What can we learn about God's love for Israel from 1 Kings 10:9? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 10 records the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. After observing Solomon’s wisdom and the splendor of his kingdom, she praises Solomon’s God: “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s everlasting love for Israel, He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.” (1 Kings 10:9) Observations from 1 Kings 10:9 • God “delighted” in Solomon—His favor upon the king flows from His prior love for Israel. • The love is described as “everlasting,” affirming permanence and covenant faithfulness. • God’s love motivates purposeful action: He “has made you king.” • The aim of that action is moral—“to carry out justice and righteousness.” • Even a foreign monarch recognizes and testifies to God’s special affection for Israel. Key Truths about God’s Love for Israel • It is covenantal: rooted in promises first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:7). • It is enduring: “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). • It is electing: “The LORD loved you and chose you… not because you were numerous…but because the LORD loved you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). • It is purposeful: God’s love results in tangible leadership and national blessing aimed at displaying His justice and righteousness. • It is observable: outsiders can witness God’s favor and glorify Him (1 Kings 10:1, 9). Scripture Echoes • Psalm 89:20-24—God’s steadfast love upholds the Davidic king. • Psalm 136—Each line affirms, “His steadfast love endures forever,” highlighting Israel’s history as evidence. • Isaiah 54:10—“My loving devotion will not depart from you.” • Romans 11:28-29—Israel remains “beloved for the sake of the fathers, for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” How God’s Love Manifests in 1 Kings 10 and Beyond • Political stability: establishing Solomon’s throne. • National testimony: Israel becomes a light attracting the nations (1 Kings 10:24). • Moral mandate: love channels justice and righteousness through the king’s rule (Proverbs 29:4). • Prophetic assurance: the same everlasting love guarantees future restoration (Ezekiel 37:21-28). Takeaway 1 Kings 10:9 portrays God’s love for Israel as unwavering, purposeful, and publicly recognizable. Because His love is everlasting, His covenant dealings with Israel remain secure, and His commitment to justice and righteousness continues to unfold through history. |
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