1 Kings 10:1-10
Chapter 10
Visit of the Queen of Sheba
The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame and came to test him with difficult questions.She arrived in Jerusalem with a vast entourage and camels loaded with spices and abundant gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she told him everything on her mind,
and Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing that the king could not explain to her.
When the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,
the food on his table, the residence of his officials, the attendance of his servants and their clothing, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings which he offered at the Lord’s house, it left her breathless.
Then she said to the king: “All that I heard in my land concerning you and your wisdom was true.
But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. And what did I see! I was told only half the story, for your wisdom and wealth surpass the report I heard.
Fortunate are your wives! Fortunate are your servants who are ever in your presence and hear your wisdom!
Blessed be the Lord your God, who has looked kindly on you and has placed you on the throne of Israel! Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so that you may dispense justice and righteousness.”
Then she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, abundant spices, and precious stones. Such an abundance of spices as those that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon was never again seen.
Commentaries
Visit of the Queen of Sheba – Foreign Trade and Wealth.
The visit of the Queen of Sheba exemplifies the general statements of chapter 5, which praise Solomon’s wisdom and riches. Through possibly legendary details, it helps us understand the king’s commercial activities. With the queen’s words (7-9), the author offers a meaningful assessment of Solomon’s government: first, he credits him with extraordinary wisdom that amazes the visitor; second, his wisdom educates and guides his subjects every day; third, and this is the gift that God gives out of love for the people, his fair rule. By having these words come from a queen, the author emphasizes the importance of the testimony: the king is there to serve the people and ensure justice.