The Queen of Sheba Pearls of Wisdom

The queen of Sheba is an individual shrouded in mystique, alternately portrayed as a demi-goddess, an oracle, even a kingdom. But the Bible is clear in its depiction: The foreign queen was a real woman who ruled in South Arabia and who had taken note of Israel because of its famous king.

This was during the golden age of Solomon’s reign, when he was a faithful servant of God. His deeds had spread far and wide since God had given him the gift of wisdom, and it was because of this that the queen of Sheba had traveled from her distant homeland “to test him with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1).

It was apparent from the start that the queen did not have any ulterior motive. Her visit was not a political stratagem nor an attempt at a diplomatic alliance; this was a woman who was genuinely seeking, a lady of great influence who sincerely wanted to know more about Solomon’s wisdom, his way of life, his nation (2 Chronicles 9:1). What an occasion to witness of the God who gave Solomon this wisdom, who guided his steps, who was the true Ruler of Israel!

So Solomon did exactly that. All the queen’s questions were answered (v. 2); and she was able to observe all the king’s actions, his daily routine, his interactions with others, his religious practices (vv. 3, 4).

At the end of her visit, the queen came away with one clear picture: It was because of the God Solomon worshiped that Solomon was who he was— wise, gentle, kind. She had seen how he treated his servants, how content his subjects were (vv. 7, 8). She had seen the love of God flowing through this king and his people and that their devotion to God had resulted in an abundant life.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude, she gave to Solomon all she could—gold, gems, spices, wood (vv. 10, 11). In like manner does one when realizing the eternal gifts God has given her, she willingly gives all she is and all she has to God?

Satisfied, the queen of Sheba returned home, forever changed with a newfound knowledge of the living God.

Reflect: The queen of Sheba was touched, not by some extraordinary miracle, but by Solomon’s habitual life of faith. Is your life that attractive to others?

Key Bible Texts

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. (2 Chronicles 9:8 KJV)