2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 9: The queen of Sheba visits Solomon

Begin in prayer

Before we read about the queen who traveled to Jerusalem to hear Solomon, let us ask God to show us that all wisdom comes from Him. Ask Him to lead us to the One who is greater than Solomon.

All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth. Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh; for great is Yahweh’s glory.

Psalm 138:4-5

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Thank You that Solomon's wisdom came from You, and show us Jesus, who is greater than Solomon. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

A queen from Sheba hears about Solomon and travels to Jerusalem with camels loaded with spices, gold and precious stones. She tests him with hard questions, and Solomon answers every one. She sees his wisdom, his house, his table and the steps by which he goes up to the LORD's house. She says the half of his greatness was not told her, and she blesses the LORD his God. She gives the king her gifts, Solomon gives her all she asks, and she returns to her own land. Gold flows into Jerusalem, all the kings of the earth seek Solomon, and after forty years he dies and Rehoboam reigns.

As you read 2 Chronicles 9, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The wisdom of Solomon came from God, and it led a queen from far away to bless the LORD.

News of Solomon's fame reached the queen of Sheba, and she came with a great caravan to test him (verse 1). She brought spices, gold and precious stones from her own land (verses 1 and 5). Solomon answered all her questions, and nothing was hidden from him that he did not tell her (verse 2). She saw his wisdom, his house and his servants, and “there was no more spirit in her” (verses 3 and 4). She said the report had not told her half of his greatness (verse 6). Then she turned to the LORD, “Blessed be Yahweh your God,” who loved Israel and made Solomon king (verse 8). Verse 23 gives the source, for kings came to hear what God had put in his heart. The gift pointed past the king to the God who gave it. This shows that the LORD gives wisdom, and that when He does, the right answer is to bless Him.

How does 2 Chronicles 9 show us that the wisdom of Solomon came from God, and that it led a queen from far away to bless the LORD?

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon's wisdom.

She came from far away with spices, gold and precious stones (verse 1). She asked hard questions, and Solomon answered them all (verses 1 and 2). She saw his house, his table and his servants (verses 3 and 4). She said, “You exceed the fame that I heard!” (verse 6).

The queen blessed the LORD, who made Solomon king.

She said, “Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you” (verse 8). She said the LORD loved Israel and made Solomon king, to do justice and righteousness (verse 8). She gave the king gold, spices and precious stones (verse 9). Solomon gave her all she asked, and she went home (verse 12).

God put wisdom in Solomon's heart, and kings came to hear.

Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom (verse 22). God had put wisdom in Solomon's heart, and kings of the earth came to him to hear it (verse 23). They brought silver, gold, clothing and spices every year (verse 24). Gold came to Solomon in great weight, and Solomon reigned forty years (verses 13 and 30).

Jesus is greater than Solomon.

The queen of Sheba traveled a long way to hear a wise king (verse 1). Jesus said that a greater than Solomon is here (Matthew 12 verse 42). Solomon answered hard questions, and Jesus deals with the greatest need, which is sin. He calls the weary to come to Him (Matthew 11 verse 28).

Memorise

All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

2 Chronicles 9:23

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, will I listen to Jesus, who is greater than Solomon, and trust Him?

The queen of Sheba said to Solomon, “You exceed the fame that I heard!” Jesus said that a greater than Solomon was with them (Matthew 12 verse 42).

Solomon's wisdom could answer hard questions, but it could not carry sin away. Jesus carried the sins of many to the cross (Hebrews 9 verse 28), and He cleared the whole debt. God raised Him up, and the tomb is empty.

So come to Him. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him will be forgiven, and will find in Him more than the queen found in Solomon.

Parent's note

Tell your children that Solomon's wisdom came from God, and that Jesus is greater than Solomon. Parents, the long lists of gold and horses in this chapter are not needed, so please tell the story of the queen. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that all wisdom comes from Him, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

How great are your works, Yahweh! Your thoughts are very deep.

Psalm 92:5

Father, thank You that Solomon's wisdom came from You. Thank You for Jesus, who is greater than Solomon, and who died and rose for sinners. Please lead each of us to listen to Him and trust Him. Amen.