The phrase "120 talents of gold" is a significant biblical reference that appears in the context of the wealth and splendor associated with King Solomon's reign. This specific amount of gold is mentioned in the account of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Biblical Context:

1. Visit of the Queen of Sheba:
· The primary biblical reference to the 120 talents of gold is found in the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. This event is detailed in 1 Kings 10:10 and 2 Chronicles 9:9. The Queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon's great wisdom and the glory of his kingdom, traveled to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Impressed by his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom, she presented Solomon with a lavish gift.
· 1 Kings 10:10 : "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."
· 2 Chronicles 9:9 : "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."

2. Significance of the Gift:
· The gift of 120 talents of gold was a substantial offering, reflecting both the wealth of the Queen of Sheba and the high regard in which she held Solomon. A talent was a large unit of weight used in ancient times, and estimates of its weight vary, but it is generally considered to be around 75 pounds (34 kilograms). Therefore, 120 talents would equate to approximately 9,000 pounds (4,080 kilograms) of gold.
· This gift underscores the international recognition of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. It also highlights the extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations that Solomon maintained with other nations.

3. Symbolism and Themes:
· The exchange between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon is often seen as a symbol of the meeting of wisdom and wealth. The narrative emphasizes themes of divine blessing, wisdom, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
· The account also serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to make Solomon the wisest and wealthiest king, as seen in 1 Kings 3:12-13, where God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom and wealth.

4. Historical and Cultural Context:
· The visit of the Queen of Sheba and her gift of 120 talents of gold reflect the historical and cultural practices of gift-giving among royalty and dignitaries in the ancient Near East. Such exchanges were common as a means of establishing and maintaining alliances and demonstrating mutual respect and admiration.

The mention of 120 talents of gold in the biblical text serves as a testament to the grandeur of Solomon's reign and the far-reaching influence of his wisdom and wealth. The narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit remains a powerful account of admiration, diplomacy, and the divine favor bestowed upon Solomon.