27:37
“Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed).”
According to the commentary of al-Qurṭubī, drawing upon historical reports, the envoys of Queen Bilqīs returned from the court of Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman, peace be upon him) astonished and deeply impressed by what they had witnessed. They conveyed to the queen Solomon’s message and the seriousness of his declaration. In response, Bilqīs reportedly stated that she had already suspected that Solomon was not an ordinary monarch but a messenger acting under divine authority. She reasoned that opposing a messenger of God would effectively amount to opposing God Himself, a confrontation that her people would be unable to withstand. Consequently, she decided to travel to meet Solomon in person.
According to traditional accounts, Bilqīs set out accompanied by twelve thousand leaders, each commanding a force of one hundred thousand men. These narratives emphasize the majesty and authority that God had granted to Solomon, noting that his presence inspired such awe that few dared to speak before him. On one occasion, Solomon observed a cloud of dust in the distance and inquired about its cause. Those present informed him that Queen Bilqīs was approaching with her people. Some narrations indicate that at that moment her entourage was only a few miles from Solomon’s court. At this point, Solomon addressed his courtiers with the question recorded in the Qurʾān: “O chiefs, which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?” (Qurʾān 27:38).
References:
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .6 surah 27 verse 37).