For the week of March 1

Date
March 1, 2021
Author
Mark Lautenschlager
Category
Personal Worship, Study Notes

Welcome to Week 9 of Desiring the Kingdom, to 1 Kings chapter 10, and to the queen of Sheba. This chapter divides into two general sections: Solomon receives a royal visitor who is curious about what’s going on in Israel, and Solomon’s vast wealth is described.

By every human measure, things are going great for Solomon. But the cracks in the foundation have traveled up the wall, and there is a stupendous collapse coming.

Prayer Initiative

Beginning on January 13th and continuing for 11 weeks, Rio Women invites you to join them for their latest prayer initiative, based on the classic book “The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life.” They meet via Zoom call on Wednesdays at noon. If you can’t attend the meeting, get the book, find a partner, and follow along. (If you have questions or need assistance, email Beth Hendrikse, our Prayer Coordinator, at bethh@riovistachurch.com.

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STUDY QUESTIONS

Index to Days 2 through 5

Day 1

What Attracts the Seeker?

Observe

The first three verses of 1 Kings 10 set the stage for the queen’s visit. Here it tells us she heard of Solomon’s fame “concerning the name of the Lord,” a detail that is omitted from the parallel version of this chapter found in 2 Chronicles 9. She arrived with a display of her own importance and wealth, but foremost on her mind were questions, and Solomon answered them all.

1 Kings 10:1-3

The Queen of Sheba
10 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 bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

RELATED SCRIPTURES

Jeremiah 33:2-3
2 “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Colossians 4:5-6
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Consider

In the ancient world, it was accepted without doubt that your circumstances revealed whether you had offended your gods or pleased them. It was also accepted that there were lots of gods. You had gods for every conceivable situation and even location, with the concept of local gods being commonplace. News of this King Solomon who worshiped just one god would have been received with curiosity, with the addition of Solomon and his people declaring the Lord was the only true God provoking incredulity and possible hostility. The success of Solomon and his kingdom could not be argued with, however, and the queen of Sheba was doubtless interested in learning more about this Yahweh who Solomon worshiped, as well as looking to establish peaceful relations with her increasingly powerful northern neighbor. After all, if you found a better god to worship, it was regarded as wise to either add that god to your list or even change your allegiance to them. So the queen of Sheba was almost certainly self-interested, but also open-minded, with many questions.

Questions for Reflection

The queen of Sheba sought to learn more about the heavenly king because of the famously successful Solomon and his kingdom. What would cause someone today to seek knowledge of the heavenly king? What caused you to seek him?
When someone in Solomon’s time wanted to learn about the heavenly king, they turned to the nation of Israel. Where does someone wanting to know more about the heavenly king go to seek that knowledge today? Is it the church? Why or why not?

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all truth. You are not afraid of our questions and are willing to answer them all. Give us knowledge and wisdom that we might serve as your representatives now, as Israel was before, and give answers to the questions asked by those who seek you. Keep us from arrogance or judgment, so that as Peter writes, we always answer with gentleness and respect. Amen.

Day 2

What Does the Seeker Find?

Observe

From yesterday’s reading, we know what the queen found first were answers to her questions. Today we read of her other observations. She admired his skill as an architect and builder (Solomon’s renown in those areas are a historical fact), she admired the way his government and household conducted themselves, and she admired his devotion to the Lord. The magnitude of these things left her breathless and effusively praising Solomon for exceeding all reports, even though these reports were so grand as to be unbelievable.

1 Kings 10:4-7

4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.

6 And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.

RELATED SCRIPTURES

Hebrews 13:7-9
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Timothy 3:1-5
Qualifications for Overseers
3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

Proverbs 11:14
14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Consider

We can’t satisfy the seeker’s thirst for answers by displaying our well run programs or impressive facilities. Nor can we leave the seeker on their own once their questions are settled. There is a progression described in this visit, one that should still happen today.

Questions for Reflection

What would you expect to find at a church that is well governed and peaceful?
What are the characteristics of a family that is properly submitted to the Lord’s authority?
What habits and practices would you expect to find in someone who worships the Lord sincerely?

Dear Lord, much like Israel and its king were your representatives in the world, so now are we your representatives to a world that desperately needs to know you and to become part of your heavenly kingdom. Guide our thoughts as we consider how best to show them what it means to follow you sincerely. Keep us from disputes that lead to division, so our unity will be a powerful witness. Do this we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 3

What Does the Seeker Take Away?

Observe

After all she observed, the queen of Sheba drew some conclusions. Happy are your men and your servants, she declares. The word translated here “happy” means fortunate or in an advantageous position. The parallel passage from 2 Chronicles 9 adds happy are your wives, as well. As for the Lord, she says he should be praised. The visit was concluded with what would appear to be a business transaction between them, or at least an exchange of gifts.

1 Kings 10:8-13

8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. Never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a very great amount of almug wood and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the almug wood supports for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, also lyres and harps for the singers. No such almug wood has come or been seen to this day.

13 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.

RELATED SCRIPTURES

Matthew 12:38-42
The Sign of Jonah
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2
6 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Consider

One question that always comes up from this passage is “did the queen of Sheba begin to worship the Lord God of Israel?” We can’t say anything for certain from the passage on its own, especially given its rather transactional conclusion. However, in Matthew 12:38-42, Jesus makes reference to the “queen of the South,” who all commentaries agree is the queen of Sheba, rising up at the judgment and condemning those who should have believed in Jesus based on the knowledge they had. The implication might therefore be that she believed because of what she saw in Solomon, and the scribes and the Pharisees did not, despite the one in front them, Jesus, being far greater than Solomon.

STUDY NOTE ON ALMUG WOOD: Also known as red sandalwood, almug (sometimes spelled algum) is a hardwood that has a shiny black exterior with an interior that polishes to a bright ruby red or garnet color. Solomon constructed instruments of praise (lyres and harps) that would have been blood red in color.

Questions for Reflection

What conclusion do you think a seeker would make after making contact with your church? Why?
Common approaches when a seeker makes contact with a church include (1) asking them pointed questions regarding what they believe or (2) making a positive, but unaggressive, impression believing that God will bring them back as he wills. Which of these do you favor, and why? Would you suggest a different approach, and if so, what?

Heavenly Father, in your Word you say that now is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation. It is not a matter that should wait, and in many cases it simply cannot. There is no better time for faith to burst forth in the human heart than right now. Be gracious to us, Lord, and let this be a movement of your Spirit that we both see and participate in. Temper our eagerness with respect, that we would not be misunderstood as aggressive or confrontational, but strengthen our uncertainty with the conviction that there is no more important decision for anyone to make. Thank you for making us your agents in this, Lord. Amen.

Day 4

Human Kings And Vast Wealth Don’t Mix

Observe

Our chapter now shifts to a description of Solomon’s vast wealth (which is an admittedly weak usage of the word vast). Solomon’s wealth was almost inconceivable, certainly for that time. He received vast quantities of gold, so much so that ordinary implements were being made from it, and gold became so commonplace in Solomon’s kingdom that silver was considered of no value. This was the zenith of God’s fulfillment of the promise he made to Solomon and an unfortunate turning point in their relationship.

1 Kings 10:14-25

Solomon’s Great Wealth
14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land. 16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold; 600 shekels of gold went into each shield. 17 And he made 300 shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 The king also made a great ivory throne and overlaid it with the finest gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the throne had a round top, and on each side of the seat were armrests and two lions standing beside the armrests, 20 while twelve lions stood there, one on each end of a step on the six steps. The like of it was never made in any kingdom. 21 All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; silver was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the fleet of ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.

RELATED SCRIPTURES

1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Proverbs 30:8-9
8
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
    give me neither poverty nor riches;
    feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9
lest I be full and deny you
    and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
    and profane the name of my God.

Consider

We’ve said it before in the context of this series, but it bears repeating: there is nothing wrong with wealth in and of itself. God clearly chooses to bless some with great material gain. His intention when blessing his own people in such a way is plainly set forth in scripture—those he so blesses should be a resource for his church.

However, wealth as vast as Solomon’s, especially when combined with power as absolute as his, can easily corrupt the human heart, and often does. It is a common jest to say that it sure would be nice to be tested in such a manner, but the words of Agur from Proverbs chapter 30 speak to why it would not. There is nothing quite as tragic as the person who forgets that God gave them what they have and in their great material comfort would deny him.

Questions for Reflection

What does it mean to worship God with our tithes and offerings? Why and how is that worship?
How does that practice of worship protect our hearts against the potential negative effects of wealth?

Heavenly Father, from whom all blessings flow, I am grateful to know that you are the source of what I have. I do not want to be consumed by the pursuit of wealth, nor do I want to be consumed by the worry of how to make ends meet. I want to be generous with all that you’ve given me, whether that’s money or anything else, let me hold all things with an open hand and make them available to you. Amen!

Day 5

Human Kings Rationalize

Observe

1 Kings 10 ends with a note about Solomon doing some horse trading. Deuteronomy 17:16 prohibits the king from owning many horses, which might seem like an odd thing to prohibit until you recognize that horses and chariots were the advanced military hardware of the day. To have them was to have a powerful military that could strike swiftly. (1 Kings 4:26 told us that Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots and 12,000 horsemen to pilot them, so he already failed on the count of relying on his military might instead of the Lord.)

Some commentaries suggested it was possible Solomon, by engaging in the buying and selling of horses, was rationalizing his seeming disobedience to this prohibition. They weren’t his horses, he was just passing them along to someone else. Rationalizations let you stray from what you know is right while minimizing your guilty conscience, which makes other more grievous departures possible. For instance, how Solomon also ignored Deuteronomy 17:17, which prohibited the king from having many wives and/or foreign wives, and from amassing great amounts of gold and silver.

1 Kings 10:26-29

26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore of the Shephelah. 28 And Solomon’s import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king’s traders received them from Kue at a price. 29 A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 600 shekels of silver and a horse for 150, and so through the king’s traders they were exported to all the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Syria.

RELATED SCRIPTURES

Deuteronomy 17:16-17
16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

1 Kings 4:26
26 Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen.

1 John 2:9-11
9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

1 John 2:15-17
Do Not Love the World
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 3:4-10
4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

Galatians 5:7-9
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Consider

John’s epistle can be uncomfortable to read. His on-or-off toggle switch approach to the Christian life can make someone question their salvation. But John isn’t saying we must be perfect, even as he doesn’t seem to leave us any wiggle room, he is saying that the Christian life is an active, involved, unending process.

The decision to abide in Christ is one that is made and then made again every day. The decision to love our brothers and sisters is one we make over and over. And to be someone who is characterized as practicing sin or as one who keeps on sinning is to be revealed as a child of the devil.

Rationalization is sand in the gears.

In Galatians 5, Paul is writing about false teaching rather than sin per se, but the comparison of a small amount of yeast affecting a large lump of dough applies to both. Big failures begin with small rationalizations.

Questions for Reflection

We seem prone to rationalize some things more than others. What makes us more or less likely to engage in rationalizing a given behavior?
What experience have you had with rationalizing something? What happened and what did you learn from it?

Here is a link to Rebecca Barlow Jordan’s beautiful prayer for repentance and restoration, published on Crosswalk.com:

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-repentance-and-restoration.html

Watch for other Personal Worship pushes!

Friday you’ll receive Worship Prep guidance and Sunday’s songs. Take time to learn those you don’t know so that you can join in worship in full voice!