2Ch 9 | MHM | STEP | The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon This story shows us the value of seeking true wisdom and how God honors those who honor Him. Even though it is told in the book of Kings, it is important because Jesus used it as an example for us (Matthew 12:42 ). Solomon used his wisdom and wealth for God, especially in building the temple. God rewarded him by making Solomon famous. The Queen of Sheba traveled far to learn from Solomon, showing that getting wisdom is worth any effort or cost. We also see that it is good to share what we know with others, just as Solomon did. Good order in worship and daily life is impressive and helps everyone honor God. The Queen noticed how happy Solomon’s servants were because they could always hear his wisdom. She praised God for blessing Solomon and Israel, reminding us to thank God for the gifts He gives to others. Both the Queen and Solomon were generous, giving each other gifts. This teaches us to be generous and to value wisdom above riches. v. 1 : The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame and his relationship with the Lord . She traveled a long way with many gifts to test Solomon with hard questions. She wanted to see if what she had heard was true, showing her great desire for wisdom (1 Kings 10:1 ).

‏ 2 Chronicles 9

The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon

This story shows us the value of seeking true wisdom and how God honors those who honor Him. Even though it is told in the book of Kings, it is important because Jesus used it as an example for us (Matthew 12:42 ^a). Solomon used his wisdom and wealth for God, especially in building the temple. God rewarded him by making Solomon famous. The Queen of Sheba traveled far to learn from Solomon, showing that getting wisdom is worth any effort or cost. We also see that it is good to share what we know with others, just as Solomon did. Good order in worship and daily life is impressive and helps everyone honor God. The Queen noticed how happy Solomon’s servants were because they could always hear his wisdom. She praised God for blessing Solomon and Israel, reminding us to thank God for the gifts He gives to others. Both the Queen and Solomon were generous, giving each other gifts. This teaches us to be generous and to value wisdom above riches.

v. 1: The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame and his relationship with the Lord. She traveled a long way with many gifts to test Solomon with hard questions. She wanted to see if what she had heard was true, showing her great desire for wisdom (1 Kings 10:1 ^b).

v. 2: Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing too difficult for him to explain. This showed how God had given Solomon great wisdom and understanding.

v. 3: When the Queen of Sheba saw Solomon’s wisdom, the beautiful palace he had built,

v. 4: the food on his table, the way his officials and servants served him, how they dressed, the cupbearers, and the way he went up to the temple of the Lord, she was amazed. The order and respect in Solomon’s house and worship deeply impressed her.

v. 5: She said to Solomon, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true.” She realized that the reports did not even tell the whole story.

v. 6: She shared that she had not believed the reports until she saw everything herself. Now she saw that Solomon’s wisdom was even greater than she had heard.

v. 7: The Queen said Solomon’s servants were happy because they could always listen to his wisdom. It is a great blessing to be close to wise, good people and learn from them, as the Queen noticed (Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57 ^c).

v. 8: She praised the Lord for placing Solomon on the throne and for loving Israel. She recognized that God’s kindness was the source of all these blessings.

v. 9: The Queen gave Solomon many gifts: gold, spices, and precious stones. This act of generosity showed her respect for wisdom and friendship with Solomon. We too should be generous and willing to share what we have.

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v. 12: Solomon also gave the Queen of Sheba everything she wanted and asked for, showing his generosity. This mutual giving made their friendship strong and honored God. It reminds us that Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7 ^d). We should be willing to give our best for Him.

The Magnificence of Solomon; the Death of Solomon

This section shows the great riches and honor that Solomon enjoyed as king, as well as the end of his life. Solomon was famous for his wisdom, wealth, and peaceful reign. Yet, despite all his greatness, he still died, showing that even the most powerful rulers cannot escape death. The commentary also reminds us that God gave Solomon these blessings, but when Solomon died, all his greatness could not go with him. The Bible does not focus on Solomon’s mistakes at the end of his life, teaching us that God forgives those who truly repent, and we should not always repeat the faults of others (Ezekiel 33:16 ^e).

v. 13: Solomon received a huge amount of gold every year. This gold came from taxes and gifts from other nations, showing how rich and respected he was.

v. 14: The kings of Arabia and governors brought even more gold and silver to Solomon. These gifts were not forced, but given freely to show friendship or in exchange for goods .

v. 15-16: Solomon made 200 large shields and 300 small shields of pure gold. These were used in ceremonies and showed his great wealth and the splendor of his reign (2 Chronicles 9:15-16 ^f).

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v. 17-19: He also built a beautiful throne from ivory and gold. It was so impressive that nothing like it had ever been seen in any other kingdom (2 Chronicles 9:17-19 ^g).

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v. 20-21: All of Solomon’s drinking cups and everything in his palace were made of gold. Silver was not considered valuable in his days because there was so much gold. His ships brought even more wealth from distant lands (2 Chronicles 9:20-21 ^h).

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v. 22: Solomon was richer and wiser than all the other kings on earth. He was more famous than any king before or after him .

v. 23: Kings from all over the world came to hear Solomon’s wisdom. They wanted to learn from him about many things, like science, medicine, government, and religion. This makes us think about how people today often ignore the wisdom of Jesus, even though He has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:8, 14 ⁱ).

v. 24: These kings brought gifts to Solomon every year, such as silver, gold, clothes, armor, spices, horses, and mules. Solomon’s fame and wealth continued to grow .

v. 25-28: Solomon had thousands of horses and chariots. He ruled over many countries and traded with other nations. Gold and silver were as common as stones in Jerusalem, and cedar wood was as plentiful as sycamore trees. He received horses from Egypt and other places (2 Chronicles 9:25-28 ^j).

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v. 29-31: When Solomon died, he left all his riches and power behind. The Bible does not talk about his mistakes at the end of his life here. This teaches us that when someone truly repents, God forgives and forgets their sins. Solomon’s son Rehoboam became king after him (2 Chronicles 9:29-31 ^k).