Bible Commentaries

The story of the Queen of Sheba's coming is full of beauty, as it illustrates the true influence of kingship exercised under the government of the eternal King. The fame of Solomon's wisdom attracted her to his court, and she came principally to discuss with him the problems on her mind. "She came to prove Solomon with hard questions." He welcomed her with fine courtesy, and answered her questions to her satisfaction. The matter of principal interest is the effect produced on her by her visit. She wondered at all the magnificence as well as at the king's wisdom; but she saw clearly the reason of it all, and her highest praise was offered to that God through whom Solomon was enthroned, and in whose might and wisdom he was strong and wise.

This is as it should be with all who represent God to men by submission. When our greatness or our wisdom is the final impression we have failed. When our success is so manifested as to reveal the secret of our relationship to God; and, therefore, so as to transfer the praise of men from ourselves to Him, we are ful6lling the true function of life.

The chronicler ends the story of Solomon with an account of the wealth that he gathered, and the magnificence which characterized his reign. The account of the failure and fall is not given. The writer's purpose is served when he has made clear the relationship between loyalty to the Temple of God, with its worship, and success and greatness of king and people. The story immediately following, of disruption and degeneracy, is the result of the failure, and sets forth the same truth from the other side.