519- A Bee Rescuing a King

The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s wisdom and great fame. Since she loved wisdom, “She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones” (1 Kings 10.2). She met the king and the high officials of his state. She tested him with questions and riddles. The king replied with extreme quickness which revealed the wisdom and intelligence that God granted him.

Finally, she presented him a very beautiful artificial bunch of flowers and a beautiful natural one. No man could ever distinguish between them. She asked him to choose the natural bunch. For the first time, the king seemed perplexed and silence prevailed at the king’s court. All were waiting to see how Solomon would get out of this dilemma. Quickly, the king brought some of the bees that were flying around the flowers of his garden. When he set them free, they flew towards the natural flowers. Thus, he held the natural bunch. Soon, all the attendants applauded. The queen also was astounded because of what Solomon had done. Therefore, she glorified God who gave him this wisdom.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: نحلة تنقذ ملكًا!

May I attain wisdom O Lord!

In meekness, Solomon asked You for wisdom.

You gave him Intelligence and sharpness of mind.

You also gave him a holy pious life.

In meekness, Solomon perceived that a small bee could realize what he could not.

What the bee realized instinctively,

Neither Solomon nor his men could realize.

Grant me O Lord the spirit of wisdom mixed with meekness.

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