1 Kings 10:10

KJV

And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she gave {H5414} the king {H4428} an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} talents {H3603} of gold {H2091}, and of spices {H1314} very {H3966} great store {H7235}, and precious {H3368} stones {H68}: there came {H935} no more such {H1931} abundance {H7230} of spices {H1314} as these which the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} gave {H5414} to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she gave the king four tons of gold, a huge amount of spices, and precious stones; never again did there arrive such an abundance of spices as those the queen of Sh'va gave to King Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again was such an abundance of spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

American Standard Version

And she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:10 meticulously records the lavish tribute presented by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, marking a pinnacle of diplomatic exchange and material wealth during his reign. This verse highlights the astounding quantity of gold, an unprecedented store of spices, and precious stones, underscoring the Queen's profound awe at Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and the unparalleled splendor of his kingdom. It serves as a testament to the international recognition of Solomon's prosperity, which was a direct fulfillment of God's promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem, as recounted in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon"). Having heard of Solomon's legendary wisdom and prosperity, she traveled from her distant kingdom to test him with "hard questions" ([1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon")). After witnessing his wisdom, the grandeur of his court, the order of his administration, and the opulence of his temple and palace, she was utterly overwhelmed, declaring that "the half was not told me" ([1 Kings 10:7](/1_kings/10-7 "1 Kings 10:7 - Queen of Sheba's Astonishment")). Her magnificent gifts, detailed in this verse, are a direct response to her profound astonishment and serve as a formal expression of honor and tribute, preceding her departure from Jerusalem. The narrative then shifts to Solomon's reciprocal gifts and the immense wealth that continued to flow into his kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by intricate diplomatic relations often cemented through elaborate gift-giving. Such exchanges were not merely commercial transactions but symbolic acts affirming alliances, respect, and submission. The Queen of Sheba's journey from a kingdom likely located in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia underscores the vast reach of Solomon's reputation and the extensive trade networks of the era. Spices, gold, and precious stones were highly valued commodities, serving as currency, luxury goods, and essential components in religious rituals and medicinal practices. The "talents of gold" refer to a significant unit of weight, indicating a staggering amount of wealth. This exchange reflects a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, positioning Solomon as a global power whose influence extended far beyond his immediate borders, drawing admiration and tribute from distant lands.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 10:10](/1_kings/10-10 "1 Kings 10:10 - Queen of Sheba's Gifts to Solomon") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unparalleled Blessing and Fulfillment of Promise**. Solomon's immense wealth and international renown are direct manifestations of God's promise to him in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon"), where God granted him "both riches, and honour" because he chose wisdom. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Solomon's God-Given Wisdom as the Source of Prosperity**. The Queen's visit was prompted by reports of his wisdom, and her gifts were a response to witnessing it firsthand, demonstrating how divine wisdom leads to practical success and material abundance. Thirdly, it showcases **International Recognition of God's Work**. The Queen's awe and tribute are not merely for Solomon but implicitly for the God of Israel, whose blessing is evident in Solomon's reign. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Generosity and Reciprocity**, as the Queen's extraordinary giving is met with Solomon's own generosity, reflecting the nature of diplomatic and personal relationships in the ancient world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talents (כִּכְּרֵי, _kikkĕrê_):** This Hebrew term refers to a unit of weight, typically about 75 pounds (or approximately 34 kilograms). The mention of "an hundred and twenty talents of gold" signifies an astronomical sum, equating to roughly 9,000 pounds (over 4,000 kilograms) of gold. This massive quantity underscores the immense wealth of the Queen of Sheba and the unprecedented nature of her gift, far exceeding what would be considered customary tribute. It highlights the extraordinary value placed on Solomon's wisdom and kingdom.
* **Spices (בְּשָׂמִים, _bĕśāmîm_):** This word denotes aromatic substances, often derived from plants, used for incense, perfumes, medicinal purposes, and culinary flavorings. In the ancient world, spices like frankincense and myrrh were highly prized, rare, and extremely valuable, often transported over long distances via trade routes. The phrase "very great store" and the emphatic declaration that "there came no more such abundance of spices" emphasize the unparalleled quantity and quality of these exotic commodities, making this gift of spices uniquely significant.
* **Abundance (רֹב, _rōṇ_):** This Hebrew noun signifies a great quantity, multitude, or superabundance. Its use in the phrase "no more such abundance of spices" serves as an emphatic superlative, indicating that this particular delivery of spices was unmatched in Israel's history, setting a benchmark for generosity and wealth. It highlights the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of the Queen's offering, emphasizing the peak of Solomon's prosperity and the lavishness of the tribute he received.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold,"**: This clause immediately establishes the immense material value of the Queen of Sheba's gift. The "hundred and twenty talents of gold" represents an extraordinary amount, far beyond a typical diplomatic offering, signifying profound respect and acknowledgement of Solomon's status and wealth. This detail highlights the opulence of the era and the Queen's own vast resources.
* **"and of spices very great store, and precious stones:"**: This part of the verse expands on the diversity and richness of the Queen's tribute. The "very great store" of spices emphasizes their unprecedented quantity, indicating a supply far exceeding any previous imports. Coupled with "precious stones," these items further underscore the exotic nature and immense value of the gifts, reflecting the Queen's desire to honor Solomon with the finest and most valuable commodities from her kingdom.
* **"there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon."**: This concluding statement serves as a powerful hyperbole, emphasizing the unique and unparalleled nature of the spice offering. It acts as a superlative, declaring that this specific gift of spices was a historical record, never to be surpassed. This final clause not only highlights the Queen's extraordinary generosity but also implicitly underscores the peak of Solomon's wealth and the divine favor bestowed upon him, which attracted such magnificent tributes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore the significance of the Queen of Sheba's gifts. **Enumeration** is evident in the listing of the specific types of gifts: gold, spices, and precious stones, which provides a concrete sense of the immense wealth exchanged. **Hyperbole** is powerfully used in the statement, "there came no more such abundance of spices as these," which emphasizes the unprecedented and unmatched quantity of the spices. This is not necessarily a literal claim that no more spices *ever* came, but rather an emphatic declaration of the extraordinary nature of *this specific* gift, setting it apart as a benchmark of lavishness. Additionally, the repetition of "spices" and the emphasis on "abundance" create **emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to this particular commodity as a highlight of the Queen's tribute. These devices collectively serve to magnify the Queen's generosity and, by extension, the unparalleled prosperity and international renown of King Solomon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 10:10 stands as a vivid testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His capacity to bless beyond measure. The immense wealth and international acclaim Solomon received were not merely a result of his shrewd leadership but a direct consequence of God's divine favor, granted after Solomon chose wisdom over riches or a long life ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches and Honor to Solomon")). The Queen of Sheba's lavish gifts, particularly the unprecedented quantity of spices, symbolize the global recognition of God's blessing upon Israel through its king. This passage highlights that true wisdom, divinely bestowed, leads to a prosperity that draws even distant nations to acknowledge the greatness of God. It also underscores the principle that generosity often flows from a heart overwhelmed by genuine awe and respect, mirroring how God's abundant blessings can inspire lavish worship and giving from His people.

* [2 Chronicles 9:9](/2_chronicles/9-9 "2 Chronicles 9:9 - Parallel Account of Queen of Sheba's Gifts")
* [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring God with Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit and her extraordinary gifts to Solomon offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all wisdom, wealth, and honor. While few will experience material prosperity on Solomon's scale, the principle remains: seeking God's wisdom and His kingdom first can lead to blessings, both material and spiritual, that exceed our expectations. The Queen's response of lavish giving, prompted by her astonishment at Solomon's wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom, challenges us to consider our own generosity. What moves us to give? Is it a response to the overwhelming goodness and wisdom of God in our lives? This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart of awe and gratitude, recognizing God's abundant provision and responding with open-handed generosity in our worship and service. It also prompts us to consider how our lives, marked by God's wisdom and blessing, might draw others to inquire about the source of our hope and joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the Queen of Sheba's lavish generosity reveal about the impact of encountering divine wisdom?**
* **How does Solomon's wealth, as described here, connect to God's promises in your own understanding of divine blessing?**
* **In what ways can our lives, lived in pursuit of God's wisdom, become a testimony that draws others to Him?**
* **How might the "unprecedented abundance" of the Queen's gifts challenge our own perspectives on generosity and stewardship?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "talents of gold" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "talents of gold" refer to a substantial unit of weight and value in the ancient world. One talent typically weighed about 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms). Therefore, 120 talents of gold amounted to roughly 9,000 pounds (over 4,000 kilograms) of gold. This was an astronomical sum, representing an immense transfer of wealth. Its significance lies not only in the sheer monetary value but also in what it symbolized: the Queen of Sheba's vast resources, her profound respect and awe for King Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and prosperity, and the unparalleled diplomatic exchange that marked the zenith of Solomon's reign. This gift underscored the international recognition of Solomon's kingdom as a preeminent power, blessed by God.

**Why were "spices" so valuable in the ancient world, and what kind of spices might these have been?**

Answer: Spices were incredibly valuable in the ancient world for several reasons. They were used for perfumes, incense in religious rituals, medicinal purposes, and as culinary flavorings. Many spices, like frankincense and myrrh, were rare, difficult to cultivate, and had to be transported over long and dangerous trade routes from distant lands, making them luxury commodities. The "very great store" of spices given by the Queen of Sheba likely included these highly prized resins, which were indigenous to regions like the Arabian Peninsula (where Sheba is thought to have been located). The emphasis on "no more such abundance" highlights the extraordinary quantity and quality of this particular gift, underscoring its unique value and the Queen's exceptional generosity.

**Where did the Queen of Sheba come from, and what was the purpose of her visit?**

Answer: The Queen of Sheba's kingdom is generally believed to have been located in the region of modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, in the Arabian Peninsula. Her purpose in visiting King Solomon was primarily to test his legendary wisdom and to witness the splendor of his kingdom for herself, as she had heard "the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord" ([1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon")). She came with "hard questions" to challenge his intellect. Upon witnessing his wisdom, the order of his court, and the magnificence of his enterprises, she was utterly overwhelmed, concluding that the half had not been told her ([1 Kings 10:7](/1_kings/10-7 "1 Kings 10:7 - Queen of Sheba's Astonishment")). Her visit was a diplomatic mission that validated Solomon's international renown and underscored the divine favor upon his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unparalleled wisdom and wealth of Solomon, culminating in the lavish tribute from the Queen of Sheba, serve as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Solomon's reign, marked by peace and prosperity, was a type of the messianic kingdom, and his wisdom, though great, was finite. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The Queen of Sheba's journey from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom and offer him gifts anticipates the nations coming to Christ, the true King of kings, to worship Him and offer their lives as spiritual sacrifices ([Isaiah 60:6](/isaiah/60-6 "Isaiah 60:6 - Nations Bringing Gold and Frankincense")). Jesus Himself declared, "The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Jesus Greater than Solomon")). The gold, spices, and precious stones given to Solomon find their ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the immeasurable spiritual riches found in Christ, who offers eternal life, true peace, and wisdom that surpasses all understanding ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). The lavish gifts to Solomon point to the worship and devotion due to Christ, who is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise from every nation and tribe.

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.