Josephus, in his history of the Jews (circa 90 A.D.), wrote of the queen's visit to Solomon's courts. The historian described the queen as being very bright and inquisitive by nature. Solomon was so famous that the queen heard reports of his virtue every day. It was these reports and her inquisitive nature that induced her to visit. She particularly liked philosophy and proposed to test Solomon on questions of great difficulty which demanded understanding of hidden meanings. This sounds just like my Jesus who was always amazing (and confounding) people with His deep understanding of things spiritual and secular. Josephus said that the queen asked Solomon questions in "multitude and grandeur".
The queen had no fear of visiting Solomon's kingdom because it was so peaceful. The very last enemies of Israel had been conquered and Solomon had a relationship with the God of the Universe. Everything about Solomon and his kingdom at the time of her visit fit the meaning of his name ("peaceful"). Fame with nothing lacking and yet Solomon was still virtuous! The queen was wise indeed to load a caravan and set out to meet him. Here is the way her arrival is recorded in 1 Kings 10:2: "And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart". Solomon was able to answer all of the questions she had on her mind. Nothing was too difficult for him and he knew all of the hidden deeper meanings. What she had previously wondered about---should she believe?--proved to be true. Now there was absolutely no reason to doubt. Solomon was more than she had expected. He was so splendid that the queen said that what she had previously heard about him was not even half of what she saw and heard once she was with him in person. There was nothing the queen desired that he did not generously bestow on her.
The queen presents a challenge for us. Do we approach our King with incense (prayer) and gifts of joy and express to Him how wonderful it is to be in His presence? Do we commune with Him and ask Him about the deep mysteries of God's kingdom? Do we believe nothing is too difficult for Him? Paul says that Jesus is the pattern Son who provides answers to all our questions so that all our doubts vanish.
That's what he did for the Samaritan lady. Jesus has all the resources of heaven available to help those of us who believe to succeed. We are continually reminded that He is much, much more than we expected. He opens our eyes to the right philosophy of life. Loving Him, we enjoy hearing reports of His greatness every day and He never ceases to amaze us. Such amazement leads to joy and that joy becomes our strength to continue the journey. Gather up your gifts; go see the King! Praise Him!
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Ps. 16:11
About Me
- Rebecca Pruet
- I am a retired VA employee who lives in Texas. I consider the characters of the Bible "family" as much as any I know or have known on earth. To be one of the Lord's beloved is the greatest thing I know. What good company!
Monday, June 14, 2010
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