Who Was the Queen of Sheba?

A Rubric-Based Investigation of South Arabia, Ethiopia, Solomon, and the Evidence

By: P.C. Anderson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

For centuries, the Queen of Sheba has stood at the crossroads of history, archaeology, theology, and legend. Her brief appearance in 1 Kings 10 and 2 Chronicles 9—a foreign monarch arriving in Jerusalem with a caravan of gold, spices, and hard questions—has inspired Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, Ethiopian national identity, and modern scholarship. Yet the central question remains: Who was she?

In this groundbreaking study, biblical scholar P. C. Anderson applies a rigorous nine‑variable rubric to evaluate the five major responsible hypotheses: • a South Arabian queen from Saba • an Ethiopian ruler (Makeda) • a now‑lost historical monarch • a literary‑historical figure • a Composite Tradition blending history and later developments

Drawing directly from the Hebrew text, ancient Near Eastern history, archaeological findings, wisdom literature, and canonical theology, the book tests each hypothesis against the evidence available to the biblical authors and their earliest readers. The result is a transparent, data‑driven comparison that avoids both uncritical legend and modern skepticism.

Readers will discover: • how the biblical authors use precise Hebrew wording, narrative structure, and royal‑diplomatic motifs to present a genuine historical encounter • how South Arabian archaeology and Red Sea trade networks illuminate the queen’s journey and wealth • how the story’s theological themes—wisdom, seeking truth, divine blessing, and the nations—unify the account across the canon • why later Ethiopian and Islamic traditions expanded the narrative without contradicting its historical core • how the queen’s visit functions as both a high point of Solomon’s reign and a foreshadowing of Gentile inclusion

Accessible tables, scoring summaries, and interpretive insights make this volume ideal for scholars, pastors, students, and thoughtful readers. More than a historical inquiry, it is a celebration of Scripture’s depth: God’s wisdom draws seekers from afar, and His blessing extends beyond Israel.

Whether you approach the Queen of Sheba through archaeology, biblical studies, theology, or cultural history, this book offers the most comprehensive, evidence‑based evaluation available—revealing a figure whose story is both historically grounded and theologically rich.