Solomon and the Queen of Sheba: God's plan for Israel
1 Kings 10:1-10 - Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Today, we encounter the captivating story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. Initially sceptical about the rumours of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, the queen finds herself astounded by the reality she witnesses. She exclaims, "You, Solomon, exceed in wisdom and bounty beyond the rumour that I heard" (1 Kings 10:7). The biblical author highlights Solomon's ability to explain everything she asked and his unrivalled wisdom, leaving no question unanswered (1 Kings 10:3). Furthermore, the queen is left breathless by the grandeur of Solomon's palace, the exquisite food served at his table, the regal seating of his ministers, the impeccable attire of his waitstaff, the elaborate banquet service, and the reverent burnt offerings made in the temple of the LORD (1 Kings 10:4-5).
The queen bears witness to the fulfilment of the Lord's promise to Solomon, granting him both wisdom and wealth (see 1 Kings 3:11-13). While wisdom and riches are not always linked, we often associate them together, much like how the Queen of Sheba perceived Solomon. However, amidst the description of Solomon's reign, there is a notable absence of justice. Solomon becomes ensnared in the pursuit of wealth and power, but the wise queen reminds him of his divine purpose: to carry out judgment and justice, as he was chosen by the Lord to be the king of Israel (1 Kings 10:9). As the story of Solomon's reign unfolds, the biblical author reveals that it is precisely the lack of judgment and justice that leads to Solomon's indulgence in idolatry and the subsequent rebellion of the northern tribes of Israel.
The book of Deuteronomy contains laws concerning Israel's kings (see Deut 17:14-20). According to these laws, the king is expected to read the law of Moses daily, learning to fear the Lord. He should not amass excessive wealth or take numerous wives. It appears that Solomon did not adhere to these instructions, as he acquired many wives who turned his heart away from the Lord and accumulated vast amounts of silver and gold (Deut 17:17). Solomon would have been much wiser had he kept the Queen of Sheba by his side. Unfortunately, she returned to her land, and her people waited for centuries for someone greater than Solomon to come and teach them the wisdom of the Gospel.
The encounter between Israel's king and the Gentile queen illustrates God's plan for Israel to be a light among the nations of the world. Israel possesses the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises (Rom 9:4). Through their testimonies and way of life, they were called to draw all nations to God. Despite the unfaithfulness of many, the Lord remained faithful to His promise. From Israel's lineage, according to the flesh, came Christ, who is God over all, forever blessed (Rom 9:5). Jesus Christ is greater than Solomon; His Gospel surpasses Solomon's wisdom, and the unsearchable riches of Christ surpass all the silver and gold that one could amass in this world.