The Queen of Sheba heard about King Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She wasn’t sure if the stories were true or exaggerated, so she journeyed to find out for herself.
The land of Sheba was approximately 1,400 miles from Jerusalem, and the journey by camel would have taken 3-7 years. She brought with her a great multitude of servants and gifts.
The queen wanted to know if Solomon was as wise as rumor had it, so she asked him difficult questions. He impressed her by having answers for everything she asked. When the queen finished her questioning, she complimented Solomon on his wisdom, wealth, the food he served, the manner in which he ran his household, the servant’s wardrobe, and the floorplan of his house and temple. She praised the Lord he served. She said it was all far more than what she’d been led to believe.
She concluded by giving Solomon nine thousand pounds of gold, spices in great quantity, and precious stones. 1 Kings 10:10 tells us that never before nor after was there such an abundance of spices as the Queen of Sheba gave Solomon.
King Solomon, in return, presented the queen with whatever she asked, in addition to what he’d already planned to give her. Then she returned to her country.
We’re not told whether or not the Queen of Sheba became a believer, but I like to thing she did. The queen sought God, so I trust that she found Him. Some Bible scholars point out the wise men from the East may have come from the Sheba area. Perhaps the queen planted the seed of interest that led to them seeking the savior.
Read about the Queen of Sheba in Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12, Matthew 12:42
Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform
Women of Prayer Bible Study
Women of Prayer is a 10-Week Bible study about getting to know the character of God through the stories of Bible women who prayed.
Get daily devotionals delivered directly to your inbox.