What did the Queen of Sheba give to Solomon?

The encounter between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is one of the Bible's more intriguing stories, revealing much about both parties involved. The lavish gifts that the Queen bestowed upon Solomon—120 talents of gold, spices so abundant that they were described as almost overwhelming, and precious stones—speak volumes. 120 talents of gold, while difficult to grasp in terms of modern value, likely amounted to several million dollars today! This not only indicates the wealth of Sheba but also her recognition of Solomon's esteemed status.

Interestingly, the Queen’s journey to meet Solomon was likely a long one, possibly originating from the region that straddled present-day Yemen and parts of Africa. Along the way, she might have heard tales of his unparalleled wisdom and insight. This adds an exciting dimension to her visit: kings and queens from distant lands were aware of Solomon’s brilliance, echoing the lore that surrounds wise figures throughout historical texts.

Connecting to the wider narrative, Her gifts reflect the biblical idea of reciprocity—what you offer is directly tied to what you hope to gain. It challenges us to ponder what means of wisdom we value and how we recognize excellence in others. Not to forget, like the wisdom books (including Proverbs), this story filters such themes through the lens of devotion—not just to wealth, but also to knowledge, understanding, and respect for God’s roles in human affairs.