1 Kings 10-11 & 1 Corinthians 13

Again, 1 Kings 10 seeks to continue in extolling the virtues of Solomon. The queen of Sheba has come to see if the stories are true about the wisdom of Solomon. She quizzes and tests him and then proclaims he is as wise as the stories proclaim. Solomon, almost to reward her witness, showers her with gifts.

Of course, if the text is correct, Solomon had plenty of trinkets lying around to pass out. The chapters tells of the riches that are brought from afar, Solomon and Israel are blessed by God as God fulfills his promise to Solomon to provide riches and glory even though Solomon only asked for wisdom.

Yet, notice the warning found at the very end, Solomon brings horses and chariots from Egypt, which is a violation of the covenant. It is a sign that perhaps things are not as grand as they seem.

1 Kings 11 further speaks to Solomon's breach of the covenant, for he marries many outside of the tribe of Israel and then follows after the gods of his wives. Perhaps the most egregious was the alters built to gods like Molech, whose followers frequently sacrificed children for their god. This is too much for God, who tells Solomon that for his actions he will take the kingdom from his son, he would take it right away but for David's legacy. We now know that Israel will be split off from Judah, and Judah will remain with Solomon.

Before the chapter ends, we hear of the adversaries that God raises against Solomon but it is only Jeroboam that we are concerned for Jeroboam is of Israel and he will be the instrument by which the kingdoms split. While that story has yet to be told, because of the encounter between the prophet Abijah and Jeroboam, we know how it will eventually turn out. This will all take place during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son who will be king. In the meantime, Jeroboam will find sanctuary in Egypt. The story of Jeroboam will mirror that of Moses.

1 Corinthians 13

And what is the greater gift that Paul eludes to in 1 Corinthians 12, is it not love? The ultimate expression of God to us in Jesus Christ? Is this not the heart of the community that follows Christ? To truly be wise, to truly demonstrate the wisdom one has of God, to clearly be "strong" in faith, to truly recognize the power of Jesus Christ is to love. Enough said.