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1 Kings 10:3
And Solomon told her all her questions: there was notany thing hid from the king, which he told her not.

Acts 11:23
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

the house

2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, wherethe LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite…

1 Kings 6:1-7:51
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, whichis the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD…

the palace he had built
Solomon's palace, part of a larger complex that included the Temple, was a testament to his wealth, architectural skill, and the prosperity of Israel during his reign. The construction of the palace took thirteen years, as detailed in1 Kings 7:1-12, and it was known for its grandeur and opulence. The palace served as a symbol of the stability and peace that characterized Solomon's rule, fulfilling the promise of rest from enemies given to David in2 Samuel 7:11. The architectural achievements of Solomon's era reflect the cultural and economic zenith of Israel, and the palace itself can be seen as a type of the heavenly kingdom, with its splendor pointing to the eternal reign of Christ.

Picture a ruler from a distant land—likely the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia (1 Kings 10:1). She has heard reports of Solomon’s God-given insight and undertakes a long, costly journey to Jerusalem, bringing “a very great caravan” (1 Kings 10:2). Her presence in the royal court signals:

• A sincere hunger for truth. She comes “to test Solomon with hard questions,” not out of idle curiosity but to find real answers (Luke 11:31).

• An acknowledgment that Israel’s God is doing something unique. The prophets later recall her visit as proof that the nations will be drawn to God’s light (Isaiah 60:3).

By starting the verse with her arrival, Scripture highlights how God’s wisdom in one man can become a beacon for the whole world.

She doesn’t merely hear Solomon speak; she “saw” his wisdom. Wisdom is visible when it governs daily life (James 3:13). What might she have observed?

• His judgments—fair, discerning, and swift, echoing the famous baby-dispute case of1 Kings 3:28.

• His administrative order—officials, servants, and cupbearers functioning with precision (2 Chronicles 9:4).

• The atmosphere of joyful reverence in his court, reflecting “the fear of the LORD” that “is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).

Solomon’s wisdom was a divine gift (1 Kings 4:29-34). The queen recognizes that such insight must come from a higher source, leading her to praise the LORD directly (2 Chronicles 9:8).

The verse ends by pinpointing one tangible proof of that wisdom: Solomon’s palace. Built over thirteen years (1 Kings 7:1-8), the complex displayed:

• Exquisite craftsmanship—cedar from Lebanon, costly stones, intricate carvings (1 Kings 10:11-12).

• Thoughtful design—each hall and porch arranged for hospitality, justice, and state affairs.

• Covenant blessing—the palace sat beside the temple, showing that national prosperity flows from obedience to God (1 Kings 9:4-9).

For the queen, the palace was not mere luxury. It was evidence that when God grants wisdom, it transforms both people and the structures they build (Proverbs 24:3-4).

2 Chronicles 9:3 reveals a moment when a Gentile monarch witnesses God’s wisdom on display in Solomon’s life and kingdom. She sees:

• A king whose insight answers her deepest questions.

• A court ordered by righteous principles.

• A palace whose beauty testifies to divine favor.

The verse invites every reader to recognize that true wisdom comes from God, manifests in practical excellence, and draws seeking hearts to acknowledge the LORD.

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