Name: Queen of Sheba
Meaning: The word Sheba means “an oath.”
Her Character: The Queen of Sheba was an able stateswoman whose visit with King Solomon opened up further trade opportunities for her people.
Her Triumph: Jesus Christ referenced her because she sought wisdom.
Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-9, 12; Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31
The Queen of Sheba ruled the kingdom of Saba, which was in southwestern Arabia. In the ancient world, Saba was heavily involved in the international trade of spices, and the people were Semites. The government was ruled by a monarchy. As a trading kingdom, Saba was privy to rumors about surrounding kingdoms. The Queen of Sheba heard of the Wisdom of Solomon, and she decided to see for herself if the reports were true. This leads me to believe that she must have been an inquisitive and adventurous woman because she undertook a 1,200-mile journey to satisfy her curiosity.
It is a familiar story that is found in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The Queen of Sheba heard of the Wisdom of Solomon, and she decided to visit him to ask him “hard questions.” When she came, she brought gifts of spices, gold, and precious stones, and she brought a “great retinue.” The gifts she brought Solomon were to display her power and wealth. She had a deep conversation with him. We know from the scripture that Solomon was able to answer her questions beyond her expectations.
The Queen of Sheba not only witnessed his wisdom, she also saw the material blessings he had. She was able to see the offerings he gave to the Lord. After admitting that all she had heard about Solomon was true (and was surpassed in person), she made an exultation that blessed the Lord. She credited God for all that Solomon had been favored with. After this, she gave Solomon the gifts she had brought for him. It’s important to remember how important spices were in the ancient times to preserve food, so this gift was very significant. Solomon also gave her lavish gifts and offered her all that her heart desired.
The Queen of Sheba was a woman of great power, wealth, and influence. She showed herself to be an able and resourceful stateswoman. During her visit, it is believed that she and Solomon worked out a trade pact and alliance, which benefited her country and people.
The Queen of Sheba’s legend has been memorialized throughout the ages through art. Artists such as Ruben and Raphael have all captured her image. In history, she is portrayed as a woman of dignity, elegance, and grace.
In Matthew and Luke, Jesus spoke about the Queen of Sheba. Jesus honored her because she had the insight to seek wisdom while some of those He encountered rejected His Wisdom, which surpassed that of Solomon. She is an example for us today of the importance of seeking wise counsel when it’s needed.
No comments:
Post a Comment