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Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Utley- Sheba" There is still scholarly discussion about where this name (BDB 985) originated. Yemen ‒ from local contemporaneous literature it was known as Saba (ABD, vol. 5, pp. 1170-1171). This may have been the Sabean traders of the period. Northern Arabia ‒ a colony called Sheba is known, which had several queens as leaders. This term first appears in Gen. 10:7,28; 25:3, which makes it an Arab tribe that migrated to Ethiopia (Josephus, Antiq. 8.6.5.). If accurate she was an ancestor of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia. Jewish tradition says she had a child with Solomon who became Ethiopian royalty (Abyssinian line). Option #1 fits history best. This locale was known for its spice trade its wealth in silver and gold Fame (report) (08088) shema means news, report, fame, refers to the "thing heard," such as family news (Ge. 29:13), news of military movement (Jer 37:5; 50:43) and news of judgment (Nah. 3:19). Shemaʿ can refer to a report of an event, such as the report of the downfall of Tyre (Isa. 23:5), the report of some wrongdoing (Hos. 7:12), the report of Israel's victories (Deut. 2:25) or even a false report about someone (Exo. 23:1). Shemaʿ can refer idiomatically to a report as "the hearing of the ear" (Job 42:5; Ps. 18:44). And it can refer to someone's fame, such as God's fame (Nu 14:15; Isa. 66:19; Hab. 3:2), Solomon's fame (1 Ki. 10:1; 2 Chr. 9:1) and Wisdom's fame (Job 28:22). TWOT (online) - Used 1) of news generally, whether good or bad, 2) of the fame attached to a person, and 3) of hearsay, as opposed to personal experiential knowledge. Thus it is used in Isaiah 23:5 of the report or news of Jacob's arrival. In 1 Kings 10:1 it is used to describe Solomon's fame that had reached as far as Sheba. In Job's great confession (Job 42:5) he testifies that his former knowledge of God had been but hearsay, and that as a result of his personal encounter with God he has come to see his own nothingness in the face of the greatness of God. SHEMA - 17X/16V - about(1), fame(4), hear*(1), hearing(1), news(1), proclamation(1), report(8). Gen. 29:13; Exod. 23:1; Num. 14:15; Deut. 2:25; 1 Ki. 10:1; 2 Chr. 9:1; Job 28:22; Job 42:5; Ps. 18:44; Isa. 23:5; Isa. 66:19; Jer. 37:5; Jer. 50:43; Hos. 7:12; Nah. 3:19; Hab. 3: Test (05254) nacah/nasah Lxx = peirazo)to test, to try, to prove. In most OT uses has idea of testing or proving quality of someone or something and doing so often through adversity or hardship. As the following context makes clear (note "to see," lit., "to know," in 3:4), the purpose of this divine test was to determine if Israel was truly loyal. An examination of parallel passages shows that such divine tests were designed to reveal otherwise hidden character qualities. Testing which shows what someone is really like generally involves difficulty or hardship. Swanson sums up Nacah - 1. (piel) test, try, i.e., attempt to learn the true nature of something (1Ki 10:1); 2. (piel) attempt, try, i.e., exert oneself to do something (Dt 4:34); 3. (piel) test, try, i.e., cause or allow hardship or trouble in a circumstance, often with choices within the situation, implying a different outcome is possible (Jdg 2:22) NACAH - 37X/34V - make a test(1), proved(1), put(1), put to the test(2), tempted(3), test(13), tested(9), testing(3), tried(1), try(1), venture(1), ventures(1). Gen. 22:1; Exod. 15:25; Exod. 16:4; Exod. 17:2; Exod. 17:7; Exod. 20:20; Num. 14:22; Deut. 4:34; Deut. 6:16; Deut. 8:2; Deut. 8:16; Deut. 13:3; Deut. 28:56; Deut. 33:8; Jdg. 2:22; Jdg. 3:1; Jdg. 3:4; Jdg. 6:39; 1 Sam. 17:39; 1 Ki. 10:1; 2 Chr. 9:1; 2 Chr. 32:31; Job 4:2; Ps. 26:2; Ps. 78:18; Ps. 78:41; Ps. 78:56; Ps. 95:9; Ps. 106:14; Eccl. 2:1; Eccl. 7:23; Isa. 7:12; Dan. 1:12; Dan. 1:14 Difficult questions (riddles) (02420)(chidah) means an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question where the meaning is obscure or hidden. Most uses (8x) refer to Samson's riddle in Judges 14. A riddle is a question, puzzle or statement so phrased that ingenuity is required to answer or understand. NET Note - The sayings of the wise often take the form of riddles that must be discerned. CHIDAH - 17V - dark sayings(2), difficult questions(2), insinuations(1), intrigue(1), riddle(10), riddles(1). Num. 12:8; Jdg. 14:12; Jdg. 14:13; Jdg. 14:14; Jdg. 14:15; Jdg. 14:16; Jdg. 14:17; Jdg. 14:18; Jdg. 14:19; 1 Ki. 10:1; 2 Chr. 9:1; Ps. 49:4; Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6; Ezek. 17:2; Dan. 8:23; Hab. 2:6 "THE NAME" OF YHWH (OT) NAME OF THE LORD - 105X/105V - Gen. 4:26; Gen. 12:8; Gen. 13:4; Gen. 16:13; Gen. 21:33; Gen. 26:25; Exod. 20:7; Exod. 33:19; Exod. 34:5; Lev. 24:16; Deut. 5:11; Deut. 18:5; Deut. 18:7; Deut. 18:22; Deut. 21:5; Deut. 28:10; Deut. 32:3; 1 Sam. 17:45; 1 Sam. 20:42; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Sam. 6:18; 1 Ki. 3:2; 1 Ki. 5:3; 1 Ki. 5:5; 1 Ki. 8:17; 1 Ki. 8:20; 1 Ki. 10:1; 1 Ki. 18:24; 1 Ki. 18:32; 1 Ki. 22:16; 2 Ki. 2:24; 2 Ki. 5:11; 1 Chr. 16:2; 1 Chr. 21:19; 1 Chr. 22:7; 1 Chr. 22:19; 2 Chr. 2:1; 2 Chr. 2:4; 2 Chr. 6:7; 2 Chr. 6:10; 2 Chr. 18:15; 2 Chr. 33:18; Job 1:21; Ps. 7:17; Ps. 20:7; Ps. 102:15; Ps. 102:21; Ps. 113:1; Ps. 113:2; Ps. 113:3; Ps. 116:4; Ps. 116:13; Ps. 116:17; Ps. 118:10; Ps. 118:11; Ps. 118:12; Ps. 118:26; Ps. 122:4; Ps. 124:8; Ps. 129:8; Ps. 135:1; Ps. 148:5; Ps. 148:13; Prov. 18:10; Isa. 18:7; Isa. 24:15; Isa. 30:27; Isa. 48:1; Isa. 50:10; Isa. 56:6; Isa. 59:19; Isa. 60:9; Jer. 3:17; Jer. 11:21; Jer. 26:9; Jer. 26:16; Jer. 26:20; Jer. 44:16; Joel 2:26; Joel 2:32; Amos 6:10; Mic. 4:5; Mic. 5:4; Zeph. 3:9; Zeph. 3:12; Zech. 13:3; Matt. 21:9; Matt. 23:39; Mk. 11:9; Lk. 13:35; Lk. 19:38; Jn. 12:13; Acts 2:21; Acts 8:16; Acts 9:28; Acts 19:5; Acts 19:13; Acts 19:17; Acts 21:13; Rom. 10:13; 1 Co. 6:11; Col. 3:17; 2 Tim. 2:19; Jas. 5:10; Jas. 5:14 The use of "the name" as a substitute for YHWH Himself is parallel to the Exod. 23:20-33 use of "angel," who is said to have "My name is in him." This same substitution can be seen in the use of "His glory" (e.g., John 1:14; 17:22; see Special Topic: God Described As Human). All are attempts to soften the personal anthropomorphic presence of YHWH (cf. Exod. 3:13-16; 6:3). YHWH is surely spoken of in human terms, but it was also known that He was spiritually present throughout creation (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:27; Ps. 139:7-16; Jer. 23:24; Acts 7:49 quotes Isa. 66:1). There are several examples of "the name" representing YHWH's divine essence and personal presence. 1. Deut. 12:5; 2 Sam. 7:13; 1 Kgs. 9:3; 11:36 2. Deut. 28:58 3. Ps. 5:11; 7:17; 9:10; 33:21; 68:4; 91:14; 103:1; 105:3; 145:21 4. Isa. 48:9; 56:6 5. Ezek. 20:44; 36:21; 39:7 6. Amos 2:7 7. John 17:6,11,26 The concept of "calling on" (i.e., worshiping) the name of YHWH is seen early in Genesis. 1. Gen. 4:26, the line of Seth 2. Gen. 12:8, Abraham 3. Gen. 13:4, Abraham 4. Gen. 16:13, Hagar 5. Gen. 21:33, Abraham 6. Gen. 26:25, Isaac and in Exodus: 1. Exod. 5:22-23, speak in Your name 2. Exod. 9:16, proclaim My name through all the earth (cf. Rom. 9:17) 3. Exod.20:7, do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (cf. Lev. 19:12; Deut. 5:11; 6:13; 10:20) 4. Exod. 20:24, where I cause My name to be remembered (cf. Deut. 12:5; 26:2) 5. Exod. 23:20-21, an angel ("since My name is in him") 6. Exod. 34:5-7, Moses calls on (or "called out") the name of the Lord. This is one of a handful of texts that describe YHWH's character (cf. Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8; Joel 2:13) Knowing someone by name implies an intimacy (cf. Exod. 33:12); Moses knows YHWH's name and in 33:17, YHWH knows Moses' name. This is the context where Moses wants to see God's glory (cf. v. 18), but God allows him to see "His goodness" (v. 19), which is parallel to "the name" (v. 19). The Israelites are to destroy "the names" of Canaan's gods (cf. Deut. 12:3) and call on Him (cf. Deut. 6:13; 10:20; 26:2) at the special place He causes His name to dwell (cf. Exod. 20:24; Deut. 12:5,11,21; 14:23,24; 16:2,6,11; 26:2). YHWH has a universal purpose involving His name. 1. Gen. 12:3 2. Exod. 9:16 3. Exod. 19:5-6 4. Deut. 28:10,58 5. Micah 4:1-5 Related Resources: The Names of God Study of Hebrew Jehovah (Yahweh) Study of Hebrew 'adonay (Adonai) Study of Hebrew Elohim (God) QUESTION - Who was the Queen of Sheba? ANSWER - The Queen of Sheba, according to the biblical narrative, was a woman of great wealth, beauty, and power. Sheba, believed to be either in Ethiopia or Yemen by most biblical scholars, was a well-established city, and, although there is little evidence outside the Bible as to the nature of the monarchy and how it was established, it is clear that the Queen of Sheba ruled alone and was not enamored with the religions in her own land. The Queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem as she had “heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, [and] came to test Solomon with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1). As God had granted Solomon the gift of wisdom (1 Kings 3:5–12), “nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her” (1 Kings 10:3). After a meal together, the Queen of Sheba declares how impressed she is with Solomon’s answers, hospitality, and the reputation that preceded him. The story ends with an exchange of resources and the Queen of Sheba returning “with her retinue to her own country” (1 Kings 10:13). Sources outside the Bible suggest that the Queen of Sheba conceived a child in secret with King Solomon, while some Bible commentators have suggested that the nameless woman in the Song of Solomon is the Queen of Sheba (with the man being King Solomon). Both are speculative and, while interesting, cannot be declared factual. Whether she has any relation to the “Sheba” mentioned in Genesis 10:7 and 28, or if she was the ancestor of “Candace, queen of the Ethiopians” (Acts 8:27), is, again, open to speculation. The Queen of Sheba is mentioned again in the New Testament by an alternative title, the Queen of the South (Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31). Jesus refers to her, reaffirming her historical personage, as a means to illustrate the point that, despite being originally pagan in belief and Gentile in race, the Queen of Sheba recognized the truth and reality of God, unlike the religious leaders who opposed Jesus. As such, they would be condemned for their ignorant and defiant nature. Two lessons can be learned from the story of the Queen of Sheba. First, like King Solomon, believers are to show evidence of God’s favor in their lives, whatever their role, profession, or environment. Second, the reputation of believers should precede them by their godly words and actions, for we are “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). GotQuestions.org G Campbell
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Utley - "almug trees" The UBS Helps for Translator Series entitled "Fauna and Flora of the Bible", p. 81, notes there are two spellings of this tree. algummim (2 Chr. 2:7) almuggim (only here) It is often called "sandalwood" (from Sanskrit), which was imported from southern India. It was a hard wood of reddish color. 1 Kings 10:13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested, besides what he gave her according to his royal bounty. Then she turned and went to her own land together with her servants. AMP King Solomon [in turn] gave to the queen of Sheba everything that she wanted, whatever she asked, besides what he gave to her from his royal bounty. So she returned to her own country, she and her servants. CSB King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba her every desire—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she, along with her servants, returned to her own country. CEB King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she wanted and all that she had asked for, in addition to what he had already given her from his own personal funds. Then she and her servants returned to her homeland. ESV And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants. EXB King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she wanted and asked for, in addition to what he had already given her ·of his wealth [according to his royal bounty; or out of his royal treasury]. Then she and her ·servants [attendants; retinue] returned to her own country. TLB In exchange for the gifts from the queen of Sheba, King Solomon gave her everything she asked him for, besides the presents he had already planned. Then she and her servants returned to their own land. MSG King Solomon for his part gave the queen of Sheba all her heart’s desire—everything she asked for, on top of what he had already so generously given her. Satisfied, she returned home with her train of servants. all her desire: 1Ki 10:2 9:1 Ps 20:4 37:4 Mt 15:28 Joh 14:13,14 Eph 3:20 SOLOMON RECIPROCATES AND QUEEN RETURNS King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested, besides what he gave her according to his royal bounty - She had brought quite a largess to Solomon and here Solomon reciprocated by giving her whatever she asked for out of his royal bounty. This reciprocation could also represent formation of a political alliance. Then she turned and went to her own land together with her servants - Thus concludes Solomon's second interaction with women, the first being with two prostitutes to demonstrate his wisdom and the second with a foreign royal woman to also demonstrate his wisdom (as well as his wealth). This female encounter provides a segue into chapter 11 where foreign women signal his decline and demise and the division of the nation of Isr William Barnes on Solomon and Sheba consorting - In Ethiopian tradition she is famously depicted as a most noble queen who ended up being seduced by Solomon, and giving birth to a son Menelik, the founder of the Ethiopian dynasty (See 1-2 Kings - Page 101) Iain Duguid: Solomon’s reciprocal giving of gifts (as would be expected in international relationships) concludes the account of the queen’s visit. The wording gives no details beyond the fact that he “gave [her] all that she desired” (cf. the earlier similarly general answered all her questions”; 2 Chron. 9:2). It is a much later tradition that speaks of a union resulting in the birth of Menelik I, the founder of the Ethiopian dynasty that persisted with some gaps into the twentieth century as the “house of Solomon.” Wikipedia - Menelik I (Ge'ez: ምኒልክ, Mənilək) was the claimed first Emperor of Ethiopia. According to Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century national epic, in the 10th century BC he is said to have inaugurated the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia, so named because Menelik I was the son of the biblical King Solomon of ancient Israel and of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba.[4][5] The Royal Bounty By Frances Ridley Havergal SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 10:13 INTRODUCTION: When God answers our prayers, we are greatly humbled and we cry out, “Who am I, O Lord, that You have so wonderfully answered my prayer.” But it is more humbling still when we stand face to face with great things which the Lord has done for us and given us, for which we never asked at all, nor even thought of asking—Royal Bounty. Let us give things today for the overwhelming mercies for which we never asked. 1. We did not ask Him to choose us in Christ Jesus before the world began (Eph. 1:4). 2. We did not ask Him to call us by His grace (2 Tim. 1:9). 3. We did not ask to be taught to pray. Jesus put into our sinful hearts the thought of asking Him for that which we need (Job 37:19). CONCLUSION: In addition to granting her requests, King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba from his “royal bounty.” Psalm 68:19 says: “Blessed be the LORD, who daily loads us with benefits.” 1 Kings 10:14 Now the weight of gold which came in to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 666 talents of gold: 1Ki 9:28 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 9:13 Now the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, THE WEIGHT AND WINGS OF GOLD Now the weight of gold which came in to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold (note) - This describes the revenue Solomon received from trade routes and vassal states in one year. Solomon had so much gold that the writer of Chronicles says "The king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as plentiful as sycamores in the lowland." (2Ch 1:15) Within five years after Solomon’s death, Shishak, king of Egypt, came and took all this gold away (1Ki 14:25–26; 2Ch 12:2, 9–11). How ironic that in one of his famous proverbs, Solomon wrote "When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens." -- (Proverbs 23:5) THOUGHT - Beloved of God, do you really believe Solomon's proverb? Perhaps you have experienced this proverb. Believers are those who should now "look not at the things which are seen (LIKE GOLD), but at the things which are not seen (HEAVEN, ETERNAL TREASURES); for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2Co 4:18+) For those who "have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking (present imperative = calls for lifestyle, habitual practice - see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Col 3:1-2+, cf 1Ti 6:17+, Jas 5:1-3+) Jesus' advice (command) is timeless - "Do not store up (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mt 6:19-21+) Last question beloved, where is your heart? Solomon's heart would soon bring disaster on the entire nation (1Ki 11:3-4+). “Riches are like salt water— the more you drink, the more you thirst.” -- Warren Wiersbe 666 TALENTS OF GOLD - The standard weight of one talent of gold in biblical times was approximately 75 pounds (34 kilograms). 666 talents of gold = 49,950 pounds (almost 25 tons!!!) of gold OR 799,200 ounces of gold AND at 2024 prices of about $2000 per ounce, the grand total would be about $1.598 billion USD. There is a touch of irony in the number 666 which is described in Revelation 13:18+ as the symbol of the Antichrist (Beast), the mark of the Beast, which if taken doomed one to eternal punishment and if not taken prevented one from buying or selling and possibly being executed by the Antichrist's henchmen. Coram Deo - The Fall of King Solomon The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents. [1 Kings 10:14] Before he became King, David collected wives in violation of the laws of kingship found in Deuteronomy 17:16–17. Graciously, God did not allow these sins to disqualify David or destroy the order of the kingdom. The prophet Nathan announced the new kingdom covenant God established with David and his house. Shortly after this new covenant was set up, David fell into adultery with Bathsheba, a new fall that threatened to destroy the kingdom. We see the same pattern in the life of Solomon. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon entered into a politically expedient marriage with the royal house of Egypt, and he worshiped carelessly on the high places (1 Kings 3:1–3). Yet God did not hold these sins against him, but instead appeared to him at Gibeon and blessed his plan to build the temple. God gave Solomon wisdom and godly influence throughout the world. Then, after the kingdom was settled, Solomon fell further into sin, a fall that disrupted the kingdom. After the account of the visit of the Queen of Sheba, the pinnacle of Solomon’s greatness and influence, we are told that Solomon broke the three laws of kingship. First, he multiplied gold and wealth for himself. Surely the number 666 in 1 Kings 10:14 has prophetic significance (see Rev. 13:18). Second, he multiplied horses and sent to Egypt for them (1 Kings 10:26–29). Third, he multiplied wives and concubines, and they turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1–8). He also instituted forced labor, reducing the people to slavery, thereby “returning them to Egypt” (1 Kings 12:4). Solomon’s godly wisdom so declined until he had forgotten the meaning of the temple he so lavishly constructed. Just as David’s great fall brought trouble on his house for the rest of his days, so Solomon’s great fall brought war upon the land for the rest of his reign. Hadad the Edomite rose against him, as did Rezon of Zobah. Solomon’s greatest threat arose in the person of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who was himself raised up by God through the prophet Ahijah to oppose both Solomon and his son Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:9–40). Coram Deo With God there is forgiveness and abundant mercy. He is long-suffering and slow to wrath. This was evident with both David and Solomon, yet God has appointed boundaries which, when crossed, provoked his anger and discipline. Think of Solomon if you are playing brinkmanship with sin, pushing it to the limit. For how can you tell when you have reached the limit God will tolerate. Repent immediately, before God chastises you in discipline. 1 Kings 10:15 besides that from the traders and the wares of the merchants and all the kings of the Arabs and the governors of the country. all the kings: 1Ch 9:24 2Ch 9:13,14 Ps 72:10 Isa 21:13 Ga 4:25 SOLOMON'S KINGDOM WAS A TRADE HUB besides that from the traders and the wares of the merchants and all the kings of the Arabs and the governors of the country. Here we see 4 groups from whom Solomon received revenue which helps explain his massive annual accumulation of gold. The traders (Hebrew: אַנְשֵׁי הָרֹכְלִים, anshei ha-rochelim) were traveling merchants who engaged in long-distance trade. The word "wares" (סַחַר, sachar) refers to imported goods and merchandise. Merchants (רֹכְלִים, rochelim) were businesspeople who sold valuable commodities like precious stones, metals, and exotic materials. This refers to Arabian tribal rulers who controlled the incense and spice trade routes. They paid tributes or sent gifts to Solomon as a sign of alliance or submission. Governors (פַּחוֹת, pachot) were regional officials who ruled under Solomon's authority. They collected taxes and tributes from different provinces and sent them to the king. These governors controlled areas such as Edom, Moab, and other territories conquered by David and ruled by Solomon. This verse refers to the various sources of Solomon’s wealth, indicating that his income came from multiple channels, including trade, taxes, and tributes from foreign rulers. These verse about Solomon's wealth reflect a fulfillment of God's promise in 1 Kings 3:13+ “I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days." Sadly, although Solomon was immensely wealthy, his extravagance and heavy taxation later contributed to Israel’s division (1 Kings 12:4-16). 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold, using 600 shekels of gold on each large shield. two hundred: 1Ki 14:26-28 2Ch 9:15,16 12:9,10 Related Passages: Proverbs 23:5 "When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens." CEREMONIAL SHIELDS OF GOLD King Solomon made 200 large shields of beaten gold, using 600 shekels of gold on each large shield Gold is a soft metal and so these could hardly be meant for defense in battle but more for decoration. Although it is only an approximation, each large shield overlaid with 600 shekels of gold would contain about 15 pounds of gold, valued at approximately $637,500 based on current gold prices. Decorative shields were common in the Ancient Near East, serving both ceremonial and symbolic purposes. These shields were often displayed in palaces, temples, and treasuries to signify power, wealth, and divine protection (THIS LATTER NOT APPLYING TO SOLOMON BUT TO THE PAGAN KINGS). Egyptian temples and tombs depict ceremonial shields carried by Pharaohs or placed in sacred sites. Shields were often gold-plated or decorated with divine imagery (e.g., gods, animals, or hieroglyphic inscriptions). Example: King Tutankhamun’s tomb contained ceremonial shields adorned with religious motifs. Reliefs from Assyrian palaces (e.g., Nineveh, Nimrud) show soldiers carrying decorated shields, sometimes with intricate patterns or embossed figures. Babylonian temples housed gold and bronze shields, likely as offerings to deities. Hittite carvings depict kings holding large decorative shields in processions. 1 Kings 10:17 He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three minas of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. in the house: 1Ki 7:2 Related Passages: 1 Kings 14:26+ He (SHISHAK PHARAOH OF EGYPT) took away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king’s house, and he took everything, even taking all the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 2 Chronicles 9:16 He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three hundred shekels of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. SMALLER GOLD SHIELDS FOR HOUSE OF FOREST OF LEBANON He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three minas of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon - The approximate value of each shield overlaid with three minas of gold at about 3.97 pounds would be valued at approximately $168,650 based on current gold prices. Utley - "the house of the forest of Lebanon" This was a large building for public/state gatherings. It also was the place for Solomon to judge Israel. Peter Pett: The prophet might well have had a wry smile on his face when he wrote these words, for he would know that in the not too distant future he would be deliberately pointing out that these shields would be appropriated by the Pharaoh, and would be carried off to Egypt (1 Kings 14:26). Solomon’s glory would thus not be long lasting. It was a fading glory because of his arrogance and disobedience. What YHWH supplied, YHWH could take away. Believer's Study Bible - The apparent contradiction between this verse and 1 Kin. 10:17 regarding the amount of gold in the 300 shields is resolved in that the figures reflect two different methods of reckoning the same items. The system(s) of ancient weights referred to in the O.T. is complicated. There is evidence of "heavy" and "light" systems employed so that the type had to be specified -- e.g., "according to the king's standard" (2 Sam. 14:26), "according to the shekel of the sanctuary" (Ex. 30:13, 24), and perhaps "currency of the merchants" (Gen. 23:16). Mesopotamia and Ugarit also had different systems. Thus, one scholar suggests that if the three minas in 1 Kin. 10:17 equals 300 shekels in 2 Chr. 9:16, then Chronicles refers to the royal shekel as in 2 Sam. 14:26. The royal shekel weighed only half the "sacred shekel," which was 50 shekels per mina. This is complicated, however, by the Mesopotamian sexagesimal system (numerical system based on the number 60) in which a mina equaled 60 shekels, a system evidenced by Ezek. 45:12 (unless the text of that verse has been corrupted in transmission, as some have suggested). Another explanation of the difference between the Kings and Chronicles texts begins by noting that the term "shekel" is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew of either. If the unit we are to assume is the bekah, which was a half-shekel (Ex. 38:26), then three minas equal 300 bekahs or 150 shekels, and a mina was its usual 50 shekels. The difficulty with this explanation is that the Hebrew word beqa` or "bekah" is only mentioned twice in the Bible -- in Gen. 24:22, where it is translated "half," and in Ex. 38:26-so when the unit is unspecified, the shekel is usually assumed. 1 Kings 10:18 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with refined gold. a great throne: 2Ch 9:17-19 Ps 45:6 110:1 122:5 Heb 1:3,8 Rev 20:11 ivory: 1Ki 10:22 22:39 Ps 45:8 Eze 27:6 Am 6:4 Rev 18:12 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with refined gold - Three verse are used to describe the magnificent of Solomon's throne, something not found elsewhere in the Bible except in the description of the "Throne of thrones" in Revelation 4:2-6+ Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. 5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 6 and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. Loins Girded - Throne of Ivory 1Ki. 10:18 Solomon was not only a type of Jesus Christ because of the wisdom that lured kings of the south to him to prove him with hard questions, but also because of his reign of peace. His name meant king of peace. His father David had established the kingdom in a bloody struggle, but after the era of the suffering and fighting king followed the era of the king of peace. Beautiful was the throne upon which he was seated. The Bible describes it as a throne of ivory, either made completely of ivory or profusely inlaid with ivory, and also embellished with pure gold. Everything of this throne witnessed majesty. People had to climb six steps, because a throne should be exalted above all other seats, since it is the only and all-dominating place. Besides, at the railings stood two carved lions,—the kings in the world of the animals, while upon each step there was on both sides such a reclining lion. Upon this majestic throne was not seated an imposing king, but a king of peace in whose mouth were words of mercy. Who does not think in this instance of the great and exalted throne to which Christ arose to take place at the right hand of the power of God, from where He shall once come to judge the living and the dead? First He established His kingdom as David’s Son and Lord upon earth in a way of blood and tears; now the suffering appearance of David has been changed in the ruler’s posture of Solomon and He is seated as the King of Peace upon the throne of ivory in the very centre of power of the whole universe, to bless all who look up to Him in respectful faith. Comfort, never to be taken from us, that His dominion is a dominion of peace. We do not need to remain in fear and trembling at a distance, but that King of Peace attracts us Himself to come nearer, to lay down all our sorrow before Him, to share all our guilt with Him, to look up to Him with an hopeful eye, so that He may command peace in our soul. He looks down, although from so elevated a place, with kindly eye upon them who kneel humbly. He does not reject us, but reaches us the golden sceptre of grace if we reach up pleading hands to Him. However, let us consider that it is a throne full of majesty. Jesus Christ is a King of Peace, yes, but royal lions decorate the throne! This calls us to respect and submission, prevents too much commonality, and keeps us from irrespectful audacity. Let us approach boldly, but with bowed down heads and holy respect, so that we may experience that the white throne of holiness is a throne of grace! 1 Kings 10:19 There were six steps to the throne and a round top to the throne at its rear, and arms on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the arms. There were six steps to the throne and a round top to the throne at its rear, and arms on each side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the arms Climbing six steps to the throne made the king appear exalted above those seeking judgment, reinforcing his supreme authority. Lions were widely used in the ancient Near East as symbols of strength, courage, and protection. Archaeological findings from Mesopotamia and Egypt show that lion motifs were common in royal thrones. 1 Kings 10:20 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom. lions: Ge 49:9 Nu 23:24 24:9 Rev 5:5 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps on the one side and on the other; nothing like it was made for any other kingdom. The number twelve is significant in the Bible, often representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The lions were placed on each of the six steps leading up to the throne, meaning there were two lions per step (one on each side). This placement created a grand and intimidating approach to the throne, visually reinforcing Solomon’s greatness and divine wisdom. Solomon’s throne was unmatched in its grandeur, even among other great kingdoms like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. Indeed this was Israel's golden age and the throne symbolized this truth making Solomon the most renowned king of the ancient near east. 1 Kings 10:21 All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None was of silver; it was not considered valuable in the days of Solomon. drinking: 2Ch 9:20-22 the house: 1Ki 10:17 7:2 SOLOMON MULTIPLIES GOLD AND SILVER All King Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None was of silver; it was not considered valuable in the days of Solomon - This degree of extravagance impresses me as flaunting one's wealth. 1Ki 10:27 adds "The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem." THOUGHT - Oh that God's Spirit would so work in our hearts that we might always be able to hear and heed Jesus' clear warning "No one (HOW MANY?) can serve two masters; for (EXPLAINS ENSLAVEMENT) either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (GOLD)." (Mt 6:24+) We need to remember that that is only one letter difference between gold and God. As Solomon's devotion to God declined, it seems to have been replaced by love of gold! Solomon is now in open rebellion presumptively ignoring the clear prohibition of Dt 17:17+ which states “He (THE KING) shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself." Solomon is deceived by and ensnared by sin to the point that he cannot even remember the warning words he himself penned in Proverbs 5:22+ "His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin." Comment - Solomon at this point is captured and bound fast by his sin. The word for capture in the Septuagint is agreuo which is a hunting or fishing term that speaks of the animal caught or trapped. In short, agreuo gives us a vivid picture of the power of Sin to "hunt down" and "capture" man like prey, whether "the deadly hunter" be sexual sin or any other sin we continue to practice and from which we refuse to repent (Memorize Romans 8:13+!) Related Resources: Deceitfulness of Sin The Danger and Deceitfulness of a Hardened Heart Robert Hawker —1 Kings 10:21. Behold, my soul! the splendour of Solomon, and figure to thyself what a court and people his must have been, with whom silver was as nothing; and then turn thy thoughts to Jesus, and ask thyself, whether it be possible to suppose that he, with whom are hid “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” can be otherwise than rich himself, and abundantly gracious to enrich his people. Thy Solomon, thy Jesus, hath all things, and all things richly to dispense. He is the universal Lord and proprietor of all. In him dwelleth all fulness; “yea, durable riches and righteousness.” And what endears Jesus, and marks the superiority of his kingdom, is, that every thing in it is everlasting. Solomon’s splendour was great; but it was limited to the period of his life; yea, less than life. But Jesus is everlasting—the riches and the blessings he hath, and which he gives, are everlasting. Jesus maketh both gold and silver, yea, the riches of grace and wisdom, as the stones of the street for abundance; and their blessedness is, like him, eternal. So that here we find an eternity of blessings. All beside is hollow, transitory, fading. But with Jesus it is solid and substantial. “I will cause them,” he saith, “that love me to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasure.” Precious Lord! may I never contemplate earthly pageantry, without taking into the view thy glory; and while I behold human grandeur, however splendid, or however shining, which is but for the day, may my soul hasten to the consideration of thy glory, which is a portion for thy redeemed to live upon to all eternity! 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea the ships of Tarshish with the ships of Hiram; once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. Tarshish: 1Ki 22:48 Ge 10:4 2Ch 9:21 20:36,37 Ps 48:7 72:10 Isa 2:16 Isa 23:1,6,10 60:9 66:19 Eze 27:12 Jon 1:3, Tarshish ivory: 1Ki 10:18 Am 3:15 peacocks: Job 39:13 SHIPS OF TARSHISH FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL TRADE For the king had at sea the ships of Tarshish with the ships of Hiram; once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory and apes and peacocks. Ships of Tarshish does not necessarily mean ships from a place called Tarshish, but rather refers to a specific type of large, sea-worthy trading vessels capable of long voyages. These ships were large, sturdy vessels, possibly Phoenician in design, capable of crossing the Mediterranean and beyond. The phrase "ships of Tarshish" was often used to describe any fleet capable of extensive sea trade, similar to calling modern large cargo ships "ocean liners." This verse shows that Solomon’s kingdom was connected to global trade networks. Peter Pett: These large ships regularly set off on their voyages, and would be away ‘three years’ (one full year and two part years). This does not necessarily signify long voyages. Ships in those days did not just sail away into the sunset and return. They would visit different ports to trade and gather water and provisions, they would often hug the coast, they would be laid up at times because of unseasonal weather, they might remain in some ports for a long time until they had disposed of their produce and filled up with the goods they received in return. Thus it is difficult to know how much actual sailing time was included in the ‘calculation’. They then returned with exotic goods such as gold, silver, ivory, and possibly apes and peacocks (the meaning of the nouns is uncertain, especially the latter, but they are presumably exotic creatures), which were a wonder to all who beheld them. These may not all, of course, have been obtained from their original home-lands. They may have been traded on by other vessels which had come from those places. Thus we have no real idea how far Solomon’s fleet was able to penetrate. But to Israelites, unused to the sea, it would all have seemed wonderful, and added greatly to Solomon’s glory. 1 Kings 10:23 So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. became greater than all the kings of the earth: 1Ki 3:12,13 4:29-34 2Ch 9:22,23 Ps 89:27 Eph 3:8 Col 1:18,19 Col 2:2,3 Related Passages: 1 Timothy 6:17+ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. (SOLOMON SET HIS EYE ON RICHES AND TOOK HIS EYE OFF OF GOD TO HIS DEMISE!) Mark 4:19+ but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. THE GREATNESS OF SOLOMON & THE GOLDEN AGE OF ISRAEL So King Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom - Solomon was the king whose fame knew no bounds but sadly whose appetite knew no bounds. He was greater than other human kings, but not great enough to control his appetite for wealth and women. Henry
1 Reis 10
Utley - CHARIOTS Two Hebrew forms are used (merkabah, BDB 939; rekeb, KB 636) Royal or governmental transportation Egypt ‒ Gen. 41:43; 46:29; 50:9 Israel ‒ 1 Sam. 8:11; 2 Sam. 15:1; 1 Kgs. 1:5; Song of Songs 3:9; Isa. 22:18; Jer. 17:25 Syria ‒ 2 Kgs. 5:21-26 Ethiopia ‒ Acts 8:28,29,38 Often associated with YHWH YHWH Himself (1) incense altar of David's temple was shaped like a "chariot" is linked to "Cherubim" in 1 Chr. 28:18 (2) YHWH Himself rode on chariot clouds (cf. Ps. 18:10; 104:2) (3) Ezekiel 1; 10 describe YHWH's portable Throne Chariot YHWH's angels ‒ 2 Kgs. 2:11; 6:17; Ps. 68:17; Hab. 3:8; Zech. 6:1-3 Military weapon (selected examples) Egypt ‒ Exod. 14:6,7,9,17,18,23,26,28; 15:4,9; Deut. 11:4; Josh. 24:6; Isa. 31:1 Canaanite ‒ Deut. 20:1; Josh. 11:4; 17:16,18; Jdgs. 1:19; 4-5 Philistine ‒ Jdgs. 1:19; 1 Sam. 13:5; 2 Sam. 1:6 Israelite ‒ 2 Sam. 15:1; 1 Kgs. 10:26-29 Hunting vehicle for the rich and powerful They seem to be connected to "Sun" worship (cf. 2 Kgs. 23:5,11; Ezek. 8:16) 1 Kings 10:27 The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees that are in the lowland. the king: 2Ch 1:15-17 2Ch 9:27 Job 22:24,25 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 9:27 The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees that are in the lowland. SILVER AS COMMON AS STONES The king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem - This is quite a comparison for if you have ever been to Jerusalem, there are rocks literally everywhere in the areas that are not urban streets. And he made cedars as plentiful as sycamore trees that are in the lowland Cedars were highly prized and rare, mainly growing in Lebanon, while sycamore trees were common in the lowlands of Israel. This comparison means that cedars, once rare and expensive, became as easily available as sycamore trees, which were abundant and ordinary. Rare, luxury materials became commonplace, demonstrating the incredible economic growth, vast trade, and an unmatched level of wealth in this "golden era" of Solomon's reign. 1 Kings 10:28 Also Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's merchants procured them from Kue for a price. horses: De 17:16 2Ch 1:16,17 9:28 Isa 31:1-3 36:9 Ge 41:42 Pr 7:16 Isa 19:9 Eze 27:7 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 9:27 And they were bringing horses for Solomon from Egypt and from all countries. Deuteronomy 17:16 Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ 2 Chronicles 1:16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue; the king’s traders procured them from Kue for a price. SOLOMON'S IS WISE BUT LACKS "HORSE SENSE!" Also Solomon's import of horses was from Egypt and Kue, and the king's merchants procured them from Kue for a price - Solomon may have know about horses but lacked "horse sense," good common sense, in this case the common sense to not overtly (surely knowingly) transgress Yahweh's instruction. The prohibition in Deuteronomy 17:16 could not have been clearer! Kue was a wealthy, horse-breeding region in Anatolia (modern Turkey) that supplied Solomon’s army with warhorses. Kue provided high-quality warhorses, strengthening Israel’s chariot army. It highlights Israel’s economic power during Solomon’s reign but also hints at his disobedience to God's warning against relying on foreign military strength.