Pastor Rusty Milton
“The Coming Gentiles”
1 King’s 10 ESV

God‘s love for us is expressed in the king he has given. In first kings 10:1-3, we see the queen of Sheba coming to ask questions of king Solomon. Despite the long and arduous journey to Israel, we see her recognizing that time with the king was worth the journey. As believers, we have a similar choice to make. We all have a daily collision between work and worship—the one thing necessary to do all our work well is to meditate on his word and spend time with him. Our time with Jesus is our ultimate good and what enables us to do our work well.

In verses 6-8, we see the servants of King Solomon described as experiencing joy in his presence. As Christians, we are servants of God. As we stand before King Jesus and listen to him, we are fitted to do good works for him, our King. This is a source of joy to us as we commune with him.

Finally, in verse 9, we see King Solomon praised by the queen of Sheba for his justice and righteousness displayed through his judgments. In Jesus, we see one greater than Solomon, sent by God to execute judgment and righteousness and justice on behalf of all believers.

1 Kings 10:1-9

English Standard Version

The Queen of Sheba

10 (A)Now when (B)the queen of (C)Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came (D)to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels (E)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. 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. 8 (F)Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!9 (