The story of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon. The gist of it all? “When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. . . . Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. . . . She said to the king, ‘The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. . . . Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you” (9:1-8). Gold, silver, trading ships, horses, building projects and, above all else, wisdom! This queen, though not a follower of the God of Israel, certainly got it right when she declared, “Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you.” In fact, all of Israel, throughout her history, must give testimony of the same. Moses had said to Israel, “The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
Israel had been loved by so great a love! Alas, she did not remember, she did not love the Lord in return. Even Solomon allowed much idolatry and a turning away from the Lord. If only Israel had remained faithful. A clear word of caution to us!
A charge to keep I have . . .
Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high. -- Charles Wesley (1762)