We bestowed knowledge on David and Solomon and they both said, "Praise be to God who has exalted us above many of His believing servants." 15 And Solomon inherited David. He said, "O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty." 16 Soloman's army, consisting of human beings, jinn, and birds were gathered together in his presence in ranks. 17 When they arrived in the valley of the ants, one ant said to the others, "Enter your dwellings lest you be carelessly crushed by Soloman and his army." 18 He smiled, and laughed at its words, and said: 'My Lord, inspire me that I should be thankful for Your blessing with which You have blessed me and my parents, and that I may do good works that will please You. Admit me, by Your Mercy, among Your righteous worshipers' 19 And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? 20 Assuredly I will chastise him with a terrible chastisement, or I will slaughter him, or he bring me a clear authority.' 21 But [the hoopoe] tarried but a short while; and [when it came] it said: "I have encompassed [with my knowledge] something that thou hast never yet encompassed [with thine] - for I have come to thee from Sheba with a tiding sure! 22 "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne. 23 I have found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allah, and the Satan hath made their works fairseeming unto them, and hath barred them from the way, so they are not guided. 24 [for they have come to believe] that they ought not to adore God [although it is He] who brings forth all that is hidden in the heavens and on earth, and knows all that you would conceal as well as all that you bring into the open: 25 Allah - none is worthy of worship save He; He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne. ۩ 26 ۞ He said: We will see whether you have told the truth or whether you are of the liars: 27 Go with this my letter and convey it to them; and thereafter withdraw from them and see what [answer] they return." 28 (The Queen of Sheba) said to her officials, "A gracious letter has been dropped before me. 29 It is from Solomon, and it is "In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. 30 Rise not up against me, but come to me in surrender." ' 31