“queen of the south.” This is who the Old Testament refers to as the “Queen of Sheba,” here called the “Queen of the South” because Sheba was south of Israel (1 Kings 10:1-2; 2 Chron. 9:1).

“will rise up in the Judgment with this generation.” This is one of the clearer verses showing that dead people are dead in the ground awaiting the resurrection and Judgment Day. The Bible does not teach that people die and immediately go to heaven or “hell.” Instead, it teaches that people are dead in the ground and awaiting the resurrection. The Queen of Sheba, who lived almost 3,000 years ago, at the time of Solomon, is still dead in the ground and awaiting her resurrection, at which time she will be judged.

[For more on the resurrections, see commentary on Acts 24:15. For more on the dead being dead, see Appendix 4, “The Dead are Dead.”]

“and will condemn it.” This statement of Jesus, along with his reason, that she came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon, implies that she will be in the Resurrection of the Righteous and have everlasting life. It is valuable to understand what Jesus meant when he said that the Queen of the South will condemn this generation. Jesus did not mean that she would be a judge on Judgment Day. What Jesus meant was that the thoughts and actions of the Queen of Sheba revealed the humility in her heart and her desire for knowledge and truth, and thus on Judgment Day her example will show up in stark contrast to how many of the people of Jesus’ generation heard what Jesus taught but were unwilling to step out and obey it. Believers need to realize how important it is that they obey God and tell others about Him (cp. Jer. 6:27).

“behold.” The Greek word is idou (#2400 ἰδού), and it is used to get our attention. See commentary on Matthew 1:20.

“someone greater.” See commentary on Matthew 12:41.