1 Kings 10:1-8

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

1 Now the queen of Sheba had heard of the fame of Solomon regarding the name of Yahweh, and she came to test him with hard questions.

2 So she came to Jerusalem with very great wealth; [with] camels carrying spices, very much gold, and precious stones. She came to Solomon, and she spoke to him all that was on her heart.

3 {Solomon answered all of her questions}; there was not a thing hidden from the king which he could not explain to her.

4 When the queen of Sheba observed all the wisdom of Solomon and the house which he had built,

5 the food of his table, the seat of his servants, the {manner} of his servants and their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings which he offered in the house of Yahweh, {she was breathless}.

6 Then she said to the king, "The report which I heard in my land was true concerning your accomplishments and your wisdom.

7 I had not believed the report to be true until I came and my eyes had seen, and behold! The half had not been told to me. {Your wisdom and prosperity surpass} the report that I had heard.

8 Happy [are] your men and happy [are] these your servants who stand before you continually hearing 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "Solomon told her all of her words"
• [b] Literally "service"
• [c] Literally "and there was not in her spirit/breath any longer"
• [d] Literally "You have added wisdom and prosperity to"