1 Kings 10:5

The Queen of Sheba · 1 Kings 10:1–13
Read 1 Kings 10

Translations

Modern
…the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.
Traditional
And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her.
Literal
…and the food on his table, and the seating of his servants, and the service of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered up to the house of YHWH. And there was no breath in her anymore.
Latin
…et cibos mensæ ejus, et habitacula servorum, et ordines ministrantium, vestesque eorum, et pincernas, et holocausta quæ offerebat in domo Domini: non habebat ultra spiritum.

Original

Hebrew
English
…the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

Notes

The queen was impressed by Solomon's wisdom. He answered her questions well, and she admired his wise building projects, organized administration, and dedication to his God. Jesus praised the queen for seeking truth but criticized the Pharisees and religious teachers for not recognizing him, who was greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42).

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 9:1–12

Glossary

Arabia, Arabs Cup-Bearer Furniture Jerusalem Kings, Books of First and Second Minerals and Metals Palace Perfume Proverbs, Book of Sheba (Place) Solomon (Person)

Topics

Butler: Pharaoh's, Imprisoned and Released Church: House of the Lord Cupbearer: General Scriptures Concerning Kings: Officers of Cup-Bearer Queen of Sheba, Visits Solomon Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Women: Queen of Sheba