Following in the steps of Michel Cuypers, Mathias Zahniser, and others, in this paper I conduct a structural analysis of the story of Solomon in s?rat al-Naml (27), vv. 15-44, using Semitic Rhetorical figures. My main premise is that close analysis of the structure of this s?ra reveals layers of meaning which are otherwise not evident. The passage under consideration appears to draw parallels between the various protagonists in this narrative and the Prophet's Meccan audience, highlighting certain similarities between their reactions to his message. Investigations of Solomon's encounter with the ant, the hoopoe, and the Queen of Sheba have raised many questions. Muslim exegetes are for example unsure about whether the Queen converted to Islam before or after she stepped into Solomon's palace. Jacob Lassner considers that Solomon's reaction to the hoopoe's absence was too severe. Structural analysis may shed light on such questions. Structural analysis reveals three types of reactions to various messages. In the story of Solomon, a parallel symmetry is formed by the repetition of the verb "na?ara," highlighting the theme of rational analysis. Solomon investigates the veracity of the hoopoe's report on the idolatry of the Queen of Sheba (sa-nan?ur). He also commands the hoopoe to weigh the Queen's reaction to his message (fa-n?ur). The Sheba people trust their Queen to evaluate the entire situation (fa-n?ur?). Finally, the Queen looks into Solomon's truthfulness as a prophet (fa-n??iratun). All characters, whether male or female, human or nonhuman, seem to adopt a careful and inquiring attitude toward the information that reaches them. The story of Solomon is framed by a series of messenger stories that depict people's forthright rejection of their messengers. These groups hardly pause to consider the messages they receive. They fail to apply "na?ar." In stark opposition, Solomon's ant, who, similar to the human "rejecters", does not apply "na?ar," appears to be more than willing to give this Prophet the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging his Prophetic status and righteousness (even if he and his army crush the ants it is only because they will not perceive them). A concentric symmetry places the ant at the center, perhaps presenting her as the epitome of faith. This narrative appears to denote that rationality and spirituality cross gender and species, or even that traditionally undermined groups (women and nonhuman animals) are more prone to use reason and accept faith when offered the opportunity.