The queen of Sheba comes to test Solomon with hard questions, arriving with a great retinue, camels bearing spices, gold, and precious stones. Solomon answers all her questions; seeing his wisdom, palace, food, servants, cupbearers, and burnt offerings at the temple, she is breathless. She declares the report she heard did not tell half; his wisdom and prosperity exceed the rumors; blessed are those who stand before him. She gives Solomon one hundred twenty talents of gold, abundant spices, and precious stones; he gives her all she desires. Solomon's annual gold income is six hundred sixty-six talents, plus traders' and merchants' revenue and tribute from kings and governors. He makes two hundred large and three hundred small gold shields (placed in the House of the Forest of Lebanon), a great ivory throne overlaid with gold, and all drinking vessels of gold. His fleet returns every three years with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks. Solomon exceeds all kings in riches and wisdom; all the earth seeks his presence, bringing tribute. He accumulates horses and chariots from Egypt and Kue.
Read 1 Kings Chapter 10 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
Places in This Chapter
Arabia was the large peninsula east of the Red Sea. Paul went to Arabia after his conversion, possibly for a time of reflection and preparation. Mount Sinai is said to be in Arabia. The Queen of Sheba came from Arabia to hear Solomon's wisdom.
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Position in Book
Solomon becomes king, receives wisdom, builds the temple, but later turns to idolatry.