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
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.’”