The account of the Queen's Praise and Gifts is primarily found in the narrative of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12. This event is a significant moment in biblical history, illustrating the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom and the international recognition of Israel's prosperity under his reign.

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba, a monarch from a distant land, heard of Solomon's great wisdom and the glory of his kingdom, which was attributed to the name of the LORD. Her journey to Jerusalem was motivated by a desire to test Solomon with hard questions, a common practice among rulers of the time to assess the wisdom and capabilities of other leaders. The Bible states, "When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions" (1 Kings 10:1).

The Queen's Praise

Upon her arrival, the Queen of Sheba was received with great honor by Solomon. She observed the wisdom of Solomon, the house he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attendance of his servants, their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the house of the LORD. The grandeur and order of Solomon's court left her breathless. She acknowledged the truth of the reports she had heard in her own land, stating, "The report I heard in my own country about your words and wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard" (1 Kings 10:6-7).

The Queen praised Solomon's wisdom and the happiness of his men and servants who continually stood before him. She also blessed the LORD, recognizing His favor upon Solomon and Israel: "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness" (1 Kings 10:9).

The Queen's Gifts

In response to Solomon's wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom, the Queen of Sheba presented him with lavish gifts. The Bible records that she gave Solomon "a hundred and twenty talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). These gifts were a testament to her respect and admiration for Solomon, as well as a diplomatic gesture to establish and strengthen relations between their two nations.

Solomon's Gifts to the Queen

In return for her generosity and as a demonstration of his own wealth and hospitality, Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired and requested, in addition to what he had already given her from his royal bounty. The Bible notes, "King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, she and her servants" (1 Kings 10:13).

Significance

The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon is a powerful illustration of the fulfillment of God's promise to bless Israel and make it a light to the nations. The Queen's acknowledgment of the LORD's role in Solomon's success highlights the divine wisdom bestowed upon him and the resulting international influence of Israel. This account serves as a testament to the glory of Solomon's reign and the broader narrative of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people.