1 Kings 10:1–10

The Queen of Sheba

10The queen of Sheba ^lheard about Solomon’s fame ^mconnected with the name of Yahweh and came to test him with difficult questions. ⁿ²She came to Jerusalem with a very large entourage, with camels bearing ^ospices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. ^pShe 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, ^q5the food at his table, ^rhis 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. ^s8How happy are your men. ^tHow happy are these servants of yours, who always stand in your presence hearing your wisdom. ^u9May Yahweh your God be praised! He delighted in you and put you on the throne of Israel, ^vbecause of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel. ^wHe has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.” ^x

¹⁰Then she gave the king four and a half tons ^yof gold, ^za 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.