1 Kings Chapter 10 · Verse 6
And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
אֱמֶת֙
It was a true
H571
אֱמֶת֙
It was a true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
4 of 13
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
הָיָ֣ה
H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thy acts
H1697
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thy acts
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
that I heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
that I heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בְּאַרְצִ֑י
in mine own land
H776
בְּאַרְצִ֑י
in mine own land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
9 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thy acts
H1697
דְּבָרֶ֖יךָ
of thy acts
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of queen of sheba and solomon's wealth, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.