The Queen of Sheba

When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.

~I Kings 10:1

What two things did the Queen of Sheba know about Solomon?

• that he became famous and found the love for the Lord

Think of one famous person.  What made that person famous?  If you could meet one famous person, who would that person be?  What person can you think of who is famous because of "his relation to the name of the Lord"?

• the late Senator Kennedy because he helped to create or support many of the ADA laws that were made
• our president
• Blessed John Paul II

 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.

And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

~I Kings 10:2, 10

What does the Queen of Sheba's gift to Solomon tell you about her nation's wealth?  Why would she bring such extravigant gifts?

• that people that live in her nations are very rich
• to please him

What's the most extravigant gift you've ever given to another person?  To God?

• probably a bottle of cologne
• my heart

What's easier for you to give: a gift you can buy or a gift that requires that you give something of yourself?

• We probably shoudl do the latter, but probably the easiest for most of us is to by a gift for someone

Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.  Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.

~I Kings 10:2-3

What questions do you think the Queen of Sheba asked of Solomon?

• Probably questions about God

If you could have an audience with Solomon, what one question woudl you ask him?

• How did you find love for the Lord?

When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,  the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed.

~I Kings 10:4-5

What two things about Solomon most impressed the Queen of Sheba?

• I would say the wisdom he had and the many servants that served him

Do you know anyone whome you think is truly wise?  What imporesses you most about that person?

• I think I could say the chair person from the music departmetn at my college
• his sensitivity and encouragement towards others

She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.  But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.  How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!  Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.

~I Kings 10:6-9, 13

From everything you have read about the Queen of Sheba here, how would you describe her?

• inquisative

Is there anything in her character that you wish were true of you?  What can you do to develope yourself in that area?

• I would say being able to develpe some question s that woudl spark some meaning ful conversation with another person. 
• I guess a way I could do that is just relax and not think that a question I might have is stupid