First Kings Chapters 6-10 Chapter 6 6:1 The chronological information in this verse is very important, for it enables us to date the Exodus with precision. The fourth year of Solomon’s reign would have been 967-966 B.C., thus 480 years earlier in 1446-1445 B.C., the children of Israel came out of bondage. The second month of Ziv, is equivalent to our April-May. “Ziv” the Hebrew name for the second month, is found only here. Three other Hebrew month names are mentioned in the Old Testament. Abib, the first month, Ethanim, the seventh month, and Bul, the eighth month, in the centuries to come the Jews would adopt Babylonian names of the months during the period of captivity. The Temple was double the dimensions of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:16,18). If we assume that a cubit was 18 inches, then the Temple was about 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 6:3 The porch or portico in front of the temple, extended across the entire front and was 15 feet deep. 6:4 Most scholars are inclined to regard the windows as being made of fixed lattices, as to the number of the Temple widows, the text is silent. This may indicate windows of close or small lattice work which allowed for air circulation, but at the same time cut down on the glare of bright light on the inside. 6:5-6 Around the outside wall of the entire building (except the front), were three stories of staggered width which were divided by partitions into distinct compartments. These compartments served as storage chambers for temple treasures and gifts, and lodging for priests. “At each level of the side rooms, the thickness of the wall was decreased by a half cubit on the outside wall and similarly on the inside wall so that the floor beam rested on the resulting offset ledge. By this means the beams had supports without being inserted or bonded into the inner temple wall” (Gaebelein p. 63). 6:7 The various portions of the temple were carefully shaped at their quarries, then fitted, without hammering, on site. Such stones were so carefully prepared that no sound of any iron tool was heard at the temple site. Apparently, this was done to maintain the dignity and sanctity of this holy place during construction. 6:8 The entrance to the side room was on the right (south) side. Access to the second and third levels is most often understood to have been by
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means of a spiral staircase. 6:9 The roof was constructed of beams and cedar planks. 6:11-13 Observe tgat the temple in all its splendor and ritual is by itself not sufficient, God requires obedient hearts. Once again the Lord bases Solomon’s and Israel’s success on faithfulness to the Word of God. As David had told his son, Solomon must obey (1 Kings 2:1-4). Only then can the temple and the nation have lasting significance. “Great kings and great buildings can and will be replaced if disobedience becomes a way of life…Solomon must not forget these things in the midst of all his busy success” (House p. 128). “However magnificent a temple may be, the message of verses 12-13 is that it has no spiritual value unless the people who use it devote themselves totally to God’s control” (Dilday p. 92). 6:14-15 The interior of the temple was lined with cedar from the floor to the ceiling. “Cypress” in this text is possibly either pine or fir. 6:16-18 None of the white limestone which formed the outside of the temple was seen on the inside. The holy place was 60 feet long, and the most holy place was 30 feet long. The wood interior was decorated with carvings of gourds and flowers, cherubim and palm trees (29). “Keil suggests the alteration of cherubim and palm trees with garlands and flowers above and a border of gourds below” (Vos p. 58). 6:19-20 The holy of holies at the rear of the temple would house the ark of the covenant. This part of the building was a cube of thirty feet. It was overlaid with pure gold which weighed 23 tons (2 Chron. 3:8). Immediately in front of the holy of holies was a stone altar covered with cedar which was overlaid with gold. Gold chains hung in front of the holy of holies. “Above the holy of holies were upper chambers (2 Chron. 3:9)…The relics of the old tabernacle may have been stored here” (Smith p. 434). 6:23-28 “The impact of the beholder of these representations of the cherubim would be to impress on him the awesomeness of God’s holiness. Approaching God is not a light or frivolous matter and must be undertaken in the exact way he has prescribed” (Gaebelein p. 67). From one extreme wing tip to the other the two carved pieces span the width of the room. Cherubim were angelic creatures which are usually depicted guarding something sacred (Genesis 3:24). From these verses we learn that the entire inner surface of the temple was covered in pure gold (30). 6:31-35 Here is a description of the doors in the temple. Doors of olivewood were made for the entry to the holy of holies and larger, double-leafed doors of pine or fir for the entry into the holy place. 6:36 An inner court was an open plaza surrounding the temple. This courtyard was separated from an outer courtyard (2 Chron. 4:9), by a wall consisting of three rows of cut stone and one row of cedar beams.
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6:37-38 Seven years were spent in building the temple (966 B.C. to 959 B.C.). More precisely, this was seven and one-half years. Ziv is April-May and Bul, the eighth month, is October-November. Chapter 7 7:1-6 Here we are given a description of Solomon’s palace or palace complex. Solomon’s own house took also twice as long as the temple. To some commentators this seems to condemn Solomon. Were worldly power and luxury already going to the young king’s head? Were secular ideals beginning to overshadow spiritual ideals? Or, this could be interpreted as meaning that Solomon put the building of his own house on the back burner, and gave priority God’s house. 7:2-5 The House of the Forest of Lebanon was not a summer home in the cool mountains of Lebanon, but a royal armory. “Its four rows of cedar columns, standing like trees in a forest, probably gave the building its name. It was on these columns that the royal collection of armor was hung (10:16-17)” (Dilday p. 97). See also Isaiah 22:8. This building was about 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 7:6 The Hall of Pillars might have been a covered colonnade next to the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Apparently it was open on the sides. 7:7 The Throne Hall or Hall of Judgment, provided plenty of space for persons to wait to see the king or to socialize after an audience with him. 7:8 Solomon’s private home and the living quarters for the royal family, including Pharaoh’s daughter, were all of similar construction, i.e., stone and cedar. 7:9-12 “Palestinian limestone can be cut with a saw when freshly quarried, but hardens when exposed to the elements” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 502). The foundation stones were quite large, some measuring twelve to fifteen feet in length. The same type of wall was used to form an outer court around the inner court all that enclosed the temple. 7:13-14 An outstanding craftsman was brought in from Tyre. He is obviously to be distinguished from the king who has this same name. He was half Phoenician and half Israelite. Compare what is said about this man with one of the men who worked on the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2-3; 35:30-31). Solomon not only utilized the finest materials, but he also spared no expense in hiring the finest workmen. 7:15-22 His first project was to build two huge free-standing pillars of bronze which were topped with intricately decorated, blossom-shaped capitals. “The one on the right was given the name ‘Jachin’ (JAY kin), meaning ‘He shall establish’, and the one on the left the name ‘Boaz’ (BOE az), meaning ‘in strength’” (Dilday p. 98). These actual names may have been inscribed on this pillars. “He shall establish” could be a 3
reminder that God had fulfilled His promises to David. “In practical terms the pillars were to be an ever-present reminder to each successive king of the fact that he was ruling by God’s appointment and by His grace, and that in God lay his strength” (Gaebelein pp. 72-73). These pillars stood 27 feet and five inches. A bronze, ornate capital roughly resembling a fullblown lily-cup added an additional seven feet and five inches to each pillar. 7:23-26 For the temple court yard a great bronze water basin which was called “the sea” was constructed. The sea was circular and measured fifteen feet in diameter and 45 feet in circumference. It rested on twelve bronze oxen, three of which faced each direction. The capacity when filled was 11,500 gallons. Apparently, this structure took the place of the laver of the tabernacle. 7:27-39 Hiram constructed ten identical movable lavers for the temple court. Each laver could hold 250 gallons of water. At these lavers the flesh and fat which were used in sacrifice were first washed. They were also used for the purification of worshippers (2 Chron. 4:6), and for the cleansing of the altar and court after bloody sacrifices. 7:40-45 In addition to all this, Hiram also made all the smaller implements for the temple. 7:46-47 All of the above had been cast in clay molds in the region between Succoth and Zarethan, which is about 35 miles north of the Dead Sea and east of the Jordan River. Excavations conducted in this area demonstrate that it was indeed a center of metallurgy during the Hebrew monarchy. The clay in the region was a superior kind for making molds, and a supply of charcoal was nearby. Because so much bronze was used, no attempt was made to keep track of the total weight of raw materials used. 7:48-50 All the furniture used inside the temple was made of gold. Note, the furniture used in the tabernacle (except the ark) wasn’t used. A new altar of incense, ten tables of showbread (2 Chron. 4:8), and ten lampstands were constructed. 7:51 Even after all this construction, there was still a surplus of precious metal and bronze. This excess was stored in the temple treasuries. “This action was practical, since these riches were an endowment that helped with temple expenses” (House p. 135). This wealth included everything that David had collected for this project (1 Chron. 29), including a good portion of his own personal wealth. “One cannot help but feel that, just as David’s officials caught the joy of giving, so did Solomon catch the enthusiasm of carrying out the great program of building the temple. This is an excellent illustration of one of the great principles of leadership” (Gaebelein p. 78). Chapter 8
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8:1-5 With the completion of the temple and with all the furniture in place, the crowing event was about to take place, that is, the placement of the ark into its permanent home. This event took place in the seventh month, probably eleven months after the temple was finished (6:38). The name “Ethanim” is an earlier name for the same month which is also known as “Tishri”, our September-October. The “feast” mentioned in 8:2 would have been the feast of Tabernacles. Apparently everything that had belonged to the original tabernacle was now housed in the temple (8:4). This time, there were no false starts (2 Samuel 6), the priests remembered to carry the ark as the Law had prescribed (Numbers 4:5,6,15,19,20). 8:6-8 The poles on the ark were so long that they stuck out slightly on either side of the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies. Such reminded all priests who served on a daily basis on the holy place that the ark was still there! The expression “they are there to this day” informs us that this book was written before the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. 8:9 Two things were missing from the ark at this period of time, i.e., the golden jar of manna and Aaron’s rod which budded (Hebrews 9:4). Remember, the ark had suffered from some rough treatment over the years, especially at the hands of the Philistines, yet the original stone tablets were still in the ark. 8:10-11 Once the priests leave the ark in the most holy place, the cloud fills the temple. This was probably like the cloud that filled the tabernacle when Moses had dedicated it centuries before (Exodus 40:34-35). This cloud indicated the reality of the Lord’s presence and His approval of what had been constructed. Just as God was with Moses, so now God is with this new generation of Israelites. 8:12-13 Solomon responds in awe at God’s decision to descend to the temple. The darkness of a cloud is often said to shroud God (Exodus 24:15; Psalm 97:2). “It is appropriate that God should enfold Himself in a cloud, because unholy human beings cannot stand before the glory of the Lord…..Contemporary Christianity with its ‘buddy, buddy’ approach to God has largely forgotten the sovereign glory and holiness of God, so that being a Christian often seems to make little difference in the way we live” (Vos pp. 66-67). 8:14-21 “Turning his gaze from the house where the cloud appeared, Solomon faced the congregation assembled there…First, Solomon praised God to bringing to pass what he had spoken through Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7)” (Smith p. 439). David’s desire to build the temple was a God-honoring act of gratitude, and God appreciated such an attitude, and Solomon’s accession to power and his building the temple are tied directly to David’s godly attitude. Moses had taught Israel that
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eventually the Lord would choose a central place of worship (Deut. 12:128), and this chapter marks the fulfillment of that promise. 8:22-53 Here is recorded the prayer that Solomon offered when the temple was dedicated. Solomon began this prayer standing upon a bronze platform in the courtyard of the temple (2 Chron. 6:13). His hands were spread toward heaven and he made it clear that God was the only true God (8:22-24). 8:25-26 Solomon clearly understood that David’s sons were only to rule as long as they were faithful and obedient to the will of God. “Unfortunately, Solomon himself was to fail to meet the conditions; and most of his kingdom was to be wrenched from the hands of his son” (Vos p. 69). 8:27-30 Solomon also understood that even the magnificent temple he had built could not house God. “An analysis of Solomon’s prayer demonstrates the maturity of his theology and that of Israel at the time and argues against the critical view that Israel’s theology was not highly developed until about 500 B.C.” (Vos p. 68). Solomon knew that God was omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), and that God could not be contained in a man-made building. Yet Solomon prayed that the Lord would take notice of the earnest prayers offered to Him at this temple. 8:31-50 Solomon next details seven specific situations which could be expected to arise in the future. 1. May God hear every oath taken before the temple altar and then intervene to punish the guilty and justify the innocent. 2. After a military defeat may God restore to Israel those who might have been carried away captive. 3. May God hear the penitent prayers of His people when they have been punished by drought. 4. In the midst of plagues may God listen to their cry. 5. May God hear the prayers of any foreigners who might come to the temple in search for Him. 6. May God hear those who were fighting wars far removed from Jerusalem who might address their petitions toward the temple. 7. Finally, Solomon contemplated the future captivity of Israel. He prayed that God might intervene on behalf of His people when they came to their senses and repented.. 8:51-53 Solomon brings his prayer to a close by citing several reasons why God should hearken to the present prayer and all future prayers which might be offered to Him. First, Israel was the people of God. Second, God had delivered them from Egyptian bondage (if God could deliver an enslaved or captive people once, He could do it again). 8:54-61 At the conclusion of his prayer, Solomon rose up from his knees and blessed those assembled. First, he reminded them of God’s goodness to them, specifically, that “not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant” (8:56). “The inspired man of prayer looked back on the long road from Sinai and the wilderness and summed up the entire history of Israel in one sentence” (Dilday p. 108). 6
Compare 8:58 and 8:61. God can only incline our hearts to Him when we cooperate. Solomon ultimately desired that all people, Israelites and nonIsraelites would come to realize that Jehovah is the one true God. In order for all this to take place Solomon reminded the people that they must be fully committed to the Lord and obedient to His Word. What a concept! By our faithfulness we can assist people in coming to know God. In like manner, our unfaithfulness can turn people away from God. Do we ever pray that Christians would be so faithful, that unbelievers just couldn’t miss the fact that there is a God and that we are His people? (See Titus 2:9-11). 8:62-66 Since all of this happened during the feast of tabernacles, the usual one-week feast was extended for another week. Israelites from Hamath in the far north to the border of Egypt in the south attended this feast. At some point during all of this, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices (2 Chron. 7:1). “At the end of the twofold celebration the people returned home thankful for all God had done and with a new sense of the divine destiny of kind and country” (Vos p. 72). Even though the bronze altar in the temple courtyard had a total surface of 900 square feet, it was not large enough to accommodate the offerings at the dedication. Chapter 9 When Solomon had finished building the temple and his palace complex, God appeared to him a “second time” (9:1-2). It had taken seven and a half years to complete the temple (1 Kings 6:38), and it took another thirteen years to construct the palace complex (1 Kings 7:1). The two projects were both completed by the middle of his reign (1 Kings 9:10). Whether “all his desire” (9:1), also included Solomon’s seaport, navy, store cities, and other construction noted in chapter 9 is not clear. The first time that God had appeared to Solomon is recorded in 1 Kings 3:5. Solomon had received a message from God during the course of the temple building, but that message might have come through the lips of a prophet (1 Kings 6:11). Evidently “as” could mean in the same manner, i.e., God appeared to Solomon in a dream or vision just as He had at the beginning of his reign. 9:3 Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (chapter 8) had been heard, as well as his prayers since then. “It would be very easy to assume that the time referred to was in Solomon’s twentieth year, but verse 3 seems to have reference to Solomon’s prayer of dedication of the temple in his twelfth year” (Vos p. 72). Yet, Solomon had probably oft repeated the themes from his dedicatory prayer in the years that followed chapter 8. 7
9:4-5 In spite of his building accomplishments, God reminds Solomon that wealth and prestige is no substitute for faithfulness. Solomon’s obedience must be motivated by “integrity of heart”, and not by a mere external observance of God’s word. God’s promise to David was conditional. David’s descendants must remain faithful to keep the throne. “Sometimes, when we have completed a demanding and challenging task, we are tempted to relax our commitment, slacken our discipline, and give in to self-indulgence” (Dilday p. 113). 9:6-9 These verses give dire warning as to the disastrous consequences that result from apostasy. “Solomon’s history (chapter 11) shows that this warning was needed and particularly at this time in his life. This appearance of God was an act of grace and was intended as an urgent reminder to Solomon to guard his heart” (Gaebelein p. 93). We often tend to forget that a rebuke or an admonition can be an act of grace. Solomon or his descendants (the kings), could lead the entire nation into apostasy. Their unfaithfulness could affect and destroy everything that Solomon had achieved and built. This is not anything new, God had given the same warnings in the Law (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 27-28). Becoming a “byword” in ancient times was a calamity, since all personal an national self-respect or international respect disappeared. “Even strangers in the land would know that these disasters came about because of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with their Lord” (House p. 151). “In the case of unfaithfulness, the house of God would be a conspicuous example of the fate which befalls an unfaithful people. Those who observed the ruins on the temple mount would hiss and whistle in astonishment” (Smith p. 443). If we are unwilling to be used by God for good, God can also use our bad example to teach others a lesson. The destroyed temple will become an object lesson in disobedience. “When the answer is given as to the reason for this destruction, namely, that it is because Israel has forsaken god and turned to idols, there is implied in that answer amazement at the fact that a people could be so foolish as to reject the God who had taken them out of bondage and made them into a great nation, proving Himself in the process with great and mighty deeds. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2) notes that even the Gentiles do not forsake their own gods (who are in reality powerless nothings) to turn after foreign gods” (Gaebelein p. 94). The temple won’t protect the people if they become unfaithful! The temple was not a good luck charm. Often we put our trust in the wrong things. It is easy for a religious group, which happens to be in apostasy, to think that their big building or big programs will protect them from God’s judgment. “God won’t pull the plug on us— look at what we have built!” But long ago, God destroyed the temple which Solomon had built because His people had become unfaithful to 8
His laws. Let us remember that doctrine matters, for idolatry is a doctrinal error, and God removed His people from the land, and destroyed His temple and His city because of doctrinal error. If we depart from God, God will allow us to become an object of ridicule. 9:10-14 Solomon had spent twenty years on his building projects. He was able to construct such wonderful and magnificent structures, in part with the help of Hiram king of Tyre, from whom he had received an enormous amount of timber. Solomon may have run short of gold, he again turned to Hiram to supply his need. Some feel that the 120 talents of gold (4.5 tons) were a loan rather than a gift which was advanced on the strength of anticipated profits from Solomon’s share in the joint naval expedition to Ophir described in 1 Kings 9:26-28. For some reason (payment for the gold, collateral for the loan, or simply as a gift), Solomon ceded to Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. “When Hiram went out to inspect his newly acquired territory, he was greatly disappointed. He had hoped to be awarded a rich grain-producing area, but had received instead a barren mountainous tract” (Smith p. 448). Hiram named this territory, “Cabul”, which might mean “worthless”. “Cabul” sounds like the Hebrew for “good-for-nothing”. The book of Chronicles notes that Solomon maintained or regained possession of these cities (2 Chron. 8:1-2). Perhaps Hiram simply refused to take jurisdiction. “Hiram had sent gold to Solomon and received ‘cabul’ in return. This episode shows a conniving side of Solomon. Readers may wonder whether he is completely trustworthy” (House p. 157). In addition, it is one of those times when a professed believer is legitimately rebuked by an unbeliever (Genesis 20:9). Give Hiram this much credit, even though he was disappointed with the trade, he honored his part of the bargain. At 500.00 an ounce, Hiram’s gift would have been worth 50,688,000 dollars. 9:15-22 Solomon accomplished much of his construction by means of forced or conscripted labor. This burden fell on the remaining non-Israelite peoples who were left in the land. They were the descendants of ethnic groups which had been conquered but not exterminated. What is called “the Millo”, is probably a system of supporting terraces, maybe even a tower or fortress, which strengthened a section of the wall around Jerusalem. “The Millo seems to have been a bastion which filled some weak point in the walls of the city. Second, Solomon’s labor force extended the wall of Jerusalem, probably to enclose the temple mount” (Smith p. 449). This may have doubled the enclosed area of the city. Solomon also fortified a string of fortress cities and store cities, for horses, chariots and supplies for the army. Hazor guarded a strategic point north of the Sea of Galilee; Megiddo stood at the base of the Plain of Esdraelon; Beth-horon blocked the pass to Jerusalem by way of Aijalon; Baalath 9
stood on the highway from Jerusalem to the port of Joppa; Gezer protected the main road and entrance to the Valley of Sorek; Tamar on the southern border could defend caravans from Ezion-geber. No fortress stood east of Jerusalem, the valley of the Jordan being considered a sufficient barrier. Excavations at Megiddo, Hazor and Gezer have revealed significant similarities in construction. 9:19 Solomon built up an extensive network of supply centers and towns to house his chariotry. Though he was a man of peace, Solomon was well prepared militarily to defend his kingdom. 9:24 Chronicles explains Solomon’s motives for moving his Egyptian wife out of the city of David (1 Kings 3:1). The ark of God had once been housed on that hill. The presence of this foreign princess in a place sanctified by the ark would not be appropriate (2 Chron. 8:11). 9:25 The meaning appears to be that Solomon, as the builder of the temple, provided the resources which were necessary to conduct the temple worship properly (2 Chron. 8:12). 9:2627 A completely new approach to international trade began here as far as Israel was concerned. Phoenicia was the major shipping power in the Mediterranean, while Israel controlled the major inland trade routes. With Israel newly exercising control of all the land to the Gulf of Aqaba, new possibilities opened up. In this venture Hiram supplied the seamen, shipping and ship-building skills, and Solomon gave Tyre access to the Red Sea. “Ophir” (OH fur) was fabled for its fine gold (Job 22:24) and as a center for obtaining exotic goods. Its location is still debated, suggestions include the west coast of the Red Sea, Zimbabwe in East Africa, India, and Southern Arabia. 9:28 420 talents would be 16 tons. “Whether all this gold was brought back from one voyage, or whether this figure represents the profits from several voyages cannot be determined” (Smith p. 450). Chapter 10 10:1 The visit of the queen of Sheba is a graphic illustration of the fame of Solomon and of the awe that the reports of his wisdom and splendor had inspired. Sheba was in southwest Arabia, present day Yemen. It is the best-watered and most fertile area of Arabia. Its chief strength was that it was a center of trade, it was a convenient trade depot for traffic involving Africa, Indian, and the Mediterranean countries. It was famous for its trade in perfumes, incense, gold, and gem stones. This queen had made a journey of about 1200 miles just to see Solomon. In the past, critics of the Bible have dismissed this account as pure legend. They even doubted that a queen could have ruled in Arabia. But such accusations are silenced by the testimony of Jesus, for He places His own stamp of approval on this account (Matthew 12:42). In addition, Assyrian records
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have been discovered which attest to the fact that five queens ruled in Arabia during the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. 10:1 “Concerning the name of the Lord”: Solomon was also well known for his faithfulness and dedication to God. Therefore, the “difficult questions” which she brought must have included spiritual and religious questions—those hard questions which have always plagued mankind, i.e., “Why are we here”, “Where did we come from”, “Where did everything come from”, “My do the innocent suffer”, etc…Even though the Arabians were famous for their wisdom, she had not found satisfactory answers to her questions from among her own experts. 10:2 She was also wealthy in her own right. “The journey to Jerusalem from Sheba, was no small undertaking in that day. The queen brought with her a very heavy force which included an armed escort and court attendants” (Smith p. 451). Some commentators argue that this queen would have never made such a journey to merely ask questions, evidently this mission also involved trade agreements and other matters. That may be true, but, on the other hand, she may have been someone who was willing to expend time and effort to see if she could find the truth. How eager are we to hear the Word of God? 10:2 She gave Solomon every question which had puzzled her. I believe that Gaebelein is right when he says, “It would appear from the following verses that the ‘riddles’ or ‘hard questions’ posed by the queen were not mere frivolous tests of mental quickness but a genuine seeking for truths” (p. 101). 10:3 She was not disappointed, Solomon answered all her questions. 10:4-5 She was also impressed with the palace complex, with its high quality Palestinian limestone and cedar of Lebanon. This must have been far superior to anything she possessed in timber-starved Arabia. In addition, “She was amazed as she watched Solomon’s hundreds of servants gathered about the bountiful tables which the king spread for them. The rich and costly apparel of Solomon’s personal attendants and his cupbearers (2 Chron. 9:4). The queen also took special note of the ascent or private entrance by which the king entered the temple” (Smith pp. 451-452). The text says that “there was no more spirit in her”, i.e., she was beside herself with amazement or was left breathless. 10:5-7 “The queen had thought the reports about Solomon to be exaggerated, that no man could be as great as he was reputed to be. Yet now she freely confessed that his fame had not even begun to do him justice” (Gaebelein p. 101).
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10:8 It is possible that Solomon’s servants had begun to take for granted all they were experiencing in Solomon’s presence. 10:9 From this verse it sure looks as if this queen had heard about the true God and had been convicted of His reality, wisdom and justice. “She claims that God deserves praise for choosing him to rule Israel…..These comments are similar to those Hiram makes in 1 Kings 5:7. Both non-Jewish monarchs recognize God’s primacy in Israel’s history. Quite ironically, Solomon and future kings of Israel choose to ignore what even noncovenant rulers seem to know is true: God rules Israel, and God blesses obedient Israelite kings” (House p. 162). Jesus placed both the repentant men of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba in contrast with His own unbelieving generation (Matthew 12:41-42). In light of this comparison, it is hard for me to agree with some who contend that this queen walked away an unbeliever in the true God. Or, that she simply viewed the God of Israel as just another deity among many. 10:10 She gave Solomon 4 ½ tons of gold. 10:11-12 “The wealth of precious materials brought to Solomon from Sheba caused the writer to insert at this point the mention in particular of a very precious wood that was imported in unheard of quantities…The identity of this almugwood is not known today. Traditionally it has been thought to be a type of sandalwood….It was known and used in Ras Shamra, and it is mentioned in the Alalakh tablets as being used for fine furniture” (Gaebelein p. 101). 10:13 In return, Solomon gave her many gifts. Some feel that the expression, “all her desire”, included a very profitable trade agreement. Ethiopian tradition argues that Solomon had sexual relations with her, and that Menelik, founder of the royal dynasty, was the son of Solomon and the queen of Sheba. Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, considered himself to be a descendant of Solomon. 10:14 Solomon’s annual tax revenues were enormous during the glory days. 666 talents would be 25 tons. One estimate given concerning this amount was $281,318,400. 10:15-21 Here are some examples of what Solomon did with all this gold. These shields were evidently made of wood and then covered with beaten gold. Each large shield required about seven and one-half pounds. These shields will hang in the House of the Forest of Lebanon for some 25 years until Shishak of Egypt carried them off in 926 B.C. (1 Kings 14:26). These shields may have been carried around by the royal bodyguard on special occasions. Solomon’s throne is described in verses 18-21. “The ivory throne, overlaid with finest gold, was a large and imposing object, in keeping with the symbolism of the seat of justice and rulership of a great kingdom. The armrests were flanked by lions, as were each of the six steps” (Gaebelein p. 103).
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10:21 The last statement in this verse well illustrates the wealth of Solomon’s kingdom. 10:22 Solomon had a fleet of ships which sailed to “Tarshish”, which was located on the southern tip of Spain. This fleet operated on a three-year schedule, it brought back exotic products from distant lands. 10:23-25 Dignitaries from distant lands came to Jerusalem to hear the wisdom of the man so richly endowed by God. These visitors bestowed on Solomon luxurious presents. “The visit of the queen of Sheba is an example of what must have been occurring regularly” (Smith p. 454). 10:26 In violation of Deuteronomy 17:16 Solomon multiplied to himself horses. 10:27 During this time silver became as common as ordinary stones which cover the area around Jerusalem. The highly valued cedar wood, imported from Phoenicia, became as common as the less prestigious sycamore wood. 10:28 “The source of Solomon’s enormous silver reserves was his control of chariot and horse trading. He secured horses from Egypt and Kue (i.e., Cilicia in Asia Minor). During this period the Egyptians imported wood from Syria in order to manufacture chariots. Since Solomon controlled all the important trade routes from Cilicia and Egypt to Syria, he seems to have held a virtual monopoly on the horse and chariot trade in this region of the world. The established rate of exchange was 150 shekels (3.75 lbs) for one Cilician horse, and for one Egyptian chariot (15 lbs)” (Smith p. 456). Yet Solomon is setting a dangerous precedent. He seems to be depending on the strength of his chariot force instead of God. Secondly, the Israelites are making strong ties with Egypt, which was always a false source of security (Isaiah 31:1-3). “But the prosperity Solomon enjoyed and the wisdom that God gave him in such abundance did not save his kingdom. While much of Solomon’s life reads like a happy fairy tale, it certainly doesn’t end like one—with everybody living happily ever after” (Dilday p. 127).
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