2 Chronicles 9:12

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired--whatever she asked--far more than she had brought the king. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants.

Study Bible

King Solomon
The name Solomon is derived from the Hebrew word "Shlomo," which is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon, the son of King David, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a golden age for Israel, marked by prosperity and peace. Solomon's interaction with the queen of Sheba highlights his international reputation and the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a wise and prosperous king.

gave the queen of Sheba
The queen of Sheba is a figure of great intrigue and mystery. Sheba is believed to be located in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. Her visit to Solomon is a testament to his widespread fame and the allure of his wisdom. The act of giving signifies Solomon's generosity and the cultural exchange between their two nations. It also reflects the biblical principle of hospitality and the sharing of God's blessings with others.

all she desired—whatever she asked
This phrase underscores Solomon's willingness to meet the queen's requests, demonstrating his wealth and the abundance of his kingdom. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's provision, as Solomon, a king blessed by God, is able to fulfill the desires of those who seek him. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament teaching that God provides for those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

far more than she had brought to him
This highlights the generosity and abundance of Solomon's kingdom. The queen of Sheba came with gifts, yet she left with more than she brought, illustrating the principle that one cannot outgive God. This exchange can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual blessings that God bestows upon those who seek Him, which far exceed any material offerings we can present.

Then she left and returned to her own country
The queen's departure signifies the completion of her mission and the successful diplomatic and cultural exchange between her kingdom and Solomon's. Her return to her own country suggests that she carried back not only material wealth but also the wisdom and knowledge she gained from Solomon, which could influence her own land.

along with her servants
The mention of her servants indicates the queen's status and the entourage that accompanied her, reflecting the grandeur of her visit. It also suggests that the knowledge and experiences gained during the visit were shared with her people, potentially impacting her entire nation. This can be seen as a reminder of the influence and responsibility of leaders to seek wisdom and share it with those they lead.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history.

2. Queen of Sheba
A monarch from a wealthy kingdom, likely in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, who visited Solomon to test his wisdom and witness his wealth and prosperity.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's palace and the Temple were located, serving as the center of worship and governance.

4. The Visit of the Queen of Sheba
An event where the Queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to meet Solomon, bringing gifts and testing his famed wisdom.

5. Exchange of Gifts
A significant cultural practice in ancient times, symbolizing respect, alliance, and mutual benefit.

Teaching Points

The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Queen of Sheba's journey underscores the value of seeking wisdom, even at great personal cost and effort. As believers, we are called to pursue godly wisdom through Scripture and prayer.

Generosity and Hospitality
Solomon's generous response to the Queen of Sheba's visit reflects the biblical principle of hospitality and generosity. We are encouraged to give freely and abundantly, trusting in God's provision.

Recognition of God's Blessings
The Queen of Sheba recognized the blessings and wisdom God had bestowed upon Solomon. We should acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, attributing them to God's grace.

Witness to the Nations
Solomon's wisdom and prosperity served as a testimony to the surrounding nations. Our lives should similarly reflect God's goodness, drawing others to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Queen of Sheba to visit Solomon, and how can her pursuit of wisdom inspire our own spiritual journey?

2. How does Solomon's generosity towards the Queen of Sheba challenge us in our approach to giving and hospitality?

3. In what ways can we recognize and give thanks for the blessings God has given us, as the Queen of Sheba did with Solomon?

4. How can our lives serve as a testimony to others about God's wisdom and blessings, similar to Solomon's impact on the Queen of Sheba?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought wisdom or guidance. How did God provide for you, and how can you apply this experience to future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 10:1-13
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 9, providing additional details about the Queen of Sheba's visit and Solomon's response.

Matthew 12:42
Jesus references the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, highlighting her recognition of Solomon's wisdom as a testimony against those who fail to recognize Jesus' greater wisdom.

Proverbs 3:13-15
These verses extol the value of wisdom, which Solomon exemplified and which the Queen of Sheba sought.