1 Kings 10:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389} with a very {H3966} great {H3515} train {H2428}, with camels {H1581} that bare {H5375} spices {H1314}, and very {H3966} much {H7227} gold {H2091}, and precious {H3368} stones {H68}: and when she was come {H935} to Solomon {H8010}, she communed {H1696} with him of all that was in her heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She arrived in Yerushalayim accompanied by a very great retinue, including camels bearing spices and gold in great abundance, and precious stones. When she appeared before Shlomo she spoke with him about everything on her heart,

Berean Standard Bible

She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 10:2 masterfully depicts the grand arrival of the Queen of Sheba in Jerusalem, a scene brimming with opulence and purpose. Her magnificent procession, laden with exotic spices, vast quantities of gold, and precious stones, not only underscores the immense wealth and global reach of her own kingdom but also serves as a testament to the unparalleled fame and divine blessing bestowed upon King Solomon. Her subsequent communion with Solomon, delving into "all that was in her heart," highlights a profound quest for wisdom and understanding that transcends mere diplomatic exchange, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter of intellect and spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of the Queen of Sheba's motivation in [1 Kings 10:1](/1-kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba's Purpose"), where she hears of Solomon's fame concerning the name of the Lord and comes to test him with hard questions. Verse 2 details the concrete manifestation of her journey, emphasizing the scale and cost of her endeavor before she even speaks. The description of her "very great train" and the specific commodities she brings—spices, gold, and precious stones—foreshadows the immense exchange of wealth and wisdom that will characterize her visit, culminating in her declaration of Solomon's wisdom surpassing all reports in [1 Kings 10:6-7](/1-kings/10-6 "1 Kings 10:6-7 - Queen of Sheba's Amazement"). This grand entrance establishes the gravitas of the encounter, setting a tone of awe and wonder that permeates the entire chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Queen of Sheba's kingdom is widely believed to have been located in ancient South Arabia (modern-day Yemen) or possibly Ethiopia, regions renowned for their rich trade in frankincense, myrrh, gold, and other luxury goods. Her journey to Jerusalem would have been a formidable undertaking, traversing vast deserts and requiring significant resources, logistics, and security for such a valuable cargo. This highlights the sophisticated long-distance trade networks of the ancient Near East, where camels were indispensable for transporting goods across arid landscapes. The exchange of gifts was a customary and crucial element of diplomatic visits, signifying respect, establishing alliances, and demonstrating the wealth and power of the visiting dignitary. For a queen to undertake such a journey underscores the extraordinary reputation Solomon had cultivated, drawing even distant rulers to witness his glory firsthand, as described in [1 Kings 4:34](/1-kings/4-34 "1 Kings 4:34 - Kings from all nations seeking Solomon").

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Kings. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **Solomon's unparalleled wealth and influence**, demonstrating how his divinely granted prosperity, mentioned in [1 Kings 3:13](/1-kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise of Riches to Solomon"), attracted international attention and tribute. The Queen's extravagant gifts are a tangible representation of the global recognition of Solomon's reign, confirming the biblical narrative of his immense riches found throughout [1 Kings 10](/1-kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom"). Secondly, the phrase "she communed with him of all that was in her heart" introduces the profound theme of **seeking wisdom and truth**. Her arduous journey was not merely for material gain or political alliance but driven by an earnest desire to test and understand Solomon's renowned wisdom, reflecting a universal human yearning for knowledge and insight, a wisdom Solomon himself had prayed for in [1 Kings 3:9](/1-kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom"). Finally, her visit serves as a vivid illustration of **divine blessing and renown**, showcasing how God's favor upon Solomon extended beyond Israel's borders, drawing even foreign rulers to witness the manifestation of His power and wisdom through His anointed king, fulfilling prophecies of kings bringing gifts to Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Train (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** While often translated as "army" or "strength," in this context, _chayil_ refers to a large, impressive retinue or entourage, specifically highlighting the wealth and resources accompanying the Queen. It denotes a formidable and magnificent procession, emphasizing her royal status and the significant effort and expense involved in her journey. This word conveys not just numbers but the power and substance of her kingdom.
* **Communed (Hebrew, _dabar'_):** This verb, _dabar_, is rich in meaning, extending beyond simple conversation. It implies a deep, unreserved, and often intense exchange of thoughts, ideas, and questions. It suggests a "speaking out" or "uttering" that is comprehensive and heartfelt. In this instance, it signifies that the Queen engaged Solomon in profound dialogue, laying bare her innermost inquiries, doubts, and perhaps even the philosophical or theological conundrums that weighed on her, seeking genuine understanding and resolution.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _levav'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, the _levav_ (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, reason, and conscience. When the text states she "communed with him of all that was in her heart," it means she shared her deepest thoughts, her most challenging questions, her innermost desires for wisdom, and perhaps even her spiritual longings and philosophical ponderings. This indicates a comprehensive and authentic intellectual and spiritual inquiry, not a superficial exchange.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train":** This opening clause immediately establishes the scale and significance of the Queen's arrival. "Very great train" (חַיִל כָּבֵד מְאֹד, _chayil kaved me'od_) conveys a sense of overwhelming magnitude and opulence, indicating that her procession was not merely large but also heavily laden and impressive, befitting a monarch of considerable wealth and power. Her arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Solomon's kingdom, underscores the international recognition of his reign.
* **"with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones":** This descriptive phrase itemizes the specific nature of her tribute and wealth. Camels were the primary means of long-distance transport in the ancient Near East, capable of carrying heavy loads across arid terrain. The mention of "spices" (likely frankincense and myrrh, indigenous to her region), "very much gold," and "precious stones" highlights the immense value and exotic nature of her gifts, showcasing the vast resources of her kingdom and the luxury goods that flowed through ancient trade routes. This detail emphasizes the extraordinary nature of her offering, signifying deep respect and a desire to impress Solomon.
* **"and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart":** This climactic clause reveals the true purpose of her arduous journey. Upon reaching Solomon, her focus shifts from the material display to a profound intellectual and spiritual engagement. "Communed with him of all that was in her heart" signifies a deep, unreserved pouring out of her innermost thoughts, questions, and perhaps even philosophical or theological challenges. This was not a casual conversation but an earnest and comprehensive inquiry, demonstrating her sincere quest for wisdom and truth from the renowned King Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in phrases like "very great train" and "very much gold," emphasizing the extraordinary scale of the Queen's wealth and the grandeur of her arrival, creating an impression of overwhelming abundance. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the spices, gold, and precious stones symbolize not only the Queen's immense material wealth but also the global tribute and recognition flowing into Solomon's kingdom, reflecting God's blessing upon him. Furthermore, the act of "communing with him of all that was in her heart" symbolizes the universal human quest for wisdom and understanding, representing the inherent value placed on intellectual and spiritual truth. Finally, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by presenting the lavish material display alongside the profound intellectual and spiritual pursuit, highlighting that while wealth is present, the ultimate purpose of her visit is a deeper, intangible quest for wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The arrival of the Queen of Sheba, as described in 1 Kings 10:2, serves as a powerful testament to the far-reaching impact of God's blessing upon King Solomon. Her journey, laden with unparalleled wealth and driven by a deep desire for wisdom, illustrates how divine favor can elevate a nation and its leader to international renown, drawing even distant rulers to witness God's glory. This encounter underscores the universal human longing for wisdom and truth, a longing that God, through His chosen vessels, is capable of satisfying. It also highlights the principle that true wisdom is more valuable than any material possession, prompting individuals to undertake significant efforts to acquire it. The Queen's visit foreshadows a time when the nations will be drawn to the light of God's wisdom, as manifested through His people and, ultimately, through His Messiah.

* [1 Kings 10:23](/1-kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom")
* [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Queen of the South and Jesus")
* [Isaiah 60:6](/isaiah/60-6 "Isaiah 60:6 - Nations Bringing Gold and Incense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Queen of Sheba's arduous journey to seek out Solomon's wisdom offers a profound lesson for believers today. Her willingness to expend vast resources and endure significant hardship for the sake of knowledge and understanding challenges us to consider the depth of our own pursuit of wisdom, particularly divine wisdom. Are we as earnest in seeking God's truth as she was in seeking Solomon's? Her unreserved "communing with him of all that was in her heart" encourages us to approach God with similar honesty and vulnerability, laying bare our deepest questions, doubts, and desires before Him in prayer and through diligent study of His Word. This account reminds us that true wisdom is a treasure worth pursuing with all our might, and that God delights in revealing Himself to those who genuinely seek Him. Furthermore, it illustrates the magnetic power of a life lived in alignment with God's wisdom, drawing others to witness and experience His glory, becoming a beacon of truth in a world hungry for genuine insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the Queen of Sheba's willingness to travel so far and bring such wealth teach us about the value of wisdom?**
* **How does the Queen's act of "communing with him of all that was in her heart" challenge us to be more open and honest in our own pursuit of truth, whether in prayer or seeking counsel?**
* **In what ways can our lives, lived in pursuit of God's wisdom, draw others to seek Him, much like Solomon's wisdom drew the Queen of Sheba?**
* **What "hard questions" are in your heart that you need to bring before the Lord, trusting in His infinite wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Queen of Sheba's visit was twofold, as indicated in 1 Kings 10:1-2. First, she came to "test him with hard questions," driven by the widespread reports of Solomon's extraordinary wisdom, which was directly attributed to the Lord. Her journey was an intellectual and spiritual quest to verify the truth of these rumors and to engage with a mind of unparalleled insight. Second, her visit was a diplomatic and economic endeavor, bringing immense wealth as gifts, which was customary for high-level state visits in the ancient world. However, the narrative emphasizes her desire for wisdom and understanding ("she communed with him of all that was in her heart") over mere material exchange, highlighting the profound impact of Solomon's divinely given wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon in 1 Kings 10:2 serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ. Solomon, in his divinely granted wisdom, wealth, and global renown, stands as a type of the greater King to come. The Queen's arduous journey, her lavish gifts, and her earnest quest for wisdom from Solomon point to the universal drawing power of the Messiah. Jesus Himself explicitly references this event in [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Queen of the South and Jesus"), stating, "The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here." This declaration reveals that while Solomon's wisdom was extraordinary and drew rulers from afar, Christ embodies ultimate wisdom and truth, far surpassing any earthly king. The nations, represented by the Queen of Sheba, are ultimately drawn not to a king of earthly splendor, but to the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose wisdom is the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1-corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Her seeking and finding wisdom in Solomon prefigures the spiritual pilgrimage of all who seek and find ultimate truth, life, and salvation in Jesus Christ, the one who is "greater than Solomon" and the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Acts 25:23

And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

2 Kings 5:9

¶ So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

2 Kings 5:5

And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

Exodus 25:6

Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

Genesis 18:33

And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

1 Kings 10:10

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.

2 Kings 20:13

And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and [all] the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.