And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

1 KINGS 10:2KJV
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1 Kings 10:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:2 mean?

1 Kings 10:2 describes the queen of Sheba arriving in Jerusalem with a large and impressive group, bringing camels loaded with spices, gold, and precious stones. When she met Solomon, she spoke with him about everything on her mind.

The verse sets the scene for a royal visit: the queen of Sheba travels to meet King Solomon, bringing valuable gifts as was customary for important diplomatic meetings in the ancient world. The passage highlights both the wealth involved and the open, thoughtful conversation between the queen and Solomon, showing her desire to test his wisdom and learn from him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:2

  • The word for "train" is חַיִל (chayil, H2428), which often means "strength," "wealth," or "army." Here, it emphasizes the size and impressive nature of the queen’s entourage, suggesting not just numbers but also status and resources.
  • The word for "communed" is דָּבַר (davar, H1696), meaning "to speak" or "to converse." This word can imply a deep or meaningful conversation, not just casual talk, showing that the queen brought serious questions or concerns to Solomon.
  • The word for "heart" is לֵבָב (levav, H3824), which in Hebrew often refers to the inner self, including thoughts, feelings, and intentions. The verse suggests the queen was open and honest, sharing what truly mattered to her.

Why 1 Kings 10:2 matters

  • The verse shows that the queen of Sheba’s visit was not just about exchanging gifts but also about seeking wisdom and understanding, highlighting Solomon’s reputation beyond Israel.
  • The mention of her speaking "all that was in her heart" reveals a level of trust and respect for Solomon, emphasizing his role as a wise and discerning king.
  • This verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where Solomon’s wisdom and the splendor of his court are put on display, fulfilling earlier promises about his reign.

Where else these words appear

“spices” Hebrew H1314 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“precious” Hebrew H3368 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bare spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
  • Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

“great” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • 2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“camels” Hebrew H1581 · used in 51 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 30:43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.