1 Kings 10 explained: Solomon's Fame, Gold and Glory

A queen comes to test (vv. 1-5)

Sheba was most likely a wealthy trading kingdom in southern Arabia, around modern Yemen, though Ethiopian tradition claims her too. She brought her hardest questions, and Solomon's answers, his orderly court and his temple offerings left her overwhelmed.

Her verdict and praise (vv. 6-10)

She admits the reports were true and fell far short of the reality, and she praises the LORD for putting Solomon on the throne to keep justice and do what is right. Jesus later pointed to her long journey in search of wisdom, and Christians read her as an outsider who went to great lengths to seek it.

Rare wood and royal gifts (vv. 11-13)

A side note mentions Hiram's ships bringing gold and a prized wood from Ophir, a place no one can locate today, and scholars are unsure what almugwood was, possibly sandalwood. Solomon then gives the queen generous gifts in return, as rulers of that time were expected to do.

Gold shields and a lion throne (vv. 14-21)

Solomon's yearly income in gold was enormous, and he made ceremonial gold shields for his great cedar hall, called the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon after its many cedar pillars. The text says nothing like his ivory throne with its twelve lions had ever been made for any kingdom, and gold was so plentiful that silver seemed almost worthless.

Ships and worldwide fame (vv. 22-25)

His large seagoing trade ships returned every three years with treasures and exotic animals, though some of the animal names are uncertain words. The text says the whole world sought him out to hear his God-given wisdom, and visitors brought gifts year after year.

Horses, chariots and trade (vv. 26-29)

Solomon built up a large chariot force and acted as a middleman, buying horses and chariots from Egypt and Kue (in southern Turkey) and selling them to neighboring kings. Some readers notice that the law in Deuteronomy warned kings not to pile up horses, silver and gold, and see a hint here of trouble to come, while others read this list as straightforward praise.

Key verse: 1 Kings 10:23

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this chapter simply celebrates God's blessing on Solomon or already hints, through its long lists of gold and horses, at the excess that leads to his downfall in chapter 11.

Something to think about

When someone's success looks dazzling from the outside, what would you want to know before deciding whether it is worth admiring?