4. The queen of Sheba learned that Solomon was very wise. She saw the palace he had built.
5. She saw his many officers and the food on his table. She saw the palace servants and their good clothes. She was shown the servants who served him at feasts. And she was shown the whole burnt offerings he made in the Temple of the Lord. All these things amazed her.
6. So she said to King Solomon, “I heard in my own country about your achievements and wisdom. And all of it is true.
7. I could not believe it then. But now I have come and seen it with my own eyes. I was not told even half of it! Your wisdom and wealth are much greater than I had heard.
8. Your men and officers are very lucky! In always serving you, they are able to hear your wisdom!
9. Praise the Lord your God! He was pleased to make you king of Israel. The Lord has constant love for Israel. So he made you king to keep justice and to rule fairly.”
10. Then the queen of Sheba gave the king about 9,000 pounds of gold. She also gave him many spices and jewels. No one since that time has brought more spices into Israel than the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.
11. (Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir. They also brought from there very much juniper wood and jewels.
12. Solomon used the juniper wood to build supports for the Temple of the Lord and the palace. He also used it to make harps and lyres for the musicians. Such fine juniper wood has not been brought in or seen since that time.)
13. King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba many gifts. He gave her gifts that a king would give to another ruler. Then he gave her whatever else she wanted and asked for. After this, she and her servants went back to her own country.
14. Every year King Solomon received about 50,000 pounds of gold.
15. Besides that he also received gold from the traders and merchants. And he received gold from the kings of Arabia and governors of the land.