1 Kings 10:13

KJV

And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} gave {H5414} unto the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} all her desire {H2656}, whatsoever she asked {H7592}, beside that which Solomon {H8010} gave {H5414} her of his royal {H4428} bounty {H3027}. So she turned {H6437} and went {H3212} to her own country {H776}, she and her servants {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo gave the queen of Sh'va everything she wanted, whatever she asked, in addition to the presents he gave her on his own initiative. After this, she returned and went back to her own country, she and her servants.

Berean Standard Bible

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, besides that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned, and went to her own land, she and her servants.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:13 marks the culmination of the Queen of Sheba's historic visit to King Solomon, depicting her departure after an extraordinary exchange. This verse highlights Solomon's unparalleled generosity, as he not only fulfilled all her specific requests but also bestowed upon her additional gifts from his vast "royal bounty," underscoring the immense wealth and divine favor he enjoyed, and the successful diplomatic and spiritual encounter between their kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit, which begins in [1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"). Her journey was prompted by Solomon's widespread fame for wisdom and prosperity. The preceding verses detail her arrival with immense wealth, her challenging questions, and her overwhelming awe at Solomon's wisdom, the grandeur of his court, and the glory of his kingdom ([1 Kings 10:4-7](/1_kings/10-4 "1 Kings 10:4-7 - Queen of Sheba's Reaction")). She acknowledged that "the half was not told me" ([1 Kings 10:7](/1_kings/10-7 "1 Kings 10:7 - Queen of Sheba's Amazement")). She presented Solomon with lavish gifts of gold, spices, and precious stones ([1 Kings 10:10](/1_kings/10-10 "1 Kings 10:10 - Queen of Sheba's Gifts")). Verse 13, therefore, serves as the reciprocal act of generosity from Solomon, signifying the successful completion of this significant international encounter before the narrative shifts back to the ongoing description of Solomon's wealth and administration in [1 Kings 10:14ff](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14 - Solomon's Annual Revenue").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Queen of Sheba, likely ruling over the ancient kingdom of Saba (modern-day Yemen) or possibly Ethiopia, undertook a remarkably arduous and expensive journey to Jerusalem. This journey itself speaks volumes about the extent of Solomon's reputation in the ancient Near East. In ancient diplomacy, the exchange of lavish gifts was a standard practice, symbolizing respect, establishing alliances, and solidifying trade relationships. Kings often tested each other's wisdom, wealth, and power. Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represented the zenith of Israel's power, wealth, and international influence, with Jerusalem serving as a prominent center of trade, wisdom, and spiritual authority. The Queen's visit was not merely a diplomatic exchange but also a spiritual inquiry, as she sought to verify the reports of a king blessed by the Lord God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"):
* **Solomon's Unparalleled Wisdom and Wealth:** The text consistently emphasizes that Solomon's wisdom and prosperity were divinely granted ([1 Kings 3:12-13](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12-13 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom and Riches")). His ability to give "all her desire" plus from his "royal bounty" is a direct testament to the unprecedented abundance God had bestowed upon him, making him the wealthiest and wisest king of his time ([1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom Exceed All Others")).
* **Divine Blessing and Human Generosity:** Solomon's lavish giving is a reflection of the overflowing blessings he received from God. It illustrates the principle that those who are blessed are often enabled to be a blessing to others. His generosity extends beyond mere obligation, demonstrating a magnanimous spirit rooted in his vast resources.
* **International Recognition of God's Work:** The Queen of Sheba's journey and her subsequent praise of God for Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 10:9](/1_kings/10-9 "1 Kings 10:9 - Queen of Sheba Praises God")) highlight how God's blessing upon Israel, through Solomon, attracted the attention and admiration of foreign nations. This serves as a partial fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that through his descendants, "all families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desire (Hebrew, _sha'alah'_):** This word implies specific requests or petitions. The Queen of Sheba, having tested Solomon with "hard questions" and observed his kingdom, likely had specific items or knowledge she wished to obtain. Solomon's fulfillment of "all her desire, whatsoever she asked" indicates that he met every one of her expressed wishes, demonstrating his capacity and willingness to satisfy her completely.
* **Royal Bounty (Hebrew, _yad hammelekh'_):** Literally "hand of the king." This phrase signifies gifts given directly from the king's personal treasury, resources, and benevolent disposition, distinct from what was requested. It denotes a level of generosity that goes "above and beyond" any specific request or diplomatic obligation. It speaks to the king's overflowing abundance and magnanimity, emphasizing that Solomon's giving was not merely transactional but exceptionally lavish and unprompted in its additional components.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked":** This clause establishes Solomon's complete fulfillment of the Queen's specific requests. It highlights his immense wealth and the extent to which he was able to provide whatever she sought, whether material goods, knowledge, or even diplomatic assurances. This demonstrates his power and resources.
* **"beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty":** This is the crucial addition. It emphasizes that Solomon's generosity *exceeded* her specific requests. He gave her not only what she asked for but also additional, unprompted gifts flowing from his personal wealth and graciousness. This "royal bounty" signifies a level of magnanimity and abundance that goes beyond mere reciprocity, showcasing the sheer opulence and generosity of Solomon's kingdom.
* **"So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants":** This final clause marks the peaceful and successful conclusion of the visit. The Queen's departure signifies that the diplomatic and spiritual exchange was complete, leaving both parties enriched. Her return to her "own country" implies a successful and satisfactory outcome, with her having received far more than she could have anticipated.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore the significance of the event. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all her desire, whatsoever she asked," followed by the emphatic "beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty." This exaggerated description serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of Solomon's wealth and generosity, making it clear that his giving was unparalleled. The **juxtaposition** of what was "asked" and what was given "beside" it emphasizes the overflowing nature of Solomon's blessings and his magnanimous spirit, creating a sense of awe at his abundance. Furthermore, this verse functions as a **culmination** and **resolution** to the entire narrative of the Queen of Sheba's visit, providing a satisfying conclusion to her quest for wisdom and a testament to Solomon's divinely blessed reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's extraordinary generosity, exceeding the Queen of Sheba's every request with his "royal bounty," serves as a profound earthly reflection of God's own character. Just as Solomon gave from his abundant resources, God is the ultimate Giver of "every good and perfect gift" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")), often bestowing blessings upon us that far surpass our petitions or expectations. This divine generosity is not merely transactional but flows from an infinite wellspring of love, grace, and power. The "royal bounty" of Solomon points to the boundless "riches in glory" that God possesses and is eager to share with His children, demonstrating that His provision is never limited to our requests but extends to His own magnificent abundance.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"): "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power"): "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you"): "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's "royal bounty" challenges believers to consider the nature of true generosity and the source of all abundance. Solomon's ability to give so lavishly was a direct consequence of God's immense blessing upon him, reminding us that all we possess ultimately comes from God's hand. This passage invites us to cultivate a spirit of open-handedness, understanding that our resources, whether material, intellectual, or spiritual, are not solely for our own consumption but are given to us to be a blessing to others. Just as Solomon's giving fostered goodwill and recognition, our generosity can build bridges, demonstrate God's character to a watching world, and extend His kingdom. It also encourages us to trust in God's own "royal bounty," knowing that He is able to provide for us "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," not just in material ways, but in spiritual wisdom, peace, and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's "royal bounty" challenge our understanding of generosity and stewardship in our own lives?**
* **In what specific areas has God demonstrated His "exceeding abundantly" provision in your life, going beyond your requests or expectations?**
* **How can we, as recipients of God's lavish grace, intentionally extend "royal bounty" – giving beyond what is asked or expected – to those around us?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon?**

Answer: The Queen of Sheba's visit was highly significant for several reasons. It served as a powerful testament to the widespread fame of Solomon's divinely granted wisdom and prosperity, demonstrating that God's blessing upon Israel was recognized even by distant foreign rulers. Her journey and subsequent awe confirmed the unparalleled glory of Solomon's kingdom, which reflected the glory of God. Furthermore, it represented a significant diplomatic and cultural exchange, fostering international relations and potentially trade. The Queen's praise of the Lord God of Israel ([1 Kings 10:9](/1_kings/10-9 "1 Kings 10:9 - Queen of Sheba Praises God")) also highlights a moment of Gentile acknowledgment of God's work through His chosen people.

**Did Solomon give the Queen of Sheba more than she gave him?**

Answer: The text emphasizes that Solomon's giving was exceptionally generous, stating he gave her "all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside [that] which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty." While the Queen brought immense wealth in gold, spices, and precious stones ([1 Kings 10:10](/1_kings/10-10 "1 Kings 10:10 - Queen of Sheba's Gifts")), the narrative's focus is on Solomon's *unlimited* giving, which went beyond her specific requests. The phrase "royal bounty" suggests gifts given from an overflowing personal treasury, signifying a level of magnanimity and abundance that surpassed mere reciprocity. The biblical account consistently portrays Solomon as having unparalleled wealth, implying his capacity to out-give even the most lavish foreign potentate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The extraordinary wisdom and boundless generosity of King Solomon, as exemplified in his interaction with the Queen of Sheba, serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. While Solomon's wisdom was earthly and his bounty material, Jesus is the very 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, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). The Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to hear Solomon's wisdom, yet Jesus Himself declared, "a greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Christ")), inviting all to come to Him for eternal wisdom and life. Solomon's "royal bounty" pales in comparison to the spiritual riches that Christ freely bestows upon humanity. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). From His fullness, we have all received "grace for grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - From His Fullness We Have Received Grace")), a divine bounty that exceeds all our desires and imagination, offering salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life, which are gifts far more precious than any earthly gold or spices.

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

Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Psalms 20:4

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

1 Kings 10:2

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.