Topical Encyclopedia Gold holds a significant place in biblical narratives, symbolizing wealth, purity, and divine blessing. The region of Sheba, often associated with the biblical Queen of Sheba, is particularly noted for its wealth in gold and other precious commodities.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 10:1-2 : "Now 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. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind." The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is one of the most famous biblical accounts involving gold. Sheba, likely located in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, was renowned for its wealth. The queen's gift of gold to Solomon underscores the region's prosperity and the high value placed on gold as a symbol of honor and respect. 2. 1 Kings 10:10 : "And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon." The substantial amount of gold given by the Queen of Sheba—120 talents—illustrates the immense wealth of her kingdom. This gift not only signifies the economic power of Sheba but also highlights the importance of gold in diplomatic and trade relations in the ancient Near East. 3. Psalm 72:15 : "Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long." This verse, part of a royal psalm attributed to Solomon, reflects the desire for prosperity and blessing upon the king. The mention of gold from Sheba as a gift to the king emphasizes the region's reputation for abundant wealth and the high esteem in which its gold was held. Historical and Cultural Context: Sheba was a prominent trading kingdom, strategically located along the incense trade routes. Its wealth in gold and other luxury goods made it a key player in the economic landscape of the ancient world. The biblical narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon not only highlights the opulence of her kingdom but also serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade and diplomacy. Gold from Sheba was likely mined locally or acquired through trade with other regions. The high quality and quantity of gold associated with Sheba contributed to its legendary status in biblical literature. Theological Significance: In the Bible, gold often symbolizes divine favor and blessing. The association of Sheba with gold in the biblical text underscores the idea of God's provision and the abundance that comes from living in accordance with His will. The Queen of Sheba's offering of gold to Solomon can be seen as an acknowledgment of the wisdom and blessing bestowed upon him by God. Furthermore, the narrative of Sheba and its gold serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth compared to the eternal value of spiritual wisdom and understanding. Solomon's wisdom, a gift from God, is portrayed as more valuable than the gold and riches brought by the Queen of Sheba. In summary, the biblical references to gold from Sheba highlight the region's historical wealth and its symbolic significance in the broader biblical narrative. The accounts of Sheba's gold serve as a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient cultures and the enduring theological themes of divine blessing and wisdom. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 10:10And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 9:9 Psalm 72:15 Library In Thee Will I Begin to Speak, Thou Head that Didst Begin all ... A Royal Seeker after Wisdom The Building of the Golden House. The History of Solomon Psalm 72 A Song of Zion Redeemed Storming the Battlements Coming to the King. Ezekiel's Discourse The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Resources What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |