Today's Bible Reading: 2 CHRONICLES 1:14-17, 8:1-18, 9:1-28, 1 KINGS 9:1-12,15-10:13
2 Chronicles 9:5
And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,
People say things about us. They talk. They form opinions and share them. Someone may have said to us, “We were just talking about you,” or “We were just thinking about you.” To which we might respond, “I hope it was good.” People talk.
The Queen of Sheba had heard about Solomon. She had heard of his wealth and wisdom. She had “heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD” (1 Kgs 10:1). It was His relationship to the Lord and the Lord’s blessing upon him that drew her to arrange an audience with Solomon. We are not told of her religious beliefs, but it is assumed because of where she reigned that she worshiped the Egyptian gods. But it was Solomon’s relationship to His God that brought her to him.
She wanted to see firsthand what the driving force was behind his reputation and his religion. She could have easily accepted what others said, but she didn’t want rumors to define her relationship with Solomon. She didn’t want the perception of others to determine her perception of him. She had to see for herself. So, she made the long journey to hear from Him.
She was curious and that led her to look into the matter. She was unwilling to concede to the comments of others. She was also not content to have a casual meeting with him full of small talk. She wanted to discern the depth of his wisdom, “she came to test him with hard questions” (1 Kgs 10:1). This was not a meeting of light conversation. Throughout the conversation “she told him all that was on her mind” (1 Kgs 10:2). Her curiosity led to her conversation, rather than letting the comments of others lead to her conclusions.
Her honesty and direct dialogue were met with Solomon’s unfettered open response. “Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.” (1 Kgs 10: 3). This was much more than the rumors had revealed. She said, “I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.” (1Kgs 10:7). She put aside what she had heard others say and investigated the situation for herself. She didn’t let others decide what she was to think or believe about Solomon, but she saw for herself.
As a result of their encounter the queen formulated her own conclusions based on facts rather than “hear say”. She concludes, “Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness." (1 Kigs10:8-9). What she saw framed what she said. She saw before she said something. Her conclusions were not based on secondhand comments, but on firsthand communication.
It’s easy to formulate opinions of others by what we hear about them. It’s not appropriate to let what people say effect our view of someone. We shouldn’t just believe “the report”. But perhaps the best course of action when someone says something positive or negative about someone in your hearing is to halt your conclusion until can determine the truth of what you are told. Don’t let the comments of others form your conclusion, but like the Queen of Sheba let your curiosity drive you to search out the situation before you say anything. Let your quest lead to hard questions and honest answers.
Today thank God for this reminder from the life of Solomon. Ask the Lord to help you refrain from forming options of someone based on the “report” of others. Ask the Lord to help you be caring enough to communicate with those you hear about. Let the Lord lead and direct your conversation to be open and honest that He might administer His grace and mercy throughout your discussion. Thank the Lord for those who are willing to search out “the report” before they speak about it.
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