The Queen of Sheba

1 aNow when the aqueen of bSheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came cto test him with difficult questions.

2 So she came to Jerusalem with a very large retinue, with camels acarrying spices and very much gold and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.

3 Solomon 1answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king which he did not 2explain to her.

4 When the queen of Sheba perceived all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,

5 the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and 1his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.

6 Then she said to the king, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.

7 “Nevertheless I did not believe the 1reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.

8 “How ablessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom.

9 “aBlessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; bbecause the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, cto do justice and righteousness.”