*1 Kings 10:1-13
The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to test his wisdom and is overwhelmed by his wealth and magnificence.
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The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
- The Queen of Sheba hears about King Solomon’s fame and his wisdom, especially related to the name of the Lord.
- She travels to Jerusalem with a large caravan of camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones.
- She comes to test Solomon with difficult questions.
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Solomon Answers All Her Questions
- Solomon answers every question the queen asks—nothing is too hard for him.
- She is amazed by his wisdom and how clearly he explains things.
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The Queen Is Impressed by Everything
- She is also astonished by Solomon’s palace, the food on his table, how well his officials are dressed, the organization of his court, and the offerings made at the temple.
- She is overwhelmed and deeply impressed.
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She Praises Solomon and His God
- The Queen of Sheba praises Solomon for his wisdom and success.
- She says his people are fortunate to serve under such a wise and blessed king.
- She gives honor to the Lord, saying God made Solomon king to bring justice and righteousness.
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She Gives Solomon Lavish Gifts
- The queen gives Solomon gifts: about 120 talents of gold (a huge amount), a great quantity of spices, and precious stones.
- The spices she brings are the finest ever seen in Israel.
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Solomon Gives Generously in Return
- Solomon gives the Queen of Sheba whatever she desires, in addition to gifts of his own.
- After the exchange, she and her attendants return to her country.
In 1 Kings 10:1-13, the Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to see if his wisdom is as great as she has heard. She finds that it is even greater and is amazed by his wealth and knowledge. This teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and truth for ourselves rather than just relying on what others say. It also reminds us that when we live with integrity and honor God, our lives can be a testimony that inspires and blesses others. Like Solomon, we should use our gifts and knowledge to help those around us.
1 Kings 10:1-13 (WEB)
10:1 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the LORD’s name, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart. 3 Solomon answered all her questions. There wasn’t anything hidden from the king which he didn’t tell her. 4 When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the sitting of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the LORD’s house, there was no more spirit in her. 6 She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. 7 However, I didn’t believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, not even half was told me! Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard. 8 Happy are your men, happy are these your servants who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom. 9 Blessed is the LORD your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” 10 She gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and a very great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was there such an abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.11 The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious stones. 12 The king made of the almug trees pillars for the LORD’s house and for the king’s house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers; no such almug trees came or were seen to this day.13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, in addition to that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own land, she and her servants.