2 Chronicles 9:6

But I did not believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not half of the greatness of your wisdom was told to me. You have far exceeded the report I heard.

Study Bible

But I did not believe their words
This phrase reflects the skepticism that often accompanies second-hand reports of extraordinary events or people. In the Hebrew context, the word for "believe" (אָמַן, 'aman) implies a deep trust or faith. The Queen of Sheba, who speaks these words, initially doubts the reports of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. This skepticism is a common human experience, highlighting the importance of personal experience in confirming truth. It also underscores the biblical theme that faith often requires personal encounter and evidence.

until I came and saw with my own eyes
The act of coming and seeing is significant in biblical narratives, often marking a transition from doubt to belief. The Hebrew verb for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) suggests not just physical sight but also understanding and perception. This phrase emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience in the validation of truth. It also reflects a broader biblical principle that true wisdom and understanding often require personal engagement and observation.

Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told to me
The word "greatness" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) in Hebrew conveys not just size but also importance and significance. The Queen of Sheba acknowledges that Solomon's wisdom far surpasses what she had been told. This acknowledgment serves to magnify Solomon's God-given wisdom, which is a central theme in the narrative. It also illustrates the biblical truth that God's gifts and blessings often exceed human expectations and understanding.

you far exceed the report I heard
The phrase "far exceed" (יָתַר, yathar) implies an abundance or surplus. The Queen of Sheba's statement is a testament to the overwhelming nature of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. This reflects the biblical theme of God's provision and blessing, which often surpasses human comprehension. The "report" she refers to is the testimony of others, which, while true, could not fully capture the reality of Solomon's God-given wisdom and prosperity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Queen of Sheba
A monarch from a wealthy kingdom, traditionally believed to be in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia. She visited King Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions.

2. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon reigned and where the Queen of Sheba visited to witness Solomon's wisdom and wealth firsthand.

4. The Visit
The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon is a significant event that highlights the fame and wisdom of Solomon, as well as the fulfillment of God's promise to bless him.

5. The Report
The initial reports the Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's wisdom and wealth, which prompted her to visit and see for herself.

Teaching Points

The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Queen of Sheba's journey to seek Solomon's wisdom underscores the value of pursuing true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord.

Seeing is Believing
Her statement about not believing until she saw with her own eyes reminds us of the importance of personal experience and testimony in faith.

Exceeding Expectations
Solomon's wisdom and wealth exceeded the Queen's expectations, illustrating how God's blessings can surpass human understanding and reports.

Testimony and Witness
The Queen's acknowledgment of Solomon's wisdom serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Recognition of God's Work
The Queen's visit and her subsequent praise of Solomon's God highlight the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's work in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the Queen of Sheba to visit Solomon, and how can this inspire us to seek wisdom in our own lives?

2. How does the Queen of Sheba's experience of seeing Solomon's wisdom firsthand relate to our need for personal encounters with God?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect God's wisdom and blessings, exceeding the expectations of those around us?

4. How can the Queen of Sheba's recognition of God's work in Solomon's life encourage us to acknowledge and testify about God's work in our own lives?

5. How does Jesus' reference to the Queen of Sheba in Matthew 12:42 challenge us to seek and recognize the wisdom and greatness found in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 10:1-13
This passage parallels the account in 2 Chronicles 9, providing additional details about the Queen of Sheba's visit and her reaction to Solomon's wisdom and wealth.

Matthew 12:42
Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, using it as an example of seeking wisdom and recognizing greatness, pointing to Himself as greater than Solomon.

Proverbs 1:7
Highlights the foundation of wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord, a principle that undergirds Solomon's wisdom.