her golden days. Israel and her king were the talk of the world. Riches beyond words. Exotic animals. Fantastic structures. It was all very impressive. Foreign dignitaries coming, bowing before you and bringing exotic gifts. It’s good to be king. Now eventually all this notoriety and extravagance will take its toll on Solomon but there is not a hint of that in the text of chapter 10. The writer will deal with that later but not here. For now he wants to overwhelm us with the splendor and majesty of Solomon’s kingdom. We are told of the visit by the queen of Sheba and then we are taken on a guided tour of the government palace. It is impressive. Our text is the 10th chapter of 1 Kings.
Text: 1 Kings 10:1-29
As we work our way through the chapter I want us to see that…
Thesis: The Queen of Sheba’s response to Solomon’s wisdom and wealth reminds us of the source of blessing; it serves as a foreshadowing of future glory and a somber warning against arrogant presumption.
Solomon had gain a world-wide reputation.
He had asked God for wisdom to rule God’s people well.
God granted that request and threw in wealth and honor.
Word of the king and his wisdom had reach the kingdom of Sheba.
Some say that was in SW Arabia near modern day Yemen.
Others suggest it was northern Arabia and the land of the Sabeans.
At any rate the queen made a long journey to Jerusalem to test the king’s wisdom.
No doubt she also desired to secure trade agreements which would be essential to her nation’s survival. This is the backdrop of our text.
I want to point out 3 things.
- The Queen’s response to Solomon’s wisdom and wealth reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father above. (1 Kings 10:9, 23-24)
- The fact of the Queen’s visit is a foreshadowing of the future glory coming to Israel’s great King. (Psalm 72:8-11, 15; Isaiah 60:5-6)
- Jesus warns that the Queen of Sheba will be a witness for the prosecution in the final judgment against those who arrogantly refuse to believe. (Matthew 12:42)