1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.
The whole world
This phrase emphasizes the vast reach and influence of Solomon's reputation. In the Hebrew context, "the whole world" (Hebrew: כָּל־הָאָרֶץ, kol ha'aretz) often refers to the known world at the time, which would have included the surrounding nations and peoples. This highlights the extent of Solomon's fame and the universal recognition of his wisdom. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a light to the nations, as seen in Isaiah 49:6.

sought an audience
The Hebrew root for "sought" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash) implies a diligent search or earnest desire. This suggests that people were not merely curious but were actively pursuing the opportunity to learn from Solomon. The phrase "sought an audience" indicates a formal request to be in the presence of someone of great importance, underscoring Solomon's status as a king and a wise leader.

with Solomon
Solomon, the son of David, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His name (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shlomo) is derived from the Hebrew word for peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom), reflecting the peace and prosperity that characterized his reign. Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, as he famously asked for an understanding heart to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9).

to hear the wisdom
The act of hearing (שָׁמַע, shama) in Hebrew culture is often associated with obedience and understanding. The wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) Solomon possessed was not merely intellectual knowledge but practical insight and discernment given by God. This wisdom was evident in his judgments, proverbs, and songs, and it drew people from all over to learn from him.

that God had put in his heart
This phrase acknowledges the divine source of Solomon's wisdom. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) often refers to the inner being, including the mind, will, and emotions. God's impartation of wisdom into Solomon's heart signifies a deep, intrinsic understanding that goes beyond human capability. It is a reminder that true wisdom comes from God, as stated in Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem.

2. The Whole World
This phrase signifies the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom, attracting people from various nations and cultures to seek his counsel.

3. Wisdom
A divine gift from God to Solomon, wisdom is central to his reign and is a key theme in the account of his kingship.

4. God
The source of Solomon's wisdom, highlighting the divine favor and blessing upon Solomon's reign.

5. Audience
The act of seeking counsel or advice, indicating the respect and recognition of Solomon's God-given wisdom by other nations.
Teaching Points
Divine Source of Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God, and we should seek His guidance in all aspects of life.

Influence of Godly Wisdom
Godly wisdom can have a far-reaching impact, drawing others to seek counsel and learn from it.

Responsibility of Stewardship
With great gifts and talents comes the responsibility to use them for God's glory and the benefit of others.

Pursuit of Wisdom
As believers, we should actively pursue wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and seeking God's will.

Witness to the Nations
Our lives, when lived in accordance with God's wisdom, can be a testimony to others, drawing them to seek the truth of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's wisdom reflect the character and nature of God, and how can we apply this understanding in our daily decision-making?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our personal and professional lives today?

3. How does the global recognition of Solomon's wisdom challenge us to be a light and witness to those around us?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are using our God-given talents and wisdom for His glory?

5. How can the pursuit of wisdom, as demonstrated by Solomon, inspire us to deepen our relationship with God and His Word?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3:12
This verse describes God's promise to give Solomon unparalleled wisdom, which is fulfilled in 1 Kings 10:24.

Proverbs 2:6
This verse emphasizes that wisdom comes from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift.

Matthew 12:42
Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, highlighting the greatness of Solomon's wisdom and pointing to Himself as greater than Solomon.
The Lessons of ProsperityW. L. Watkinson.
People
Arabians, Aram, Hiram, Hittites, Ophir, Solomon, Tarshish, Tharshish
Places
Egypt, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jerusalem, Kue, Ophir, Sheba, Shephelah, Syria, Tarshish
Topics
Audience, Ear, Heart, Mind, Presence, Seeking, Solomon, Sought, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 10:24

     5014   heart, human

1 Kings 10:23-24

     3050   Holy Spirit, wisdom

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

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 Blue

A 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

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