1. The Queen of Sheba heard how famous Solomon was, so she went to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. She took along several of her officials, and she loaded her camels with gifts of spices, jewels, and gold. When she arrived, she and Solomon talked about everything she could think of.
2. He answered every question, no matter how difficult it was.
3-4. The Queen was amazed at Solomon's wisdom. She was breathless when she saw his palace, the food on his table, his officials, all his servants in their uniforms, and the sacrifices he offered at the Lord's temple.
5. She said:Solomon, in my own country I had heard about your wisdom and all you've done.
6. But I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes! And there's so much I didn't hear about. You are greater than I was told.
7. Your people and officials are lucky to be here where they can listen to the wise things you say.
10-12. In return, Solomon gave her everything she wanted—even more than she had given him. Then she and her officials went back to their own country.Hiram's and Solomon's sailors brought gold, juniper wood, and jewels from the country of Ophir. Solomon used the wood to make steps for the temple and palace, and harps and other stringed instruments for the musicians. Nothing like these had ever been made in Judah.
23-24. Year after year, other kings came to hear the wisdom God had given him. And they brought gifts of silver and gold, as well as clothes, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.