According to Catholic tradition, Mother Mary is addressed as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. People often wonder can there be a Biblical basis behind this title. Let us take a look at the various scriptural references which validate Mother Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth

Old Testament References – the Queen Mother

According to ancient tradition in the Old Testament the mother of the King held a prominent role and was referred to as the Queen Mother. In the Davidic Kingdom, it was the mother of the ruling king who served as the queen and she had the power to influence the king’s decisions and actions.

There are several references in the Book of 1 and 2 Kings which clearly portray the importance of the Queen Mother in the Davidic Kingdom. In the Books 1 and 2 Kings whenever a new ruler of Judah is introduced the mother of the King is also mentioned showing the level of influence of the Queen Mother’s office.

The most prominent example is that of King Solomon and His Mother Bathsheba who was the wife of King David. While Bathsheba had a humble attitude during the reign of her spouse King David, she was elevated to the role of the Queen Mother during King Solomon’s reign.

When Bathsheba visits King David in his chamber to remind him that he had promised that Solomon would be king after David’s reign, she bows before David and shows her respect. “Bathshe′ba bowed and did obeisance to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” (1Kings1:16)

Whereas when she approaches Solomon with a request after he is made king, Solomon rises and bows before his mother and makes her sit on his right. The respect King Solomon shows to his mother and being made to sit at the right hand of the King portrays the significance of the Queen Mother’s role. Moreover when she says I have a request of you, King Solomon replies back I will not refuse you.

“So Bathshe′ba went to King Solomon, to speak to him on behalf of Adoni′jah. And the king rose to meet her, and bowed down to her; then he sat on his throne, and had a seat brought for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right.  Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you.” (1Kings2:19-20)

Jesus Christ Her Son – the King of Kings

The angel Gabriel proclaimed to Virgin Mary who was betrothed to a man “of the house of David” that Jesus her son “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32–33).

This shows the royal significance of Mother Mary’s role as the Eternal Queen Mother as she bore Jesus Christ who is a King of the Davidic lineage and also being the Son of the Most High, Jesus is the Lord and King of all things and His Kingdom will never end.

The Queen in Heaven with 12 stars on her head

Another reference from the Bible which further reinstates Mother Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth can be found in the Book of Revelation

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head” (Revelation 12:1).

“She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.* Her child was caught up to God and his throne” (Revelation 12:5).

This male child destined to rule all the nations and is caught up to God and his throne is Jesus Christ. The woman clothed in the glory of the sun and who brought forth a child who is the rules of all nations is Mother Mary. She wears a crown of twelve stars which represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles and is the Queen Mother, the Mother of the Eternal King Jesus Christ and hence she is the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Pray for us!