Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon

To me, this is one of the interesting passages in the Bible which intrigues me why it was included. In today's reading, particularly 2 Chronicles 9, here comes the Queen of Sheba who has heard of this new king on the block who apparently has a lot of wisdom. She comes to ask Solomon "hard questions" to hear his wisdom and she brings with her a train of gifts.

2 Chronicles 9:2-4 And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

I had a look at Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage and I've pasted it below for your encouragement, its a little long...

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary
2Ch 9:12

The Queen of Sheba Visit Solomon.	B. C. 992.

This passage of story had been largely considered in the Kings; yet, because our Saviour has proposed it as an example to us in our enquiries after him (Mt 12:42), we must not pass it over without observing briefly, 1. Those who honour God he will honour, 1Sa 2:30. Solomon had greatly honoured God, in building, beautifying, and dedicating the temple; all his wisdom and all his wealth were employed for the making of that a consummate piece: and now God made his wisdom and wealth to redound greatly to his reputation. The way to have both the credit and comfort of all our endowments and all our enjoyments is to consecrate them to God and use them for him. 2. Those who know the worth of true wisdom will grudge no pains nor cost to obtain it. The queen of Sheba put herself to a great deal of trouble and expense to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and yet, learning from him to serve God and do her duty, she thought herself well paid for her pains. Heavenly wisdom is that pearl of great price which is a good bargain to purchase by parting with all that we have. 3. As every man has received the gift so he ought to minister the same for the edification of others, as he has opportunity. Solomon was communicative of his wisdom and willing to teach others what he knew himself. Being taught of God, freely he had received, and freely he gave. Let those that are rich in wisdom, as well as wealth, learn to do good and be ready to distribute. Give to every one that asketh. 4. Good order in a family, a great family, especially in the things of God, and a regular discharge of the duties of religious worship, are highly expedient, and to be much admired wherever found. The queen of Sheba was exceedingly affected to see the propriety with which Solomon's servants attended him and with which both he and they attended in the house of God. David's ascent to the house of the Lord was also pleasant and interesting, Ps 42:4. 5. Those are happy who have the opportunity of a constant converse with such as are knowing, wise, and good. The queen of Sheba thought Solomon's servants happy who continually heard his wisdom; for, it seems, even to them he was communicative. And it is observable that the posterity of those who had places in his court were willing to have the names of their ancestors forgotten, and thought themselves sufficiently distinguished and dignified when they were called the children of Solomon's servants (Ezr 2:55; Ne 7:57); so eminent were they that it was honour enough to be named from them. 6. We ought to rejoice and give God thanks for the gifts, graces, and usefulness, of others. The queen of Sheba blessed God for the honour he put upon Solomon, and the favour he did to Israel, in advancing him to the throne, 2Ch 9:8. By giving God the praise of the prosperity of others, we share in the comfort of it; whereas, by envying the prosperity of others, we lose the comfort even of our own. The happiness of both king and kingdom she traces up to the fountain of all bliss, the divine favour: it was because thy God delighted in thee and because he loved Israel. Those mercies are doubly sweet in which we can taste the kindness and good will of God as our God. 7. It becomes those that are wise and good to be generous according to their place and power. The queen of Sheba was so to Solomon, Solomon was so to her, 2Ch 9:9,12. They both knew how to value wisdom, and therefore were neither of them covetous of their money, but cultivated the acquaintance and confirmed the friendship they had contracted by mutual presents. Our Lord Jesus has promised to give us all our desire: Ask, and it shall be given you. Let us study what we shall render to him, and not think any thing too much to do, or suffer, or part with, for him.

Romans 4

I don’t think i remember realising that the book of Romans actually has an account of Moses in it in Chapter 4:

Romans 4:18  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Romans 4:19  And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

Romans 4:20   He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Romans 4:21  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:22  And therefore it (faith) was imputed to him for righteousness.

 

Its a good reminder that God is not asking us to have babies at 100 years old yet we cant trust his promises in the way Abraham did.

 

Why the Old Testament

Here are some points from the second session of the Old Testament Survey titled "Why the Old Testament".

 

 

Why does the OT seem irrelevant?

 

1.    Its large size and breadth of the historical coverage

The New Testament has 27 books covering an estimate of 100 years, whereas the Old Testament consists of 39 books starting from the beginning of creation and covering thousands of years.

2.    Distant historical/cultural settings

E.g. Eastern Empires and family customs

3.    Moral perplexities

E.g. Holy war, multiple wives and slavery

4.    Unfamiliar/enigmatic style of expressions

E.g. Hebrew narrative: repetition to express emphasis, Solomon's expression of affection – ".. thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon.." - Songs of Solomon 7:4.

5.    Difference between OT and NT dispensation

E.g. Law, cleanness and uncleanness

6.    Inferiority of the Old Covenant

(Hebrew 8) The fault of Israel did not keep the covenant therefore God made a new covenant.

2 Corinthians 3: Contrasts ministry of Moses. The old covenant is a covenant of condemnation and is temporary, the new covenant is permanent is about the knowledge of God & forgiveness.

 

 

Why study the OT?

 

1.    OT comprises 77% of the Bible

If we claim that the Bible is the Word of God, should we not give more attention to that part which holds ¾ of it?

2.    OT deals with some doctrines more completely than the NT – i.e. more detailed.

Examples:     Covers attributes of God (Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah etc)

                        Doctrine of sin – where it came from and its affects,

                        Satan and angels,

                        Eschatology: gives more literal interpretation

3.    Provides perspective on God's working throughout history

OT gives reasons for things & how it was developed – how things got to the way it is today

4.    OT is highly valued by Jesus and the Apostles

How many times the NT writers base/quote their arguments to the OT?

1/3 of the NT quotes the OT (that means 77% + roughly 7.67% = almost 85% of the bible is OT!)

 

 

Why Does the NT Value the OT?

 

1.     The OT continues to be God's means of spiritual enlightening

(2 Peter 1:1-21)

2.     The OT continues to be God's instruments of salvation and sanctification, leading to effective service

(2 Tim 3:14-17)

Right Motivations to Study the Bible

The author of Psalm 119 talks about his love for the Bible which is also known as the Law:

Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened [revived] me.

Psalms 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalms 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

Psalms 119:20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

The Psalmist didn't even have most of the Bible completed when he spoke about God's word being so amazing. He probably only had the first five books of the Bible, the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth. How much more are we blessed having the whole counsel of God available to us now!

The Bible is the only book in the world where the Author is present while the reader is reading it no matter where they are. This is interesting as many people doubt that the Bible can be read properly by mere lay people but that is the role of the Holy Spirit - to guide the reader.

Here are some right motivations to study the Bible.

1. Spending time with God at a personal level.
   From Psalm 119, it is revealed that God HELPS us by opening our eyes verse 18, giving understanding v27,34,73, teaching us v12,26,33.
   
   GOD MINISTERS to us through the Bible by using it to comfort us v52,82, revive us v50,93, strengthen us v92, give us peace v165, and a catch all, he - helps us v175.
   
   OUR RESPONSE is to love God v47,48,97, delight in God v16,24, believe God v42,43, long for God v20,40, rejoice in God v14,111, fear (respect or revere) God v120,161, cling to God v31, and give thanks to God v162,164.
   
   Basically, the Bible is not just a handbook but a self revelation of God. We are to look for God in the Bible, not to find things for ourselves per se. It is in the meeting with God that we are able to change. We cannot just learn God's requirement and meet them on our own. We all fail miserably at meeting His standard. It is getting to meet with God through the Bible that we can change. eg Moses met with God and was changed.
   
   
2. Study the Bible to be transformed by God
   2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
   
   The Bible teaches us what is right (doctrine), what is wrong (reproof), how to make things right (correction), and how to keep it right (instruction in righteousness).

Wrong Motivations to Study the Bible

This is from the Old Testament Survey EBI course that we are also studying whilst trying to read the Bible in a year. It is a video series from Bob Jones University. Here are Ken Cacillas's explanations on wrong motivations to study the Bible. Hope this does justice to his introductory message, Right and Wrong Motivations to Study the Bible.

1. To fulfil an obligation Quite often we read the Bible because we feel bad if we don't and we do it to appease our conscience. This is not a motivation to read the Bible that will go the distance as a long term motivation to read the Bible. This is also a natural legalistic tendency that as humans we tend towards - like wanting to earn our salvation we want to earn God's favour by reading the Bible. It is through God that we can have righteousness, sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30, Ephesians 2:8,9) We should rest in the reality of redemption.
   
2. To accumulate information While the Bible is an instruction manual for life, to say that is all it is brings down the value of the Bible. God intends that we have fellowship and enjoy getting to know God through reading the Bible. For example, while the Corinthian church was rich in knowledge but they were still sinful.
   
3. To find a "verse for the day" Sometimes when we lift a verse for the day, we take the verse out of context. We have to realise that the Bible is contextual and must be read in consistency with its immediate context, the book context, the literary context, the historical context, the writer's context, and which testamental context it comes from.

What's a Heave Offering? (Numbers 15:19, 21)

I'm sure you are wondering about this one. THis is from the Easton Bible Dictionary.

Heb terumah, (Ex 29:27) means simply an offering, a present, including all the offerings made by the Israelites as a present. This Hebrew word is frequently employed. Some of the rabbis attach to the word the meaning of elevation, and refer it to the heave offering, which consisted in presenting the offering by a motion up and down, distinguished from the wave offering, which consisted in a repeated movement in a horizontal direction, a "wave offering to the Lord as ruler of earth, a heave offering to the Lord as ruler of heaven." The right shoulder, which fell to the priests in presenting thank offerings, was called the heave shoulder (Le 7:34; Nu 6:20). The first fruits offered in harvest-time (Nu 15:20-21

Leviticus

Is there an easy way of reading this book? Has anyone found some insight from this book which has helped them in understanding God and the Bible? Was reading that one of the recent chapter(s) is almost exactly the same as another book coming up (Numbers or Deuteronomy). I guess one thing I get is that God's standard is very, very high. Thank God for Jesus Christ who died on the cross so that we can stand in the courtroom of God and be pardoned from our sins - not just that but can have a close relationship with the Judge and Creator of all things

Leviticus 8:23-24

When I first read v.23, the first question that came to mind was why the need to put the blood of the ram upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot....and likewise done to each of his sons (v.24). I then came across the following in the study bible about this verse, which I found very interesting and helped me to understand it better:
This indicated that in view of the blood that had been shed, one who is truly serving God must be ready to hear His word, to undertake His work, and to move at His command. 
 
 
 
 
 

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Urim and Thummim

How do you find the last two day's reading of Exodus 25-30? I constantly found my mind drifting away, not able to concentrate. I tried to construct the ark, tabernacle, etc in my mind as I read about them, but 'lost' them soon enough. After today's reading, I read the study bible explaining the purpose of the breastplate (Exodus 28:30) and the Urim and the Thummim. My first thought was, "Did I read that? Were Urim and Thummim in today's reading?". JUST to be sure that they were, I turned to my bible and of course, there they were...Urim and Thummim. That just showed how well my reading was. Any suggestions on how to improve?  HL

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Exodus: The Rod

Humbly admitting I'm behind, only finished Exodus 5 last night. Been taking notes on things that stood out but there was one that I sat on a little longer than the others. I love the verse in chapter 4, "What is that in thine hand?" (v2), immediately this made me think of service. Sometimes we seek high and low looking for what it is that God will give us to help us through this prilgrim journey; our little helpers, our gifts.... to "do more" for God. Sometimes we think the bigger the blessing or gift the better we can serve God. Clearly this was not the case with Moses and his old rod. The following verses, God shows His power through this rod, I see this in a couple of ways. Firstly, when we look at our own gifts, situation, possessions etc, it may not be something we would boast about, but it can be used to do great things only through His might. And secondly, ourselves. We certainly are not capable to do anything, we're worthless but like that old rod, can still be used by God to do wonders. The other thing was, Moses already had the rod in his hand but was using it for little daily tasks (not sure exactly what - poke sheep?), makes me wonder what God has already given me. Maybe God will show me like He did with Moses.

Exodus 15 - Biting off more than you can chew

I found it interesting how Jethro, after a notable absence comes out of nowhere and tells Moses that he is wearing himself out with having to see everyone's problems. The lesson of delegation comes out because we are prone to take on more than we can chew, the inability to say no to responsibilities and favours run within our blood. One thing some of us don't do enough of is jealously guard our time with God. Keeping our time with God is a good reason to have to say no sometimes. AC

Encouragement!

I talked to a sister last Sunday about reading the bible in one year. And guess what? She's been doing it for the past 10 years without failing. That's such an encouragement. We've reached the end of Jan...so, only 11 more months to go. =)

Proverbs

Its true, I didn't mention that you should be reading Proverbs every weekday along with your OLD testmant readings. I was catching up on Proverbs and I noticed the continual exhortation to get wisdom and get understanding.. did anyone read much into what the difference between the two are?

 

 

Read the Bible in One Year

How's everyone doing with the Bible reading? Pretty exciting stuff at the moment in Exodus - what with the plagues and the parting of the sea! With one raised hand, the power of God was shown ...

I'm pretty much on track and I've been jotting down one or two thoughts/questions the last week or so.

By the way, I spoke to a couple of people and - unbeknownst to us - one sister been doing the Read the Bible in One Year too! I think it's a slightly different reading schedule though. The other person says to let him know when we hit 1 Kings (or thereabouts) as he tried the Our Daily Bread readings last year but stopped at that point.

Are you interested?

Look at all the blogs.. many have tried, but few have succeeded. Read the Bible in a year and maintain a blog about it. Have you started reading the bible in a year with Our Daily Bread's (ODB) reading plan? ODB this year is getting people to read the OLD testament on Weekdays, NEW testament on Saturdays and PSALMS on Sundays. We want to hear from you if you are thinking of or already have started on this journey.