Secrets of Why The Queen of Sheba Is In the Bible

You most likely know the story about the Queen of Sheba, a ruler who traveled a long way to learn about herself and life from Solomon’s wisdom. But have you ever pondered over why God included her story in His Sacred Word? Let’s delve into that. We will find some fascinating ideas.

Let’s begin with a quick summary from a few significant verses from I Kings 10:

verse 1: Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.

verse 3: Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.

verses 4, 6: And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, …she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom,

verse 7: but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard.

verse 9: Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”

verse 13: And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all that she desired, whatever she asked besides what was given her by the bounty of King Solomon. So she turned and went back to her own land with her servants.

Did you know there are some disagreements among historians and theologians about the location of the land/country of Sheba?

Another area with a similar spelling, Seba, has been offered as the actual kingdom of the queen. In fact, Psalm 72:10 mentions both, “May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!” But most experts believe Sheba was in Arabia, the western part of Asia, where Yemen is today. If so, the Queen and her vast retinue traveled about 1,200 miles to reach Jerusalem. But the location of Sheba isn’t the most important aspect of this account.

The essential element of the story about the Queen of Sheba is the message God wants to communicate through this story.

Remember, God is leading all the writers of the Bible to include certain stories and messages. There are endless other events available to be featured. God always has a specific purpose in each one.

For instance, this story in I Kings 10 is obviously about a woman. Wouldn’t there have been many other male rulers who visited Solomon who were amazed at Solomon’s wealth and wisdom? Yet God chose to focus on a woman. For any who call God a woman-hater, God is communicating his love for all. He created each person as his “image bearer,” which gives every person intrinsic worth and value.

Even with the importance of that message, ultimately the primary purpose in everything in the Bible is to demonstrate who God is—his nature—and bring him glory. TWEET THAT!!!!!

The phrase in verse 1, “concerning the name of the Lord,” is the key. The story isn’t merely about Solomon but how he reflected his God, Jehovah. In the ears and eyes of everyone who has heard of Solomon, the two are connected.

But how did so many hear about Solomon and his awesome God? As for the Queen of Sheba, news passed along through the trade routes reached her court. Sheba was in an area with a strong agricultural economy, and those traveling in and out doing business passed along the incredible news of Solomon and the God he depended upon. The Queen of Sheba had to know if the rumors were true. She had a hungry heart wanting to understand the truths of life. In fact, rulers at this time loved to talk philosophically about those very things. And evidently Solomon was known to be the best. Remember the story of the two prostitutes claiming one baby as their own (I Kings 3:16–28)?

These philosophical talks are referred to when the queen “told him all that was on her mind” (I Kings 10:2), and Solomon answered all her questions, completely satisfying and amazing her. This interaction is what verse 1 calls “hard questions,” which can also be translated “riddles.” She was longing to figure out the paradoxes of life, and Solomon knew the answers best. As a result, she spoke to Solomon acknowledging “the Lord your God who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel” (I Kings 10:8).

The queen also acknowledged God’s generosity who had provided Solomon’s wealth, influence, and wisdom. God was being exalted as he should be. In her eyes, Solomon was the representative of his God.

As you and I work in whatever setting God has for us, we can call upon him for the courage to handle difficult people and situations boldly like Solomon did. We won’t be perfect—even Solomon wasn’t perfect—yet God graciously gave him everything he needed to bless God’s chosen people, the Israelites.

First Kings 10 is a clear example of how the Bible contains layers of meaning. The story of the Queen of Sheba wasn’t solely about her gaining wisdom but acknowledging what she longed for came from Solomon who was taught by Jehovah. The deepest reference is how the Bible points to the coming teacher, shepherd, and savior, Jesus, who is completely wise and never sins nor makes mistakes.

As you study the Bible, look for layers of meaning. TWEET THAT!!!!

The ultimate deepest meaning is always about the Messiah Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 12:42: “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Jesus is pointing to himself as the ultimate reflection of God’s wisdom, holiness, and love because he himself is God, the Son of God.

Here are some questions to delve into this story more:

1. Why do you think God is including this story in his Word?
2. What impresses you about the Queen of Sheba?
3. What kind of courage do you think it took for this queen to seek wisdom from Solomon?
4. What qualities and attitudes as a ruler are revealed in her trip?
5. When you think of some unwise employers/managers, what contrasting qualities or attitudes to the Queen of Sheba do they have?
6. What resources for wisdom do you have as a Christian which strengthens your courage (James 1:5)?

(This excerpt is from my women’s Bible study: Heart of Courage: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series).