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.

And when the queen {H4436} of Sheba {H7614} heard {H8085} of the fame {H8088} of Solomon {H8010}, she came {H935} to prove {H5254} Solomon {H8010} with hard questions {H2420} at Jerusalem {H3389}, with a very {H3966} great {H3515} company {H2428}, and camels {H1581} that bare {H5375} spices {H1314}, and gold {H2091} in abundance {H7230}, 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}.

When the queen of Sh'va heard what was being said about Shlomo, she came to test him with difficult questions in Yerushalayim, accompanied by a very great retinue, including camels bearing spices and gold in abundance, and precious stones. When she appeared before Shlomo, she spoke with him about everything on her heart;

Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind.

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 train, 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.

Commentary

Context

This opening verse of 2 Chronicles chapter 9 introduces one of the most famous and significant events in King Solomon's reign: the visit of the Queen of Sheba. Following detailed accounts of Solomon's vast wealth, his construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, and the grandeur of his kingdom, this encounter serves as a powerful testament to the global reach of his fame. Her journey from likely modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia underscores the extensive trade routes and diplomatic connections of the ancient world, bringing her to test the renowned wisdom and prosperity of the Israelite king.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Wisdom Recognized: The primary reason for the Queen's visit was Solomon's extraordinary wisdom, a direct gift from God (as recorded in 2 Chronicles 1:10). Her coming from a distant land to "prove Solomon with hard questions" validates the supernatural nature and widespread recognition of this divine endowment.
  • Seeking Truth and Understanding: The "hard questions" (Hebrew: chidot, often translated as riddles or perplexing sayings) indicate a deep intellectual and perhaps spiritual curiosity. The Queen was not merely making a diplomatic visit but genuinely sought answers and understanding from a recognized source of profound insight.
  • Abundant Wealth and Diplomacy: The immense gifts she brought—spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones—highlight the wealth of her own kingdom and the customary lavishness of ancient diplomatic exchanges. This also foreshadows the reciprocal generosity of Solomon, further emphasizing the prosperity of his reign.
  • Open Communication: The phrase "she communed with him of all that was in her heart" suggests a profound and open dialogue, where she felt free to share her deepest thoughts and inquiries with the wise king.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hard questions" comes from the Hebrew word chidot (חִידוֹת), which literally means "riddles" or "enigmas." This suggests that the Queen of Sheba presented Solomon with not just difficult inquiries, but perhaps philosophical puzzles, ethical dilemmas, or even spiritual mysteries, designed to truly test the depth of his understanding and insight. Her desire to "prove" him was a genuine search for wisdom, not merely a casual inquiry.

Practical Application

The account of the Queen of Sheba's visit teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • The Attractiveness of Wisdom: True wisdom, especially that which is divinely inspired, has a magnetic quality. It draws people from afar who are seeking answers and understanding.
  • The Value of Seeking: The Queen's diligent journey and her willingness to ask challenging questions serve as an example for us to earnestly seek truth and wisdom, particularly from God's Word.
  • Openness in Dialogue: Her ability to "commune with him of all that was in her heart" reminds us of the importance of honest and open communication in relationships and when seeking counsel.
  • God's Glory Revealed: Solomon's fame and wealth ultimately pointed to the greatness of God, who had blessed him. Similarly, when we are blessed with gifts and opportunities, they can serve as a testimony to God's goodness, drawing others to acknowledge Him, just as the Queen's visit ultimately led her to praise the Lord God of Israel (2 Chronicles 9:8).
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:42 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 10:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 1 Kings 10:13 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 9:9 (4 votes)

    And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the queen of Sheba gave king Solomon.

  • Genesis 10:7 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 13:11 (2 votes)

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.