ripple effect: vacaville

Read 1 Kings 10:1-13.

[Stuff we're skipping:

* We learn that Solomon spent 13 years making a palace for himself and a palace for his wife, Pharaoh's daughter.

* We also learn that Solomon moved Hiram to Israel so he could make all the temple furnishings.

* Solomon had a huge assembly and sacred ceremony to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. When the priests came out from leaving the Ark in the Holy Place, a cloud of smoke (God's glory) filled up the Temple. Solomon then gives a blessing, praising God; prays a prayer of dedication; and gives a benediction. Then he makes a ton of sacrifices.

* God appears to Solomon and advises that he should follow God and prosper, otherwise God will bring down the Temple.

* We also learn of how Solomon rewarded Hiram with twenty cities. We also learn where he got his slaves from and what positions the Israelites held.]

I can’t help it. Whenever I hear the word Sheba, I think of cat food.

1. Interesting phrase, Solomon was famous concerning the name of the Lord. Hmm…what do you think that means?
2. Apparently, the queen was blown away by Solomon’s wisdom and accomplishments. Literally, breathtaking.
3. She was so impressed that she gave him all kinds of goodies too.
4. Um…kind of makes you wonder what else King Solomon “gave” the queen of Sheba. A lot of people believe that he gave her a baby in her tummy from some romantic “breathtaking” rendezvous. And this is how followers of God went back down to the continent of Africa. There’s nothing in the text to really support that; but, as we will learn more and more, Solomon did love him some women.