July 4, 2025

1 Kings 10:1-13 (HCSB)
The Queen of Sheba
10 The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s
fame connected with the name of Yahweh and came
to test him with difficult questions. 2 She came to
Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels
bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and
precious stones. She came to Solomon and spoke
to him about everything that was on her mind. 3 So
Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was
too difficult for the king to explain to her. 4 When the
queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom,
the palace he had built, 5 the food at his table, his
servants’ residence, his attendants’ service and their
attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he
offered at the Lord’s temple, it took her breath away.
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own
country about your words and about your wisdom is
true. 7 But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and
saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told
half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the
report I heard. 8 How happy are your men. How
happy are these servants of yours, who always stand
in your presence hearing your wisdom. 9 May
Yahweh your God be praised! He delighted in you
and put you on the throne of Israel, because of the
Lord’s eternal love for Israel. He has made you king
to carry out justice and righteousness.”
10 Then she gave the king four and a half tons of
gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones.
Never again did such a quantity of spices arrive as
those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 In addition, Hiram’s fleet that carried gold from
Ophir brought from Ophir a large quantity of almug
wood and precious stones. 12 The king made the
almug wood into steps for the Lord’s temple and the
king’s palace and into lyres and harps for the
singers. Never before had such almug wood come,
and the like has not been seen again even to this
very day.
13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba her every
desire—whatever she asked—besides what he had
given her out of his royal bounty. Then she, along
with her servants, returned to her own country.

Don Steele
The Queen of Sheba had to come see and hear for
herself. She traveled thousands of miles to see if what
she’d heard was true. And what she heard and saw
totally amazed her. It was beyond anything that was
described to her. I think this gives us a glimpse of what
Heaven will be like. As some of you know we have a
handicapped child (actually he is an adult now), and
because of that, we don’t go a lot of places or do a lot
of things. Glynda always says she really doesn’t miss it
because what we see here on earth is nothing
compared to what we will see in heaven. Solomon gave
the Queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for. Then
she left and returned to her own country. Just like the
Queen of Sheba came seeking Solomon, we need to
come seeking Jesus and all His wonder. How much
more is His wealth and knowledge? After all He is the
Creator of everything!