Context: Who was Solomon? (1 Chronicles 22:7-10, 1 Kings 1:5-6, 1 Kings 4:24-25)
- Son of David.
- God spoke to David about Solomon and his kingdom before he was born
- Yet, there was a huge conspiracy before he became the king
- Would have cost him his and his mother’s life
- Yet, there was a huge conspiracy before he became the king
- He was named Solomon, before he was born.
- He was supposed to be a man of peace
- Because God will give him rest from all his enemies
- And God will give peace and quietness to Israel
- Had peace on all sides around him. Judah and Israel lived safely.
- He was supposed to be a man of peace
- God spoke to David about Solomon and his kingdom before he was born
- Solomon was designated to build the temple of God
- Solomon’s throne, similar to David’s throne, will be established forever
- Through Jesus
What do we learn about Solomon in the current passage? (v4-9, 1 Chr 22:7-10)
- Even though he is the king of a great multitude, Solomon is humble
- Solomon acknowledges that God had shown great loving kindness to David
- Because David walked before God
- in truth,
- In righteousness
- And in uprightness of heart
- Because David walked before God
- Solomon acknowledges that God has also shown great loving kindness
- By allowing him to reign in David’s place
- Solomon acknowledges that he is but a child
- He didn’t become king because of his own wisdom or greatness
- Taking the throne after David, Solomon acknowledges that he has big shoes to fill
- He acknowledges that he is not just a king of any people
- But the king of people who were chosen by God
- And they were so many
- From Solmon’s perspective can’t be counted
- He acknowledges that he is not just a king of any people
What was Solomon’s request and God’s response? V9-14
- Knowing his true state, Solomon asks for an understanding heart
- That he may discern between good and evil
- And judge God’s chosen people (wisely?)
- That he may discern between good and evil
- God blessed Solomon with
- Wise and understanding heart
- None like that before or after him.
- Riches and honor
- Much more than any other kings during Solomon’s time
- Long life
- If Solomon walked in God’s ways, just like his father David
- Wise and understanding heart
Conclusion
- Solomon asked for God’s help, to do his very best, for the massive job at hand
- Solomon’s many offerings show that he knew that he can only depend on God
- If I was faced with the question “Ask for what I should give you”, what would I ask?
Main Passage 1 Kings 3:4-15 – World English Bible (WEB)
4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon, Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for what I should give you.”
6 Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, because he walked before you in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am just a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in. 8 Your servant is among your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”
10 This request pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice; 12 behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart; so that there has been no one like you before you, and after you none will arise like you. 13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you for all your days. 14 If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 15 Solomon awoke; and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, and offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
Notes / Cross References
Trivia: Word Solomon (Strong’s # 8011) is derived from the word Shalom (Strong’s #7965)
1 Chronicles 22:7-10 7 David said to Solomon his son, “As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the name of Yahweh my God. 8 But Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, ‘You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of peace. I will give him rest from all his enemies all around; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for my name; and he will be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
1 Kings 4:24-25 24 For he had dominion over all on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings on this side the River: and he had peace on all sides around him. 25 Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
1 Kings 1:5-6 5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why have you done so?” and he was also a very handsome man; and he was born after Absalom.
Psalm 111:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
