1 Kings 10:1-13

¹When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions. ²She arrived in Jerusalem with a great display of pomp, bringing with her camels carrying spices, a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind. ³Solomon answered all her questions; there was no question too complex for the king. ⁴When the queen of Sheba saw for herself Solomon’s extensive wisdom, the palace he had built, ⁵the food in his banquet hall, his servants and attendants, their robes, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings which he presented in the Lord’s temple, she was amazed. ⁶She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your wise sayings and insight was true! ⁷I did not believe these things until I came and saw them with my own eyes. Indeed, I didn’t hear even half the story! Your wisdom and wealth surpass what was reported to me. ⁸Your attendants, who stand before you at all times and hear your wise sayings, are truly happy! ⁹May the Lord your God be praised because he favored you by placing you on the throne of Israel! Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he made you king so you could make just and right decisions.” ¹⁰She gave the king 120 talents of gold, a very large quantity of spices, and precious gems. The quantity of spices the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon has never been matched. ¹¹(Hiram’s fleet, which carried gold from Ophir, also brought from Ophir a very large quantity of fine timber and precious gems. ¹²With the timber the king made supports for the Lord’s temple and for the royal palace and stringed instruments for the musicians. No one has seen so much of this fine timber to this very day. ) ¹³King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she requested, besides what he had freely offered her. Then she left and returned to her homeland with her attendants.