Section 29
Fathers Now we ordain even as did they. We- know well what the Shelichim who were before us spoke. We the Three Hundred and Eighteen have maintained and laid down the orthodox faith, our Yahuah Yahushua the Mashiach being with us. And He has directed us what we should teach, and how we should fashion the faith. [The Narrative of Shəlomah and the Queen of Sheba continued] And King Shəlomah sent a message to the Queen, saying, “ Now that you hast come here why will you go away without seeing the administration of the kingdom, and how the meal[s] for the chosen ones of the kingdom are eaten after the manner of the righteous, and how the people are driven away after the manner of sinners? From [the sight of] it you wouldst acquire wisdom. Follow me now and seat thyself in my splendour in the tent, and I will complete your instruction, and you shall learn the administration of my kingdom; for you hast loved wisdom, and she shall dwell with you until your end and for ever.” Now a prophecy makes itself apparent in [this] speech. And the Queen sent a second message, saying, “ From being a fool, I have become wise by following your wisdom, and from being a thing rejected by the Elohim of Yisra'el, I have become a chosen woman because of this faith which is in my heart; and henceforth I will worship no other Elohim except Him. And as concerning that which you sayest, that you wishest to increase in me wisdom and honour, I will come according to your desire.” And Shəlomah rejoiced because of this [message], and he arrayed his chosen ones [in splendid apparel], and he added a double supply to his table, and he had all the arrangements concerning the management of his house carefully ordered, and the house of King Shəlomah was made ready [for guests] daily. And he made it ready with very great pomp, in joy, and in peace, in wisdom, and in tenderness, with all humility and lowliness; and then he ordered the royal table according to the Torah of the kingdom. And the Queen came and passed into a place set apart in splendour and glory, and she sat down immediately behind him where she could see and learn and know ■■^ssssm The Archangel Gavri'el appearing to Zacharias as he ministered at the altar everything. And she marvelled exceedingly at what she saw, and at what she heard, and she praised the Elohim of Yisra'el in her heart; and she was struck with wonder at the splendour of the royal palace which she saw. For she could see, though no one could see her, even as Shəlomah had arranged in wisdom for her. He had beautified the place where she was seated, and had spread over it purple hangings, and laid down carpets, and decorated it with miskat (moschus), and marbles, and precious stones, and he burned aromatic powders, and sprinkled oil of myrrh and cassia round about, and scattered frankincense and costly incense in all directions. And when they brought her into this abode, the odour of it was very pleasing to her, and even before she ate the dainty meats within it she was satisfied with the smell of them. And with wise intent Shəlomah sent to her meats which would make her thirsty, and drinks that were mingled with vinegar, and fish and dishes made with pepper. And this he did and he gave them to the Queen to eat. And the royal meal had come to an end three times and seven times, 1 and the administrators, and the counsellors, and the young men and the servants had departed, and the King rose up and he went to the Queen, and he said to her - now they were alone together - “ Take you your ease here for love’s sake until daybreak.” And she said to him, “ Swear to me by your Elohim, the Elohim of Yisra'el, that you will not take me by force. For if I, who according to the Torah of men am a maiden, be seduced, I should travel on my journey [back] in sorrow, and affliction, and tribulation.”