1 Kings 10:1-9

1The Queen of Sheba heard news that Solomon was a great king who served the Lord. So she came to ask Solomon some difficult questions to see how wise he was.

2She arrived at Jerusalem with a big group of servants. She had many camels that carried spices. They also carried a lot of gold and valuable jewels. When she came to Solomon, she talked to him about everything that was in her mind.

3Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing that was too difficult for the king to explain to her.

4The Queen of Sheba saw that Solomon was very wise. She saw the palace that he had built.

5She saw all the food that he ate in his palace. She saw all his servants and officers and their beautiful clothes. She saw the servants who prepared his food and wine. She saw the burnt offerings that he offered in the Lord's temple. All these things caused her to hold her breath in surprise.

6She said to the king, ‘In my own country I heard news about your wisdom and about all the things that you had done. Everything that I heard was true!

7But I did not believe those things until I came here. Now I have seen everything with my own eyes, and it is true! Really, they told me less than half of what was true! You are even wiser and richer than the report that people told me.

8God has blessed your people and your officers! They are always with you, and they can listen to your wise words.

9So we praise the Lord your God! He is happy with you and he has chosen you to rule Israel. The Lord's love for Israel will continue for ever. So he has made you king to rule in a fair and honest way.’