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Sheba

Illustration of Sheba

The ancient realm of Sheba, celebrated for its riches in gold, spices, and incense, played a notable role in Scripture through the visit of its queen to King Solomon, where she tested his renowned wisdom and marveled at the blessings of the God of Israel. This encounter not only showcased the splendor of Solomon's kingdom but also illustrated how distant nations were drawn to the light of divine wisdom. Prophetic visions later speak of gifts from Sheba being presented in honor of the coming King, pointing to the broader redemptive plan where all peoples would offer tribute to the Lord.

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Details

Region
Southern Arabia
Modern Location
Yemen (ancient Saba)
Strongest connections in Scripture

Key Passages

Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon

1 Kings 10:1-13

The Queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem with gifts to test Solomon's wisdom and was impressed by his wealth and court.

A1nd 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.

2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomonโ€™s wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. 6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. 9 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. 10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the kingโ€™s house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day. 13 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.

Prophecy of Gifts from Sheba

Isaiah 60:6

Isaiah foretells that camels from Sheba will bring gold and incense in worship to God.

T6he multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

Sheba's Wealth and Trade

Ezekiel 27:22-23

Ezekiel lists Sheba among Tyre's trading partners known for precious stones, gold, and spices.

T22he merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

23 Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants.