1 Kings 10:1–10

THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

10The queen of Sheba^ag heard about Solomon’s fame^ah connected with the name of the Lord and came to test him with difficult questions.^{ai 2}She came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels bearing^aj spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones.^ak She came to Solomon and spoke to him about everything that was on her mind. ³So Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain to her. ⁴When the queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom, the palace he had built,^{al 5}the food at his table,^am his servants’ residence, his attendants’ service and their attire, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he offered at the Lord’s temple, it took her breath away.

⁶She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your words and about your wisdom is true. ⁷But I didn’t believe the reports until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, I was not even told half. Your wisdom and prosperity far exceed the report I heard.^{an 8}How happy are your men.^B How happy are these servants of yours, who always stand in your presence hearing your wisdom.^{ao 9}Blessed be the Lord your God! He delighted in you and put you on the throne of Israel,^ap because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel.^aq He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”^ar

¹⁰Then she gave the king four and a half tons^C of gold,^a a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such a quantity of spices arrive as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.