1 Kings 10:1

KJV

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} heard {H8085} of the fame {H8088} of Solomon {H8010} concerning the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, she came {H935} to prove {H5254} him with hard questions {H2420}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the queen of Sh'va heard what was being said about Shlomo because of the name of ADONAI, she came to test him with difficult questions.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.

American Standard Version

And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Jehovah, she came to prove him with hard questions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The opening verse of 1 Kings 10 introduces the pivotal encounter between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, an event that underscores the global reach of Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and the widespread recognition of the God of Israel. Having heard reports of Solomon's unparalleled insight, specifically as it related to the LORD, the Queen embarked on a formidable journey to Jerusalem, intending to rigorously test his understanding with complex and challenging questions. This visit serves as a testament to the extraordinary fame of Solomon and, more significantly, the renown of the God he served.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a high point in the narrative of Solomon's reign, following chapters detailing his construction of the magnificent Temple and his opulent palace, as well as his administrative and economic successes. Chapters 3 and 4 established Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, a direct gift from God, which allowed him to judge justly and speak profoundly. His fame, as described in [1 Kings 4:29-34](/1_kings/4-29 "1 Kings 4:29-34 - Solomon's Wisdom and Fame"), extended "to all the surrounding nations." The visit of the Queen of Sheba is the ultimate manifestation of this international renown, showcasing the apex of Solomon's influence and the glory of his kingdom before the narrative begins to subtly hint at his later deviations and the subsequent decline. It serves as a narrative climax, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises regarding Solomon's wisdom and prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon reigned over Israel from approximately 970 to 931 BC, a period of significant geopolitical stability and economic prosperity for the kingdom. The Queen of Sheba, likely ruling the ancient kingdom of Saba (modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia), controlled vital trade routes for spices, gold, and precious stones. Her journey to Jerusalem would have been an arduous and costly undertaking, signifying the immense value she placed on verifying the reports of Solomon's wisdom. In the ancient Near East, it was customary for rulers to exchange gifts and engage in intellectual challenges, often involving riddles or "hard questions," as a means of assessing a monarch's intelligence, diplomatic skill, and divine favor. Her visit, therefore, was not merely one of curiosity but a significant diplomatic and intellectual inquiry, reflecting the cultural norms of royal interaction.
* **Key Themes:** The encounter with the Queen of Sheba powerfully articulates several core themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Wisdom and its Global Impact**, demonstrating how God's gift to Solomon extended Israel's influence far beyond its borders, drawing distant rulers to witness the manifestation of God's character. Solomon's fame was not merely for wealth or military might, but "concerning the name of the LORD," emphasizing that his wisdom and success were widely recognized as direct blessings from the God of Israel. Secondly, the Queen's journey underscores the theme of **Seeking Wisdom and Truth**. Her purpose was "to prove him with hard questions," indicating a genuine quest for understanding and verification of the extraordinary reports, particularly those tied to divine influence, as seen in [Proverbs 25:2](/proverbs/25-2 "Proverbs 25:2 - It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter"). Finally, this narrative foreshadows the **International Recognition of Israel's God**, symbolizing the drawing of Gentile nations to the light of Israel's God through the witness of its king. This prefigures the prophetic vision of nations coming to Jerusalem to learn of the LORD, as described in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the LORD's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fame (Hebrew, _shema'_):** This word denotes not just a general reputation but specifically what has been "heard" or "reported." In this context, it emphasizes that Solomon's renown was not localized but had spread far and wide, reaching even distant lands like Sheba. It implies a substantial, verifiable report that compelled the Queen to act.
* **Concerning the name of the LORD (Hebrew, _'al shem YHWH'_):** This is a crucial theological phrase. Solomon's fame was not merely for his personal genius, wealth, or power, but was intrinsically linked to the God of Israel. His wisdom was understood to be a divine gift, reflecting God's character and power, making his kingdom a testament to the LORD's glory. This phrase elevates Solomon's renown from mere human achievement to a demonstration of divine activity.
* **Prove him (Hebrew, _lenassot'_):** Derived from the verb _nasah_, meaning "to test," "to try," or "to examine." The Queen's intention was not necessarily malicious or skeptical in a negative sense, but rather a genuine desire to ascertain the truth and depth of Solomon's wisdom firsthand. It was a formal challenge to verify the extraordinary claims.
* **Hard questions (Hebrew, _chidot'_):** This term refers to riddles, enigmas, perplexing questions, or obscure sayings. These were not simple factual queries but intellectual challenges designed to test the depth of one's understanding, insight, and ability to discern hidden meanings. They required not just knowledge, but profound wisdom and discernment, which Solomon was renowned for possessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon":** This clause establishes the catalyst for the Queen's journey. Solomon's renown had reached her distant kingdom, indicating the extraordinary nature and widespread recognition of his achievements. The "fame" (Hebrew _shema'_) implies a report that was significant enough to capture the attention of a powerful foreign monarch.
* **"concerning the name of the LORD":** This is the most significant part of the verse, providing the theological lens through which Solomon's fame should be understood. His reputation was not solely about his personal attributes or material wealth, but specifically about how God's character, power, and blessing were manifested through him. Solomon's wisdom and prosperity were seen as direct evidence of the LORD's presence and favor in Israel.
* **"she came to prove him with hard questions":** This final clause clarifies the Queen's purpose. Her visit was a deliberate intellectual and spiritual inquiry. She sought to test the veracity and depth of Solomon's reported wisdom, particularly his divinely-given insight, by presenting him with complex riddles or enigmatic problems that would require extraordinary discernment to answer. This act underscores her earnest pursuit of truth and her desire to verify the divine source of Solomon's wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its meaning. **Anticipation** is strongly present, as the Queen's hearing of Solomon's fame and her subsequent journey immediately build suspense for the grand encounter that follows. The phrase "concerning the name of the LORD" functions as **Metonymy**, where "the name of the LORD" stands for the LORD Himself, His character, power, and reputation, indicating that Solomon's fame was inextricably linked to God's glory. The "hard questions" (Hebrew _chidot_) represent a form of **Riddle** or **Enigma**, a common literary and cultural device in ancient wisdom traditions used to test intellectual prowess and reveal deeper truths. Finally, the entire narrative of the Queen's journey and her intent to "prove" Solomon carries **Symbolism**, representing the world's attraction to divine wisdom and the drawing of Gentile nations to the light of God's truth as revealed through His chosen king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, initiated by her hearing of his fame "concerning the name of the LORD," serves as a profound theological statement. It demonstrates that God's plan for Israel was not merely insular but designed to draw the nations to Himself through the witness of His people and their divinely appointed leaders. Solomon's wisdom, a direct gift from God, became a beacon that illuminated the glory of the LORD to the ends of the earth. This encounter highlights the principle that true influence and renown, from a biblical perspective, stem from a genuine connection to God and a life that visibly manifests His character and wisdom. The Queen's earnest pursuit of truth, traveling a great distance to verify the reports, exemplifies a genuine spiritual curiosity that should be emulated by all who seek God.

* [2 Chronicles 9:1-12](/2_chronicles/9-1 "2 Chronicles 9:1-12 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon")
* [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations come to your light")
* [Proverbs 8:1-11](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-11 - Wisdom's Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the Queen of Sheba's visit challenges us to consider the nature of our own "fame" and influence. Is our reputation, like Solomon's, connected to "the name of the LORD"? Do our lives, our wisdom, and our successes point others to God, or do they merely highlight our own abilities? This narrative encourages believers to live lives so distinctly marked by God's wisdom and grace that they provoke inquiry from those outside the faith. Just as the Queen journeyed far to seek truth, we should cultivate a deep hunger for God's wisdom and be prepared to share the reason for the hope that is within us. Our lives are meant to be a testimony, a living commentary on the greatness of God, drawing others to seek Him and His truth. This requires both intellectual integrity in understanding our faith and a lifestyle that authentically embodies its principles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life and character reflect the "fame... concerning the name of the LORD" to those around me?**
* **Am I cultivating a genuine hunger for wisdom and truth, willing to seek it out even when it requires effort or challenges my preconceptions?**
* **How prepared am I to answer "hard questions" about my faith, not just with facts, but with deep, Spirit-given insight and understanding?**

### FAQ
**Who was the Queen of Sheba, and where was Sheba?**

Answer: The Queen of Sheba was the monarch of the ancient kingdom of Saba, widely believed by scholars to be located in what is modern-day Yemen or potentially extending into Ethiopia. She ruled a powerful and wealthy kingdom that controlled crucial trade routes for valuable commodities like frankincense, myrrh, and gold. Her journey to Jerusalem was not merely a casual visit but a significant diplomatic and intellectual expedition, underscoring her status as a formidable and discerning ruler in the ancient world. Her kingdom's prosperity and strategic location made her a significant figure, and her visit to Solomon was a testament to his widespread fame and the renown of Israel's God.

**What does "concerning the name of the LORD" mean for Solomon's fame?**

Answer: This pivotal phrase indicates that Solomon's widespread reputation was not merely for his personal genius, immense wealth, or military might, but was intrinsically linked to the God of Israel, YHWH. His extraordinary wisdom, his ability to build the Temple, and the prosperity of his kingdom were all understood as direct blessings and manifestations of the LORD's power and character. Therefore, when people heard of Solomon's fame, they were hearing about the God who had so richly blessed him. The Queen of Sheba was not just interested in Solomon's intellect but in the divine source of his wisdom, recognizing that his success was a testimony to the greatness of the God he served. This emphasis highlights that Solomon's life was meant to be a witness to the nations of the power and glory of the true God, as seen in [1 Kings 4:34](/1_kings/4-34 "1 Kings 4:34 - Kings from all nations came to hear Solomon's wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, drawn by his fame "concerning the name of the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate drawing of all nations to Jesus Christ, who is infinitely "greater than Solomon" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Jesus")). Solomon's wisdom, though divinely given, was but a shadow of the perfect and ultimate wisdom embodied in Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The Queen's arduous journey to seek answers from Solomon prefigures humanity's spiritual quest for truth, which is fully satisfied only in Jesus. He is the divine Word who perfectly reveals God ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.")), and His teachings offer the ultimate answers to life's deepest "hard questions." Just as the nations were drawn to Solomon's kingdom because of the LORD's presence, so too are people from every tribe and tongue being drawn to Christ, the true King, whose kingdom is eternal and whose glory surpasses all earthly renown, culminating in the vision of nations walking in the light of the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations walk by the light of the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:42

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

Luke 11:31

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

2 Chronicles 9:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

2 Chronicles 9:12

And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which she had brought unto the king. So she turned, and went away to her own land, she and her servants.

Genesis 10:28

And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

Psalms 72:15

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.

Genesis 10:7

And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.