The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon

The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame and his wisdom connected with the name of Yahweh. She travelled to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Her caravan was very large, with camels carrying spices, much gold, and precious stones. When she arrived, she spoke with Solomon about everything that was on her heart.

Solomon answered all her questions. Nothing was hidden from him that he did not explain to her. The queen saw his wisdom for herself. She also saw the house he had built, the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his officials, their clothing, his cup bearers, and the way he went up to Yahweh’s house.

What she saw left her overwhelmed. She told Solomon that the report she had heard in her own land was true, yet she had not believed it until she came and saw it herself. Even then, she said, not even half had been told her. His wisdom and greatness were greater than the stories she had heard.

The queen said Solomon’s servants were fortunate to stand before him and hear his wisdom. She blessed Yahweh, Solomon’s God, who had delighted in him and placed him on the throne. She said God had made him king to do justice and righteousness for Israel.

Then she gave Solomon a rich gift: one hundred and twenty talents of gold, a great abundance of spices, and precious stones. The passages add that gold from Ophir also brought rare wood and more precious stones, and Solomon used that wood for Yahweh’s house, his own house, and musical instruments. Solomon gave the queen all she desired and asked for, and she returned to her own land with her servants.