Translations
Original
Notes
The queen probably heard about Solomon's wisdom and wealth because of his trade trips to Ophir (1 Kings 10:11; see 1 Kings 9:26–28). Sheba, in southwestern Arabia (modern Yemen), was a fertile trade center. The ancient Sabeans traded across vast areas, including Syria, Africa, and India.
test … with difficult questions (literally riddles): Arabian literature is known for its riddles and proverbs. The queen tested Solomon's wisdom and explored her own mysteries.
The queen of Sheba visited to see if the stories about Solomon’s wisdom were true (1 Kings 10:1, 3, 6–7). She might have also been interested in trade partnerships (1 Kings 10:2, 10, 13). Solomon achieved everything because of his wisdom from God, as the queen of Sheba confirms in her main speech (1 Kings 10:6–9).
Events
Parallels
People
Queen of Sheba: A queen who visited Solomon and praised his wisdom Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom
Places
Sheba: Kingdom known for wealth, trade, and the Queen of Sheba
Glossary
Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Proverbs, Book of Queen Riddle Sheba (Place) Solomon (Person)
Topics
Precious Stones: Brought from Sheba Queen of Sheba, Visits Solomon Queens Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Women: Queen of Sheba