Sheba, Queen of

A ruler of the Sabeans contemporary with King Solomon (tenth century BCE), whom she visited to test his wisdom. Impressed with his wealth as well as his wisdom, she blessed both Solomon and the God of Israel for such splendor. She gave Solomon 120 talents of gold in addition to other precious items, and Solomon in his turn bestowed rich presents upon her prior to her return to her own land. She is mentioned by Jesus (as the “queen of the South”) in (Matt 12:42).