1 Kings 10:1  When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. (NIV)

—

It’s easy to get caught up in the details of this story and miss the focus of the event. 

The queen of Sheba’s caravan was impressive. Verse 2 says she arrived in Jerusalem “with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.”

Skip down to verse ten and notice additional details about her caravan of dreams come true. 

“And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.”

That’s quite a haul. Verse 13 tells us that Solomon responded with equal generosity. 

“King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.”

It’s easy to focus on the wrong things here. The gifts were extravagant and plentiful. They were not the focus of the meeting. 

Go back to verse one and see why she came. She had “heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, . . .” 

Queens and Kings enjoy associating with other queens and kings. They love comparing themselves to one another. They want firsthand knowledge regarding whether another’s reputation is truly earned. This queen shared this curiosity. This question was easily answered. Yes, Solomon deserved his reputation for extravagance. Next item, please.

The queen wanted to know about his relationship with the LORD. Did God actually appear to him? (See chapter 9.) Did he fill the Temple with such glory that everything came to a stop? (See chapter 8.) What was it like to truly experience God?

Silver and gold, diamonds and emeralds, are lovely trinkets and adorn us with beauty. Nothing we put on, however begins to compare with what God puts within us. Remember, the gold we crave here is used for pavement in the heavenly city. 

The queen wanted to know if God is really real and reachable. Is he relatable? 

Testing is coming. 

There are some tests you can prepare for. There are tests we should prepare for. And there are those tests we are completely unprepared for. 

Solomon the Wise was prepared for the Queen of Sheba’s extravagance. He was prepared for the testing of his wisdom. Here’s guessing he was surprised at the queen’s deeper desire. 

How did this testing go? Verse 13 gives us the answer.

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.

She found out what God is really like. She discovered that he is a treasure beyond wealth and beauty. He gives life abundant and full, and more than everything else, overflowing with meaning and purpose. 

This is what people want to know about us. Is our faith real? Is God knowable? Does life have purpose? 

Testing is coming, and quite often it comes without our notice. People listen to how we speak. They observe how we treat others, especially those who lack prominent standing. They see how closely our beliefs are turned into behavior that honors God and serves others. 

The queen was satisfied. She was impressed, and queens can be hard to impress. 

How do you and I express what we say we believe? How well do others think we do in honoring God and blessing others? Do we satisfy the curiosity of our observers? 

Two big ideas from this event should shape us. First, know God deeply. Second, live what we say we believe. This is what truly impresses our silent observers. It gives them confidence that God is real.

—

I will know God deeply and live what I say I believe.

—

Our Father, may others see Jesus in me. May his character and kindness find expression in what I say, how I say it, and how it benefits those who hear it. May his gentleness and mercy overflow into the lives of others through my simple service and respectful relationship habits. May his truth and grace shape my thoughts and decisions that produce blessings abounding. Amen.