"King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings.” (v.23)
Today’s passage catalogs Solomon’s vast accumulation of material wealth, political success, and military strength. He had thriving revenue streams, a luxurious palace, and incomparable wisdom, 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses—imported from Egypt (vv. 28-29). Everything any ruler could possibly want, King Solomon had. All his blessings came from God.
Sheba (also known as Sabea) was where modern-day Yemen is today (Southern Arabia). We know from geography this was a wealthy kingdom with much gold, spices, and precious woods. History also tells us that they were known to have queens as well as kings. This was a long trip – up to about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers). She (The Queen of Sheba) probably came as part of a trade delegation (1 Kings 10:2-5), but there is no doubt that she was highly motivated to see Solomon and his kingdom. She came to Solomon and Israel at their material zenith. The great prosperity, splendor, and wisdom of Solomon’s kingdom were internationally famous.
Verse 1 implies that Solomon's fame was only in connection with “the name of the Lord.” However, Solomon forgot this. Because of his great wealth, Solomon had reached a point where he no longer had to depend on his God for anything, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Solomon, with all his great wisdom, should have heeded his father’s words: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
And come what may, so should we.
The Truth: “He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.” (Proverbs 11:28)
