Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King (31): The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (II Chronicles 9:5-12) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Her Amazed Response
II. Her Rich Exchange
III. Her Instructive Witness
Psalm singing: 89:1-6; 27:9b-14; 72:15-19; 2:6-12 (see below for the words to the Psalms)
Scripture reading: II Chronicles 9:1-24
Matthew Henry on I Kings 10:1-13: “Usually things are represented to us, both by common fame and by our own imagination, much greater than we find them when we come to examine them; but here [in Solomon’s kingdom] the truth exceeded both fame and fancy. Those who, through grace, are brought to experience the delights of communion with God will say that the one-half was not told them of the pleasures of Wisdom’s ways and the advantages of her gates. Glorified saints, much more, will say that it was a true report which they heard of the happiness of heaven, but that the thousandth part was not told them (I Cor. 2:9) ... [The queen of Sheba] made a noble present to Solomon of gold and spices (I Kings 10:10). David had foretold concerning Solomon that to him should be given of the gold of Sheba (Ps. 72:15). The present of gold and spices which the wise men of the east brought to Christ was signified by this (Matt. 2:11). Thus she paid for the wisdom she had learned and did not think she bought it dearly. Let those that are taught of God give him their hearts, and the present will be more acceptable than this of gold and spices. Mention is made of the great abundance Solomon had of his own, notwithstanding she presented and he accepted this gold. What we present to Christ he needs not, but will have us so to express our gratitude ... So that, putting all together, it must be owned, as it is here said (I Kings 10:23), that ‘king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches, and for wisdom.’ Yet what was he to the King of kings? Where Christ is, by his word and Spirit, ‘Behold, a greater than Solomon is there.’”

Psalm 89:1-6
1 GOD’S mercies I will ever sing;
and with my mouth I shall
Thy faithfulness make to be known
to generations all.
2 For mercy shall be built, said I,
for ever to endure ;
Thy faithfulness, ev’n in the heav’ns,
thou wilt establish sure.
3 I with my chosen One have made
a cov’nant graciously;
And to my servant, whom I lov’d,
to David sworn have I;
4 That I thy seed establish shall
for ever to remain,
And will to generations all
thy throne build and maintain.
5 The praises of thy wonders, Lord,
the heavens shall express;
And in the congregation
of saints thy faithfulness.
6 For who in heaven with the Lord
may once himself compare ?
Who is like God among the sons
of those that mighty are?

Psalm 27:9b-14
O God of my salvation,
leave me not, nor forsake :
10 Though me my parents both should leave
the Lord will me up take.
11 0 Lord, instruct me in thy way,
to me a leader be
In a plain path, because of those
that hatred bear to me.
12 Give me not to mine en’mies’ will;
for witnesses that lie
Against me risen are, and such
as breathe out cruelty.
13 I fainted had, unless that I
believed had to see
The Lord’s own goodness in the land
of them that living be.
14 Wait on the Lord, and be thou strong,
and he shall strength afford
Unto thine heart; yea, do thou wait,
I say, upon the Lord.

Psalm 72:15-19
15 Yea, he shall live, and giv’n to him
shall be of Sheba’s gold :
For him still shall they pray, and he
shall daily be extoll’d.
16 Of corn an handful in the earth
on tops of mountains high,
With prosp’rous fruit shall shake, like
on Lebanon that be. [trees
The city shall be flourishing,
her citizens abound
In number shall, like to the grass
that grows upon the ground.
17 His name for ever shall endure ;
last like the sun it shall:
Men shall be bless’d in him, and bless’d
all nations shall him call.
18 Now blessed be the Lord our God,
the God of Israel,
For he alone doth wondrous works,
in glory that excel.
19 And blessed be his glorious name
to all eternity:
The whole earth let his glory fill.
Amen, so let it be

Psalm 2:6-12
6 Yet, notwithstanding, I have him
to be my King appointed ;
And over Sion, my holy hill,
I have him King anointed.
7 The sure decree I will declare;
the Lord hath said to me,
Thou art mine only Son; this day
I have begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and for heritage
the heathen I’ll make thine;
And, for possession. I to thee
will give earth’s utmost line.
9 Thou shalt, as with a weighty rod
of iron, break them all;
And, as a potter’s sherd, thou shalt
them dash in pieces small.
10 Now therefore, kings, be wise; be taught,
ye judges of the earth:
11 Serve God in fear, and see that ye
join trembling with your mirth.
12 Kiss ye the Son, lest in his ire
ye perish from the way,
If once his wrath begin to burn:
bless’d all that on him stay.