Solomon Entertains a Queen

9:1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon,1 she came to challenge2 him3 with difficult questions.4 She arrived in Jerusalem5 with a great display of pomp,6 bringing with her camels carrying spices,7 a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind. 9:2 Solomon answered all her questions; there was no question too complex for the king.8 9:3 When the queen of Sheba saw for herself Solomon’s extensive wisdom,9 the palace10 he had built, 9:4 the food in his banquet hall,11 his servants and attendants12 in their robes, his cupbearers in their robes, and his burnt sacrifices which he presented in the Lord’s temple,13 she was amazed.14 9:5 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your wise sayings and insight15 was true! 9:6 I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn’t hear even half the story!16 Your wisdom surpasses what was reported to me. 9:7 Your attendants, who stand before you at all times and hear your wise sayings, are truly happy!17 9:8 May the Lord your God be praised because he favored18 you by placing you on his throne as the one ruling on his behalf!19 Because of your God’s love for Israel and his lasting commitment to them,20 he made you king over them so you could make just and right decisions.”21 9:9 She gave the king 120 talents22 of gold and a very large quantity of spices and precious gems. The quantity of spices the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon has never been matched.23 9:10 (Huram’s24 servants, aided by Solomon’s servants, brought gold from Ophir, as well as25 fine26 timber and precious gems. 9:11 With the timber the king made steps27 for the Lord’s temple and royal palace as well as stringed instruments28 for the musicians. No one had seen anything like them in the land of Judah prior to that.29) 9:12 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she requested, more than what she had brought him.30 Then she left and returned31 to her homeland with her attendants.