Queen of sheba

The Queen of Sheba is a figure from the Hebrew Bible, with her name also mentioned in Islamic and Ethiopian tradition. She is often associated with or compared to the wise and mysterious figure of the Queen of the South, whom Jesus speaks of in his parable in Matthew 12:42. According to biblical accounts, she visited King Solomon in Jerusalem as a representative of her own kingdom. During her visit, she presented King Solomon with a variety of gifts, consisting mostly of gold, spices and precious stones. After leaving Jerusalem, Solomon sent her away with yet more riches than she had brought with her original gift offering. In addition to being referenced directly in the Bible, legends surrounding the Queen have been perpetuated throughout various cultures through pictorial representations and ancient texts such as those recorded by 9th-century Arab geographer Masudi et al. Modern illustrations depict her as a beautiful woman dressed in fine garments on a throne surrounded by an abundance of wealth such as animals, jewels and sculptures symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. Her legacy has endured beyond religious texts into Renaissance art, classical music and modern literature. Somali poet Ali Jimale Ahmed wrote a book entitled “The Appointed Hour” whose protagonist is based on this legendary queen from long ago. It tells the story from Sheba's point of view as she reflects on her spirituality before meeting Solomon for their historic encounter. As many tales about powerful figures throughout history do, it serves to inspire readers to continue their search for truth amidst all that is uncertain about life on Earth.