Tafsir of An-Naml 27:38

"He said, 'O you assembly...'"

It is narrated that when she set out to Solomon (peace be upon him), she ordered her throne to be placed inside seven pavilions, one within the other, at the end of seven palaces belonging to her. She locked the doors and appointed guards to protect it.

Perhaps it was revealed to Solomon (peace be upon him) that she had secured her throne, so he wished to surprise her with it. By doing so, he intended to show her some of the wonders God had granted him the power to perform, while simultaneously revealing to her the greatness of God’s power and providing evidence that would testify to and confirm his own prophethood.

Qatada said: He wanted to take it before she embraced Islam, for he knew that once she became a Muslim, it would not be lawful for him to take her wealth.

It is also said: He wanted it brought so that he could alter and disguise it, then observe whether she would recognize it or fail to do so, as a test of her intellect.

"An 'Ifrit from the jinn said, 'I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.'"