1
The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's reputation. So she came to Jerusalem to test him with riddles. She arrived with a large group of servants, with camels carrying spices, a large quantity of gold, and precious stones. When she came to Solomon, she talked to him about everything she had on her mind.
2
Solomon answered all her questions. No question was too difficult for Solomon to answer.
3
When the queen of Sheba saw Solomon's wisdom, the palace he built,
4
the food on his table, his officers' seating arrangement, the organization of his officials and the uniforms they wore, his cupbearers and their uniforms, and the burnt offerings that he sacrificed at the LORD's temple, she was breathless.
5
She told the king, "What I heard in my country about your words and your wisdom is true!
6
But I didn't believe the reports until I came and saw it with my own eyes. I wasn't even told about half of the extent of your wisdom. You've surpassed the stories I've heard.
7
How blessed your men must be! How blessed these servants of yours must be because they are always stationed in front of you and listen to your wisdom!
8
Thank the LORD your God, who is pleased with you. He has put you on his throne to be king on behalf of the LORD your God. Because of your God's love for the people of Israel, he has established them permanently and made you king over them so that you would maintain justice and righteousness."
9
She gave the king 9,000 pounds of gold, a very large quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never was there such a large quantity of spices [in Israel] as those that the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.
10
Huram's servants and Solomon's servants who brought gold from Ophir also brought sandalwood and precious stones.
11
With the sandalwood the king made gateways to the LORD's temple and the royal palace, and lyres and harps for the singers. No one had ever seen anything like them in Judah.