1. Introduction
Sheba is a prominent biblical kingdom associated with great wealth, wisdom, and international trade. Best known from the narrative of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon (1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 9), Sheba represents both a literal and symbolic meeting point between East African and Arabian cultures and the Israelite kingdom. This article explores the historical, geographical, and theological significance of Sheba, along with archaeological theories and its legacy in later religious traditions.
2. Geographic Identification
- Primary Candidates:
- Yemen (Southern Arabia): The Sabean Kingdom, centred in Marib, known for wealth, incense, and advanced architecture.
- Ethiopia (Horn of Africa): Tradition identifies Sheba with ancient Aksum or Cushite regions, especially in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
- Trade Networks:
- Sheba controlled lucrative incense and spice routes, stretching from the Arabian Peninsula through the Red Sea to East Africa and up into Israel.
3. Key Biblical References
| Scripture | Context |
|---|---|
| Genesis 10:7, 28 | Sheba listed among descendants of Ham (Cush) and Shem (Joktan), suggesting a complex ethnological identity. |
| 1 Kings 10:1–13 | Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his wisdom. |
| 2 Chronicles 9:1–12 | Parallel account of the Queen’s visit. |
| Psalm 72:10, 15 | Sheba mentioned as a distant nation bringing tribute to the ideal Davidic king. |
| Isaiah 60:6 | Prophetic vision of Sheba bringing gold and incense in messianic times. |
| Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31 | Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba as a witness to the wisdom of God, contrasting her seeking Solomon with the people’s rejection of Christ. |
4. The Queen of Sheba: Historical and Symbolic Significance
- Wisdom and Diplomacy:
- The Queen’s journey was both a political alliance and an intellectual inquiry, symbolising a recognition of Israel’s God-given wisdom.
- Lavish Tribute:
- Brought gold, precious stones, and spices — symbolising Sheba’s wealth and the global recognition of Solomon’s glory.
- New Testament Interpretation:
- Jesus affirms the Queen’s actions as righteous seeking of divine truth, elevating her above His own generation.
5. Archaeological and Historical Insights
- Sabean Inscriptions:
- Found in modern-day Yemen and parts of Saudi Arabia, written in South Arabian script, describing temple construction, trade, and royal affairs.
- Marib Dam:
- Ancient engineering marvel that supported agriculture and trade in the Sabean capital.
- Aksumite Empire (Ethiopia):
- Later Ethiopian tradition connects Sheba with Aksum; the Kebra Nagast recounts her marriage to Solomon and the birth of Menelik I, founder of the Solomonic dynasty.
6. Ethiopia’s Sheban Tradition
- Kebra Nagast (14th century CE):
- National epic of Ethiopia; details how the Queen of Sheba (called Makeda) bore Solomon’s son, Menelik, who brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.
- This tradition forms the spiritual and royal identity of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and is foundational to the Ethiopian monarchy.
7. Theological and Symbolic Themes
Universal Recognition of Divine Wisdom
- Sheba’s queen symbolises the global attraction to God’s wisdom and the extension of divine blessings beyond Israel.
Messianic Fulfilment
- In Isaiah 60, Sheba’s wealth is offered to the Messianic king — fulfilled spiritually in the Magi bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Judgment and Righteousness
- In Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 12:42), the Queen of Sheba becomes a model of spiritual discernment, exposing the hardness of those who ignore God’s greater wisdom in Christ.
8. Cultural Legacy
- Islamic Tradition:
- Known as Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba appears in Surah 27 (An-Naml), where she submits to Solomon and acknowledges Allah.
- Christian and Jewish Midrash:
- Later interpretations portray her as a seeker of truth, symbolising Gentile inclusion in God’s wisdom.
9. Conclusion
Sheba was more than a wealthy kingdom; it was a bridge between Africa, Arabia, and Israel, both geographically and theologically. The Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon symbolises the international reverence for divine wisdom and the foreshadowing of Gentile inclusion in God’s plan. Through its rich archaeological heritage, religious symbolism, and enduring tradition, Sheba remains a profound testament to the global scope of biblical revelation.
Key Takeaways
- Sheba is linked to both Yemen (Saba) and Ethiopia (Cush/Aksum).
- The Queen of Sheba represents a foreign seeker of divine wisdom.
- Theologically, Sheba foreshadows Messianic homage and Gentile inclusion.
- Ethiopian and Islamic traditions preserve Sheba’s legacy in distinctive ways.
References
- The Holy Bible (Genesis 10, 1 Kings 10, Psalms, Isaiah 60, Matthew 12, Luke 11)
- Kitchen, K. A. (1995). The Bible in Its World.
- Munro-Hay, S. C. (1991). Aksum: An African Civilization of Late Antiquity.
- Pritchard, J. B. (ed.). (1969). Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament.
- Trimingham, J. S. (1952). Islam in Ethiopia.