Did Solomon Sleep with the Queen of Sheba?

In the annals of history, few tales are as enigmatic and captivating as the story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This intriguing narrative has been shrouded in mystery, legend, and speculation for centuries. Did the wise and wealthy King Solomon truly share more than just wisdom with the exotic Queen of Sheba? In this article, we will delve deep into the historical accounts, cultural context, and modern interpretations to uncover the truth behind this age-old question.

About Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba ruled over a kingdom believed to be located in the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula, encompassing parts of present-day Yemen, Ethiopia, and possibly Eritrea. Her realm was known for its opulence and prosperity, its cities adorned with riches from trade routes that crisscrossed the ancient world.

One day, whispers of the wisdom and wealth of King Solomon of Israel reached the ears of the Queen of Sheba. Her curiosity piqued, she embarked on a journey to meet this renowned monarch, her decision laden with significance, for it would mark the convergence of two powerful kingdoms.

Setting forth with a caravan laden with treasures—gold, spices, and precious gems—the Queen and her entourage embarked on an arduous journey. Caravan tracks stretched across vast deserts and rugged landscapes, taking them closer to their destination: Jerusalem, the heart of King Solomon's realm.

Upon her arrival at Solomon's court, the historical encounter unfolded. The great King Solomon, celebrated for his wisdom, received the Queen of Sheba with open arms. In the presence of his legendary intellect, the Queen posed a series of questions and riddles, testing the limits of his knowledge.

Did Solomon Sleep with the Queen of Sheba?

In one version of this ancient tale, King Solomon, inspired by a bird in his kingdom, decided to reach out to Queen Bilqīs, who was known for worshipping the Sun. He sent her a message, urging her to shift her devotion to God. Queen Bilqīs responded by sending valuable gifts to King Solomon, hoping to make amends. However, he remained distant. Eventually, Bilqīs took matters into her own hands and journeyed to Solomon's court.

During this time, Solomon's advisors, who were jinn, grew concerned that their wise king might be tempted to marry Bilqīs. They whispered to him that she possessed some unusual physical features, like hairy legs and hooves resembling those of an ass. Intrigued by these claims, Solomon had a glass floor installed before his throne. He hoped to test Bilqīs's reaction, tricking her into thinking it was a pool of water she needed to cross. As she raised her skirts to cross, she inadvertently revealed her genuinely hairy legs.

In response, Solomon ordered his jinn advisors to create a depilatory treatment for the queen. There are differing accounts about whether Solomon actually married Bilqīs or arranged for her to wed a Hamdānī tribesman. What remains consistent in the story is that she eventually embraced Solomon's faith.

In another variation of this tale, the Queen of Sheba, known as Makeda in Ethiopian tradition, was drawn to Solomon's court due to his renowned wisdom. She embarked on a journey to learn from him, staying in his kingdom for six months. During the last night of her visit, Solomon managed to trick her into sharing his bed, resulting in her pregnancy. Upon returning to her homeland, she gave birth to a son, Menilek.

Conclusion

The question of whether King Solomon slept with the Queen of Sheba remains a tantalizing mystery that may never be definitively answered. While ancient texts offer intriguing clues, they do not provide conclusive evidence of a romantic entanglement. Ultimately, the truth behind this ancient legend may forever be lost to the sands of time.