1 Kings 10

1 the queen of Sheba. “Sheba” was Saba or Sabæa, in South Arabia: a country whose inhabitants were well known to the Hebrews and the Greeks for their extensive traffic in the spices, gold, and precious stones which there abounded. The productions here described (2) are identical with those of the kingdom of Sabæa, as given by Strabo, the elder Pliny, and other authorities. During the last fifty years, much light has been thrown on the ancient civilisation of Saba by the discovery of coins and inscriptions. For a detailed account, see Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible (article by Professor D. S. Margoliouth).

5 his servants, and . . . ministers. The “servants” seem to be the ministers of state, seated in their places at the king’s table; the “ministers,” the attendants of the palace, waiting, in the royal liveries, upon him and his guests.

his ascent. The Hebrew word here used is generally translated “burnt offering”; and the Septuagint and some other versions render the clause, “and the burnt offerings which he offered (or caused to ascend) in the house of the Lord.”

12 almuq trees. Or, algum-tree (2 Chron. ix. 10, 11). Sandalwood.

19 stays. “Arms” of the chair or throne.

22. Tharshish. The situation of Tarshish has been much debated. The prevailing opinion is that it was the celebrated Phoenician colony of Tartessus on the Atlantic coast of Spain, not far from the modern Cadiz. But some recent scholars, including Cheyne, and Professor Max Müller of Philadelphia, favour the view that it was in Italy and that its people were the Tyrrenians or Etruscans.

24 all the earth. That is, the neighbouring nations. Cp. French, tout le monde.

28 and linen yarn, etc. The Hebrew word here and in Chronicles translated “linen yarn” does not bear this meaning elsewhere. The R.V. renders the clause, “the king’s merchants received them (the horses) in droves, each drove at a price.”

29. And a chariot, etc. In “multiplying horses,” Solomon violated an express injunction of the law (Deut. xvii. 16). See also Isa. xxxi. 1. It is worthy of notice that horses and chariots, however serviceable in a plain country, were ill suited for warfare in a mountainous region, such as Palestine. Consequently this law, which discouraged the use of horses, in fact compelled the Israelites to employ the kind of force best suited to the defence of their country.

six hundred [shekels] of silver. This, which included the horses and harness, would be equivalent to about £75; and that of a cavalry horse about £20.