The Queen's Amazement refers to the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, as recorded in the biblical narrative found in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12. This event is a significant moment in the history of Israel, highlighting the wisdom and wealth of King Solomon, as well as the fulfillment of God's promises to him.

Biblical Account

The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, which had spread far and wide due to his unparalleled wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom. Intrigued and skeptical, she traveled to Jerusalem with a great caravan, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones to test Solomon with hard questions. The Berean Standard Bible states, "When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions" (1 Kings 10:1).

Upon her arrival, the Queen of Sheba engaged Solomon in conversation, presenting him with her inquiries. Solomon, endowed with divine wisdom, answered all her questions, leaving nothing hidden from her understanding. The BSB records, "Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain" (1 Kings 10:3).

The Queen's Reaction

The Queen of Sheba was profoundly impressed by Solomon's wisdom, the splendor of his palace, the organization of his officials, and the offerings made at the temple of the LORD. Her amazement is captured in her own words: "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard" (1 Kings 10:6-7).

She praised Solomon's servants for their privilege to serve such a wise king and blessed the LORD for placing Solomon on the throne of Israel. Her acknowledgment of the LORD's role in Solomon's reign underscores the divine favor upon Israel during this period.

Gifts and Exchange

In response to her visit and the answers she received, the Queen of Sheba gave Solomon a lavish gift of 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. The BSB notes, "Never again did such abundance of spices come in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10).

Solomon, in turn, gave the queen all she desired and asked for, in addition to what he had already generously provided. After this exchange, she returned to her own country with her retinue, having witnessed the grandeur of Solomon's kingdom and the wisdom that God had bestowed upon him.

Theological Significance

The visit of the Queen of Sheba serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to Solomon, as seen in 1 Kings 3:12-13, where God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom and wealth. Her amazement and acknowledgment of the LORD highlight the divine blessing upon Israel and the broader recognition of God's work through His chosen king.

This narrative also prefigures the coming of the Gentiles to the light of God's revelation, as seen in the New Testament. Jesus references the Queen of Sheba's visit in Matthew 12:42, stating, "The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here" . This points to the greater wisdom and revelation found in Christ, who surpasses even Solomon.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Queen of Sheba's visit reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of diplomatic exchanges and the pursuit of wisdom. Her journey from Sheba, likely located in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, underscores the far-reaching influence of Solomon's reign and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade and diplomacy.

The Queen's Amazement remains a powerful narrative illustrating the splendor of Solomon's kingdom, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the recognition of divine wisdom by the nations.