1 Kings 10:1–13

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.

¹¹In addition, Hiram’s fleet that carried gold from Ophir brought from Ophir a large quantity of almug ^awood and precious stones. ^b12The king made the almug wood into steps for the Lord’s temple and the king’s palace and into lyres and harps for the singers. Never before had such almug wood come, and the like has not been seen again even to this very day.

¹³King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba her every desire—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she, along with her servants, returned to her own country. ^c