2 Chronicles 9

There’s no doubt about it. The Queen of Sheba was totally smitten with Solomon. Everything about him and his kingdom took her in—the palace, the temple, the banquet, and especially his wisdom. She had been expecting to see great things on her visit to Solomon, but she wasn’t prepared for what she actually found when she got there: "She said to the king, 'The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard.'" (vs 5-6)

Solomon was the most famous king who ever lived. It’s obvious that his reputation had extended beyond the borders of Israel for thousands of miles. Yet, this stunning reputation wasn’t even half the story. As the Queen of Sheba found out, when God bestows His blessings, He always gives more than what we can expect or imagine. If He promises wisdom, it will be the kind of insight and wisdom that would stun even the most brilliant thinkers. If He promises wealth, it will be the kind that makes the rich look poor. Whenever God gives, He always gives more than we even think is possible.

The Queen was overwhelmed with her visit to Israel. In response, she gave Solomon lavish gifts of gold, spices, and precious gems. A lot of the things she gave to him were things that had never been seen before in Israel. What she gave him was probably only second to what God had given him!

But, in another twist, I loved the fact that Solomon turned right around and did something that God would do: "King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she had brought to him." (vs 12) Here, I think we definitely see a reflection of the character of God. Not only does He always give us more, but He always gives us more than we brought to Him in the first place.

Even when we think we’re bringing Him the most lavish, precious gifts, He is always able, willing, and eager to give us more. There is no way we can out-give Him. No matter what we have to bring to Him, He is always waiting with more.