From Splendor to Shadow

Visit of the Queen of Sheba

Thus it was when the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon. Hearing of his wisdom and the magnificent temple he had built, she determined to “prove him with hard questions” and to see for herself his famous works. Attended by a retinue of servants she made the long journey to Jerusalem. “And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.” Solomon taught her of the God of nature, of the great Creator, who dwells in heaven and rules over all. And “Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not.” 1 Kings 10:1-3; see 2 Chronicles 9:1, 2. SS 35.2

“When the Queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, ... there was no more spirit in her.” She acknowledged, “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 10:4-7; see 2 Chronicles 9:3-6. SS 35.3

The queen had been so fully taught by Solomon as to the source of his wisdom and prosperity that she was constrained not to extol the human agent, but to exclaim, “Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighteth in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made He thee king, to do judgment and justice.” 1 Kings 10:9. This is the impression that God designed should be made upon all peoples. SS 36.1

Had Solomon continued to turn attention from himself to the One who had given him wisdom, riches, and honor, what a history might have been his! But, raised to a pinnacle of greatness, Solomon became dizzy, lost his balance, and fell. Constantly extolled, he finally permitted men to speak of him as the one most worthy of praise for the matchless splendor of the building planned and erected for the honor of the name of the Lord God of Israel. SS 36.2

Thus the temple of Jehovah came to be known throughout the nations as “Solomon's temple.” The human agent had taken to himself the glory that belonged to the One “higher than the highest.” Ecclesiastes 5:8. Even to this day the temple of which Solomon declared, “This house which I have built is called by Thy name” (2 Chronicles 6:33) is spoken of as “Solomon's temple.” SS 36.3

Man cannot show greater weakness than by allowing men to ascribe to him the honor for gifts that are Heaven-bestowed. When we are faithful in exalting the name of God, our impulses are under divine supervision, and we are enabled to develop spiritual and intellectual power. SS 36.4

Jesus, the divine Master, taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” Matthew 6:9, RSV, emphasis supplied. And they were to acknowledge, “Thine is ... the glory.” So careful was the great Healer to direct attention from Himself to the Source of His power, that the multitude, “when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing,” did not glorify Him, but “glorified the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:31, RSV. SS 36.5

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24. SS 37.1