Chapter 9
Verses 1-8 The Queen of Sheba comes to visit Solomon because she has heard how wise he is. She tested him with hard questions. He answered all of them for her. I wonder what questions she asked. She traveled a long ways to see Solomon with her harem and brought lots of gifts. She marveled at all that Solomon had. And she was impressed with what God had done for the Israelites.
Verses 9-12 The Queen of Sheba gives Solomon spices they had never seen before. Not to be outdone, Solomon gives the Queen of Sheba many more gifts.
Verses 13-14 Solomon's salary is told. 666 talents plus what the merchants brought in.
Verses 15-28 This group of verses describes all the gold laden possessions he has from shields to his throne, even goblets. Silver was not used because it was too common. Horses were brought from Israel.
Verses 20-31 Solomon reigns for 40 years and then he dies.
Chapter 10
Verses 1-5 Rehoboam, son of Solomon becomes king. Jeroboam hears about Rehoboam becoming King. He was in Egypt, and returned. Jehoboam along with many people, go to Rehoboam to ask for relief from high taxation. Solomon heavily taxed his people.
Verses 6-7 Rehoboam goes to the advisors that had been Solomon's advisors and asks them what he should do about the people's request. They advise him to treat the people kindly and they will be faithful to him.
Verses 8-11 Rehoboam goes to his friends after rejecting the advice of the elder advisors. They tell Rehoboam to say instead of making their lives easier he will make them even harder.
Verses 12-15 Rehobaom tells Jehoboam to come back in three days, and they do. He says he will make life worse for everyone. Rehoboam doesn't listen to the elders. This decision was orchestrated by God, who had told Rehoboam through Ahijah.
Verses 16-17 This begins the revolt against Rehoboam. The people reject Rehoboam. The twelve tribes of Isreal begins to break up. Ten tribes will be in northern Israel and the two tribes in the south will be the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Verses 18-19 Israel revolts. Rehoboam sends the revenue collector and he is stoned to death. Rehoboam flees to Jerusalem. Israel is rebellion against the house of David to this day.
Father God we see today what happens when we turn from you as a nation. Selfishness and sin can ruin a nation, in one short generation. We pray that pass on our faith to our children and grandchildren, and stand firm not to allow sinful ways to enter into our homes. We also ask that we seek the counsel of wise men, and take heed to what they say. God, you do provide us with wise counsel through the word, prayer, other believers who follow your word. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
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