First Kings

Chapter 10: Solomon’s Encounter with the Queen of Sheba

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

In our previous study of the life and reign of Solomon, we covered the passage in which God offered to Solomon what he wished to receive from the LORD. Solomon asked for discernment, so that he might be an effective leader of the nation. In response, God gave to Solomon a level of wisdom no man before him had ever displayed and a kind no man after him would ever possess. Outside the book of Proverbs, authored primarily by Solomon, we don’t have a lot of evidence of just how insightful this king was once God granted him his desire.

There is one story in Scripture, however, in which a Gentile visits Solomon and is extremely impressed with his wisdom. This Gentile happens to be one of the most famous female rulers of history; we know her by the name of the Queen of Sheba. It is believed that she oversaw a kingdom that included at least part, and perhaps all, of what is now designated as Ethiopia and Yemen.

This Queen is mentioned in an impressive number of histories, reference books, and various religious texts. The Queen of Sheba is mentioned here in the Old Testament, but she is also spoken of by Jesus in Matt. 12. Outside of Scripture, this same ruler is named in the Koran and the writings of Josephus. During the Middle Ages, several pieces of art were created depicting an imagined likeness of the Queen. Through the Renaissance and into modern history, fascination with the Queen continued. Presently, there is much exploration being done in Ethiopia as researchers attempt to uncover evidence and facts about the Queen of Sheba and her kingdom.

By the time this Queen came to visit Solomon, she was known throughout the civilized world. Reports about Solomon and his amazing wisdom caught the Queen’s attention. She traveled from her palace through the deserts of Arabia, across parts of Egypt, up the coast of the Red Sea and finally to the city of Jerusalem to question Israel’s king.

01. The Queen’s Test (10:1-3)

1 Kings 10:1 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. 2 So she came to Jerusalem with a very large [entourage] with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king which he did not explain to her.

Immediately, something stands out in v. 1 that is not found in the various references to the Queen, some of which I just mentioned. Our writer says she heard “about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD.” Whatever report was circulating about Solomon, it obviously included aspects of his relationship to the LORD. It may very well have been that the word about Solomon was that his God had endowed him with unusual insight. That seems to be the likely interpretation of the Queen’s initial interest in Solomon as it is expressed in v. 1.

Initially, the Queen intended to “test” Solomon by posing “difficult questions.” It seems reasonable that if you are going to test someone’s wisdom, you would ask them to respond to various issues, situations, and questions. This Hebrew word translated “test” (nacah), however, carries with it just a hint of trickery or less than honest motivation. It appears, therefore, that the Queen came to Solomon hoping to disprove his wisdom or at least determine that the rumors about him were great exaggerations.

This interpretation is supported by the Hebrew word translated “difficult” (chiydah). This term refers to riddles, parables, perplexing sayings, and questions deliberately designed to deceive. The Queen did not come asking “O great Solomon, what is the meaning of life?” She came to confound Solomon and expose him as just an ordinary man. There is little doubt that the Queen’s sense of self-importance was behind her desire to trick Solomon. His fame rivaled hers and she was not a person who enjoyed sharing notoriety.

The Queen’s arrival testified to her station: she arrived in Jerusalem “with a very large entourage . . .” (v. 2) She brought with her customary gifts for Solomon—spices, gold, and precious stones. While the Queen may have doubted Solomon’s reported wisdom, she did treat him as any king would have been treated.

After speaking to Solomon, the Queen’s attitude was obviously changed. The text says that the Queen revealed “all that was in her heart” and Solomon answered all her questions. (v. 3) In fact, “nothing was hidden from the king which he did not explain to her.” The Queen encountered not just an insightful man, but a man who had unique understanding. He truly was a man distinguished by his ability to provide answers to her most perplexing questions.

When we think of wisdom, we might think that it is expressed in some profound saying or some incredibly complex response. But that’s not the case, Biblically speaking. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge rightly. The expression of wisdom does not always have to be some complicated answer to a perplexing question. Sometimes, and I would say more often than not, true wisdom is heard in some simple response that reflects knowledge of life and people based on the teaching of Scripture.

Solomon’s wisdom, as the book of Proverbs demonstrates so clearly, was frequently manifested in his observations about those who walk with God and those who do not walk with God. Some of his most helpful sayings are merely observations based on what God says about the nature of man.

I may have mentioned this illustration to you before, but it’s worth repeating. When I was in college, I had two or three professors that really left lasting impressions due to their piety and example of service to God. One of my favorite teachers—and a favorite of just about every student who ever sat in his classroom—was Dr. George Anderson. He taught a number of subjects and had given up a prestigious academic position in a local college when he was pressured to accommodate the liberalism that was becoming more influential in Biblical and theological studies. He resigned that job and began working at this much smaller, but Biblically based, institution.

One of the things that impressed us about Dr. Anderson was the extreme humility he demonstrated while having a commanding knowledge of numerous fields of study. As several of us were standing in the hallway talking one day, Dr. Anderson walked by; one of my friends said: “Dr. Anderson, may I ask you a question?” Dr. Anderson indicated that my friend was welcome to ask whatever he wished. “You really know God, don’t you?” was the question posed.

Anyone who knew Dr. Anderson for any length of time realized that, yes, he really was acquainted with God in deep and challenging ways. But how does a humble man, one never given to praise of self, answer such a question. If he had said “Yes, I really know God,” that would have sounded so odd to all of us who knew this man never boasted about anything. If Dr. Anderson had replied “No, I don’t really know God,” then that would have sounded like false modesty because, as I said, if anything was known about Dr. Anderson, it was that he walked with God.

Therefore, rather than say “No” or “Yes,” Dr. Anderson answered: “I wish I knew Him better.” That, to me, was a beautiful example of wisdom in action. It wasn’t a profound response, necessarily. It was a response that was truthful without being self-serving. In some ways, though certainly not intended, my friend had posed a trick question to Dr. Anderson. He was making a simple observation and meant it as a compliment, but answering the question presented a real challenge. Dr. Anderson, once again, showed wisdom in his answer that I’ve never forgotten.

I would imagine that Solomon demonstrated this same kind of wisdom as he responded to the Queen. His answers probably surprised her by their simplicity, in some cases, and intricate reasoning, in others. The end result was a change in the Queen’s perspective. To her credit, as we are about to see, the Queen honored Solomon and the LORD.

02. The Queen’s Confession (10:4-9)

4 When the queen of Sheba perceived all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her. 6 Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7 “Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. 8 “How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. 9 Blessed be 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.”

The writer expresses the Queen’s change of heart well. Solomon’s wisdom, his dwelling, his prosperity, and his dedication to the LORD so impressed the Queen that “there was no more spirit in her.” (vv. 4, 5) This statement means that she was completely humbled before Solomon. His wisdom and wealth as king of Israel overwhelmed her so that any previous intention of tricking Solomon disappeared. The Queen then made a confession: “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless, I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes have seen it.” (vv. 6, 7)

First-hand exposure to Solomon’s insight and kingdom convinced the Queen that what she had heard about this man was factual. Earlier, it seemed too much to be believed, but now she realized that Solomon was an unusual man. In fact, she says, “behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.” The Queen couldn’t believe what was reported to her; but now that she had spent time with Solomon, she realized that he was even greater than the reports described him!

The Queen extended her compliments to Solomon by declaring that all those who surrounded him were blessed to hear his wisdom (v. 8). She considered being in Solomon’s presence a great advantage. It is what the Queen says next, however, that is most important. Originally, the reports she heard about Solomon included something about his relationship with the LORD. That was indicated in v. 1. After her experience with Solomon, the Queen honors the LORD: “Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel.” (v. 9) Here is an admission from a world leader regarding the God of Israel. There is no evidence that the Queen of Sheba had prior knowledge of the true religion of Israel, but she realizes that the God of Solomon is to be praised for what He has done for His servant.

Further, the Queen shows a bit of insight herself when she says that God’s love for Israel led Him to provide such a wise king, one who would “do justice and righteousness.” Regardless of her background, the Queen here reveals a true perception of the LORD’s purpose in Solomon. A man with Solomon’s ability, she concludes, would be a man who would rule a kingdom while ensuring the practice of justice and conformity to righteousness. These terms echo what the LORD Himself said about Solomon earlier when He provided Solomon with his incredible insight.

Solomon wrote: “A king who sits on the throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes.”; and “The king gives stability to the land by justice, but a man who takes bribes overthrows it.” (Pro. 20:8; 29:4) He understood the essential nature of justice and righteousness in the governing of a nation. The Queen’s assessment of Solomon was entirely accurate.

03. The Queen’s Gifts (10:10-13)

10 She gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and a very great amount of spices and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come in as that which the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon. 11 Also the ships of Hiram, which brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir a very great number of almug trees and precious stones. 12 The king made of the almug trees supports for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, also lyres and harps for the singers; such almug trees have not come in again nor have they been seen to this day. 13 King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested, besides what he gave her according to his royal bounty. Then she turned and went to her own land together with her servants.

The conclusion of the report on the Queen’s visit with Solomon contains a record of the gifts she gave to the king. The first gift listed is one hundred and twenty talents of gold. A talent is equivalent to 75 pounds; the worth of this gift alone is astronomical. Next, a “very great amount of spices and precious stones.” The Queen’s gift exceeded anything ever given to the king, declares the writer. Trees were also given and transported from Ophir. These were almug trees, which were native to southern India. The tree was black on the outside and a deep red on the inside. As v. 12 indicates, this wood was often used for crafting musical instruments, such as harps and lyres. The almug wood is also known to be extremely strong; this explains why Solomon used this gift to build support beams for the temple and the palace.

In return, Solomon gave the Queen whatever she requested. Following this exchange, the Queen of Sheba departed with her servants. Though the giving of gifts was customary, the writer emphasizes that the amount and value of what was given exceeded the norm. This portion of the record tells us that both the Queen and Solomon ruled over extremely prosperous kingdoms at this point in history.

Application

One lesson that comes from the story of Solomon has to do with his wisdom. We must not think that the wisdom shown by the king was something other than what is to be found in the Word of God. In fact, that is the point—wisdom is the Word of God. Wisdom is the ability, as I indicated, to consider a question or circumstance and propose a response based on what God has revealed to His people. While Solomon’s ability to do this was unique, everyone has the potential to imitate him to a degree.

As Solomon tells us, the beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD. Rightly understanding all aspects of life begins with a proper perspective on God. That proper perspective includes awareness of who He is and who we are; He is the Creator and Law-maker, we are the creatures and servants. From that starting point, a person realizes that the Word of God is the only source of truth. That person, therefore, determines to know the Word and in the process of coming to know the Word, that person becomes wiser and wiser.

There is not a man, woman, or child here this morning who is incapable of becoming wise as God judges wisdom. You begin with a right relationship with God and you follow that with dedication to studying and applying the Scriptures.

With that statement, of course, I have touched on a monumental issue—that of having a right relationship with God. As we come into this world, we are condemned before God. We arrive without the ability to learn and practice His Word; in fact, we arrive with a disposition decidedly hostile to God and His Word. There is no way to become wise from that position. Something must change and we know what must change. As the Bible itself says, we must be born again. That transition from spiritual death to spiritual life enables us to then study, practice, and share all that God has revealed to His people. The crucial element, however, is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Most people would choose to be wise if given such an option. I assume that would include most of you. If you are walking with God, then by all means, start working on becoming a wise person. A wise person is a helpful person, a self-discipline person, and a person who is capable of providing much help and guidance. On the other hand, if you are not yet walking with God by faith in salvation, then you need to take care of that first. The person who pursues wisdom apart from fear of the LORD only becomes a greater fool. Perception of truth and the ability to apply God’s Word are gifts from His Holy Spirit. He provides these gifts only to the members of God’s household.

A second lesson is simple and shows up often as we study the Scripture, but it needs to be noticed every time it is encountered. I’m referring to what this story teaches us about greatness. What made Solomon such an impressive man? What caused this powerful Queen to be humbled in his presence? What element in Solomon’s life produced this kind of admiration? You know the answer—it was his submission to the Word of God.

Solomon lived most of his life in light of God’s revealed will. He made decisions, rendered judgments, and offered opinion all based on the Law of God. Rather than rely on his own intelligence or his own investigations, Solomon accepted and trusted what God revealed to him. I point out this simple truth especially for the young people of this congregation. Those who are older know this truth—whether we live by it or not, we know how one becomes truly effective and truly helpful in the cause of Christ. But many of you are encountering or will encounter very different opinions. The challenge for you will be to maintain your confidence in the Holy Scriptures.

The world in which you will operate is becoming increasingly chaotic because people are moving further and further away from God’s wisdom. All that is left is man’s wisdom and man’s wisdom is flawed to the very core. It will never produce peace and prosperity. Know where you stand, therefore, and stick to your convictions. Do that and God will honor you.

A third and final lesson is to be found in something the Queen said after she became convinced of Solomon’s amazing wisdom. She declared that it was God’s love for His people that led Him to provide a king like Solomon. Because God cared for His people, He gave them a king who would provide leadership grounded in the Word of God, which in turn is an expression of His nature. With such a king, Israel could prosper; Israel could succeed in all endeavors by following this wise ruler.

Here the point is that wisdom is a manifestation of God’s love for us. Wisdom, as I observed, involves analyzing ourselves and our lives according to what God has revealed to us. God desires His people to walk in obedience and to have peace and joy with Him. Wisdom produces those attributes in our relationship with Him. Can you imagine the improved character of your life if you truly began living according to the wisdom of God? Would you have peace with Him? Would you know joy? Would you be less troubled by life’s challenges? Would you be of greater help to those around you?

We have in our possession the wisdom of God—it’s right here in the Scriptures. We are incredibly foolish if we ignore it or consider it of secondary importance. If you belong to God and are trying to navigate through this life without a primary dependence on His Word, then you are going to experience frustration and indecision. Rather than follow that course, take up the Scriptures; understand that God has provided help for you because He loves you. God does not delight in seeing us struggle and fall; He delights in seeing us happily serving Him by living according to His Word.

Consider, therefore, how well you know the Bible; consider how much time you spend studying this wonderful resource from God. Don’t hesitate to cast aside other things so that you have more time in the Word. Study of the Scriptures will never be anything but beneficial.

Prayer

Hymn for Communion

Conclusion

As we have talked about wisdom, our minds are drawn to the fact that Jesus Christ was God’s wisdom personified. Everything He said and did reflected the perception and will of His Father in heaven. Even when the world judge His actions foolish and even when some found it difficult to understand His choices, Jesus continued to the cross and accepted the punishment there; He then surrendered His life. All that appeared to make no sense to His enemies, but it was exactly what the wisdom of God ordained.

God determined that the Innocent should take the place of the guilty. Only in this way could the debt of the guilty be satisfied. When you see the outcome of this plan, you must confess that it is remarkable wise and effective. We would not be saved had Jesus not carried out what God’s wisdom determined. He left us with that supreme example, therefore, of trusting the wisdom of God—even with our very lives.

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”