Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's reputation, she came to Jerusalem with a grand entourage and a caravan laden with spices, gold, and precious stones. Her intention was to test Solomon's wisdom by asking him difficult questions.

Solomon proved himself more than worthy, answering every question she posed without hesitation. He revealed to her all the secrets of his heart, leaving no stone unturned in their conversation.

The queen was amazed by the splendor of Solomon's court and the majesty of his palace. She marveled at the lavish spread on his table, the elegant attire of his servants, and the intricacy of his ceremonial arrangements. Her gaze also fell upon the majestic staircase that led to the Temple, where Solomon ascended to worship.

The queen declared, "It was true what I had heard about your wisdom in my own land. When I arrived and saw it with my own eyes, I realized that only half of your wisdom was being told to me, and you far surpass the reputation that preceded you."

She praised God for choosing Solomon as king, saying, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you to set you on his throne. He loved Israel and wanted to establish them forever, so he made you king over them to do justice and righteousness."

The queen of Sheba presented King Solomon with an astonishing gift of 120 talents of gold, accompanied by a bounty of spices and precious stones, far exceeding anything she had ever given another king.

Solomon's craftsmen, assisted by Huram's workers, brought algum trees and precious stones from Ophir. They used the algum wood to construct terraces for the Temple and his palace, as well as harps and psalteries for the singers. These instruments were unlike any seen before in Judah.

King Solomon granted the queen all her desires, fulfilling every request she made. She departed with her entourage, returning to her own land.

The gold that came to Solomon each year was substantial – six hundred and sixty-six talents. Additionally, merchants and traders from Arabia and governors of various lands also brought gold and silver to Solomon's court.

Solomon created two hundred shields of beaten gold, with each one requiring six hundred shekels of gold. He produced three hundred more shields, using three hundred shekels of gold for each one. These magnificent shields were placed in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

The king crafted a throne of ivory, overlaid with pure gold, featuring six steps and a footstool secured by stays on either side. Two lions stood beside each stay, while twelve more lions stood on either side of the staircase. No such majestic structure existed in any other kingdom.

All of Solomon's drinking vessels were made of gold, as were those found in the house of the forest of Lebanon. During his reign, no one considered silver valuable enough to use.

Solomon's ships traveled regularly to Tarshish with Huram's servants, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years.

King Solomon surpassed all other kings in wealth and wisdom, attracting visitors from far and wide who sought his counsel. They brought gifts of silver, gold vessels, clothing, armor, spices, horses, and mules to present annually.

Solomon maintained a vast army of four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, along with twelve thousand horsemen stationed in various cities and at Jerusalem.

He extended his dominion over all the kings from the River Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, up to the border of Egypt. The abundance of gold in Jerusalem rivaled that of stones, while cedar trees thrived like sycamore trees growing in low-lying areas.

Horses were brought to Solomon from Egypt and other lands, further solidifying his power and influence.

Solomon's entire reign, from beginning to end, was recorded by the prophets Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo. They chronicled his accomplishments, including his vision for Israel as told through Jeroboam son of Nebat.

Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel for forty years before passing away, buried in the city of David alongside his ancestors. His son Rehoboam succeeded him as king.