1 Kings 10:9

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Commentary on 1 Kings 10:9 (KJV)

The Queen of Sheba, having journeyed to Jerusalem to test King Solomon with hard questions, is utterly overwhelmed by his wisdom, wealth, and the orderly administration of his kingdom. In this verse, she offers a profound blessing, not just to Solomon, but primarily to the LORD his God, acknowledging the divine hand behind Solomon's extraordinary reign.

Context

This verse is spoken by the Queen of Sheba during her famous visit to King Solomon. After witnessing his unparalleled wisdom, the splendor of his court, and the prosperity of his kingdom, she is left breathless. Her words are not mere flattery but a theological statement, recognizing that Solomon's success is a direct result of God's favor and purpose. This passage highlights the peak of Solomon's reign, when his fame had spread throughout the known world, attracting even foreign dignitaries to marvel at God's blessings upon Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Favor: The Queen explicitly states that the LORD "delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel." This underscores the biblical truth that earthly rulers, especially those in Israel, are established by God's sovereign will, not merely by human succession. Solomon's position was a divine gift, indicating God's pleasure and favor upon him.
  • God's Everlasting Love for Israel: The ultimate reason for Solomon's kingship, according to the Queen, is God's enduring love for His people: "because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king." Solomon's reign was a manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His chosen nation. This echoes the Davidic Covenant, promising a perpetual dynasty for David's line.
  • The Purpose of Righteous Rule: Solomon was made king "to do judgment and justice." This phrase defines the ideal role of an Israelite monarch – to uphold righteousness, administer fair laws, and ensure equity among the people. His wisdom (as seen in 1 Kings 3:9) was specifically granted to enable him to fulfill this crucial duty.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Blessed be the LORD thy God" (Hebrew: Baruch Adonai Eloheykha) is a common expression of praise and adoration, acknowledging God's supremacy and goodness.
  • "Delighted in thee" comes from the Hebrew word chaphets, meaning to take pleasure in, desire, or favor. It speaks of God's personal affection and choice.
  • "Judgment and justice" (Hebrew: mishpat u'tzedaqah) is a foundational pair of terms in Old Testament ethics and law. Mishpat refers to the administration of law and equitable decisions, while tzedaqah denotes righteousness, integrity, and moral rectitude. Together, they describe the ideal character and function of a righteous ruler who ensures fairness and moral uprightness in society.

Significance and Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly authority. Leaders, whether in government, business, or the church, are ultimately accountable to God and are ideally placed to serve His purposes. The Queen of Sheba's recognition of God's love for Israel as the foundation of Solomon's rule emphasizes that God's actions are always rooted in His character and His enduring love for His people, a love that extends to all who believe in Him (as seen in John 3:16).

Furthermore, the mandate "to do judgment and justice" remains a timeless standard for all who hold positions of influence. It calls for integrity, fairness, and a commitment to what is right, reflecting God's own character in our spheres of influence. This verse serves as a reminder that true leadership is a stewardship, given by God for the welfare and righteousness of those being led.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 72:2 (8 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 5:7 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 2:11 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.