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Commentary
1 Kings 10
The Queen Of Sheba Visits Solomon
In this chapter, we see the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon. She tested Solomon. She wanted to see of the word was true, and found that the word was understated. She was more impressed to see for herself. She gave homage to Solomon, spices in great quantity. Solomon gave her all that she asked for. The remainder of the chapter outlines some of the business that Solomon had going, mostly over seas.
A lot of effort had gone into making sure the reader, you and I, had a clear concept of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. Clearly, the Lord wants us to know that He is ready and willing to give us all that our hearts desire, and more besides. He wants to exceed our EVERY imagination of wealth and prosperity. He wants the world to know who He is and what He can do for humanity. He wants there to be no doubt that He is the One True God, the Almighty, and that nothing is too difficult for Him. Most of all, He wants us to live solely for Him.
God is not selfish. In that, He isn't recruiting the world, to win them over so that He can "win" a contest, or so that none other god can have any. We aren't cattle. We are people. God created us all. He loves us unconditionally. He wants us to love Him unconditionally in return. He wants our love to be of our own free will. This is why He demonstrates His love for us in pouring out the blessings to overflowing. This is why He wants us to "opt" to serve Him. He wants us to WILLINGLY love Him. He could require it. He could take our lives for lack of obedience. He is merciful. His mercy will not depart from us. He will allow us to come to Him. We know that we are damned without Him, not as a recourse, but because that is all there is left. Without God, all is lost. None of God's attributes apply to us if we choose other than Him.
God knows what serious suffering is like. He knows what the enemy plans for those who don't choose God. He don't want us to experience this damnation. He wants to make it clear to us that we have a better option. This option is available only to those who are living, those who have a free will of choice. Then, when our bodies and our ability to make rational choice is gone from us, He has reward. He has automatically protected us from the enemy's plans. God goes on to pour on the blessings. He gives us the entire kingdom, for our dwelling. He gives us the best of everything. This is the plan of Salvation. What's confusing about it?
Solomon didn't earn what God gave him. God promised David all that He gave to Solomon. This was decided before Solomon could have ever earned it. This is the way of God. It is not by our own goodness that God blesses us. He will reward our obedience and loyalty. Even before that, He blesses us so that we can know who He is and what He is capable of. He wants us to see a clear difference between the land of the living and the land of the lost. It's a clear choice. It's an easy choice.
Thursday, November 18, 2010 - 9:00 AM
