1 Kings 10:1-8

The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.
2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.
3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.
4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,
5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at[a] the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.
8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!

1 Kings 10:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 10

This chapter contains an account of the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon to her great satisfaction, 1Ki 10:1-13, of Solomon's merchandise and riches, and the magnificence of his court, 1Ki 10:14-23, of the rich presents sent to him, and of the purchase of chariots and horses, and other things, he made, 1Ki 10:24-29.

Cross References 8

  • 1. S Genesis 10:7,28; S Genesis 25:3; Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31
  • 2. Ezekiel 16:14
  • 3. S Numbers 12:8; S Judges 14:12
  • 4. S Genesis 24:10
  • 5. 1 Kings 4:22; 1 Chronicles 26:16
  • 6. S Genesis 45:26
  • 7. 1 Chronicles 29:25
  • 8. Proverbs 8:34

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "the ascent by which he went up to"
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