The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon: A Royal Meeting of Wisdom and Wonder (1 Kings 10:1-13)
King Solomon was famous. People far and wide had heard about his great wisdom, his wealth, and the way he honored God. Among those curious to see if the stories were true was a powerful ruler known as the Queen of Sheba. Her visit became one of the most memorable moments in Solomon’s reign.
A Curious Queen Sets Out
The Queen of Sheba had heard amazing things about Solomon—especially about how wise he was and how closely he walked with God. She wanted to find out for herself if what she had heard was real. So, she traveled a great distance, bringing with her a large group of people, along with camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones. She came with questions and high expectations.
Solomon Has All the Answers
When the queen arrived, she asked Solomon every hard question she could think of. And to her surprise, Solomon answered every one of them with ease. He wasn’t confused or unsure—his wisdom was clear and deep. It became obvious to her that Solomon’s insight came from a special source: God.
She’s Amazed by What She Sees
But it wasn’t just Solomon’s words that impressed her. She looked around and was amazed by everything—his palace, the food on the table, the organization of his staff, their clothing, the way he worshiped God in the temple. It all left her speechless.
She told Solomon, “Everything I heard about you is true—but seeing it for myself, I now realize I hadn’t even heard the half of it!”
A Royal Praise for God
The Queen of Sheba didn’t just praise Solomon—she praised God. She recognized that Solomon’s success and wisdom were blessings from the Lord. She said how fortunate the people of Israel were to have such a king and how clearly God had chosen him to lead with justice and wisdom.
Gifts Given and Exchanged
As a token of honor and thanks, the queen gave Solomon many valuable gifts, including large amounts of gold, spices, and jewels. In return, Solomon gave her anything she asked for, and even more than she expected. After their exchange, she returned to her own land, surely still amazed at all she had seen.
What Can We Learn?
This royal visit reminds us that true wisdom—especially wisdom that comes from God—attracts others and brings honor to Him. Solomon didn’t use his wisdom to show off; he used it to lead well and point others to God.
It also shows us the power of seeking the truth. The Queen of Sheba could have been satisfied with what she heard, but she wanted to see for herself. Her search led to discovery, amazement, and worship.
Reflection:
When people see our lives, do they see wisdom, kindness, and faith that reflect God’s goodness? Like Solomon, we can live in a way that inspires others to seek the truth—and meet the One who gives it.
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.