When you think of King Solomon what words come to mind?
Once upon a time, Solomon desired to meet with the birds of the air. The birds gathered in a shimmering blur of feathers, beak and claw and roosted to hear the words of the powerful King. But the Hoopoe – the King of the Birds – wasn’t there! He finally appeared, his crown of feathers bright and shining in the morning sun.
“You dare appear so late? Where have you been?” snapped King Solomon.
“Where have I not been! What wonders I have seen! A land where the very trees reach down to drink from the waters of paradise and their branches graze the heavens. The streets glitter with gold and the rooves are thatched with silver. Not one man is unlearned, there is no crime and justice abounds! But of all these wonders the most wondrous thing is my Lord, this of plenty is ruled over by… a woman!”
“A woman!” King Solomon exclaimed. “Bring her to me at once! My, my… I must meet this… creature who can rule?!”
Far to the south, the Queen of Sheba sat on her throne and considered the Hoopoe’s request. King Solomon was famed for his power, his ability to speak 70 languages of birds and beast, the power to command the wind and waves. If she was to turn down the invite, what would this mean for her people? What would he do to her trading routes, her spice exports, the very trade that was the lifeblood of her land if she refused him?
And so she went.
And so the story begins, the story of Solomon and Sheba.
But it is not the story you know.
When you think of King Solomon what words come to mind? Wisdom, maybe? Justice? If that is the case, my friends, remember, history is kind…
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