How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! How blessed are your men!The phrase "How blessed" in Hebrew is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), which conveys a sense of happiness, fortune, and divine favor. In the context of Solomon's court, this blessing is not merely material but spiritual and intellectual, as the men are in the presence of a king endowed with God-given wisdom. The term "men" refers to those who are part of Solomon's royal entourage, highlighting the privilege of serving under a wise and godly leader. Historically, this reflects the high regard for wisdom in ancient Israel, where a king's ability to rule justly was seen as a direct blessing from God. How blessed are these servants of yours
The repetition of "How blessed" emphasizes the extraordinary privilege of the servants. The Hebrew word for "servants" is "עֲבָדֶיךָ" (avadekha), which can also mean "attendants" or "ministers." These individuals are not merely laborers but are entrusted with significant responsibilities in the king's court. Their blessing is twofold: they serve a wise king and partake in the wisdom that flows from him. This reflects the biblical principle that those who serve faithfully under godly leadership are themselves blessed. who stand continually before you
The phrase "stand continually" suggests a position of readiness and attentiveness. In Hebrew, "עֹמְדִים" (omdim) implies a constant presence and dedication. This is not a burdensome duty but a privileged position, as standing before the king signifies honor and trust. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being in the king's presence was a sign of favor and closeness to power. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's relationship with God, where continual presence and attentiveness to His word bring blessing. and hear your wisdom
The act of hearing in Hebrew, "שֹׁמְעִים" (shom'im), goes beyond mere listening; it implies understanding and internalizing. Solomon's wisdom, a gift from God, was renowned throughout the ancient world, and those who heard it were considered fortunate. This wisdom was not only practical but also deeply spiritual, reflecting God's truth and justice. The servants' ability to hear and absorb this wisdom signifies their growth in understanding and their alignment with divine principles. In a broader biblical context, this highlights the importance of seeking and valuing godly wisdom in one's life. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe King of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity. 2. Queen of ShebaA monarch from a distant land, likely in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, who visits Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. 3. Servants of SolomonThe individuals who serve in Solomon's court, benefiting from his wisdom and leadership. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's court is located and where the Queen of Sheba visits to witness Solomon's wisdom firsthand. 5. Event of the Queen's VisitThe Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a significant event that demonstrates the far-reaching fame of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. Teaching Points The Blessing of WisdomThe verse highlights the blessing of being in the presence of wisdom. In our lives, seeking wisdom from God and His Word should be a priority. The Influence of Godly LeadershipSolomon's wisdom and leadership brought blessings not only to himself but also to those around him. As Christians, we are called to lead with integrity and wisdom, influencing others positively. The Pursuit of UnderstandingThe Queen of Sheba's journey to seek Solomon's wisdom is a reminder of the importance of seeking understanding and truth, no matter the distance or effort required. The Impact of TestimonySolomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom served as a testimony to the nations. Our lives should similarly reflect God's wisdom and blessings, drawing others to Him. Continual LearningThe servants who "stand continually" before Solomon are blessed by their constant exposure to wisdom. We should strive to be in continual learning and growth in our spiritual lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the wisdom of Solomon compare to the wisdom offered through Christ in the New Testament? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply Godly wisdom in our daily decision-making? 3. How can we, like Solomon's servants, position ourselves to continually receive wisdom and understanding? 4. What are some practical ways we can lead others with wisdom and integrity in our communities? 5. How does the account of the Queen of Sheba challenge us to seek truth and understanding, even when it requires effort and sacrifice? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:9-12This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is granted, setting the stage for the events in 1 Kings 10. Proverbs 3:13-18These verses extol the value of wisdom, which is personified and celebrated, much like the wisdom of Solomon is celebrated by the Queen of Sheba. Matthew 12:42Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, using it as a comparison to His own ministry and the wisdom He offers. People Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, TharshishPlaces Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, TarshishTopics Blessed, Continually, Happiness, Happy, Hearing, O, Officials, Servants, Stand, Standing, Wisdom, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 10:8 5184 standing
5874 happiness 1 Kings 10:1-9 5345 influence 1 Kings 10:1-10 5487 queen
5849 exaltation 1 Kings 10:1-13 5745 women 1 Kings 10:4-8 8367 wisdom, importance 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 10:8 NIV1 Kings 10:8 NLT1 Kings 10:8 ESV1 Kings 10:8 NASB1 Kings 10:8 KJV
1 Kings 10:8 Commentaries
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