Queen of Sheba: history, Bible verses, and symbolism
The Queen of Sheba is a character from the Bible. Her visit to King Solomon is recounted in the 1st book of Kings and the 2nd book of Chronicles. Attracted by King Solomon's reputation for wisdom and wealth, the queen decided to go and meet him herself. Over the centuries and in different cultural and religious traditions, legends and myths have flourished around the Queen of Sheba, sometimes praised for her beauty, sometimes afflicted with physical disgraces such as a goat 's foot. But what does the Bible really say about this queen? And why is she a figure so rich in symbolism and teaching in Christian tradition?
Who is the Queen of Sheba?
The Queen of Sheba is the queen of the Kingdom of Sheba, located in what is now Yemen. The Kingdom of Sheba, a major trading center, was renowned for its wealth, particularly in gold and spices.
In the Bible, mention of the Queen of Sheba is mainly associated with her visit to King Solomon, son of King David, who reigned over Israel after his father's death. This king, blessed by God, had received from him wisdom and wealth.
This queen, herself wealthy and of great intelligence, comes - through riddles - to test the wisdom of this king whose reputation is so great.
Amazed by what she sees and hears, she recognizes Solomon's greatness and splendor and, through him, God's glory.
The Queen of Sheba in the Bible1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12: the visit to Solomon
The queen of Sheba, having heard a report of Solomon’s fame, came to test him with subtle questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very numerous retinue, and with camels bearing spices, a large amount of gold, and precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that she had on her mind. King Solomon explained everything she asked about, and there was nothing so obscure that the king could not explain it to her. When the queen of Sheba witnessed Solomon’s great wisdom, the house he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his ministers, the attendance and dress of his waiters, his servers, and the burnt offerings he offered in the house of the Lord , it took her breath away. “The report I heard in my country about your deeds and your wisdom is true,” she told the king. “I did not believe the report until I came and saw with my own eyes that not even the half had been told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report I heard. Happy are your servants, happy these ministers of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom. Blessed be the Lord , your God, who has been pleased to place you on the throne of Israel. In his enduring love for Israel, the L ord has made you king to carry out judgment and justice.” Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty gold talents, a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did anyone bring such an abundance of spices as the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. Hiram’s fleet, which used to bring gold from Ophir, also brought from there a very large quantity of almug wood and precious stones. With this wood the king made supports for the house of the L ord and for the house of the king, and harps and lyres for the singers. Never again was any such almug wood brought or seen to the present day. King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she desired and asked for, besides what King Solomon gave her from Solomon’s royal bounty. Then she returned with her servants to her own country. Solomon’s Riches: Domestic Affairs.
These two passages describe the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon in very similar terms. Here is the extract from the 1st Book of Kings:
The Song of Songs: the mystical bride
The Song of Songs is one of the poetic books of the Bible. The name of the Queen of Sheba is not explicitly mentioned, but it is customary to associate her with that of Solomon in this beautiful love poem.
These verses deal with various themes, and behind these words of love, a whole spiritual impulse is described through :
- the beauty of the lovers, both physical and spiritual
- their desire to be reunited, symbolizing the inner longing for true Love, both human and spiritual
- the quest, which reminds us that this search requires movement, setting out on a journey as the Queen of Sheba did
- abundance, which underlines generosity and the expression of devotion and total self-giving to the Beloved, and is reminiscent of the offerings of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon.
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What does the Queen of Sheba represent?
A queen on the road
The Queen of Sheba sets out on her journey. She wants to see for herself, to experience what she hears from Solomon. She's not content with rumors. She wants to taste this wisdom. She's on a quest for truth.
As Jesus says in Luke's Gospel.
At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.
She is sometimes associated with the Magi, who also illustrate the pagan nations' desire to discover God.
The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon
The relationship between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon also illustrates the union of nations. The God of Israel is not the god of a single people. His knowledge is available to all. This theme heralds the New Testament message of universality.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,
Recognition of God's greatness
The Queen of Sheba recognizes God's greatness in Solomon's wisdom and wealth. She marveled and praised God.
A woman of power and heart
The Queen of Sheba is a powerful female figure in the Old Testament. She is a queen, described as beautiful, wealthy and powerful. She is also intelligent and daring, not hesitating to challenge King Solomon with her riddles. She is also generous, as symbolized by her offerings. She's a woman who knows how to receive and give.
What can the Queen of Sheba teach me today?
The example of the Queen of Sheba can help us to ask ourselves certain questions and thus deepen our spiritual life and make it more fruitful.
- Am I in search of truth? Do I seek to deepen my knowledge? question the rumors and rhetoric around me? To form my own opinion?
- In my relationships, in my exchanges with others, do I know how to be open-minded and generous? Do I try to give as much as I receive?
- Do I know how to listen and encourage dialogue, even with those who come from different backgrounds?
- Do I know how to marvel and recognize God's greatness in the qualities of others?
- DoI know how to remain humble and consider that others always have something to teach me? Do I seek to draw on their wisdom and experience?
With Hozana, get on the way!
Following in the footsteps of the Queen of Sheba, let's learn to become women of desire who aren't afraid to set out and discover the great Love! Hozana offers to accompany you on .
To set out on a journey, to explore, to question, to marvel, to get to know God better every day, that's what the Bible proposes. But it's not always easy to read and meditate on the Bible alone. Hozana offers a number of communities based around the Word of God, such as , or a.
