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.

1 KINGS 10:9KJV
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1 Kings 10:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 10:9 mean?

1 Kings 10:9 describes someone praising the LORD, saying that God has chosen and delighted in the king, putting him on Israel’s throne because of God’s lasting love for Israel, and giving him the role of ruling with justice and fairness. The verse highlights that the king’s position is a result of God’s favor and purpose for Israel, not just personal achievement.

In this verse, the Queen of Sheba is speaking to King Solomon after witnessing his wisdom and wealth. She recognizes that Solomon’s reign is not just about his abilities, but is rooted in God’s ongoing love (using the word “ever”) for the people of Israel. The Queen credits the LORD (the personal name for Israel’s God) for making Solomon king so that he would carry out judgment and justice, two key qualities expected of a good ruler in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 10:9

  • “Blessed” (בָּרוּךְ, barukh; H1288) is a word often used to praise or speak well of someone, especially God. Here, it sets a tone of honor and gratitude toward the LORD.
  • “Delighted” (חָפֵץ, chafetz; H2654) means to take pleasure in or to desire. The Queen of Sheba is saying that God took pleasure in Solomon, which shows a personal aspect to God’s choice.
  • “Loved” (אָהַב, ahav; H160) is a strong word for deep, ongoing affection. The Queen emphasizes that God’s love for Israel is enduring (“for ever”), suggesting that Solomon’s kingship is an expression of this lasting commitment.
  • “Judgment” (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat; H4941) and “justice” (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah; H6666) are paired to show that Solomon’s role is to govern with fairness and righteousness, which were central ideals for Israel’s kings.

Why 1 Kings 10:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s kingship is not just a political event but is seen as an act of God’s ongoing love and purpose for Israel.
  • The Queen of Sheba, a foreign ruler, recognizes and honors the LORD’s role in Israel’s history, showing the reach of Solomon’s reputation and God’s influence.
  • The focus on “judgment and justice” highlights the biblical expectation that rulers are accountable to God for how they treat their people, not just for their power or success.

Where else these words appear

“loved” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
  • Song of Solomon 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

“delighted” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 2 Kings 4:10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
  • Psalms 122:5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

“justice” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.