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

2 CHRONICLES 9:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 9:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:8 describes how the Queen of Sheba praises Solomon’s God, saying that God delighted in Solomon and chose him to rule as king, because of God’s love for Israel and desire to establish the nation forever. She says Solomon was made king to carry out judgment and justice for the people.

In this verse, the Queen of Sheba is speaking to King Solomon during her visit to Jerusalem. She recognizes that Solomon’s position as king is not just about his own greatness, but is a result of God’s favor and purpose for Israel. Her words highlight that Solomon’s rule is meant to reflect God’s care for Israel, especially through fair judgment and justice.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:8

  • "Blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, barukh; H1288) is a word used to express praise or thankfulness, often directed toward God. Here, it shows the Queen’s respect for Solomon’s God.
  • "Delighted" (חָפֵץ, chafetz; H2654) means to take pleasure in or to desire. The Queen is saying that God took pleasure in Solomon, which emphasizes that Solomon’s kingship is rooted in God’s choice, not just human achievement.
  • "Loved" (אָהַב, ahav; H160) is the word for deep affection or commitment. The Queen points out that God’s love for Israel is the reason for Solomon’s kingship, showing that God’s actions are motivated by care for His people.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat; H4941) and "justice" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah; H6666) refer to fair decisions and righteousness. The Queen recognizes that a key purpose of Solomon’s rule is to ensure fairness and right living in Israel.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:8 matters

  • This verse shows that even a foreign ruler like the Queen of Sheba recognizes God’s hand in Israel’s history and Solomon’s reign, highlighting the international respect Solomon and his God received.
  • The verse clarifies that Solomon’s authority is not for his own sake, but to serve God’s loving purpose for Israel by leading with justice and fairness.
  • It connects Solomon’s wisdom and success directly to God’s love and faithfulness to Israel, rather than to Solomon’s personal abilities alone.

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.
  • 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
  • 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.