1 Kings 10:4

KJV

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built,

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} had seen {H7200} all Solomon's {H8010} wisdom {H2451}, and the house {H1004} that he had built {H1129},

Complete Jewish Bible

After the queen of Sh'va had seen all Shlomo's wisdom, the palace he had built,

Berean Standard Bible

When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built,

American Standard Version

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 10:4 captures the pivotal moment when the Queen of Sheba, having journeyed from afar, personally witnessed the tangible expressions of King Solomon's legendary wisdom and the magnificent architectural achievements of his reign. This verse serves as a crucial transition, marking the point where her initial skepticism and desire to "test" Solomon transformed into profound astonishment and unequivocal affirmation of the reports she had heard, validating the unparalleled nature of God's blessing upon Israel through its king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of 1 Kings 10, which details the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem. The chapter opens with her arrival, driven by the widespread fame of Solomon's wisdom and a desire to "test him with hard questions" ([1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba Tests Solomon")). Verses 2-3 describe Solomon's successful answering of all her inquiries, leaving nothing hidden from her. Verse 4 then acts as a summary of her initial observations before the detailed list of wonders that follows in verses 5-9, which further elaborate on what she "saw." Her subsequent reaction of being "overwhelmed" or "breathless" ([1 Kings 10:5](/1_kings/10-5 "1 Kings 10:5 - Queen of Sheba's Astonishment")) directly flows from the sights described in verse 4 and the subsequent verses. This immediate observation sets the stage for her profound blessing of the Lord and Solomon in verses 6-9.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visit of the Queen of Sheba (likely from a kingdom in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia) highlights the extensive trade routes and diplomatic relations of the ancient Near East during Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC). Kingdoms maintained alliances and exchanged goods, but also sought knowledge and prestige. Her journey was significant, indicating the immense reputation of Solomon's kingdom. The "house that he had built" primarily refers to the [First Temple in Jerusalem](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), a monumental seven-year undertaking completed around 960 BC ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Temple Completion")). This structure was not merely an architectural marvel but the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Alongside the Temple, Solomon also constructed his own opulent palace complex, which took an additional thirteen years ([1 Kings 7:1](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1 - Solomon's Palace Construction")), further showcasing his kingdom's wealth and advanced craftsmanship, all of which would have been on display to a foreign dignitary.

* **Key Themes:** First Kings 10:4 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Blessing and Manifested Glory**, showing how God's covenantal promises to David and His specific grant of wisdom to Solomon ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")) resulted in tangible prosperity and renown that even foreign nations recognized. The Queen's personal observation underscores the theme of **Verifiable Evidence and Witness**, demonstrating that Solomon's greatness was not mere rumor but a visible reality. Furthermore, her visit highlights the theme of **International Recognition of God's Work**, as the fame of Israel's God, through Solomon, extended far beyond its borders, drawing even distant rulers to witness His glory. This foreshadows the universal appeal of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This verb emphasizes direct, personal observation. It is not merely hearing reports, but a verifiable, empirical experience. The Queen's prior knowledge was based on "hearsay" or "report" ([1 Kings 10:6](/1_kings/10-6 "1 Kings 10:6 - Queen of Sheba's Affirmation")), but here, her own eyes confirm the truth. This underscores the undeniable reality of Solomon's wisdom and accomplishments, leaving no room for doubt.
* **wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah'_):** This term denotes not just intellectual knowledge, but practical skill, discernment, and the ability to govern justly and effectively. Solomon's wisdom, divinely granted ([1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom")), encompassed his judicial decisions, his administrative prowess, his understanding of the natural world, and his capacity to answer complex riddles. It was a holistic wisdom that manifested in all aspects of his reign.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While literally meaning "house" or "palace," in this context, it primarily refers to the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon built for the Lord ([1 Kings 6:1-38](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Building the Temple")). It also encompasses his own royal palace and other grand building projects. These structures were not just symbols of wealth but tangible expressions of God's blessing and the stability of Solomon's kingdom. The Temple, in particular, was the dwelling place of God's presence, making its grandeur a reflection of divine glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the queen of Sheba had seen":** This opening clause immediately establishes the Queen's personal, direct engagement with Solomon's kingdom. Her journey was to "test" him, and her seeing is the culmination of that investigative purpose. It implies a thorough and critical observation, not a casual glance, setting the stage for her profound reaction.
* **"all Solomon's wisdom":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness and depth of Solomon's wisdom. It suggests that she observed not just one aspect, but the full spectrum of his sagacity – in his answers, his administration, his judgments, and his general demeanor. The word "all" highlights the totality of his divinely endowed gift.
* **"and the house that he had built":** This refers to the physical manifestations of Solomon's prosperity and God's blessing. The primary "house" is the Temple, a structure of unparalleled beauty and significance, but it also includes his own royal palace and other impressive building projects. These architectural feats served as concrete evidence of the kingdom's wealth, advanced engineering, and the peace and prosperity under Solomon's rule, all ultimately attributed to God's favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its impact. The most prominent is **Observation/Empirical Evidence**, highlighted by the repeated use of the verb "seen." This emphasizes that the Queen's conviction was not based on mere hearsay but on direct, verifiable experience. This sets up a powerful **Contrast** between the initial "report" she heard and the overwhelming reality she encountered, which far exceeded her expectations. The phrase "all Solomon's wisdom" suggests a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily to imply falsehood, but to convey the immense, almost incomprehensible, scope of his wisdom. Finally, the "house that he had built" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only Solomon's wealth and architectural prowess but, more profoundly, the tangible presence of God's glory and blessing in Israel, particularly through the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Kings 10:4 powerfully illustrates the Old Testament theme of God's blessing made manifest through His chosen leaders and people. Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his kingdom were not merely personal achievements but direct results of God's favor and a testament to His covenant faithfulness. The Queen of Sheba's journey and her subsequent awe serve as a prophetic glimpse of the nations being drawn to the light of God's truth, a theme echoed throughout the prophets. It underscores the principle that when God's people walk in obedience and wisdom, their lives and works can become a compelling witness to the world, demonstrating the reality and glory of the Living God. This verse also highlights the intrinsic value of wisdom, not as an abstract concept, but as a practical, transformative force that impacts governance, relationships, and even physical structures, all to the glory of God.

* [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "God Grants Solomon Wisdom")
* [2 Chronicles 9:3-4](/2_chronicles/9-3 "Queen of Sheba's Reaction in Chronicles")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Nations Flowing to Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Queen of Sheba's journey to witness Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his kingdom offers a profound lesson for believers today. Her experience reminds us that true spiritual reality, when genuinely lived out, is not merely a matter of belief but can be tangibly evident and compelling to those outside the faith. Just as Solomon's wisdom was practical and his works magnificent, our lives, guided by God's wisdom, should produce observable fruit—in our character, our relationships, our work, and our stewardship of resources. This verse challenges us to pursue a wisdom that is not just intellectual but transformative, leading to actions and creations that reflect God's character and bring Him glory. Are our lives and the "houses" we build (whether literal structures, families, businesses, or ministries) such that they bear witness to the reality of God's presence and blessing? Do we steward our gifts and resources in a way that makes God's glory evident to a watching world, drawing others to seek the source of such wisdom and blessing?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of your life or work could more clearly reflect the wisdom and blessings of God to those around you?**
* **How does the Queen of Sheba's journey of seeking wisdom inspire your own pursuit of God's truth?**
* **In what ways are you "building a house" (figuratively or literally) that brings glory to God and serves as a testament to His presence?**

### FAQ
**Who was the Queen of Sheba, and why was her visit to Solomon so significant?**

Answer: The Queen of Sheba was the monarch of an ancient kingdom, likely located in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, known for its wealth in gold, spices, and precious stones. Her visit to King Solomon, as described in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Queen of Sheba's Visit"), was highly significant for several reasons. It underscored the immense international renown of Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom, demonstrating that God's blessing on Israel extended far beyond its borders. Her journey was not merely a diplomatic courtesy but an expedition to "test him with hard questions" ([1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba's Challenge")), indicating a genuine search for truth and wisdom. Her subsequent awe and affirmation validated the divine source of Solomon's wisdom and the glory of God's presence in Jerusalem, serving as a powerful witness to a foreign ruler.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon in [1 Kings 10:4](/1_kings/10-4 "1 Kings 10:4 - Queen of Sheba Sees Solomon's Wisdom and House") serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Solomon, the wisest and most glorious king of Israel, whose wisdom and kingdom attracted a queen from the ends of the earth, points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus, who embodies perfect divine wisdom and establishes an eternal, spiritual kingdom. While the Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to witness Solomon's earthly wisdom and magnificent Temple, Jesus Himself declared that "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Jesus: Greater Than Solomon")). Christ is not merely wise; He *is* Wisdom incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). The "house" Solomon built, the Temple, was a physical dwelling place for God's presence, but Christ is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")). The Queen's journey to behold Solomon's glory anticipates the drawing of all nations to Christ, who is the light of the world and the source of true life and wisdom ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World")). Her awe and worship of God after seeing Solomon's glory prefigure the universal worship that will be offered to the Lamb of God, who is worthy of all praise and honor ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy Is the Lamb")).

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.

2 Chronicles 9:3

And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,

2 Chronicles 9:4

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

1 Kings 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 6:7

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

1 Kings 4:29

¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore.