1 Kings 10:1-2

Solomon Entertains a Queen

10:1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, 1  she came to challenge 2  him with difficult questions. 3  10:2 She arrived in Jerusalem 4  with a great display of pomp, 5  bringing with her camels carrying spices, 6  a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind.

1 tn Heb “the report about Solomon.” The Hebrew text also has, “to the name of the Lord,” which fits very awkwardly in the sentence. If retained, perhaps it should be translated, “because of the reputation of the Lord.” The phrase, which is omitted in the parallel passage in 2 Chr 9:1, may be an addition based on the queen’s declaration of praise to the Lord in v. 9.

2 tn Or “test.”

3 tn Or “riddles.”

4 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

5 tn Heb “with very great strength.” The Hebrew term חַיִל (khayil, “strength”) may refer here to the size of her retinue (cf. NAB, NASB, NIV, NRSV) or to the great wealth she brought with her.

6 tn Or “balsam oil.”