1Ki 10:1-3 | NET2full | STEP | When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon , she came to challenge him with difficult questions .

‏ 1 Kings 10:1-3

Solomon Entertains a Queen

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, ^{▼▼tn Heb “the report about Solomon.”} ^{▼▼tc The Hebrew text also has, “to the name of the Lord,” which is very awkward due to its unusual syntax. The phrase is omitted in the parallel passage in 2 Chr 9:1. The word “report” is followed by the preposition ל (lamed) in Isa 23:5 and Hos 7:12 and indicates whom the message came to. And otherwise the collocation of לְשֵׁם (leshem, “to the name”) does not follow either a proper noun or the word report elsewhere in scripture. If retained, perhaps it should be translated, “for the reputation of the Lord.”} she came to challenge ^{▼▼tn Or “test.”} him with difficult questions. ^{▼▼tn Or “riddles.”} 2 She arrived in Jerusalem with a great display of pomp, ^{▼▼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.} bringing with her camels carrying spices, ^{▼▼tn Or “balsam oil.”} a very large quantity of gold, and precious gems. She visited Solomon and discussed with him everything that was on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was no question too complex for the king. ^{▼▼tn Heb “Solomon declared to her all her words; there was not a word hidden from the king which he did not declare to her.” If riddles are specifically in view (see v. 1), then one might translate, “Solomon explained to her all her riddles; there was no riddle too complex for the king.”}