1 Kings 10:9

KJV

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, which delighted {H2654} in thee, to set {H5414} thee on the throne {H3678} of Israel {H3478}: because the LORD {H3068} loved {H160} Israel {H3478} for ever {H5769}, therefore made {H7760} he thee king {H4428}, to do {H6213} judgment {H4941} and justice {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be ADONAI your God, who took pleasure in you to put you on the throne of Isra'el. Because of ADONAI's eternal love for Isra'el, he has made you king, to administer judgment and justice fairly."

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.”

American Standard Version

Blessed be Jehovah thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because Jehovah loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do justice and righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Queen of Sheba, overwhelmed by King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom, offers a profound blessing in this verse. Her words are not mere flattery but a theological declaration, attributing Solomon's extraordinary reign and his appointment to the throne of Israel directly to the sovereign pleasure and eternal love of the LORD God for His people, Israel. She concludes by affirming that God established Solomon specifically to uphold righteousness and administer justice throughout the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, as recorded in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"). Her journey from a distant land, motivated by reports of Solomon's wisdom, serves as a testament to the unparalleled fame and divine favor bestowed upon him. Prior to this declaration, she has witnessed his vast wealth, the meticulous order of his court, the wisdom of his responses, and the grandeur of the Temple and his palace (cf. [1 Kings 10:4-5](/1_kings/10-4 "1 Kings 10:4-5 - Queen of Sheba's Amazement")). Her words in verse 9 are a culminating expression of awe, shifting from admiration of Solomon to adoration of the God who empowered him, thereby validating the divine source of Solomon's wisdom and prosperity, which was initially granted in [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom"). This passage marks the zenith of Solomon's reign, portraying him as a king whose wisdom and kingdom reflect God's glory to the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visit of the Queen of Sheba, likely from a kingdom in modern-day Yemen or Ethiopia, highlights the extensive trade routes and diplomatic relations of the ancient Near East. Such visits were significant political and economic events, often involving the exchange of gifts and the forging of alliances. For an Israelite king, receiving tribute and recognition from foreign monarchs was a sign of divine blessing and regional dominance, fulfilling prophecies of Israel's preeminence among nations (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:13](/deuteronomy/28-13 "Deuteronomy 28:13 - Israel as the Head of Nations")). The Queen's acknowledgment of the "LORD thy God" (Yahweh) by a foreign dignitary is particularly noteworthy, signifying the widespread reputation of Israel's God and the unique nature of Israel's monotheistic faith in a polytheistic world. Her statement reflects an understanding, however partial, of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the king's rule was understood as a stewardship under divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, emphasizing that Solomon's kingship was not merely a matter of human succession but a direct act of God's will and delight. Secondly, it highlights **God's Enduring Love and Covenant Faithfulness to Israel**, stating that Solomon was made king "because the LORD loved Israel for ever," echoing the promises of the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant") that established an eternal dynasty. Thirdly, the verse articulates the **Ideal of Righteous Governance**, defining the king's primary duty as "to do judgment and justice." This ideal, frequently emphasized throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1 "Psalm 72:1-4 - A Prayer for the King's Righteousness")), posits that true leadership, especially in Israel, must be characterized by equity, integrity, and adherence to God's moral standards for the welfare of the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delighted (Hebrew, _ḥāp̄ēṣ_):** This verb signifies a deep pleasure, desire, or favor. When applied to God, it speaks of His sovereign choice and affectionate disposition towards an individual or a people. Here, it indicates that Solomon's ascent to the throne was not a reluctant concession but an act of divine pleasure and intentional selection, reflecting God's personal investment in his reign and His purposes for Israel. It conveys a sense of God's active, positive affirmation of Solomon's kingship.
* **Loved (Hebrew, _ʾāhēḇ_):** This fundamental Hebrew term for love denotes a strong affection, commitment, and loyalty. In this context, it describes God's enduring, covenantal love for the nation of Israel. The Queen of Sheba correctly identifies this everlasting divine love as the ultimate motivation behind God's actions, including His establishment of Solomon as king. This love is not fleeting but "for ever," underscoring God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen people.
* **Judgment and Justice (Hebrew, _mišpāṭ uṣədāqāh_):** This is a foundational pair of terms in Old Testament ethics and governance. _Mišpāṭ_ refers to the administration of law, equitable decisions, and the upholding of legal rights, often implying concrete acts of justice. _Ṣədāqāh_ denotes righteousness, integrity, moral rectitude, and adherence to God's standards, encompassing both individual character and societal fairness. Together, they describe the ideal character and function of a righteous ruler who ensures fairness, protects the vulnerable, and promotes moral uprightness throughout society, reflecting God's own attributes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed be the LORD thy God":** The Queen of Sheba begins with a doxology, a profound expression of praise and adoration directed not primarily at Solomon, but at Yahweh, the God of Israel. This acknowledges God's supreme authority and goodness as the ultimate source of Solomon's success. It is a recognition of divine agency, indicating that the Queen, despite her foreign origin, perceives the hand of Israel's God at work.
* **"which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel":** This clause directly attributes Solomon's kingship to God's sovereign pleasure and active intervention. It emphasizes that Solomon's reign was not merely a dynastic succession but a divine appointment, a testament to God's favor upon him. The phrase "throne of Israel" highlights the unique theological significance of the Israelite monarchy as God's chosen instrument for His people.
* **"because the LORD loved Israel for ever":** Here, the Queen identifies the ultimate, overarching reason for God's actions concerning Solomon: His eternal, unwavering love for the nation of Israel. This love is presented as the foundational motive, positioning Solomon's reign as a manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His enduring commitment to His chosen people, ensuring their welfare and stability.
* **"therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice":** This final clause articulates the divine purpose behind Solomon's enthronement. God appointed him king specifically to uphold righteousness and administer justice. This is not merely a description of Solomon's duties but a divine mandate, underscoring that the primary function of an Israelite king was to embody and enforce God's moral and legal standards for the benefit of the entire nation, ensuring equity and moral order.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The opening phrase, "**Blessed be the LORD thy God**," functions as a **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise to God, immediately elevating the tone from mere admiration of Solomon to reverence for the divine source of his power. This also serves as a form of **Indirect Characterization**, revealing the Queen's profound spiritual insight and her recognition of Yahweh's supremacy, despite her foreign background. The structure of the verse itself demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, where God's delight in Solomon and His eternal love for Israel are presented as the causes ("which delighted in thee," "because the LORD loved Israel for ever"), leading directly to the effect of Solomon's kingship ("therefore made he thee king"). The pairing of "**judgment and justice**" is a classic example of a **Merism**, where two complementary terms are used to express a single, comprehensive concept – in this case, the full scope of righteous governance. This phrase also functions as a **Thematic Summary**, encapsulating the ideal of kingship in Israel as divinely ordained for the purpose of upholding God's moral order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse provides profound theological insights into the nature of divine sovereignty and the purpose of human leadership. It affirms that all legitimate authority, particularly within God's covenant people, flows from God's deliberate choice and enduring love. The Queen of Sheba's declaration reminds us that God's actions are always rooted in His character—His delight in His chosen instruments and His eternal love for His people. Solomon's reign, therefore, was not merely a political event but a theological statement, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His desire for His people to live under righteous governance. The mandate to "do judgment and justice" transcends Solomon's specific context, serving as a timeless divine expectation for all who hold positions of influence, whether in civil government, community, or the church, emphasizing that true leadership is a sacred trust meant to reflect God's own righteousness and care for His creation.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1 "Psalm 72:1-4 - A Prayer for the King's Righteousness")
* [Proverbs 8:15-16](/proverbs/8-15 "Proverbs 8:15-16 - Wisdom's Role in Kingship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Queen of Sheba's profound theological insight in 1 Kings 10:9 challenges believers today to recognize and acknowledge God's sovereign hand in all areas of life, particularly in the establishment of leadership. Just as Solomon's reign was divinely appointed and purposed, we are called to discern God's active involvement in the world around us, giving Him the glory for every instance of wisdom, order, and justice. This verse encourages us to pray for our leaders, that they might embody the principles of "judgment and justice," reflecting God's character in their decision-making and governance. Furthermore, it reminds us that our own positions of influence, no matter how humble, are opportunities for stewardship under God's loving oversight. We are to act with integrity, fairness, and compassion, motivated by God's eternal love for humanity, seeking to promote righteousness in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The Queen's response invites us to move beyond mere admiration of human success to a deeper adoration of the God who orchestrates all things for His purposes and for the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's "delight" and "love" as the foundation of leadership change your perspective on earthly authority?**
* **In what ways can you, in your sphere of influence, seek to "do judgment and justice" as a reflection of God's character?**
* **How does the Queen of Sheba's foreign perspective on Israel's God challenge or affirm your own understanding of God's universal sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that a foreign queen blesses the LORD, God of Israel?**

Answer: It is highly significant because it demonstrates the widespread fame of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the impact of His blessing upon Solomon's kingdom. For a foreign monarch, likely from a polytheistic culture, to acknowledge and bless the LORD indicates that Solomon's wisdom and prosperity were so extraordinary they could only be attributed to a divine source, specifically the God of Israel. This serves as a powerful testimony to God's glory extending beyond Israel's borders, fulfilling, in part, God's promise to Abraham that through his descendants, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). It underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal Himself even to those outside the covenant community.

**What does "loved Israel for ever" imply about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "loved Israel for ever" underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His covenant keeping nature, and the eternal quality of His commitment to His chosen people. It signifies that God's love is not conditional or temporary, but an enduring aspect of His character, forming the bedrock of His relationship with Israel. This eternal love is the ultimate reason for His providential care, His establishment of kings like Solomon, and His ongoing work in history. It resonates with other passages emphasizing God's steadfast love, or _ḥesed_, such as [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Love"), which declares, "For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Solomon's reign represents the pinnacle of Israel's earthly glory and a partial fulfillment of God's promises for a righteous king, it ultimately points forward to the perfect and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Solomon, though wise, eventually faltered (cf. [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")), demonstrating the limitations of human kingship. Jesus, however, is the true Son of David, the one in whom God truly "delighted" (cf. [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")), and whom God "set on the throne" not just of Israel, but of the universe (cf. [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation")). He perfectly embodies "judgment and justice," administering perfect righteousness and equity as the divine King (cf. [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). The Queen of Sheba's recognition that God loved Israel "for ever" finds its ultimate expression in Christ, for it is through His sacrificial love that God's eternal love extends not only to Israel but to all humanity, establishing a new covenant (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")) and an everlasting kingdom that will never end (cf. [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Jesus is the greater Solomon, whose wisdom surpasses all earthly wisdom (cf. [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - The Queen of the South and Jesus' Wisdom")), and whose reign truly brings perfect judgment and justice, establishing God's eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 72:2

¶ He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

1 Kings 5:7

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

2 Samuel 8:15

¶ And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

2 Chronicles 2:11

¶ Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.