1 Kings 10:3 - The Queen of Sheba

Audio Bible

Context

The Queen of Sheba
…2She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. 3And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. 4When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,…

Cross References

2 Chronicles 9:2
And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain.Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise 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 now One greater than Solomon is here.Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.1 Kings 4:29-34
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. ...Proverbs 1:5-6
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel / by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.Daniel 5:12
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.Ecclesiastes 1:16
I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”Ecclesiastes 2:9
So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me.2 Chronicles 1:10-12
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.Isaiah 19:11
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?

2 Chronicles 9:2
And Solomon told her all her questions: and there was nothing hid from Solomon which he told her not.

Proverbs 1:5,6
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: …

Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

questions [heb] words

1 Kings 10:1
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

1 Kings 3:12
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

2 Samuel 14:17,20
Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee…

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1 Kings 10

And Solomon answered all her questions;
Solomon's wisdom was renowned throughout the ancient world, as seen in 1 Kings 4:29-34, where his understanding and knowledge are described as vast and unparalleled. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13) was a testament to his fame, as she traveled a great distance to test him with hard questions. This phrase highlights Solomon's ability to provide answers, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to grant him wisdom (1 Kings 3:12). In a broader biblical context, this encounter prefigures the wisdom of Christ, who is described as greater than Solomon in Matthew 12:42.

nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.
This phrase underscores the depth of Solomon's wisdom, which was divinely bestowed. The Hebrew word for "difficult" can also mean "hidden" or "obscure," indicating that Solomon could unravel complex mysteries. This ability to explain difficult matters is reminiscent of Daniel, who interpreted dreams and visions (Daniel 2:47). Solomon's wisdom is a type of Christ's divine insight, as Jesus often revealed the hidden truths of God's kingdom through parables and teachings (Matthew 13:34-35). Solomon's role as a wise king foreshadows the ultimate wisdom and understanding found in Jesus, the King of Kings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in Israel's history.

2. Queen of Sheba
A monarch from a wealthy kingdom, possibly located in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. She visits Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions, bringing lavish gifts.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon's court is located. It is the center of political and spiritual life for the Israelites.

4. The Visit
The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a significant event that demonstrates Solomon's fame and the far-reaching influence of his wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Gift of Wisdom
Solomon's ability to answer the Queen of Sheba's questions highlights the divine gift of wisdom. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask (James 1:5).

The Pursuit of Understanding
The Queen of Sheba's journey to seek Solomon's wisdom underscores the value of pursuing understanding and truth. Christians are called to be seekers of truth, diligently studying Scripture and seeking God's guidance.

Influence and Testimony
Solomon's wisdom and the resulting visit from the Queen of Sheba demonstrate the influence a godly life can have on others. Believers are reminded that their lives are a testimony to God's work and can draw others to seek Him.

The Role of Questions in Faith
The interaction between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba shows that asking questions is a vital part of growing in faith. Christians should not shy away from asking difficult questions and seeking answers through prayer, study, and fellowship.

Verse 3. - And Solomon told her [הַגִּיד is used of solving riddles in Judges 14:13 (Bahr), and interpreting dreams Genesis 41:24; Daniel 5:12] all her questions [Heb. words]; there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

answered
וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

her questions;
דְּבָרֶ֑יהָ (də·ḇā·re·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

nothing
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

was
הָיָ֤ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

too difficult
נֶעְלָ֣ם (ne‘·lām)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5956: To veil from sight, conceal

for
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

to explain.
הִגִּ֖יד (hig·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

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1 Kings 10:3 Catholic BibleOT History: 1 Kings 10:3 Solomon told her all her questions: there (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)