Black History in God's Story: The Queen of Sheba
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: Black History in God's Story: The Queen of Sheba
Date: 11 February 2024
Speaker: Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 10:1-10; 13
Sermon Reflections: Black History in God's Story: The Queen of Sheba
Date: 11 February 2024
Speaker: Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 10:1-10; 13
Sermon Preamble
We begin a new mini-series that coincides with Black History month. This gives us the opportunity to pause, affirm, and recognize the contributions and legacy of the ways God moves in Black history. African American history is American history. Black history is also biblical history. God’s biblical stories are about people of color given the geographical setting of the biblical text. In many ways the Bible has been whitewashed; the images in books, movies, and Church lessons have not accurately depicted the people, culture, or part of the world that the biblical narratives record. We must revisit these inaccuracies to move closer to God’s heart for all people. Racial, cultural, and ethnic identity matters. Diversity doesn’t have to divide us, but differences are to be celebrated as part of God’s grand story. We must pass on the truths of God’s story to the next generation and debunk the lie that Christianity is the White Man’s religion. The focus of this message is about the Queen of Sheba. She was a black woman in scripture, who stands out as a legend, an icon, a role model, and an inspiration of black excellence, royalty, and abundance. For our life journey with Jesus, there are three principles from the biblical narrative of the Queen Sheba. (1) Get to know Jesus the King. (2) God is the giver of every good gift. (3) Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God.
Every ethnic group goes back to Genesis 10, the biblical table of nations. Who is Black?
The names of ethnic groups are significant. Think of them as the world’s family tree. Genesis 10 records the genealogical record of Noah’s sons and the nations birthed through them. The descendants of Shem are those of Jewish, Arab, and Asian origin. The descendants of Japheth are those of European origin. African and Indian descendants find their beginnings in the son of Ham.
Who is Black and why? Editors Henry Gates, Jr. and Andrew Curran explain. Even in the most ancient of times, a three-fold assessment was used in determining who was black. The assessment of who is black has been based on (1) the pigmentation of the skin, (2) the geographical location, and (3) the ancestry.
Based on this assessment, black people are indeed woven into the tapestry of God’s story in the Bible. The list of black people in scripture includes, but is not limited to people like: Hagar the Egyptian (Genesis 16), Moses’ wife (Numbers 12:1), the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13), Cushite writer of Psalm 7, Shulamite woman (Song of Solomon 1), Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21), and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
Why does any of this matter? Scholar Lisa Fields summarizes it well. She declares, “The presence of Black people in the Bible matters because their stories give hope to people of color who have been stripped of their dignity and intrinsic value. We don’t contend for the presence of Black people in the Bible because of what it says about us, but what it says about our God.” In this sermon series we are focusing on examples of African presence in the Bible and listening for what God wants us to hear and learn about God.
The biblical account of the Queen Sheba as black head of the government is remarkable even today in our modern world
As of March 2023, out of 193 member nations of the United Nations, only 13 of those 193 nations had a woman as head of the government. For 9 of those 13 nations, the current leader is the country’s first woman head of government.
In scripture, not much is said about the race of the Queen of Sheba. She stands out as a legend, an icon, a role model, and an inspiration as a Black head of government. She has been the subject of much artwork, but her racial identity is not always consistent. The Queen of Sheba has been the subject of many movies, with the first Queen of Sheba movie dating back to 1921, with a Caucasian actor playing the queen. In 1995, African American Halle Berry played the Queen of Sheba in the movie made for TV. The African American Beyonce described herself as heir to the legacy of the Queen of Sheba in her album, Black is King. The Queen of Sheba is mentioned in the Quran. The Queen of Sheba is a prominent part of the Ethiopian historical literature dating back to the 14th Century. She is considered the mother of the Ethiopian nation. According to tradition and Ethiopian sacred texts, the Queen of Sheba had Solomon’s son. Solomon’s dynasty regained power in Ethiopia and ruled from 1270 until 1974 when Emperor Hallie Selassie was overthrown.
The Queen of Sheba was wealthy, powerful, intelligent, and seeker of truth
“1When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon (fame due to the name of the Lord), she came to test him with riddles. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones, (1 Kings 10:1-2a). With her entourage, the Queen of Sheba made the trek of about 1500 miles to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon. By chariot, it would have taken her 2 ½ months to get there one way. She had heard about this King, and she wanted to meet him. She came with gifts, which was customary in that day. She had camels bearing spices, and a great amount of gold and precious stones.
Another reason for her visit may have been a diplomatic mission to initiate or strengthen trade relations. The Queen of Sheba’s Ethiopian empire bordered the Red Sea. Solomon’s sphere of influence in the Red Sea was expanding; Solomon had access to and even controlled numerous trade routes (See 1 Kings 9:26-28, 1 Kings Chapters 5-9). If the relationship between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon became unfriendly, Solomon would have been in position to block trade with East Africa.
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba both were monarchs interested in each other
Solomon recognized the Queen of Sheba as a powerful leader and accepted her into his court as any other head of state would have been accepted. Solomon was prepared for her. There was no question about her ability or legitimacy as a leader of a nation with authority. In every way, the Queen of Sheba was the embodiment of great strength, wealth and prestige. King Solomon was ready to meet the Queen of Sheba monarch to monarch.
The Queen of Sheba was also ready to meet Solomon. “When she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind” (1 Kings 10:2b). She came with questions. Solomon’s fame for his incredible wisdom had spread far and wide. The Queen of Sheba told Solomon all that was on her mind; another translation of the scripture says that she asked hard questions. The questions were intellectual exercises, scenarios, and riddles to test a person’s wisdom and ability to solve.
Jewish tradition has examples of the hard questions and riddles that were asked in those biblical days
Scripture does not specify the riddles that the Queen of Sheba asked King Solomon. Riddles were common during biblical days. These riddles help us appreciate the wisdom in the question and the response.
For example, the Queen of Sheba may have asked: This bird has no flesh. This bird has no blood. This bird has no feathers. Its color is as pure and beautiful as gold. This bird might be dead, or it might be alive. This bird does not move. Its color is as virginal and sweet as milk. What is it? Solomon’s demonstrated wisdom to this riddle may have been - an egg. An egg has no flesh. An egg has no blood. An egg has no feathers. Its color is as pure and beautiful as gold. An egg may be dead or alive. An egg does not move. Its color is as virginal and sweet as milk.
Perhaps the Queen of Sheba asked: Sometimes it is sweet; sometimes it is bitter. The water that suddenly appeared along my journey sometimes is honeyed, and sometimes it is harsh. What is this water that seized me all along my path? Solomon may have answered – tears. The water of tears is sometimes sweet; sometimes it is bitter. These tears suddenly appeared along your life journey. The water of tears is sometimes honeyed, and sometimes it is harsh. These tears seized you all along your path.
As another example, the Queen of Sheba may have asked: Seven, nine, two one, seven- interrupt each other. Seven, nine, two, one, nine - begin. Seven, nine, two, one, two- offer a drink. But only one accepted. Solomon may have answered with incredible wisdom: Seven days interrupt the flow of blood. Nine months begin a feverish waiting. Two breasts offer a drink to one thirsting little child.
Solomon answered all questions of the Queen of Sheba and took her breath away
Can you imagine the joy of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon as they matched wits and wisdom? “3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba had observed all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his valets, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, it took her breath away” (1 Kings 10:3-5). When something “takes your breath way,” the Hebrew text literally means that there was no more breath in her. It is a mixture of surprise and admiration because it is so beautiful or exciting. You are speechless, You are blown away. You are indeed overwhelmed. This is also what the Queen of Sheba experienced with Solomon in that moment as she stopped to take in everything.
The Queen of Sheba regained her composure, but she was still moved by Solomon
“6 So she said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your accomplishments and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes saw it. Not even half had been told me; your wisdom and prosperity far surpass the report that I had heard. 8 Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants who continually attend you and hear your wisdom!’” (1 Kings 10:6-8). This scripture explanation points shows she was still moved greatly when her own eyes saw Solomon.
The Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing by recognizing Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts
“9 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 to execute justice and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:9). Let’s look at how the Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing on Solomon’s God. She says to Solomon that Solomon’s God has delighted in him, and set him on the throne of Israel. Because the Lord loved Israel forever, God has made Solomon the king to execute God’s priorities of justice and righteousness. There is nothing in the scripture to suggest that the Queen of Sheba was a follower of God (Yahweh). However, there are some Jewish writings that say the Queen of Sheba did become a follower of God. Yet, she recognized Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts, the source of his abundance, and the author of his authority. She gave praise to God and recognized God’s blessing on Solomon. This is a beautiful affirmation, benediction, and testimony to the God of Israel, from whom all blessings flow in abundance.
The Queen of Sheba’s visit with Solomon concludes with an exchange of more gifts
“10 Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones; never again did spices come in such quantity as that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.” (1 Kings 10:10). The Queen of Sheba’s kingdom had also great abundance for her to give to Solomon generously. In July 2022, 120 talents are equal to $225,335,969.48. She also gave precious stones at a quantity never again matched. It is not specified why she gave so much. Perhaps she gave to seal their alliance. Perhaps she was moved to be generous after all she had seen and experienced.
“13 Meanwhile, King Solomon gave to the Queen of Sheba every desire that she expressed, as well as what he gave her out of Solomon’s royal bounty. Then she returned to her own land with her servants” (1 Kings 10:13). Solomon also was generous; the Queen of Sheba did not leave empty handed.
There are three principles for our life journey with Jesus from the Queen of Sheba narrative
Get to know Jesus, the King of Kings
The Queen of Sheba heard in her own land about the accomplishments and wisdom of Solomon. The Queen of Sheba made a decision to make it a priority to go and meet Solomon for herself. She traveled the rough terrain for 2 ½ months to have her encounter; she was blown away by the experience. She made the journey from a distant land. Solomon with all his glory, splendor, and blessings bestowed upon him by God was impressive. Other than from the biblical book of Chronicles that retells the account in 1 Kings, the only other time we hear about the Queen of Sheba is Matthew 12:42, “The Queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Someone, greater than Solomon, is now here. But you refuse to listen.”
When do we recognize that someone greater than Solomon is with us?? When was the last time Jesus, our King, known as Immanuel and the King of Kings, took your breath away? Did you notice? Were you paying attention? Our Lord does things for us every day. Jesus wants us to get to know Him more and more, to experience Him, to converse with Him, to enjoy Him, to be open and surprised by Him. Like the Queen of Sheba, we must decide that we want to get to know the King. We must make growing closer to Jesus a priority in our lives and deepen the relationship. God has surprises for us in good times and hard times. These surprises may come just when you think there is no other option. These surprises will take your breath away and blow your mind. Just like the Queen of Sheba said about the Lord’s love for Israel, the love of the Lord for you is forever.
God is the giver of every good gift; we serve a giving God
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17). “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:11). “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
We serve a God who is a giver. When we contemplate the narrative of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon, we may be immediately struck by the material abundance and prosperity. But abundance and prosperity was not Solomon’s heart desire. When Solomon first became king, “God says to Solomon to ask for whatever you want me to give you" (2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon’s response was to ask for “wisdom and knowledge to lead this people” (2 Chronicles 1:10). “11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— 12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). This is not a prescription for how to get rich.
We do not serve a “name it and claim it” God. Rather, we do serve God who tells us as Solomon learned to seek first God’s Kingdom and everything else will be added according to our needs and God’s plan for our lives (See Matthew 6:33).
God’s gifts are vast and varied. God’s gifts may come as material, emotional, or physical. God’s gifts may come as words of encouragement, wisdom, or discernment. God’s gifts may come as opportunities, provision, protection, friendship, support, care, or listening. God always offers gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, grace, mercy and so many more. The Queen of Sheba was correct when she said to Solomon, “blessings to the Lord your God who delighted in you.” God delights in all of his children and is the giver of every good gift.
Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God
As we get to know and experience the King of Kings, we experience the Lord’s bountiful blessings. As we experience bountiful blessings, we have the opportunity and responsibility to do what the King of Kings does. It requires us to be generous in gratitude, with our gifts, with our time and talents, in our actions, and in whatever ways God opens our hearts and eyes to share.
Application
This coming Saturday, February 17, 2024, is Acts of Kindness Day. Acts of Kindness week begins Wednesday, February 14th which is also Valentine’s Day and the start of Lent (40 days remembering the events leading up to Resurrection Sunday Easter). Let us love generously this week with love for God and love for one another. Let’s put into practice the three principles we have learned from the Queen of Sheba. (1) Let us get to know Jesus, the King of Kings even more and allow Jesus to take our breath away. (2) Let us recognize the gifts and enjoy the blessing of the King of Kings and remember to say thank you. (3) Let us be generous and share the goodness of God wherever we go.
For other resources related to applying this sermon, use the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OhE-v_7xctNH3qPPaU3lWJvh_TgTYM3J/view?usp=drive_link
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-What are some biblical examples of people of color in the bible?
-How can we correct possible inaccuracies about people of color in the bible, so that we can move closer to God’s heart for all people?
Every ethnic group goes back to Genesis 10, the biblical table of nations. Who is Black?
-Which people have been considered black and other people of color?
-How were races defined as sons of Noah?
-Why should it matter to you?
The biblical account of Queen Sheba as black head of the government is remarkable even today in our modern world
-Why is it important that the Queen of Sheba was a black woman head of her nation?
-In what ways has this truth been celebrated in the days since the biblical times?
The Queen of Sheba was wealthy, powerful, intelligent, and seeker of truth
-What are possible reasons that the Queen of Sheba made the trek of about 1500 miles to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon?
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba both were monarchs interested in each other
-In what ways can you hear about the wisdom and accomplishments of another person?
Jewish tradition has examples of the hard questions and riddles that were asked in those biblical days
-When you meet with a person, what are examples of questions, riddles, and other topics you may discuss and ask each other?
-Does your discussion lead you to make conclusions about the wisdom of the other person?
Solomon answered all questions of the Queen of Sheba and took her breath away
-In your discussion with another in which you match wits and wisdom, when have you ever been blown away, overwhelmed, rendered speechless like there was no more breath in you?
The Queen of Sheba regained her composure, but she was still moved by Solomon
-After hearing the wisdom of another in matching wits with them, in what ways can you contemplate the blessings on others who also hear the wisdom?
The Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing by recognizing Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts
-When you hear wisdom, in what ways can you recognize and encourage another that their wisdom and accomplishments are gifts from God as the giver of all gifts?
The Queen of Sheba’s visit with Solomon concludes with an exchange of more gifts
-As you conclude your meeting with another, in what ways can you give more material, emotional, or physical gifts to another like the gifts that you receive from God?
Get to know Jesus, the King of Kings
-Why must we recognize that Jesus, the King of Kings who is greater than Solomon, is with us now and forever?
-In what ways must we intentionally decide to get to know Jesus more and more?
God is the giver of every good gift; we serve a giving God
-Review Matthew 6:33. As followers of Jesus, what must be our priority in seeking? Why is this scripture not a prescription for excessive material wealth? Why does this scripture not support the “name it and claim it” ideas?
Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God
-In what ways are you generous like Jesus, the King of Kings?
Application
-In what ways will you celebrate special calendar events for this time of year, such as the week for Acts of Kindness, Valentine’s Day, and the 40 days of Lent?
We begin a new mini-series that coincides with Black History month. This gives us the opportunity to pause, affirm, and recognize the contributions and legacy of the ways God moves in Black history. African American history is American history. Black history is also biblical history. God’s biblical stories are about people of color given the geographical setting of the biblical text. In many ways the Bible has been whitewashed; the images in books, movies, and Church lessons have not accurately depicted the people, culture, or part of the world that the biblical narratives record. We must revisit these inaccuracies to move closer to God’s heart for all people. Racial, cultural, and ethnic identity matters. Diversity doesn’t have to divide us, but differences are to be celebrated as part of God’s grand story. We must pass on the truths of God’s story to the next generation and debunk the lie that Christianity is the White Man’s religion. The focus of this message is about the Queen of Sheba. She was a black woman in scripture, who stands out as a legend, an icon, a role model, and an inspiration of black excellence, royalty, and abundance. For our life journey with Jesus, there are three principles from the biblical narrative of the Queen Sheba. (1) Get to know Jesus the King. (2) God is the giver of every good gift. (3) Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God.
Every ethnic group goes back to Genesis 10, the biblical table of nations. Who is Black?
The names of ethnic groups are significant. Think of them as the world’s family tree. Genesis 10 records the genealogical record of Noah’s sons and the nations birthed through them. The descendants of Shem are those of Jewish, Arab, and Asian origin. The descendants of Japheth are those of European origin. African and Indian descendants find their beginnings in the son of Ham.
Who is Black and why? Editors Henry Gates, Jr. and Andrew Curran explain. Even in the most ancient of times, a three-fold assessment was used in determining who was black. The assessment of who is black has been based on (1) the pigmentation of the skin, (2) the geographical location, and (3) the ancestry.
Based on this assessment, black people are indeed woven into the tapestry of God’s story in the Bible. The list of black people in scripture includes, but is not limited to people like: Hagar the Egyptian (Genesis 16), Moses’ wife (Numbers 12:1), the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13), Cushite writer of Psalm 7, Shulamite woman (Song of Solomon 1), Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21), and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
Why does any of this matter? Scholar Lisa Fields summarizes it well. She declares, “The presence of Black people in the Bible matters because their stories give hope to people of color who have been stripped of their dignity and intrinsic value. We don’t contend for the presence of Black people in the Bible because of what it says about us, but what it says about our God.” In this sermon series we are focusing on examples of African presence in the Bible and listening for what God wants us to hear and learn about God.
The biblical account of the Queen Sheba as black head of the government is remarkable even today in our modern world
As of March 2023, out of 193 member nations of the United Nations, only 13 of those 193 nations had a woman as head of the government. For 9 of those 13 nations, the current leader is the country’s first woman head of government.
In scripture, not much is said about the race of the Queen of Sheba. She stands out as a legend, an icon, a role model, and an inspiration as a Black head of government. She has been the subject of much artwork, but her racial identity is not always consistent. The Queen of Sheba has been the subject of many movies, with the first Queen of Sheba movie dating back to 1921, with a Caucasian actor playing the queen. In 1995, African American Halle Berry played the Queen of Sheba in the movie made for TV. The African American Beyonce described herself as heir to the legacy of the Queen of Sheba in her album, Black is King. The Queen of Sheba is mentioned in the Quran. The Queen of Sheba is a prominent part of the Ethiopian historical literature dating back to the 14th Century. She is considered the mother of the Ethiopian nation. According to tradition and Ethiopian sacred texts, the Queen of Sheba had Solomon’s son. Solomon’s dynasty regained power in Ethiopia and ruled from 1270 until 1974 when Emperor Hallie Selassie was overthrown.
The Queen of Sheba was wealthy, powerful, intelligent, and seeker of truth
“1When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon (fame due to the name of the Lord), she came to test him with riddles. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones, (1 Kings 10:1-2a). With her entourage, the Queen of Sheba made the trek of about 1500 miles to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon. By chariot, it would have taken her 2 ½ months to get there one way. She had heard about this King, and she wanted to meet him. She came with gifts, which was customary in that day. She had camels bearing spices, and a great amount of gold and precious stones.
Another reason for her visit may have been a diplomatic mission to initiate or strengthen trade relations. The Queen of Sheba’s Ethiopian empire bordered the Red Sea. Solomon’s sphere of influence in the Red Sea was expanding; Solomon had access to and even controlled numerous trade routes (See 1 Kings 9:26-28, 1 Kings Chapters 5-9). If the relationship between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon became unfriendly, Solomon would have been in position to block trade with East Africa.
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba both were monarchs interested in each other
Solomon recognized the Queen of Sheba as a powerful leader and accepted her into his court as any other head of state would have been accepted. Solomon was prepared for her. There was no question about her ability or legitimacy as a leader of a nation with authority. In every way, the Queen of Sheba was the embodiment of great strength, wealth and prestige. King Solomon was ready to meet the Queen of Sheba monarch to monarch.
The Queen of Sheba was also ready to meet Solomon. “When she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind” (1 Kings 10:2b). She came with questions. Solomon’s fame for his incredible wisdom had spread far and wide. The Queen of Sheba told Solomon all that was on her mind; another translation of the scripture says that she asked hard questions. The questions were intellectual exercises, scenarios, and riddles to test a person’s wisdom and ability to solve.
Jewish tradition has examples of the hard questions and riddles that were asked in those biblical days
Scripture does not specify the riddles that the Queen of Sheba asked King Solomon. Riddles were common during biblical days. These riddles help us appreciate the wisdom in the question and the response.
For example, the Queen of Sheba may have asked: This bird has no flesh. This bird has no blood. This bird has no feathers. Its color is as pure and beautiful as gold. This bird might be dead, or it might be alive. This bird does not move. Its color is as virginal and sweet as milk. What is it? Solomon’s demonstrated wisdom to this riddle may have been - an egg. An egg has no flesh. An egg has no blood. An egg has no feathers. Its color is as pure and beautiful as gold. An egg may be dead or alive. An egg does not move. Its color is as virginal and sweet as milk.
Perhaps the Queen of Sheba asked: Sometimes it is sweet; sometimes it is bitter. The water that suddenly appeared along my journey sometimes is honeyed, and sometimes it is harsh. What is this water that seized me all along my path? Solomon may have answered – tears. The water of tears is sometimes sweet; sometimes it is bitter. These tears suddenly appeared along your life journey. The water of tears is sometimes honeyed, and sometimes it is harsh. These tears seized you all along your path.
As another example, the Queen of Sheba may have asked: Seven, nine, two one, seven- interrupt each other. Seven, nine, two, one, nine - begin. Seven, nine, two, one, two- offer a drink. But only one accepted. Solomon may have answered with incredible wisdom: Seven days interrupt the flow of blood. Nine months begin a feverish waiting. Two breasts offer a drink to one thirsting little child.
Solomon answered all questions of the Queen of Sheba and took her breath away
Can you imagine the joy of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon as they matched wits and wisdom? “3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba had observed all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his valets, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, it took her breath away” (1 Kings 10:3-5). When something “takes your breath way,” the Hebrew text literally means that there was no more breath in her. It is a mixture of surprise and admiration because it is so beautiful or exciting. You are speechless, You are blown away. You are indeed overwhelmed. This is also what the Queen of Sheba experienced with Solomon in that moment as she stopped to take in everything.
The Queen of Sheba regained her composure, but she was still moved by Solomon
“6 So she said to the king, ‘The report was true that I heard in my own land of your accomplishments and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes saw it. Not even half had been told me; your wisdom and prosperity far surpass the report that I had heard. 8 Happy are your wives! Happy are these your servants who continually attend you and hear your wisdom!’” (1 Kings 10:6-8). This scripture explanation points shows she was still moved greatly when her own eyes saw Solomon.
The Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing by recognizing Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts
“9 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 to execute justice and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:9). Let’s look at how the Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing on Solomon’s God. She says to Solomon that Solomon’s God has delighted in him, and set him on the throne of Israel. Because the Lord loved Israel forever, God has made Solomon the king to execute God’s priorities of justice and righteousness. There is nothing in the scripture to suggest that the Queen of Sheba was a follower of God (Yahweh). However, there are some Jewish writings that say the Queen of Sheba did become a follower of God. Yet, she recognized Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts, the source of his abundance, and the author of his authority. She gave praise to God and recognized God’s blessing on Solomon. This is a beautiful affirmation, benediction, and testimony to the God of Israel, from whom all blessings flow in abundance.
The Queen of Sheba’s visit with Solomon concludes with an exchange of more gifts
“10 Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones; never again did spices come in such quantity as that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.” (1 Kings 10:10). The Queen of Sheba’s kingdom had also great abundance for her to give to Solomon generously. In July 2022, 120 talents are equal to $225,335,969.48. She also gave precious stones at a quantity never again matched. It is not specified why she gave so much. Perhaps she gave to seal their alliance. Perhaps she was moved to be generous after all she had seen and experienced.
“13 Meanwhile, King Solomon gave to the Queen of Sheba every desire that she expressed, as well as what he gave her out of Solomon’s royal bounty. Then she returned to her own land with her servants” (1 Kings 10:13). Solomon also was generous; the Queen of Sheba did not leave empty handed.
There are three principles for our life journey with Jesus from the Queen of Sheba narrative
Get to know Jesus, the King of Kings
The Queen of Sheba heard in her own land about the accomplishments and wisdom of Solomon. The Queen of Sheba made a decision to make it a priority to go and meet Solomon for herself. She traveled the rough terrain for 2 ½ months to have her encounter; she was blown away by the experience. She made the journey from a distant land. Solomon with all his glory, splendor, and blessings bestowed upon him by God was impressive. Other than from the biblical book of Chronicles that retells the account in 1 Kings, the only other time we hear about the Queen of Sheba is Matthew 12:42, “The Queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Someone, greater than Solomon, is now here. But you refuse to listen.”
When do we recognize that someone greater than Solomon is with us?? When was the last time Jesus, our King, known as Immanuel and the King of Kings, took your breath away? Did you notice? Were you paying attention? Our Lord does things for us every day. Jesus wants us to get to know Him more and more, to experience Him, to converse with Him, to enjoy Him, to be open and surprised by Him. Like the Queen of Sheba, we must decide that we want to get to know the King. We must make growing closer to Jesus a priority in our lives and deepen the relationship. God has surprises for us in good times and hard times. These surprises may come just when you think there is no other option. These surprises will take your breath away and blow your mind. Just like the Queen of Sheba said about the Lord’s love for Israel, the love of the Lord for you is forever.
God is the giver of every good gift; we serve a giving God
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17). “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:11). “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
We serve a God who is a giver. When we contemplate the narrative of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon, we may be immediately struck by the material abundance and prosperity. But abundance and prosperity was not Solomon’s heart desire. When Solomon first became king, “God says to Solomon to ask for whatever you want me to give you" (2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon’s response was to ask for “wisdom and knowledge to lead this people” (2 Chronicles 1:10). “11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— 12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). This is not a prescription for how to get rich.
We do not serve a “name it and claim it” God. Rather, we do serve God who tells us as Solomon learned to seek first God’s Kingdom and everything else will be added according to our needs and God’s plan for our lives (See Matthew 6:33).
God’s gifts are vast and varied. God’s gifts may come as material, emotional, or physical. God’s gifts may come as words of encouragement, wisdom, or discernment. God’s gifts may come as opportunities, provision, protection, friendship, support, care, or listening. God always offers gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, grace, mercy and so many more. The Queen of Sheba was correct when she said to Solomon, “blessings to the Lord your God who delighted in you.” God delights in all of his children and is the giver of every good gift.
Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God
As we get to know and experience the King of Kings, we experience the Lord’s bountiful blessings. As we experience bountiful blessings, we have the opportunity and responsibility to do what the King of Kings does. It requires us to be generous in gratitude, with our gifts, with our time and talents, in our actions, and in whatever ways God opens our hearts and eyes to share.
Application
This coming Saturday, February 17, 2024, is Acts of Kindness Day. Acts of Kindness week begins Wednesday, February 14th which is also Valentine’s Day and the start of Lent (40 days remembering the events leading up to Resurrection Sunday Easter). Let us love generously this week with love for God and love for one another. Let’s put into practice the three principles we have learned from the Queen of Sheba. (1) Let us get to know Jesus, the King of Kings even more and allow Jesus to take our breath away. (2) Let us recognize the gifts and enjoy the blessing of the King of Kings and remember to say thank you. (3) Let us be generous and share the goodness of God wherever we go.
For other resources related to applying this sermon, use the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OhE-v_7xctNH3qPPaU3lWJvh_TgTYM3J/view?usp=drive_link
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-What are some biblical examples of people of color in the bible?
-How can we correct possible inaccuracies about people of color in the bible, so that we can move closer to God’s heart for all people?
Every ethnic group goes back to Genesis 10, the biblical table of nations. Who is Black?
-Which people have been considered black and other people of color?
-How were races defined as sons of Noah?
-Why should it matter to you?
The biblical account of Queen Sheba as black head of the government is remarkable even today in our modern world
-Why is it important that the Queen of Sheba was a black woman head of her nation?
-In what ways has this truth been celebrated in the days since the biblical times?
The Queen of Sheba was wealthy, powerful, intelligent, and seeker of truth
-What are possible reasons that the Queen of Sheba made the trek of about 1500 miles to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon?
King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba both were monarchs interested in each other
-In what ways can you hear about the wisdom and accomplishments of another person?
Jewish tradition has examples of the hard questions and riddles that were asked in those biblical days
-When you meet with a person, what are examples of questions, riddles, and other topics you may discuss and ask each other?
-Does your discussion lead you to make conclusions about the wisdom of the other person?
Solomon answered all questions of the Queen of Sheba and took her breath away
-In your discussion with another in which you match wits and wisdom, when have you ever been blown away, overwhelmed, rendered speechless like there was no more breath in you?
The Queen of Sheba regained her composure, but she was still moved by Solomon
-After hearing the wisdom of another in matching wits with them, in what ways can you contemplate the blessings on others who also hear the wisdom?
The Queen of Sheba bestows praise and blessing by recognizing Solomon’s God as the giver of all gifts
-When you hear wisdom, in what ways can you recognize and encourage another that their wisdom and accomplishments are gifts from God as the giver of all gifts?
The Queen of Sheba’s visit with Solomon concludes with an exchange of more gifts
-As you conclude your meeting with another, in what ways can you give more material, emotional, or physical gifts to another like the gifts that you receive from God?
Get to know Jesus, the King of Kings
-Why must we recognize that Jesus, the King of Kings who is greater than Solomon, is with us now and forever?
-In what ways must we intentionally decide to get to know Jesus more and more?
God is the giver of every good gift; we serve a giving God
-Review Matthew 6:33. As followers of Jesus, what must be our priority in seeking? Why is this scripture not a prescription for excessive material wealth? Why does this scripture not support the “name it and claim it” ideas?
Generosity is always the right response to the goodness of God
-In what ways are you generous like Jesus, the King of Kings?
Application
-In what ways will you celebrate special calendar events for this time of year, such as the week for Acts of Kindness, Valentine’s Day, and the 40 days of Lent?
Additional SBCC Resources
Posted in Black History in God\'s Story
Posted in Queen of Sheba, women, Halle Berry, Beyonce, question, riddle, wisdom, trade, monarch, 1 Kings 10, breath, gifts, blessing, abundance, King of Kings, Immanuel, give, generous, generosity
Posted in Queen of Sheba, women, Halle Berry, Beyonce, question, riddle, wisdom, trade, monarch, 1 Kings 10, breath, gifts, blessing, abundance, King of Kings, Immanuel, give, generous, generosity
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