In the biblical context, the term "queen" can refer to various female monarchs or consorts of kings mentioned throughout the Scriptures. The role and influence of these queens varied significantly, depending on their position and the historical and cultural context of their time.

1. Queen of Sheba:

One of the most notable queens in the Bible is the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon to test his wisdom. Her account is recounted in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame and came to Jerusalem with a great caravan, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones. She posed difficult questions to Solomon, and he answered all of them, demonstrating his God-given wisdom. Impressed by his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom, she praised the God of Israel, saying, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel" (1 Kings 10:9).

2. Queen Esther:

Esther, a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia, is a central figure in the Book of Esther. Her account highlights themes of courage, providence, and deliverance. Esther was chosen to be queen by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) after the previous queen, Vashti, was deposed. When a plot to annihilate the Jews was discovered, Esther risked her life by approaching the king unsummoned to plead for her people. Her bravery and strategic planning led to the salvation of the Jewish people, and the establishment of the Feast of Purim to commemorate this deliverance (Esther 4:14-16).

3. Queen Jezebel:

Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel, is often remembered for her idolatry and persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. Her account is primarily found in 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9. Jezebel was a Phoenician princess who introduced the worship of Baal into Israel, leading the nation into idolatry. Her actions and influence were strongly opposed by the prophet Elijah. Jezebel's life ended violently, fulfilling the prophecy of her downfall (2 Kings 9:30-37).

4. Queen Athaliah:

Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, became queen of Judah through marriage to King Jehoram. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, she seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal line of David. However, her plan was thwarted when Joash, a rightful heir, was hidden and later revealed. Athaliah's reign ended with her execution, as recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23.

5. Queen Vashti:

Vashti was the queen of Persia before Esther. Her account is found in the opening chapter of the Book of Esther. Vashti is known for her refusal to appear before King Ahasuerus during a banquet, which led to her being deposed. Her removal set the stage for Esther's rise to queenship (Esther 1:10-12).

6. The Queen Mother:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the queen mother often held significant influence and authority. In the Bible, the term "queen mother" is used to describe the mother of a reigning king. An example is Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, who played a crucial role in securing her son's succession to the throne (1 Kings 1:11-31).

The queens mentioned in the Bible illustrate a range of roles and influences, from virtuous and wise to idolatrous and destructive. Their accounts provide insight into the complexities of leadership, faith, and the impact of personal choices on the course of history.