Solomon’s wisdom and kingdom attracted many visitors. Scripture records the queen of Sheba being one of those visitors. “And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1). It wasn’t just Solomon that intrigued her, but it was also the name of the Lord she wanted to know more about.
Sheba, located in southwest Arabia, was a wealthy land known for its famous spice production. Accordingly, the queen didn’t arrive empty handed, she came bearing expensive gifts for Solomon. She and her country may have wanted to do business with Solomon and Israel, but the queen desired something far greater than a trade agreement. She had questions, and wanted to share with Solomon all that was in her heart (1 Kings 10:2).
Solomon gave the distinguished guest a tour of Jerusalem. She was impressed with Temple, the king’s palace, and the kingdom’s servants. Furthermore, Solomon answered her hard questions, and revealed the secrets of her heart (1 Kings 10:3). It is said of the queen, “there was no more spirit in her” (1 Kings 10:5). The queen said, “It was a true report that 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” (1 Kings 10:6-7).
The queen had heard the reports concerning the king of Israel. But she believed them not. It wasn’t until she came to know the king, and seen for herself the wonder of the kingdom, that she believed. What she had simply heard from the mouths of others was but half of what she truly experienced on her own.
Do you remember when you first met King Jesus? You had heard the reports of deliverance, healing and salvation, but you didn’t believe it. It wasn’t until you came to know Him for yourself that you realized that the half hadn’t been told! It was so much that there was no more spirit in you. The King revealed the secrets of your heart, and He loved you in spite of that. In turn, He gave you a new heart and put within you a new Spirit.
I think of that old Andrae Crouch song that said, “Somebody told me of the joy they had. And somebody told me that in sorrow they could be glad. Then they told me once they were bound but now set free. But I didn’t think it could be until it happened to me.”
Beloved, you’ll never know that it’s true until it happens to you.