2 Chronicles 9:6

But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not half of the greatness of your wisdom was told to me. You have far exceeded the report I heard.

Study Bible

But I did not believe the reports
This phrase reflects the skepticism that often accompanies extraordinary claims. In the context of 2 Chronicles 9, the Queen of Sheba had heard of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, which were renowned throughout the ancient world. This skepticism is a common human reaction, as seen in other biblical narratives, such as Thomas's doubt in John 20:25. The reports about Solomon's wisdom and wealth had spread far and wide, likely through trade routes and diplomatic channels, emphasizing the far-reaching influence of Solomon's kingdom.

until I came and saw with my own eyes.
The Queen of Sheba's journey to Jerusalem to verify the reports about Solomon underscores the importance of personal experience in confirming truth. This mirrors the biblical principle of seeking firsthand understanding, as seen in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings. The Queen's visit also highlights the significance of Jerusalem as a center of wisdom and divine blessing during Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's promise to David in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14.

Indeed, not half of the greatness of your wisdom was told to me.
This acknowledgment by the Queen of Sheba emphasizes the unparalleled wisdom granted to Solomon by God, as described in 1 Kings 3:12. Solomon's wisdom was not only intellectual but also practical, encompassing governance, justice, and understanding of nature. This wisdom is a type of Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:24. The Queen's statement also reflects the biblical theme that God's blessings often exceed human expectations, as seen in Ephesians 3:20.

You have far exceeded the report I heard.
The Queen's conclusion highlights the theme of God's abundant provision and the fulfillment of His promises. Solomon's reign is a foreshadowing of the Messianic kingdom, where Christ's glory and wisdom will surpass all human understanding, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the limitations of human testimony compared to the reality of God's work, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, personal relationship with God to fully appreciate His greatness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Queen of Sheba
A monarch from a wealthy kingdom, traditionally believed to be in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. She visited King Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions.

2. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon reigned and where the Queen of Sheba visited to witness Solomon's wisdom and wealth firsthand.

4. The Visit
The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a significant event that highlights the fame and wisdom of Solomon, as well as the fulfillment of God's promise to bless him.

5. The Report
The initial reports the Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's wisdom and wealth, which prompted her to visit and see for herself.

Teaching Points

The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Queen of Sheba's journey to seek Solomon's wisdom underscores the value of pursuing true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord.

Seeing is Believing
Her statement about not believing until she saw with her own eyes reminds us of the importance of personal experience and testimony in faith.

Exceeding Expectations
Solomon's wisdom and wealth exceeded the Queen's expectations, illustrating how God's blessings can surpass human understanding and reports.

Testimony and Witness
The Queen's acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Recognition of God's Work
The Queen's visit and her subsequent praise of Solomon's God highlight the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's work in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Queen of Sheba to visit Solomon, and how can this inspire us to seek wisdom in our own lives?

2. How does the Queen of Sheba's experience of seeing Solomon's wisdom firsthand relate to our need for personal encounters with God?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect God's wisdom and blessings, exceeding the expectations of those around us?

4. How can the Queen of Sheba's recognition of God's work in Solomon's life encourage us to acknowledge and testify about God's work in our own lives?

5. How does Jesus' reference to the Queen of Sheba in Matthew 12:42 challenge us to seek and recognize the wisdom and greatness found in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 10:1-13
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 9, providing additional details about the Queen of Sheba's visit and her reaction to Solomon's wisdom and wealth.

Matthew 12:42
Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, using it as an example of seeking wisdom and recognizing greatness, pointing to Himself as greater than Solomon.

Proverbs 1:7
Highlights the foundation of wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord, a principle that undergirds Solomon's wisdom.