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

1 Kings 10:1-3

1 When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, ^{▼▼ 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.} she came to challenge ^{▼▼ Or “test.”} him with difficult questions. ^{▼▼ Or “riddles.”} 2 She arrived in Jerusalem ^{▼▼ For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; Journey of Paul map 1-F4; Journey of Paul map 2-F4; Journey of Paul map 3-F4; Journey of Paul map 4-F4.} with a great display of pomp, ^{▼▼ 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, ^{▼▼ 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. ^{▼▼ 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.”}