The early reign of Solomon was
distinctive and impressive
Big Sol was responding to the cultural mandate with real style and panache. Not for him the life of the idle hedonist – loafing around the palace, loitering with intent, on the prowl for sordid pleasures. No Big Sol was a cultured man. He understood God’s call to develop and enhance the radiant garden. He spent time writing songs and proverbs. He studied all kinds of fascinating creatures, - trees, animals, birds and insects. He was perhaps the first world-famous Educationalist, Composer, Botanist and Zoologist all rolled into one. People from all over the world heard about this dazzling king and his amazing kingdom and they booked their holidays and prepared their caravans.
The Queen of Sheba had heard about the fame of Solomon and decided to pay him a visit. We all know people who are inclined to over pack; some people just can’t seem to help it. Sheba had just completed her PhD at the university of Alabama in Packing Studies and she rose to the challenge with considerable verve and panache. We are told that she brought camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones (1 Kings 10:2). The precise weight of the gold should cause us some concern for her caravan; apparently it weighed 4 tons!
It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer class of Chelsea. It would seem as if they’ve gained access to Solomon’s vast fortune and have bought up the world’s most costly players. Sheba was similarly overwhelmed on meeting Big Sol. She was deeply impressed by the shalom and magnificence that pervaded his court and kingdom.
Her keen eye had alerted her to the dramatic contrast between Solomon’s kingdom and all the other kingdoms she had visited as a young princess. Here there was no obvious misery, cruelty and oppression. Here there was wealth and stylish living but it was enjoyed by all the cheerful and affable citizens. Wisdom, human flourishing and festive celebration seemed omnipresent and Sheba gasped and gulped in fresh supplies of oxygen. “What a corker”, she must have concluded.
Sheba was no slouch in matters of discernment herself. Clearly Solomon had waxed lyrical as he launched into literary, scientific, philosophical and theological disquisitions. Perhaps Sheba found Big Sol attractive and alluring; perhaps she fancied the dazzling charmer. Who knows? The Bible is sadly quiet on such matters.
But on one important topic we can be crystal clear – Sheba realised that all this wonder and glory did not emanate from Solomon alone. Behind the throne, stood someone else. This is how Sheba put it herself:
“The report I heard in my own country about
your achievements and your wisdom is true. But
I did not believe these things until I came and saw
with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told
me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded
the report I heard. How happy your men must be!
How happy your officials, who continually stand
before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to
the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and
placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of
the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made
you king, to maintain justice and righteousness.”
1 Kings 10:6-9
And yet this
manifestation of the kingdom of God was
to be so fleeting and ephemeral.
Just as modern professional football has become twisted and corrupted by greed, violence and a win-at-all-costs mentality, so Solomon betrayed the God who had brought him so much fame, wealth and honour.
