Who Was The Queen of Sheba

By: Margret S

Her celebrated biblical visit to King Solomon, meticulously documented in the ancient texts, forms but the initial thread in a narrative that extends into the very heart of Masonic allegory and legend.

Within the Masonic framework, the Queen’s journey transcends a mere historical encounter, evolving into a symbolic exploration of humanity’s quest for knowledge, the intricate relationship between spiritual and temporal power, and the enduring legacy of the construction of King Solomon’s Temple.

This article seeks to delve into the multifaceted presence of the Queen of Sheba, tracing her historical roots in scripture, her intriguing connections with King Solomon and Hiram Abiff within Masonic lore, and her ultimate significance as an allegorical figure within the broader context of Freemasonry, particularly for an international Masonic readership seeking deeper understanding and insight.

I. The Queen of Sheba in Biblical History: A Monarch’s Quest for Wisdom

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The cornerstone of the Queen of Sheba’s story lies firmly within the biblical narrative, primarily recounted in the tenth chapter of the First Book of Kings Here, we are introduced to a formidable monarch who, having been regaled with accounts of the “fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord,” was compelled to undertake a significant journey to Jerusalem.

Her purpose was not one of mere curiosity; she came “to test Solomon with hard questions”. This initial detail establishes the Queen not simply as a wealthy ruler, but as a discerning intellect, eager to engage with and evaluate the widely acclaimed wisdom of the Israelite king.

Her arrival in Jerusalem was far from understated. She journeyed with a “very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones”.

This opulent procession served as a clear indicator of the Queen’s own power and the considerable resources of her kingdom, setting the stage for a meeting between two of the ancient world’s most prosperous and influential figures.

Upon reaching Solomon, the Queen engaged him in profound conversation, speaking with him “about all that she had on her mind” The biblical text underscores Solomon’s exceptional intellectual prowess, stating unequivocally that “Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her”.

This exchange validated the reports that had reached the Queen, confirming the depth and breadth of Solomon’s wisdom.

However, the Queen’s experience extended beyond intellectual discourse. She was afforded a comprehensive view of Solomon’s kingdom, witnessing “all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord”

The scripture notes that upon observing this spectacle of order, wealth, and piety, “she was overwhelmed” This profound reaction led her to acknowledge the truthfulness, and even the inadequacy, of the reports she had previously received.

The visit culminated in a lavish exchange of gifts, a common practice between visiting dignitaries in the ancient world. The Queen of Sheba presented King Solomon with “120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones”.

The sheer quantity of spices was so remarkable that the biblical account explicitly mentions that “never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon”.

In return, “King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty” Following this significant encounter and exchange, the Queen, along with her retinue, returned to her own country

The account provided by Flavius Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews offers a supplementary perspective on this historical meeting Josephus identifies the Queen of Sheba as “the woman who at that time ruled as queen of Egypt and Ethiopia”, a claim now largely understood by scholars to refer to her being a queen of Sabea in South Arabia, closer to Judea Josephus echoes the biblical accounts of her hearing of Solomon’s “virtue and understanding” and being driven by a “strong desire to see him”.

He also notes that the Queen was “thoroughly trained in wisdom” herself While the Book of Kings mentions 120 talents of gold, Josephus states that “she gave him twenty talents of gold and an incalculable quantity of spices, and precious stones”, a clear discrepancy between the two accounts.

Interestingly, Josephus adds a unique detail, suggesting that “they say that we have the root of the opobalsamon, which our country still bears, as a result of this woman’s gift”. He further emphasises Solomon’s gracious reception, noting that “the king received her gladly on her arrival and was studious to please her in all ways” , readily solving her “ingenious problems”.

Josephus also highlights Solomon’s magnanimity in giving the Queen “many fine gifts, in particular with those which she selected as most desirable, for there was nothing which he did not give when she asked to have it”

These historical accounts, both biblical and those offered by Josephus, paint a picture of the Queen of Sheba as a powerful, intelligent, and discerning ruler who sought out King Solomon to witness his renowned wisdom and the grandeur of his kingdom.

Her visit and the subsequent exchange of knowledge and valuable gifts underscore the significant interaction between their respective realms.

II. The Queen of Sheba and Hiram Abiff: A Masonic Enigma of Affection and Rivalry

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The intersection of the Queen of Sheba and Hiram Abiff lies predominantly within the realm of Masonic legend, where their relationship assumes a compelling and deeply allegorical significance.

While the biblical narrative confines the Queen’s interactions to King Solomon, Masonic traditions interweave an intricate, albeit non-scriptural, connection between her and Hiram Abiff, the chief architect and master of works in the construction of King Solomon’s Temple

Within certain Masonic traditions, a narrative of mutual admiration and even affection develops between the Queen of Sheba and Hiram Abiff.

These accounts often present a contrast in the Queen’s perception of the two central figures of the Temple’s construction.

While she was initially impressed by the reported and witnessed wisdom of Solomon and the splendour of his court , her subsequent encounters with Hiram Abiff, particularly his demonstration of unparalleled skill and masterful authority over the vast workforce engaged in the Temple project, are depicted as having a profound and lasting impact

Charles William Heckethorn, in his Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, recounts a version where Solomon, consumed by envy due to the burgeoning affection between Hiram and the Queen of Sheba, even plots against his master architect Gerard de Nerval’s elaborate rendition in Voyage en Orient further intertwines the destinies of Balkis (another name frequently attributed to the Queen of Sheba) with Solomon and Adoniram (another name for Hiram Abiff in some esoteric traditions), suggesting a deep and meaningful connection between the Queen and the master craftsman.

In this narrative, the Queen’s fascination extends to observing Hiram’s effortless command over a multitude of workmen, achieved through mere symbolic gestures.

This display of practical power, coupled with his evident mastery of the operative craft, is often portrayed as captivating the Queen in a manner that Solomon’s abstract, albeit profound, wisdom alone could not.

Within the allegorical framework of Freemasonry, the Queen of Sheba is sometimes interpreted as the composite soul of humanity In this symbolic context, her interactions with Solomon (representing spiritual power, divine wisdom, and theocratic authority) and Hiram Abiff (representing temporal power, practical skill, and the inherent dignity of human labour) embody the fundamental choices and inherent tensions within the human journey of self-discovery and societal development.

The narrative of the Queen being more deeply impressed by Hiram’s tangible capabilities can be understood as an allegory for humanity recognizing the vital importance of practical action, technical skill, and the transformative role of the artisan in shaping the material world.

The legendary, and ultimately failed, attempt at amalgamation between the “Sons of Seth” (often associated with the spiritual and the lineage of Solomon) and the “Sons of Cain” (often associated with the temporal and the lineage of Hiram), partly attributed to jealousy and rivalry over the Queen’s favour, further underscores this allegorical theme of the complex and often fraught relationship between the spiritual and material aspects of human existence, or between church and state The Masonic Legend suggests that had it not been for this jealousy and self-seeking, an “equitable union between Church and State might have been effected and human evolution might have been greatly furthered”

III. Queen of Sheba and King Solomon: Beyond the Biblical Exchange

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Beyond the foundational biblical encounter, Masonic legends often embellish the relationship between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, imbuing it with layers of intrigue and deeper symbolic meaning.

While the scriptures primarily depict a meeting of intellectual equals and powerful monarchs engaging in a mutual exchange of wisdom and gifts, Masonic traditions sometimes introduce elements of courtship and even suggest a betrothal between the two rulers prior to the Queen’s pivotal meeting with Hiram Abiff.

However, it is also noted within Masonic interpretations that this marriage was never consummated, potentially to preserve the symbolic purity of the Queen as awaiting a figure embodying the combined virtues of both Solomon and Hiram.

The Masonic perspective frequently highlights Solomon’s earnest desire to impress the Queen not only with the profundity of his wisdom but also with the unparalleled splendour of his kingdom and the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Temple he was in the process of constructing.

Her visit is sometimes presented as a crucial test of Solomon’s “powers of discretion” The emergence of tension and rivalry within Masonic legends, stemming from the Queen’s apparent greater admiration for Hiram Abiff’s practical mastery, introduces the significant theme of jealousy and possessiveness, suggesting a far more complex and emotionally charged dynamic between the three central figures than the relatively straightforward account presented in the Bible.

Josephus’ emphasis on Solomon’s hospitality and his remarkable skill in resolving the Queen’s “ingenious problems” aligns with the image of a wise and capable ruler found in both the biblical narrative and certain aspects of Masonic tradition.

However, the romantic undertones and the ensuing rivalry for the Queen’s affection are largely specific to Masonic interpretations, serving to enrich the allegorical lessons embedded within the legends surrounding the construction of the Temple and the interplay of spiritual and temporal power.

The Queen’s role as a catalyst in revealing the underlying tensions and human frailties even amongst the most revered figures adds a layer of depth to the Masonic narrative.

IV. Queen of Sheba and Freemasonry: An Allegorical Presence

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The Queen of Sheba occupies a noteworthy and multifaceted place within the allegorical landscape of Freemasonry, particularly in her connection to the construction of King Solomon’s Temple and the central, tragic figure of Hiram Abiff Her momentous visit to Jerusalem is often portrayed as a pivotal event that indirectly contributes to the intricate narrative surrounding Hiram’s untimely and violent demise in Masonic lore

Her arrival, laden with symbolic gifts and driven by a deep thirst for wisdom and understanding, can be interpreted as symbolic of humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge, enlightenment, and the discernment of truth, a fundamental tenet that resonates deeply within the philosophical underpinnings of Freemasonry.

Her interactions with both Solomon (representing abstract wisdom and spiritual authority) and (in Masonic legend) Hiram Abiff (representing practical skill, operative knowledge, and the tangible manifestations of human ingenuity) represent different, yet equally vital, facets of this continuous human pursuit of understanding

References to the Queen of Sheba appear in various Masonic rituals and degrees, often serving to impart specific moral or allegorical lessons For instance, the legend associated with the “Knight of the Master of the Blue” degree, found within some appendant bodies such as the Knight Templar Priests, features a compelling narrative where the Queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon’s renowned wisdom, undertakes a journey to “test King Solomon’s powers of discretion”.

One particular test involves her presenting Solomon with two bunches of lilies, one natural and one artificial, challenging him to discern the true from the imitation.

This allegorical trial underscores the paramount importance of discernment, the ability to distinguish between genuine merit and mere superficial appearance, and the constant need to seek true knowledge, all of which are significant themes within Masonic teachings

Furthermore, the “Princess of the Crown” degree within Adoptive Masonry (a historical system that included women) specifically featured rituals and narratives that directly engaged with the story of the Queen of Sheba.

This highlights a broader historical interest in her figure and the allegorical potential of her story within related, albeit distinct, Masonic traditions.

It suggests that the Queen’s narrative held particular significance for female members of these androgynous Masonic systems, potentially embodying ideals of wisdom, strength, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Holy Royal Arch, a foundational and highly significant degree in Freemasonry, features the sacred altar inscribed with the venerated names of Solomon, Hiram King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff.

While the Queen of Sheba’s name is not directly present on this central piece of furniture, her momentous visit is the very catalyst that brings these three key figures together within the historical and legendary context of the Temple’s construction.

Thus, her presence, though not explicitly stated, is implicitly woven into the foundational narrative of Freemasonry, highlighting the interconnectedness of these iconic figures in the unfolding of the Temple’s sacred history.

The symbolic interpretation of the Queen of Sheba as the “COMPOSITE SOUL OF HUMANITY” seeking enlightenment and navigating the complex choices between different paths – the spiritual and the temporal, the abstract and the practical – resonates profoundly with the inherently allegorical nature of Masonic teachings.

Her legendary preference for the practical mastery of Hiram Abiff over the abstract wisdom of Solomon can be seen as an allegory for humanity’s recognition of the power and profound importance of tangible action and the transformative role of skilled craftsmanship in shaping the world around us.

The narrative of the ultimately unsuccessful attempt to unite the “Sons of Seth” and the “Sons of Cain,” partly attributed to jealousy over the Queen’s favour, serves as a timeless reminder of the inherent complexities of human nature, the ever-present potential for both profound wisdom and destructive jealousy, and the enduring human aspiration for a balanced and harmonious existence between the spiritual and the material realms

In conclusion, the Queen of Sheba’s remarkable journey from a historically attested, discerning biblical monarch seeking wisdom from King Solomon to a significant and multifaceted presence within Masonic legend underscores the enduring power and adaptability of her story.

Within the rich and symbolic framework of Freemasonry, she embodies profound themes of wisdom, the crucial importance of discernment, the intricate and often challenging interplay between the spiritual and temporal realms, and the enduring complexities of human aspiration.

While the imaginative Masonic narratives extend considerably beyond the concise biblical account, they draw their initial inspiration and core meaning from it, creating a rich and intricate tapestry of allegory and symbolism that continues to resonate deeply with Freemasons across the globe, offering timeless and invaluable lessons in morality, wisdom, and the multifaceted nature of the human condition.

The Queen of Sheba remains a potent and enduring symbol within the Masonic tradition, a testament to humanity’s timeless and unwavering pursuit of light, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence.

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