Podcast Title: The Bible Recap
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Episode: Day 172 (1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9) - Year 7
Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction to Solomon's Empire

In Day 172, Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into the culmination of King Solomon's reign, highlighting his vast empire and unparalleled wisdom. As Solomon solidified his legacy, his reputation for prosperity and sagacity became legendary, attracting attention from far and wide.

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

A pivotal event in Solomon's story is the visit of the Queen of Sheba. Tara recounts how this foreign monarch embarked on a lengthy journey, accompanied by a sizable entourage, camels laden with gifts, and a barrage of probing questions. Solomon's ability to answer her inquiries left the queen both "dumbfounded" and deeply impressed by his wealth and governance.

"She's dumbfounded. She's also taken aback by how wealthy he is. She praises him for his prosperity and his wisdom."
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The Queen's admiration extended beyond Solomon himself; she observed the genuine respect and affection his people had for him, a rare trait for a monarch of that era. Their exchange culminated in the Queen of Sheba returning to Sheba—likely modern-day Ethiopia or Yemen—after a fruitful interaction.

God as the Source of Wisdom

Tara emphasizes a recurring biblical theme: all wisdom originates from God. Reflecting on Solomon's request for wisdom, she connects it to contemporary faith practices by referencing James 1:5.

"Wisdom is not only from God, but it points back to God. He's the source, supply, and goal of it all."
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This perspective reinforces the idea that divine wisdom is accessible to all believers who seek it earnestly.

Solomon's Disobedience and Its Consequences

Despite his intelligence and initial obedience, Solomon's reign was marred by significant disobedience to God's commands. Tara highlights his accumulation of wealth, horses, and an alarming number of foreign wives—actions directly contravening Deuteronomy 17, which explicitly prohibits Israeli kings from amassing excessive wealth and foreign alliances.

"He accumulated more gold and more horses, which is in direct defiance of Deuteronomy 17."
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These foreign marriages were not merely political alliances but spiritual compromises. Solomon's heart gradually turned away from God, leading him to embrace idolatrous practices and even support the worship of deities like Molech, known for child sacrifices.

"Solomon shows that he's ruled by lust, not by God. And it eventually leads to the downfall of his kingdom."
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The Rise of Jeroboam

Tara details the prophetic judgment pronounced against Solomon, wherein God declares that the kingdom would be divided after Solomon's death. This prophecy was delivered through the prophet Ahijah, who symbolically tore his garments to signify the impending split.

"Ahijah tears his own brand new clothes into 12 pieces and hands 10 of those pieces to Jeroboam. Then he prophesies that God will take 10 of the tribes away from Solomon's line of descendants and give them to Jeroboam."
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Jeroboam, one of Solomon's trusted officials, becomes the focal point of this division. Despite Solomon's attempts to eliminate him, Jeroboam flees to Egypt, returning only after Solomon's demise to claim his destiny as the leader of the ten tribes.

"Jeroboam packs his bags and goes to Egypt and stays there until Solomon dies. His son Rehoboam takes over the throne after him."
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Tara offers a mnemonic to help listeners remember the names and relationships between Jeroboam and Rehoboam, enhancing comprehension of the narrative's complexities.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership

A profound moment arises when Tara references 2 Chronicles 9:8, where the Queen of Sheba acknowledges God's role in Solomon's ascendancy.

"Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God."
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She interprets this to mean that God is the ultimate authority in appointing leaders, underscoring His control over earthly power structures. This sovereignty ensures that, regardless of a ruler's virtue or vice, God's overarching plan remains intact.

Tara reflects on the nature of God's governance, noting that even through flawed leaders, such as the "terrible judges" mentioned in biblical history, God orchestrates outcomes that align with His righteous and loving purposes.

"But what about all those terrible judges? It's hard for us to see what God might be doing by positioning them in power. That's where we have to be open-handed and trust that he's working out something we can't see."
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Reflections and Insights

Tara concludes with a contemplative observation on God's unwavering presence and joy, irrespective of human leadership.

"No matter who is on the throne, he's where the joy is."
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This sentiment encourages listeners to maintain faith in God's sovereignty, trusting that His purposes are fulfilled even amidst human failures and political upheavals.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble masterfully navigates the complexities of Solomon's reign, juxtaposing his divine wisdom and grandeur with his eventual moral decline. Through detailed scripture analysis and relatable analogies, she underscores the centrality of God in leadership and personal integrity. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of biblical history and the enduring relevance of its lessons in contemporary faith journeys.