Women of the Bible: Queen of Sheba

She was wealthy, powerful, intelligent and accustomed to finding answers. Yet the Queen of Sheba travelled hundreds of miles to test a king whose wisdom had captured her attention. What she discovered was far greater than she expected. She arrived seeking Solomon's wisdom but left recognising the hand of his God. Could this be one of the most fascinating encounters of a woman discovering the living God?

In this episode of our **Women in the Bible** series, we explore the remarkable story of the Queen of Sheba, who travelled a great distance to test King Solomon with difficult questions and discover whether the reports of his wisdom and greatness were true.

We meet a woman presented first through her mind: curious, intellectually driven, discerning and wealthy. She does not simply accept what she has heard; she comes seeking answers. Yet what begins as an intellectual investigation becomes something much deeper.

As she listens to Solomon's wisdom and witnesses the splendour, riches and order of his kingdom, she recognises something beyond the king himself. She sees God's hand at work and praises the Lord, acknowledging that Solomon's wisdom and success are the result of God's favour.

Her response is significant. In Matthew 12:42, Jesus refers to the Queen of the South, saying she will rise in judgement against the generation of His day. She travelled from afar to hear Solomon's wisdom, yet someone greater than Solomon was now among them. Her story challenges us to recognise God's presence and respond to the truth when we encounter it.

We also consider the significance of this meeting between a Jewish king and a Gentile woman. It offers a glimpse of God's plan for all people, beyond nationality, gender or status. We are reminded of Galatians 3:28: in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Him.

The Queen leaves with more than the answers she came seeking. Solomon gives her all she desires and asks for. This generosity points us towards the abundance of God's gifts. Ephesians 1:3 speaks of every spiritual blessing in Christ, while Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Her encounter also challenges us to consider what we are seeking when we come to God. Are we willing to ask questions, listen, seek wisdom and allow what we discover to shape our faith? The Queen's journey reminds us that intelligence and faith are not opposites. A thoughtful, discerning mind can lead us towards a deeper recognition of God.

Finally, we reflect on why the Queen of Sheba is remembered: she recognised and honoured God's hand at work. Her story reminds us that true wisdom sees beyond human achievement and gives glory to the One who makes all things possible.

Join us as we discover this remarkable woman whose intelligence, curiosity and discernment led her to recognise something greater than herself. May her story encourage us to seek truth, welcome God's wisdom and honour Him with all that we are.

**Scripture focus:** 1 Kings 10:1–13; 2 Chronicles 9:1–12; Matthew 12:42; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 3:20.

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