The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon and is awestruck by his great wisdom, as well as by the opulence and splendor of Jerusalem. Solomon shares his abundance with his people and guests. He and the Queen of Sheba exchange gifts. The detailed descriptions of Solomon’s wealth and horses arouse a question: does Solomon remember his pledge to act soberly and humbly in the city of God? Or has he perhaps been blinded by the gleam of his material abundance?
“And she said to the king, It was a true reportthat I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice” (1 Kings 10:6-9)
Generosity is giving beyond the level of comfort, with an open heart and an open hand.
