Watch the Throne

"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions.” 1 Kings 10:1

It is well known that Sheba was drawn to Israel by the stories of Solomon’s exquisite wisdom. His fame spread far and wide to all lands and peoples (1 Kings 4:34). But the careful reader will notice the additional information provided by this verse, namely, that Solomon’s fame was kept in connection with another name, the name of the LORD.

Everything God did in Israel was done to magnify his name. They were his people, in his land, worshipping at his temple, through his priesthood. They were animated by his word and marked by his statutes. Their greatest champions were his warriors and, blessed gift to his people and to the whole world, their great kings were his kings. Solomon’s fame was God’s fame.

Is it any wonder then that he surpassed all the wisdom of all the wise men of all the earth? Is it any surprise that the prosperity of his reign was unprecedented, and that the flower of youthful vigor and manful endeavor and highest thought were his? God’s king is unique, because he’s God’s king.

I need not press the implications for those living under the glorious and sure reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is even now seated comfortably upon his cosmic throne. Our King is the great King, and his fame is spreading far and wide through all lands and peoples. Go to him willingly like Sheba, lest you be dragged before him against your will on the Last Day!