1 The queen of Sheba heard how famous Solomon was, so she came to Jerusalem to test him with tough questions. She brought with her a very large entourage, with camels loaded with spices, large amounts of gold, and precious gemstones. She came to Solomon and asked him about everything she had on her mind. 2 Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing he couldn’t explain to her. 3 When the queen of Sheba saw Solomon’s wisdom, and the palace he had built, 4 the food on the table, how his officials lived, how his servants operated and how they were dressed, the clothes of the waiters, and the burnt offerings he presented at the Lord’s Temple, she was so astonished9:4. "She was so astonished": implied by the phrase (literally) "there was no longer breath in her." she could hardly breathe.
5 She told the king, "It’s true what I heard in my own country about your proverbs9:5. "Proverbs": literally, "words." and your wisdom! 6 But I didn’t believe what they told me until I came and saw with my own eyes. In fact, I wasn’t told the half of it—the extent of your wisdom far exceeds what I heard! 7 How happy your people must be! How happy those who work for you, who stand here every day listening to your wisdom! 8 Praise the Lord your God who is so pleased with you, who placed you on his throne as king to rule on his behalf. Because of the love of your God for Israel he has made them secure forever, and he has made you king over them to do what is fair and right."