1 Kings 10:4-14

4 When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built,

5 she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD .

6 She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true!

7 I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told.

8 How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom!

9 Praise the LORD your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD ’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”

10 Then she gave the king a gift of 9,000 pounds of gold, great quantities of spices, and precious jewels. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

11 (In addition, Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir, and they also brought rich cargoes of red sandalwood and precious jewels.

12 The king used the sandalwood to make railings for the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace, and to construct lyres and harps for the musicians. Never before or since has there been such a supply of sandalwood.)

13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba whatever she asked for, besides all the customary gifts he had so generously given. Then she and all her attendants returned to their own land.

14 Each year Solomon received about 25 tons of gold.

1 Kings 10:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 10

This chapter contains an account of the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon to her great satisfaction, 1Ki 10:1-13, of Solomon's merchandise and riches, and the magnificence of his court, 1Ki 10:14-23, of the rich presents sent to him, and of the purchase of chariots and horses, and other things, he made, 1Ki 10:24-29.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew your words.
• [b]. Greek and Syriac versions and Latin Vulgate read your wives.
• [c]. Hebrew 120 talents [4,000 kilograms].
• [d]. Hebrew almug wood; also in 10:12 .
• [e]. Hebrew 666 talents [23 metric tons].