The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

Click here to read I Kings 10.

Chapter 10 records the visit of the Queen of Sheba. "Sheba" was the Hebrew spelling of the area of southern Arabia called "Saba" or "Sabaea". This area was known for its great wealth. This lady, whose name is not recorded, ruled the same time as Solomon. Josephus, the first century Jewish Historian, called her the Queen of Ethiopia.

Notice the purpose of her coming to Israel. She came to see for her self if all that she had heard about Solomon's wisdom and splendor was true. When she arrived she immediately began to test Solomon's wisdom. Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him, for the Lord gave him all the right answers. Having satisfied herself of his great wisdom, she was privileged to tour the city and see the splendor of the Palace and the Temple. She was also fed at the Kings table and was amazed at the many servants and their splendid uniforms. She also witnessed the many offerings that Solomon made to the Lord. After she had viewed all of this she conceded that all that she had heard about Solomon was true. At first it surprised her that the servants and the people were happy and content, but, after she had been there a while, concluded, "Why not?" "Solomon gave them a just and good government."

Then she gave Solomon the gifts that she had brought for him. (Using the following formula, we arrived at the dollar value of those gifts.) 1 Talent = 1200 0z. 1200 x $365.00 (cost per oz. of gold 1996) = $438,000 $438,000 x 120 Talents = $52,560,000. She gave Solomon 120 Talents (52 million) in gold and a huge quantity of spices and gems. Then Solomon gave her presents that he had planed to give her. We are not told what they were other than answers to her questions and a tour of the city.

Then we are told something of Solomon's annual income. Each year Solomon received 666 Talents of Gold ($300,000,000). The number, 666, represents "something that is evil" (the Sign of the Beast, in Revelation). God had forbid kings from accumulating horses, wives and some believe, wealth. This figure did not include other income from taxes, tribute and trade from the surrounding nations.

Solomon had some of the gold made into armor each worth about $87,000 and shields worth about $24,000. He also made a huge ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold. His dining service was pure gold.

Solomon's fleet of ships arrived from foreign ports every three years laden with gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks, so Solomon was richer than all the kings of the earth. Great men came to seek his wisdom and they brought much gold and silver and other gifts with them.

Solomon's personal guard consisted of 1,400 chariots and 12,000 cavalrymen. It was said that silver was as common in Jerusalem as stones. Chariots came from Egypt and brought $400.00 each. Horses cost $100.00 each.

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter