Queen living at the time of United Monarchy
The Queen of Sheba is a figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and in the New Testament in Luke 11:31. She is described as a queen of the country of Sheba, which is believed to be located in present-day Ethiopia or Yemen. The Queen of Sheba is known for her visit to King Solomon, seeking his wisdom and testing him with hard questions. Let’s delve deeper into the biblical account of the Queen of Sheba from a biblical perspective:
1. **Historical Context**: The Queen of Sheba lived during the time of the United Monarchy, which refers to the period when Israel was united under the reign of King David and his son, King Solomon. This was a time of great prosperity and influence for the kingdom of Israel.
2. **1 Kings 10:1-13**: In this passage, the Queen of Sheba hears about the fame of King Solomon and his wisdom, so she travels to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. Impressed by Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, and the splendor of his kingdom, she praises the Lord God of Israel and acknowledges the wisdom given to Solomon by God.
3. **Significance of the Visit**: The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon demonstrates the international reputation of Solomon’s wisdom and the glory of Israel during his reign. It also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding, as the Queen of Sheba recognized the divine source of Solomon’s wisdom.
4. **Luke 11:31**: In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba in response to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were demanding a sign from Him. Jesus uses the Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon as an example of someone who sought wisdom and traveled a great distance to hear it. He rebukes the people of His time for not recognizing the greater wisdom and authority present in Himself.
In conclusion, the Queen of Sheba is a significant figure in the Bible who sought wisdom and understanding from King Solomon. Her visit serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom from God and acknowledging His sovereignty. As biblicals, we can learn from the Queen of Sheba’s example to seek God’s wisdom diligently and to recognize His hand at work in our lives.