Surah 34. Saba, Ayah 12

Cf. 21:81 and the corresponding note [75]. For a more general explanation of the legends connected with the person of Solomon, see note [77] on 21:82 .

Lit., "for him": probably a reference to the many furnishings of copper and brass which, according to the Bible (cf. 11 Chronicles iv), Solomon caused to be made for his newly-built temple.

Lit., "between his hands", i.e., subject to his will: see 21:82 and the corresponding notes [76] and [77]. For my rendering of jinn as "invisible beings", see Appendix III.

Cf. xxi. 81-82, n. 2736, and xxxviii. 36-38. See also xxvii. 38-39. The winds are swift and can cover in a short morning's or evening's flight the distance which it takes a whole month to cover on foot or by bullock cart. In our own day, with air speeds of 400 miles and more per hour, this seems a moderate statement.

In the Old Testament, II. Chronicles, Chapters iii., and iv., are described the various costly materials with which Solomon's Temple was built, and it was furnished with vessels, candle-sticks, lamps, censers, etc. "Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out" (II. Chronicles, iv. 18).

See xxvii. 17, and n. 3257.