A Historic Encounter: King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

The famous biblical description of the historic meeting between King Solomon, peace be upon him, and the Queen of Sheba begins when Solomon was a young man. Hashem appeared to him in a dream, and Solomon asked for wisdom and the ability to discern good from evil. This request pleased Hashem, who replied:[1] "Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you. And also what you have not asked I have given you, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto you all your days."

Solomon grew, and his rule was established. His wisdom became renowned among various nations, prompting delegations to travel from afar to meet the renowned king, particularly known for solving riddles beyond the scope of ordinary men.[2] As it says in scripture:[3] "And Hashem gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt. And he was wiser than all men... and his fame was in all nations round about."

The fame of Solomon also reached the Kingdom of Sheba,[4] and the queen decided to visit Jerusalem to test Solomon's wisdom. Historian Josephus wrote that the Queen of Sheba was "greatly skilled in wisdom and astonishment in all aspects. She heard of Solomon's virtues and wisdom... and decided to come to him. She especially wanted to test his wisdom, to present him with questions and ask him to solve her perplexing issues."[5]

The Queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem with abundant gifts, including camels loaded with spices, gold, and precious stones.[6] She was received by King Solomon with great honor and splendor. Despite his busy schedule, he devoted his full attention to her, answering all her questions and riddles with wisdom and grace.[7]

When the Queen of Sheba witnessed Solomon's profound wisdom and the order and organization of his palace and kingdom, she was so impressed that she said to Solomon:[8] "It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. However, I did not believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it, and behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceeds the fame which I heard. Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom."

King Solomon credited all his success and wisdom to the abundance bestowed upon him by Hashem, as it says in the verse introducing the Queen of Sheba's journey:[9] "And the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Hashem," explained by the commentator "Metzudat David" as the Queen heard that "his wisdom was not of human nature, but was given to him by Hashem."

Before the Queen of Sheba left Jerusalem to return to her land, she expressed her admiration:[10] "Blessed be the Hashem your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to do justice and righteousness."