Arrival of Queen of Sheba

In 1 Kings 10 we read of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to see Solomon's glorious kingdom. There has been considerable difference of opinion as to the country over which this queen ruled. Both Arabia and Ethiopia have claims to such a name and such a queen. The expression "queen of the south," applied to the queen of Sheba in Matt. 12:42, would apply equally well to a queen of either Arabia or Ethiopia. Results of recent archeological researches in southern Arabia tend to identify the queen with this territory and her capital with Marib, in Yemen. The Arabian Sheba was a great spice country, and many are inclined to believe that this was the Sheba whose queen made a visit to Solomon.

She arrived with quite a load of gifts for the king. The spices of Arabia have long been famous. In Eze. 27:22 Sheba is mentioned as trading with Tyre in spices, precious stones, and gold. The Bible says she had many questions for Solomon. Doubtless questions that had to do with diversified fields of learning. To these questions Solomon gave helpful, intelligent answers, which directed the queen's mind to the true source of his wisdom and prosperity.

After the queen of Sheba had witnessed Solomon's wisdom and works, she answered, not in words that showed a mere formal appreciation for the hospitality that had been accorded her, but in words that revealed that her heart had been deeply moved. In her response she touched but lightly on all the external magnificence and evidence of worldly prosperity and placed the main emphasis on extolling the God of Solomon, who had given him his wisdom and prosperity, and his fame, which had gone throughout the world. Instead of extolling the human agent she had rightfully been led to give glory to God.

Her visit may have led to her conversion. There is reason to believe that the queen will be among the saved in the kingdom of God (Matt. 12:24). God intended that many such conversions should result from Israel playing her role among the peoples of earth. From here and there throughout the nations, men were to go to Israel and there become acquainted with Israel's God. By such means light was to go out among all nations.