10:1-5 The queen of Sheba came to see for herself if everything she had heard about Solomon was true. Contests using riddles or proverbs were often used to test wisdom. The queen may have used some of these as she questioned Solomon (10:1, 3). When she realized the extent of his riches and wisdom, there was “no more spirit in her.” In other words, she no longer questioned his power or wisdom. No longer a competitor, she became an admirer. Her experience was repeated by many kings and foreign dignitaries who paid honor to Solomon (4:34).
10:8 Because of Solomon’s wisdom, the people were happy and the palace aides content. Wisdom’s quality is shown by how well it works. In James 3:17 we learn that wisdom is peaceable. Are you seeking the kind of wisdom that establishes peace in your relationships?
10:14ff When Solomon asked for wisdom, God promised him riches and honor as well (3:13). These verses show just how extensive his wealth became. Israel was no longer a second-rate nation, but at the height of its power and wealth. Solomon’s riches became legendary. Great leaders came from many nations to listen to Israel’s powerful king. Jesus would later refer to “Solomon in all his glory” (Matthew 6:29).
10:23 Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on Solomon’s material possessions? In the Old Testament, riches were considered tangible evidence of God’s blessing. Prosperity was seen as a proof of right living. In the books of Ecclesiastes and Job this concept is placed in a broader perspective. In ideal conditions, people prosper when God runs their lives, but prosperity is not guaranteed. Wealth does not prove that a person is living right before God, and poverty does not indicate sin.
In fact, a greater evidence that a person is living for God is the presence of suffering and persecution (Mark 10:29-31; 13:13). The most important “treasure” is not earthly but heavenly (Matthew 6:19-21; 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). The gift of greatest worth has no price tag—it is the gift of salvation freely offered by God.
10:26–11:3 In accumulating chariots and horses, a huge harem, and incredible wealth, Solomon was violating God’s commands for a king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God prohibited these actions because he knew how they would hurt the nation both politically and spiritually (1 Samuel 8:11-18). The more luxurious Solomon’s court became, the more the people were taxed. Excessive taxation created unrest, and soon conditions became ripe for a revolution. Having everything he wanted, Solomon forgot God and allowed pagan influences to enter his court through his pagan wives, thus accelerating the spiritual corruption of the nation.