(Seeking Divine Wisdom and the Witness of the Nations)
(Primary references: 1 Kgs 10:1–13; 2 Chr 9:1–12; Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
The Queen of Sheba appears in Sacred Scripture as a foreign monarch who journeys to Jerusalem to encounter King Solomon, the son of David, famed for wisdom granted by God. Her account is preserved in 1 Kings 10:1–13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1–12, and she is later referenced by Jesus as the “Queen of the South” in the Gospels (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31). Solomon, the third king of Israel, ruled during Israel’s golden age and was renowned for wisdom, wealth, and international influence (1 Kgs 3:12–13).
Historical and Cultural Background
The kingdom of Sheba was likely located in southern Arabia (modern Yemen) or the Horn of Africa, regions known in antiquity for trade in spices, gold, incense, and precious stones. Royal visits between rulers were common for diplomacy and commerce, but the Queen of Sheba’s journey stands out for its intellectual and spiritual motivation. Solomon’s reign marked a period when Israel became a center of international attention due to its prosperity and the fame of its God-given wisdom.
Detailed Biblical Narrative
Having heard of Solomon’s wisdom and his relationship with the God of Israel, the Queen of Sheba undertook a demanding journey to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions (1 Kgs 10:1). Solomon answered all her questions, withholding nothing, and demonstrated the order, justice, and prosperity of his kingdom. Overwhelmed, she confessed that what she had heard did not equal what she had witnessed (1 Kgs 10:6–7).
She acknowledged that Solomon’s wisdom and success came from the Lord, blessing the God of Israel who delighted in Solomon and placed him on the throne (1 Kgs 10:9). She then offered Solomon lavish gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones, symbolizing tribute and recognition. Solomon, in turn, gave her gifts beyond what she had brought, and she returned to her land transformed by what she had seen.
References in Other Parts of the Bible
The Queen of Sheba is not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament, but her visit becomes a theological signpost in the New Testament. Jesus explicitly refers to her as a witness who will rise in judgment against those who rejected Him, because she sought wisdom earnestly, whereas many in Jesus’ generation rejected divine Wisdom incarnate (Mt 12:42; Lk 11:31).
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
In Jewish tradition, the Queen of Sheba represents the nations recognizing the wisdom God bestowed upon Israel through Solomon. Her visit fulfills early anticipations that the Gentiles would one day acknowledge the God of Israel. Later Jewish and regional traditions expanded her story, though Scripture itself remains restrained and focused on her recognition of divine wisdom rather than political or romantic themes.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
Catholic tradition views the Queen of Sheba as a figure of the Gentile nations drawn to God through wisdom and truth. Her acknowledgment of the Lord prefigures the universal scope of salvation. The Church sees Solomon’s wisdom as a gift pointing beyond itself, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is “greater than Solomon” (Mt 12:42). The Catechism highlights Christ as the definitive Wisdom of God, toward whom all earlier manifestations of wisdom were ordered.
Connection to Jesus and Salvation History
Jesus explicitly places the Queen of Sheba within salvation history by contrasting her openness with the hardness of heart of His contemporaries. Solomon, the wise king, prefigures Christ the eternal King. The Queen’s journey foreshadows the Gentile mission of the Church, where nations come to Christ not merely for intellectual insight but for salvation.
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
Solomon is a type of Christ as king and bearer of divine wisdom, but his wisdom is finite and temporal. Christ fulfills this type perfectly as Wisdom incarnate. The Queen of Sheba typologically represents the Gentile Church, traveling from afar to encounter Christ and confess His truth.
What Makes This Account Unique
This narrative uniquely presents a foreign queen as a model of spiritual seeking and humility. She is neither an Israelite nor bound by the Mosaic Law, yet she recognizes God’s work more readily than many within Israel. Her story emphasizes that divine wisdom draws sincere seekers regardless of origin.
Strengths and Virtues
The Queen of Sheba exemplifies intellectual honesty, humility, perseverance, openness to divine truth, and reverence for God. Solomon, at this stage of his life, exemplifies God-given wisdom, justice, and the capacity to lead a nation in fidelity to the Lord.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Scripture records no personal sins of the Queen of Sheba. Solomon, though wise, later failed through disobedience and idolatry, showing that human wisdom without perseverance in obedience is insufficient (1 Kgs 11:1–11).
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
Leaders are reminded that wisdom is a gift to be exercised in fidelity to God, not for self-glory. Believers are encouraged to seek truth actively and humbly, recognizing God’s work even outside familiar boundaries. The account challenges Christians to be credible witnesses who draw others to God through integrity, order, and faithfulness.
Reflection
The Queen of Sheba challenges every generation to examine its openness to divine wisdom. She traveled far to seek what was true, while many who stood close to Christ failed to recognize Him. Her example invites believers to pursue truth with perseverance and humility, and to recognize Jesus Christ as the fullness of wisdom, greater than Solomon.
Prayer
Lord God, source of all wisdom, grant us hearts that seek truth with humility and perseverance. As You drew the Queen of Sheba to the wisdom You bestowed on Solomon, draw us ever closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Wisdom incarnate. Remove hardness of heart, deepen our faith, and make our lives a witness that leads others to You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.