The story tells that the Queen of Sheba came to meet a potential trading partner. In that trading venture, she met King Solomon, who she provided with lavish gifts. He reciprocated. Sheba, ancient Sabea at the southwest corner of the Arabian peninsula, (Jewish Study Bible). “The Queen was from the Sheba province, located in modern-day Yemen and Queen of the territory of Sheba and of Ethiopia, both a part of one empire at the time. She was from the family line of Shem and Ham, a descendant of Abraham and his wife Keturah.
Sheba, also known as Queen of Ethiopia and Queen of the South. This great black queen went to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem and was overwhelmed by his wealth and wisdom. Later, as a result of this union, Solomon fathered a son, Menelek.”
[Original African Heritage Study Bible] This is a love story and history of our inheritance as rich, black people. We all know that Africa is known for gold and diamonds; but the land has been raped of its wealth. Having gone to Africa several times, I see how industrious our people are, harvesting coffee, beautiful fabrics and unlimited products from the palm tree. Queen Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon endowed by the LORD. She wanted to know if all she had heard was true. She came to prove him, asking him hard questions.
She brought a very great train: camels loaded with spices, very much gold and precious stones. She communed with him of all that was in her heart. Solomon answered all her questions. She withheld nothing from him. No question did he not answer in wisdom. She observed his palace, great wealth, his wisdom, his courtiers, the fare, seating arrangements and commented on how fortunate they all were to be around him and hear his wisdom. She said to the King, “The report I heard in my own land about you and your wisdom was true. But, I did not believe the reports that I heard” [but now I see]. She was breath taken; gave Solomon great quantities of gold, vast quantity of spices, almug wood, a quantity that has never been matched; gold from Ophir from King of Tyre (Hiram) located in the area of modern-day Lebanon. The people of Tyre were black Canaanites, called Phoenicians, meaning “land of the palm.” King Solomon excelled all the kings on earth in wealth and wisdom. From all over the world they came to hear his God endowed wisdom; bringing gifts: tribute, silver, gold, weapons, robes, horses and mules. He lacked for nothing. (1 Kings 10) Open our minds to our inheritance of wisdom and wealth.
Teach your children at home!
[Jeanette Grattan Parker is Superintendent-Founder of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043 323-293-9826 “Ask Dr. Jeanette” [email protected] Writings are copyright “Inquiring Minds Want To Know” “Will You Marry Me?” author, artist, marriage expert (50years+) educator, speaker]
