32. The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10)

The fame of Solomon's wisdom and his relationship with the name of the Lord reached distant lands. The Queen of Sheba, intrigued by all she had heard, decided to travel to Jerusalem to test the king with hard questions. She arrived with a great retinue and precious gifts: gold, precious stones, and spices. Upon speaking with Solomon, she was breathless to find that the reality far exceeded everything she had been told.

The queen marveled not only at the king's intelligence but also at the order of his palace, the peace of his kingdom, and the way they gave worship to God. Upon leaving, she praised the Lord, saying: "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel." This encounter symbolizes how true wisdom draws all nations toward the knowledge of the true God.

Jesus himself mentions the Queen of Sheba in the Gospel as an example of one who seeks the Truth: "The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment... for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here." She teaches us not to settle for what we hear about God, but to set out on a journey to know Him personally, recognizing that in Christ we find the fullness of all wisdom and happiness.

Key Points according to the Bible

Search for Truth: The queen does not settle for rumors; she wants to verify the truth for herself.
Admiration: Recognizing the good and beauty in others leads us to praise God.
Universality of Faith: God makes Himself known to all peoples through His wisdom.
Greater than Solomon: The encounter prefigures the arrival of Jesus, Wisdom incarnate.

Biblical Text

Consult the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit here: USCCB - 1 Kings Chapter 10

Reflection Activities: 1 Kings 10

1. Text Comprehension: Why did the Queen of Sheba decide to visit Solomon, and what was her reaction after speaking with him?

2. Doctrinal Content: Jesus says that "something greater than Solomon is here." How is God's wisdom manifested in the life of Jesus and in His Church?

3. Catechetical Application: The queen set out on a journey to seek the Truth. What can you do today to know your faith better and not just stay with what others tell you?

4. Faith Commitment: The peace and order of Solomon's kingdom gave witness to God. How can your joy and your way of behaving draw others toward Christ?