The Queen of Sheba Visits

The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame concerning the name of the Lord and arrived in Jerusalem with a very great retinue (1 Kings 10:1-2). Her caravan included camels bearing spices, very much gold, and precious stones. Upon meeting the king, she spoke with him regarding all that was in her heart. Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her (1 Kings 10:3). The text does not say the specific content of these questions.

After observing Solomon’s wisdom, the house he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, the attendance of his servants and their clothing, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the house of the Lord, she was breathless (1 Kings 10:4-5). She told the king that the report she heard in her own land regarding his acts and wisdom was true, though she had not believed the accounts until she saw them with her own eyes (1 Kings 10:6-7). She remarked that the reality exceeded the report and pronounced a blessing upon his men and servants who stood continually before him to hear his wisdom (1 Kings 10:8).

The queen blessed the Lord, Solomon's God, who delighted in him to set him on the throne of Israel because the Lord loved Israel forever (1 Kings 10:9). She presented the king with one hundred and twenty talents of gold, a very great store of spices, and precious stones. The text notes that never again did such an abundance of spices come as those she gave to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:10). In return, King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, in addition to what he gave her out of his royal bounty (1 Kings 10:13). The text does not say what specific items she requested.