She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! –1 Kings 10:6-8, NIV
Some say there was witchcraft brewing in that land––that a strange God told them to do wondrous things and beautiful miracles nobody could understand, and they cowered in fear, trembling, waiting for judgement to come to their souls. While others said bigger things, better things, bolder things, about the king’s wisdom. That time he almost split a baby in half in order to reconcile with the real mother. That beautiful temple, crafted by divine hand and gorgeous, statuesque proportions that shamed every other Baal around the region. It was a clean journey filled with lakes and deserts and pockets of snow, all nearly one atop the other.
But she also had guarded the true intentions with her royal visit: she closely guarded heartbreak in her heart.
There were so many disappointments and failures surrounding her kingdom. They did not like being bossed around by women––even women preferred slavery over having a woman lead them to freedom! A coup was brewing, and she feared to stop it. Many suitors of different regions broke her, and now she feels lonely and afraid to love. As she met the king named Solomon, whose wisdom dwarfed that of her own prophets, she begun to ponder what was the first thing she could say that would impress him. Kisses and exchanges were done, increasing the kingdom’s glory a millionfold. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, more so pleasing to his God that was watching her.
When she opened her mouth for the first time, all she could do was worship.