The Queen of Sheba 1Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. 2She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. 3And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. 4When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, 5the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 6She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. 7But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard. 8How blessed are your men!a How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! 9Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.” 10Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold,b a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again were spices in such abundance brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 11(The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almugc wood and precious stones. 12The king made the almug wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had such almug wood been brought in, nor has such been seen again to this day.) 13King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. Solomon’s Wealth and Splendor 14The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents,d 15not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land. 16King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of golde went into each shield. 17He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of goldf went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 19The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. 20Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom. 21All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 22For the king had the ships of Tarshishg at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.h 23So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 24The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 25Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules. 26Solomon accumulatedi 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses,j which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 27The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.k 28Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue;l the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. 29A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver,m and a horse for a hundred and fifty.n Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram. Footnotes: 8 a LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate your wives 10 b 120 talents is approximately 4.52 tons or 4.1 metric tons of gold. 11 c Almug is probably a variant of algum; also in verse 12; see 2 Chronicles 2:8. 14 d 666 talents is approximately 25.1 tons or 22.8 metric tons of gold. 16 e 600 shekels is approximately 15.1 pounds or 6.8 kilograms of gold. 17 f 3 minas is approximately 3.77 pounds or 1.71 kilograms of gold; possibly a reference to double minas, that is, approximately 7.54 pounds or 3.42 kilograms. 22 g Or a fleet of trading ships; twice in this verse 22 h Or baboons 26 i Literally Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had 26 j Or horsemen or charioteers 27 k Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea 28 l Probably an area in Cilicia, a province in the southeast of Asia Minor 29 m 600 shekels is approximately 15.1 pounds or 6.8 kilograms of silver. 29 n 150 shekels is approximately 3.8 pounds or 1.7 kilograms of silver. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Kings 10 Summary The Queen of ShebaVerses 1–13 – The Queen of Sheba Visits Verses 14–22 – Solomon’s Gold and Splendor Verses 23–29 – International Renown and Military Build-up In the tenth chapter of 1 Kings, we encounter an episode of epic grandeur and international diplomacy, as the renowned Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem to test the wisdom of King Solomon. It's a tale of admiration, wisdom, wealth, and the remarkable reign of Solomon, affirming his divine blessings and the prosperity of his kingdom. Historical Setting Solomon’s reign (c. 970–931 BC) marks Israel’s peak in territorial control, diplomacy, and culture. The chapter sits halfway through his forty-year reign, after the Temple’s dedication (1 Kings 8) and before Solomon’s later decline (1 Kings 11). International interest in the young kingdom shows the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham: “and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through you” (Genesis 22:18). Who Was the Queen of Sheba? Sheba likely refers to the Sabean kingdom, centered in modern-day Yemen with colonies across the Red Sea in Ethiopia. Inscriptions from Ma’rib and Marib-like temples attest to a wealthy spice-trading civilization that controlled frankincense and myrrh routes. A journey of roughly 1,200 miles across desert and sea would have required months and a sizable retinue—exactly what verse 2 describes. Testing Solomon’s Wisdom Ancient Near Eastern rulers engaged in diplomatic “wisdom contests.” Verse 1 notes “hard questions,” a term used elsewhere for riddles (Judges 14:12). 1 Kings 4:32-34 records Solomon authored “3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs,” drawing Gentile scholars to hear him—precisely what the queen does. The scene showcases wisdom not as merely intellectual but anchored in covenant faith: she praises “the LORD your God” (v 9). Spices, Gold, and Trade Routes • 120 talents of gold ≈ 4.5 tons. Gold deposits in Sudan and western Arabia fed regional trade. • Spices: frankincense, myrrh, and aromatics were Sheba’s export monopoly; verse 10 states “never again was such abundance of spices brought in.” Comparative texts: Psalm 72:10-15 envisions kings of Tarshish and Sheba presenting gifts—language mirrored here. The House of the Forest of Lebanon Described in 1 Kings 7:2-5, this 150-foot cedar-pillared structure functioned as Solomon’s armory and banquet hall. Its name came from the scent and color of imported Lebanese cedar. Archaeological parallels include the Syrian palace at Sam’al with rows of cedar pillars. The Golden Shields Two hundred shields weighing about 15 lb of gold each and three hundred smaller shields at 3 lb each signaled royal prestige. After Shishak of Egypt plundered them (1 Kings 14:25-27), Rehoboam replaced them with bronze—already an early sign of the kingdom’s decline. The Ivory Throne Ivory, likely African elephant tusk, symbolized purity and authority; overlaying it with gold amplified majesty. The six steps and twelve lions (v 20) visually portrayed the tribes of Israel under the king’s righteous rule, aligning with Psalm 72: “He will rule from sea to sea.” Ships of Tarshish, Ophir, and 666 Talents “Tarshish” may refer to Tartessos (Spain) or a Phoenician type of ocean-going vessel. An inscription at Cádiz evidences Phoenician trade there. “Ophir” remains debated; East Africa, India, and southern Arabia are contenders, each boasting gold fields in antiquity. 666 talents ≈ 25 tons; Revelation 13:18 later uses the number symbolically, but here it simply conveys massive wealth. Horses, Chariots, and Deuteronomy 17 Deut 17:16 commands future kings not to “multiply horses” or “cause the people to return to Egypt.” Solomon’s stables at Megiddo (excavated 1920s, stanchions still visible) and imports from Egypt and Kue show obedience lapsing in pursuit of military power. The narrative quietly hints at seeds of spiritual drift even amid glory. Gentiles Drawn to God’s Wisdom—A Foretaste of the Kingdom Isa 60:3 predicts, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” The queen’s pilgrimage previews that promise. Her confession, “Blessed be the LORD your God” (v 9), demonstrates Yahweh’s fame spreading through Israel’s witness. New Testament Echoes Jesus applies the account to His generation: “The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment… for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31). The Lord contrasts her eager belief with the hardness of contemporaries who rejected Him. Archaeological Footprints • Sabean irrigation works at Ma’rib Dam confirm advanced engineering contemporaneous with Solomon. • Phoenician inscriptions from Byblos and Tyre document maritime trade with Egypt and beyond, matching the joint fleet in v 22. • Fragmentary ivory inlays from Samaria and Nimrud illuminate the craft behind Solomon’s throne and palace décor. Spiritual Observations 1. True wisdom begins with reverence for the LORD (Proverbs 9:10); Solomon’s brilliance draws praise to God, not himself. 2. Wealth can signal God’s blessing yet still tempt the heart. The chapter’s magnificence foreshadows later compromise (1 Kings 11). 3. Gentile hunger for truth, pictured in the queen, challenges believers to steward God-given insight for global blessing. 4. The greater Son of David surpasses Solomon; listening to Christ fulfills the quest for wisdom that brought Sheba’s queen so far. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:5Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Proverbs 3:13-18 Highlights the value of wisdom, which is more precious than silver or gold. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the importance of spiritual wealth. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Advises the wealthy to be generous and to put their hope in God, not in uncertain riches. Teaching Points The Visit of the Queen of ShebaThe chapter begins with the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. Her visit underscores the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom, which was a direct gift from God. (1 Kings 10:1-2) Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth Solomon's answers to the Queen's questions and the wealth she witnessed left her breathless. This illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, granting him unparalleled wisdom and riches. (1 Kings 10:3-5) Acknowledgment of God's Blessing The Queen of Sheba acknowledges that Solomon's wisdom and prosperity are a result of God's favor, saying, Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel. (1 Kings 10:9) Solomon's Wealth and Trade The chapter details Solomon's extensive wealth, including his gold, spices, and trade with other nations, showcasing the economic prosperity of Israel under his reign. (1 Kings 10:14-22) The Danger of Excess While the chapter highlights Solomon's wealth, it also subtly warns of the potential dangers of excess and reliance on material wealth rather than on God. (1 Kings 10:26-29) Practical Applications Seek Godly WisdomLike Solomon, we should seek wisdom from God, who generously gives to those who ask. (James 1:5) Recognize God's Blessings Acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings and talents God has given us, using them for His glory. Guard Against Materialism Be cautious of allowing wealth and possessions to take precedence over our relationship with God. Influence Through Godly Living Our lives should reflect God's wisdom and love, drawing others to Him, just as Solomon's wisdom drew the Queen of Sheba. People 1. Queen of ShebaShe is a prominent figure in this chapter, visiting Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. The Queen of Sheba is often seen as a symbol of the nations recognizing the wisdom and wealth of Israel under Solomon's reign. The Hebrew term for "queen" is "מַלְכָּה" (malkah), and "Sheba" is "שְׁבָא" (Sheba), which is believed to refer to a region in the southern Arabian Peninsula. 2. King Solomon Solomon is the king of Israel, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the splendor of his kingdom. In this chapter, he impresses the Queen of Sheba with his answers and the prosperity of his court. The Hebrew name "שְׁלֹמֹה" (Shlomo) is derived from "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace. 3. Servants of Solomon These individuals are mentioned as part of Solomon's court, showcasing the grandeur and organization of his kingdom. They are described as well-dressed and well-fed, contributing to the Queen of Sheba's admiration of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. 4. Hiram Although not directly mentioned in 1 Kings 10, Hiram is referenced in the context of Solomon's wealth, as he was the king of Tyre who provided Solomon with materials and craftsmen for his building projects, including the temple. The Hebrew name "חִירָם" (Hiram) is associated with the Phoenician king who had a strong alliance with Solomon. Places 1. ShebaThe Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to test him with difficult questions. Sheba is often associated with the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. The Hebrew term "שְׁבָא" (Sheba) indicates a kingdom known for its wealth and trade. 2. Jerusalem The city where King Solomon's court is located and where the Queen of Sheba visits him. Jerusalem, "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim) in Hebrew, is the central city of Israel and the location of the Temple, symbolizing the heart of Israelite worship and governance. Events 1. The Queen of Sheba Visits SolomonThe chapter begins with the Queen of Sheba hearing about Solomon's fame and his relationship with the LORD. She travels to Jerusalem to test Solomon with difficult questions. The Hebrew term used for "questions" (חִידוֹת, chidot) implies riddles or enigmas, indicating the depth of her inquiries. 2. Solomon Answers All Her Questions Solomon answers all the questions posed by the Queen of Sheba. The text emphasizes that "nothing was too difficult for the king to explain to her" (1 Kings 10:3), showcasing Solomon's God-given wisdom. 3. The Queen of Sheba's Impressions The Queen of Sheba is overwhelmed by Solomon's wisdom, the splendor of his palace, the food on his table, the organization of his officials, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD. Her reaction is one of amazement, as she states, "I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes" (1 Kings 10:7). 4. The Queen of Sheba's Praise and Gifts She praises Solomon and blesses the LORD for placing him on the throne of Israel. She then gives Solomon a large quantity of gold, spices, and precious stones. The text notes that "never again did such abundance of spices come in as that which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). 5. Solomon's Wealth and Trade The chapter details Solomon's wealth, including the gold he received annually, his trading ventures, and the luxurious items he acquired. The Hebrew word for "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) is frequently mentioned, highlighting the immense wealth Solomon accumulated. 6. Solomon's Throne and Wealth Solomon's throne is described as a grand structure made of ivory and overlaid with fine gold. The description of the throne, with its six steps and twelve lions, emphasizes the opulence and majesty of Solomon's reign. 7. Solomon's Abundance of Gold and Silver The text notes that silver was considered of little value during Solomon's reign due to the abundance of gold. This reflects the prosperity and economic strength of Israel under Solomon's rule. 8. Solomon's Chariots and Horses Solomon's accumulation of chariots and horses is described, with horses imported from Egypt and other regions. This indicates the extensive trade networks and military strength Solomon established. 9. Summary of Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom The chapter concludes by summarizing Solomon's unparalleled wealth and wisdom, stating that "King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" (1 Kings 10:23). This underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding wisdom and prosperity. Topics 1. The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13)The Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to test his wisdom with difficult questions. She is impressed by his answers, his wealth, and the grandeur of his kingdom. The Hebrew word for "test" (נָסָה, nasah) implies a thorough examination of Solomon's wisdom. 2. Solomon's Wealth and Splendor (1 Kings 10:14-22) This section details the immense wealth of Solomon, including the gold he received annually, his large fleet of ships, and the luxurious items in his possession. The Hebrew term for "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) is frequently mentioned, emphasizing the abundance of wealth. 3. Solomon's Greatness (1 Kings 10:23-25) Solomon is described as surpassing all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The passage highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon regarding wisdom and wealth, as seen in the Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah). 4. Solomon's Chariots and Horses (1 Kings 10:26-29) The chapter concludes with a description of Solomon's military strength, including his collection of chariots and horses. The Hebrew word for "chariot" (מֶרְכָּבָה, merkavah) indicates the military prowess and strategic advantage Solomon held. Themes 1. Wisdom and Wealth of Solomon1 Kings 10 highlights the extraordinary wisdom and wealth of King Solomon, as seen in the visit of the Queen of Sheba. The chapter emphasizes that Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God, fulfilling the promise made to him. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), underscores the divine insight and understanding granted to Solomon, which was recognized by the Queen of Sheba as she tested him with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1-3). 2. International Recognition and Influence The visit of the Queen of Sheba signifies the international recognition of Solomon's wisdom and the influence of Israel under his reign. The Queen's acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:6-9) reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a light to the nations. The Hebrew term "שֵׁם" (shem), meaning "name" or "reputation," is significant as it denotes the fame and honor that Solomon's wisdom brought to God's people. 3. Divine Blessing and Prosperity The chapter illustrates the divine blessing and prosperity bestowed upon Solomon and Israel. The abundance of gold, spices, and other riches (1 Kings 10:10-14) symbolizes God's favor and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The Hebrew word "בָּרָךְ" (barak), meaning "to bless," is implicit in the narrative, highlighting the connection between obedience to God and material prosperity. 4. The Glory of Solomon's Reign The detailed description of Solomon's wealth, including his throne, chariots, and shields (1 Kings 10:18-21), serves to portray the glory and splendor of his reign. This theme underscores the idea that Solomon's kingdom was a reflection of God's majesty and order. The Hebrew word "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), meaning "glory" or "honor," is relevant here, as it conveys the magnificence associated with Solomon's rule. 5. The Role of Wisdom in Leadership Solomon's ability to answer the Queen of Sheba's questions and manage the affairs of his kingdom demonstrates the importance of wisdom in leadership. The narrative suggests that true wisdom, as a divine gift, is essential for righteous and effective governance (1 Kings 10:3-5). The Hebrew root "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), meaning "to judge" or "to govern," is pertinent, as it relates to the discernment and justice required of a wise leader. 6. The Testimony of God's Faithfulness The Queen of Sheba's praise of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness to His promises (1 Kings 10:9). Her acknowledgment of the LORD's love for Israel and His establishment of Solomon as king reflects the broader biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew word "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), meaning "faithfulness" or "steadfastness," is central to understanding this theme. 7. The Danger of Materialism and Excess While the chapter celebrates Solomon's wealth, it also subtly warns of the potential dangers of materialism and excess. The accumulation of gold, silver, and luxury items (1 Kings 10:14-22) foreshadows the eventual decline of Solomon's spiritual integrity. The Hebrew word "עָשַׁר" (ashar), meaning "to be rich" or "to enrich," serves as a reminder of the need for balance and the prioritization of spiritual over material wealth. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 1 Kings 10:1-13, how can we historically verify the Queen of Sheba’s existence and journey when evidence outside the Bible is scarce or disputed?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How would you describe the significance of Queen Sheba's visit to Solomon in terms of interfaith dialogue? 2. How does the narrative of Solomon's wisdom challenge our understanding of knowledge and wisdom today? 3. What can modern leaders learn from Solomon's interactions with Queen Sheba? 4. How might the wealth and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom influence your understanding of God's blessings? 5. In what ways does Queen Sheba's reaction to Solomon's wisdom and prosperity reveal about her character? 6. How does the acknowledgment of God's hand in Solomon's wisdom and prosperity by a foreign queen impact our understanding of God's glory? 7. How can Solomon's wisdom and prosperity be viewed from a spiritual perspective? 8. How can you apply Solomon's wisdom in your daily decision-making processes? 9. How do you interpret the description of Solomon's wealth? Is it purely material, or is there a spiritual dimension to it? 10. How does Solomon's story influence your understanding of success? 11. What can we learn from Solomon's use of his God-given wisdom and wealth? 12. How can you relate the wisdom of Solomon to modern times? How can it be implemented in current societal structures? 13. In what ways do you seek wisdom in your life? How has it brought blessings to you? 14. How does the exchange of gifts between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba symbolize international relations and diplomacy? 15. What can be learned from the Queen of Sheba's recognition of God's hand in Solomon's reign? 16. How can Solomon's grandeur and opulence be related to the concept of blessings in modern Christianity? 17. Discuss the importance of wisdom in leadership, as exemplified by Solomon. 18. How do you understand the role of discernment in our interaction with others, as exemplified by Queen Sheba? 19. How can you incorporate the lessons of Solomon's wisdom and wealth into your personal life goals? 20. As a Christian, how can you promote justice and righteousness in your community, inspired by the example of King Solomon? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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