The Bible in a Year
“Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.” — 1 Kings 10:9
As I walk through this portion of Scripture, I find myself standing beside Queen of Sheba, listening carefully as she responds to what she has seen in the life of Solomon. Her words are not casual admiration; they are a testimony. She has observed the wisdom, order, and blessing of Solomon’s kingdom, and she traces it back to its true source—God Himself. What captures my attention is not only what she says, but what she understands. She recognizes that Solomon’s success is not self-made. It is divinely given, sustained, and purposed. In her declaration, I hear five distinct threads woven together: praise, position, passion, promise, and purpose—all anchored in the character of God.
The first response that rises from her lips is praise: “Blessed be the Lord thy God.” That is always where true wisdom begins. The Hebrew word for blessed, בָּרוּךְ (baruch), carries the idea of kneeling in reverence. When I see God at work—whether in Scripture or in my own life—the natural response should be worship. The Queen of Sheba was not part of Israel, yet she recognized the hand of God. That challenges me. Do I live in such a way that others, even those outside the faith, can see God’s influence in my life and respond with honor toward Him? As Matthew Henry once observed, “The prosperity of God’s people should be a means to draw others to think well of God.” That insight invites me to consider whether my life reflects God’s goodness or obscures it.
She then acknowledges that Solomon’s position came from God: “The Lord thy God… set thee on the throne.” This confronts one of the most persistent struggles in the human heart—pride. The Hebrew verb שִׂים (sim), meaning “to place” or “to appoint,” reminds me that elevation is not accidental. Whether influence is great or small, it is assigned by God. I am reminded of the words of Jesus in John 19:11, where He told Pilate, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” Even authority that seems worldly is still under divine sovereignty. When I begin to attribute success solely to my own effort, I drift from truth. But when I recognize God as the giver, gratitude replaces arrogance, and stewardship replaces entitlement.
The Queen of Sheba also speaks of God’s passion—His love: “The Lord loved Israel.” This is not a fleeting emotion but a covenant commitment. The Hebrew word אָהֵב (’ahav) expresses a deep, enduring love rooted in God’s nature. As the apostle John the Apostle later writes, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This means that everything God does flows from who He is. His love is not earned; it is revealed. The ultimate expression of that love is seen at Calvary, where Christ became the ἱλασμός (hilasmos)—the atoning sacrifice—for our sins (1 John 4:10). When I understand that God’s actions toward me are grounded in His love, it changes how I interpret both blessings and trials. His love is the constant beneath every circumstance.
She continues by affirming God’s promise: “The Lord loved Israel forever.” That word “forever” echoes the Hebrew concept of עוֹלָם (‘olam)—a duration without end, stretching beyond human comprehension. God’s promises are not temporary agreements; they are eternal commitments. This is why Israel’s story continues to matter. It is a living testimony that God keeps His word. As one commentator from Bible.org explains, “God’s faithfulness is not dependent on human consistency but on His own unchanging nature.” That truth steadies me. In a world where promises are often broken, God remains unwavering. His Word is not subject to revision; it is anchored in eternity.
Finally, she identifies God’s purpose: “to do judgment and justice.” Solomon’s kingship was not merely for display; it was for responsibility. The Hebrew terms מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) and צְדָקָה (tsedaqah) describe justice and righteousness—actions that reflect God’s moral order. Leadership, in God’s design, is always tied to accountability. This principle extends beyond kings to every believer. Wherever God places me, He gives me a purpose that reflects His character. I am not positioned simply to succeed, but to serve. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly when He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). That redefines how I view influence—not as a privilege to enjoy, but as a calling to fulfill.
As I reflect on this encounter between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon, I see more than a historical moment. I see a mirror held up to my own life. Do others see God’s work in me and respond with praise? Do I recognize that my position, whatever it may be, comes from Him? Do I trust in His love, rest in His promises, and live out His purpose? These are not abstract questions—they are daily realities. The same God who established Solomon’s throne is actively working in my life, shaping my path, and calling me to reflect His glory.
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