A Shadow of Things to Come

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 10

The early years of Solomon’s reign were the pinnacle of Israel’s history. 1 Kings 10 gives us an overview of what things were like then. The chapter begins with the arrival of the Queen of Sheba and her praise of Solomon.

She was not alone in her amazement at him and his kingdom. “The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind…” They all, like the Queen, brought gits of great wealth to Solomon and thereby enriched his already rich kingdom.

It was a time of great glory and fame that did not last long. In chapter 11 we find Solomon turning from the Lord and the beginning of the end for the kingdom.

But lest we miss an important point, stop for a moment and consider what this is a foreshadowing of. This is a small glimpse of the kingdom that is to come. When Christ visibly rules and reigns, when he is seen as King of kings and Lord of lords, when every knee bows before Him…the glorious, beautiful kingdom that will bless all will have come. Then the lion and the lamb will dwell together. Then the sword will have been beaten into a plow. Then peace will reign. Then will His glory cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Solomon’s days of glory were brief. Christ will reign forever and ever.

Even so, come Lord Jesus.