Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. Year after yearThis phrase emphasizes the consistency and regularity of the tributes brought to King Solomon. In the Hebrew context, this repetition signifies a sustained period of prosperity and influence. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, where his wisdom and wealth would draw nations to him. Historically, this period marks a time of peace and stability in Israel, allowing for such continuous exchanges. Each visitor
The term "visitor" here refers to dignitaries, rulers, and representatives from various nations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such visits were not merely social but were diplomatic missions. These visitors came to seek Solomon's wisdom and to establish or maintain alliances. This highlights Solomon's international reputation and the far-reaching impact of his God-given wisdom. Would bring his tribute
The act of bringing tribute was a common practice in ancient times, symbolizing respect, allegiance, and acknowledgment of a greater power. In the biblical context, it signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a nation of influence. The tributes were not just gifts but a recognition of Solomon's God-given authority and wisdom. Articles of silver and gold
Silver and gold were highly valued in the ancient world, representing wealth and prosperity. The mention of these metals underscores the economic prosperity during Solomon's reign. Biblically, gold often symbolizes purity and divinity, while silver can represent redemption. The abundance of these metals in Solomon's court reflects God's blessing and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Garments
In ancient cultures, garments were not only functional but also a symbol of status and wealth. The mention of garments as tribute indicates the high regard in which Solomon was held. Scripturally, garments can also symbolize righteousness and identity. The giving of garments could signify a transfer of honor and respect. Weapons
The inclusion of weapons in the tribute highlights the political and military alliances formed during Solomon's reign. While Solomon's era was marked by peace, the presence of weapons signifies preparedness and strength. Biblically, weapons can symbolize spiritual warfare and the protection of God's people. Spices
Spices were luxury items in the ancient world, often used in religious rituals, anointing, and embalming. Their inclusion in the tribute signifies the wealth and opulence of Solomon's court. In a biblical sense, spices can represent the fragrance of a righteous life and the prayers of the saints. Horses and mules
Horses and mules were valuable assets in ancient times, used for transportation and military purposes. Their mention indicates the expansion and strength of Solomon's kingdom. Biblically, horses can symbolize power and conquest, while mules, being hybrids, can represent service and humility. The presence of these animals in the tribute underscores the balance of power and service in Solomon's reign. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by prosperity and peace. 2. Visitors/TributariesThese are the foreign dignitaries and leaders who came to visit Solomon, bringing gifts as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's palace and the Temple were located. It was the center of political and spiritual life in Israel. 4. TributeThe gifts brought by the visitors, which included valuable items such as silver, gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. These tributes were a testament to Solomon's influence and the wealth of his kingdom. 5. The Kingdom of IsraelUnder Solomon's rule, Israel reached its peak in terms of wealth, influence, and territorial expansion, becoming a significant power in the ancient Near East. Teaching Points The Blessings of WisdomSolomon's wisdom, granted by God, led to prosperity and respect from other nations. Seek wisdom from God, as it brings blessings beyond material wealth. Influence and ResponsibilityWith great influence comes responsibility. Solomon's wealth and power were opportunities to glorify God and lead justly. Consider how you can use your influence for God's purposes. The Temporary Nature of WealthWhile Solomon's wealth was immense, it was temporary. Focus on storing up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal. Acknowledging God's ProvisionRecognize that all blessings come from God. Be grateful and use your resources to serve others and advance God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's reception of tributes reflect God's promises to Israel, and how can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives today? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decisions, and what are the potential outcomes of doing so? 3. How can we use our resources and influence to glorify God and serve others, following Solomon's example of leadership? 4. What are some practical ways to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary wealth, and how can this perspective change our daily lives? 5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provision, and what are some specific ways to express this gratitude in our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 4:21This verse describes the extent of Solomon's rule and the tributes he received from surrounding nations, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a great nation. 2 Chronicles 9:24A parallel account of the tributes brought to Solomon, reinforcing the account of his wealth and the respect he commanded from other nations. Proverbs 3:13-16These verses speak of the value of wisdom, which Solomon exemplified, leading to the prosperity and respect he received from other nations. Matthew 6:29Jesus refers to Solomon's splendor, emphasizing that even Solomon's wealth and glory pale in comparison to God's provision and care. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Armor, Armour, Articles, Beasts, Bringing, Clothing, Coats, Garments, Gift, Gold, Horses, Matter, Metal, Mules, Myrrh, Offering, Present, Raiment, Rate, Regularly, Robes, Silver, Spices, Transport, Tribute, Vessels, WeaponsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:25 4466 herbs and spices
5177 robes
5325 gifts 1 Kings 10:23-25 5366 king 1 Kings 10:23-27 8780 materialism, and sin 1 Kings 10:23-29 8701 affluence 1 Kings 10:24-25 4333 gold 1 Kings 10:25-26 4657 horse 1 Kings 10:25-27 5119 Solomon, life of Library Coming to the King.
"And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty."--1 Kings x. 13. The beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise CHRIST in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our LORD Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen …
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of BlueA Royal Seeker after Wisdom
'And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Gift
"There came no more such abundance of spices as those which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."--1 Kings x. 10. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 "What dost thou bring me, O my Queen? Love maketh thy steps to fly." Lord, to Thee my jewel I bring, Greater than mountains high; Broader than all the earth's broad lands, Heavier than the ocean sands, And higher it is than the sky: Deeper it is than the depths of the sea, And fairer than the sun, Unreckoned, as if the stars …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of Joseph and Solomon.
In the Old Testament there are numerous references to the Second Coming of Christ, references both direct and typical, but in every instance it was His return to the earth which was in view. The secret coming of Christ into the air, to catch up the saints to Himself, was an event quite unknown to the Old Testament prophets, an event kept secret until revealed by God to the apostle Paul who, when writing to the Corinthians upon this particular aspect of our subject, said, "Behold, I show you a mystery …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 10:25 NIV1 Kings 10:25 NLT1 Kings 10:25 ESV1 Kings 10:25 NASB1 Kings 10:25 KJV
1 Kings 10:25 Commentaries
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