The queen moved from statements about Solomon to speak, first, of the effects of the wisdom of Solomon upon his men and servants, and then a doxology upon Israel’s God because he had given such a king to Israel. The words spoken concerning the servants read like a couple of beatitudes
(see Matthew 5:1–12; Psalm 1:1). It is not easy to understand the distinction she drew between Solomon’s men
and his servants.
Both groups are said to be in Solomon’s presence in such a manner that they hear his wisdom. The root of the Hebrew for men
is ish, and this word is used in much the same manner as the English translation, namely, that it has a breadth of usage. Perhaps the queen was indicating those who surrounded Solomon who were his officials and/or counsellors, while servants
referred to those who had more menial tasks to perform. Yet, the queen was emphasizing not the difference between the two categories but the blessing they both received by having the ability to serve in constant contact with a monarch of such wisdom.
The doxology that the queen of Sheba pronounced upon the Lord was because of his graciousness to Solomon and to his people. God’s grace to Solomon was said to be that he delighted in Solomon, and his grace to the people was in providing such a king for them.
It would have done well if Solomon had remembered the queen’s blessing throughout his life. It was grace that produced God’s blessings in abundance upon him, and his wisdom was a derived wisdom. Solomon had requested it and it was granted, but, as Job 1:20 reminds us, what the Lord gives, he can also take away. Solomon’s rule would only truly be a blessing to Israel as long as it was true wisdom founded in the fear of the Lord.
The church has been granted a blessing greater than the blessing of Israel under Solomon. God has given Jesus Christ, His divine Son, to the church as King, and his divine wisdom shall never fail. Yet, woe be to the church if we turn away from Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God
(1 Corinthians 1:24).
8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!