Queen of Sheba Brings Gifts to Solomon
May 24, 2019
Commentary
It has been said that Solomon was one of the richest men that ever lived. He had fantastic quantities of gold. From yearly taxes and revenue, nearly 20 million came in (I King 19:14). He owned 40,000 horses and 1400 chariots, each costing $400 apiece (I Kings 10:26). He commanded 12,000 cavalrymen and owned an extensive fleet of ships (I Kings 9:26-28). He also constructed an iron smelting industry at Ezion-Geber (I Kings 9:17). Solomon exhibited great wisdom in areas of administration (I Kings 4:29), natural science (I Kings 4:33), engineering (I Kings 5:1-7), philosophy (Ecclesiastes 2:3) and horticulture (Ecclesiastes 2:5).
The queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon’s wisdom, and achievements traveled over 1,200 miles to test him with hard questions. She came with gold and precious stones, in her camel caravan, to show her respect (v. 1). She said that when she saw Solomon in all His wisdom and achievements it was far greater than she had previously heard. These reports moved her to undertake this long journey to see for herself.
These gifts that she gave Solomon were, 120 talents of gold, (4 ½ tons or 9,000 lbs.) spices, precious stone, and algum wood which was used as steps into the temple and the royal palace. Solomon also gave the queen gifts, but the Scripture doesn’t go into any detail or description.
Application
Solomon was greatly respected by the Queen of Sheba because of his wisdom and achievements. In her visit she recognized that Solomon was a great king, not because of his riches but because he loved God and treated His people fairly. It is my desire to have that kind of reputation.
2 Chronicles 9:1– 12 (NET)
1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a great display of pomp, bringing with her camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind. 2 Solomon answered all her questions; there was no question too complex for the king. 3 When the queen of Sheba saw for herself Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he had built, 4 the food in his banquet hall, his servants and attendants in their robes, his cupbearers in their robes, and his burnt sacrifices which he presented in the Lord’s temple, she was amazed. 5 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your wise sayings and insight was true! 6 I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn’t hear even half the story! Your wisdom surpasses what was reported to me. 7 Your attendants, who stand before you at all times and hear your wise sayings, are truly happy! 8 May the Lord your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on his throne as the one ruling on his behalf. Because of your God’s love for Israel and his lasting commitment to them, he made you king over them so you could make just and right decisions.” 9 She gave the king 120 talents of gold and a very large quantity of spices and precious gems. The quantity of spices the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon has never been matched. 10 (Huram’s servants, aided by Solomon’s servants, brought gold from Ophir, as well as fine timber and precious gems. 11 With the timber the king made steps for the Lord’s temple and royal palace as well as stringed instruments for the musicians. No one had seen anything like them in the land of Judah before that.) 12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she requested, more than what she had brought him. Then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants.