1 Kings 3

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

BACKGROUND NOTES

Which king was well known for his wisdom?
Where did his wisdom come from?
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” What did Solomon ask for?
Did the Lord grant Solomon’s request?
Why did Solomon marry an Egyptian princess? What was the fall-out?
What were the high places in Israel?
Where were the tabernacle and the brazen altar located? Where did Solomon go to sacrifice to the Lord? Where was the true altar of the Lord?

King Solomon.
It was a gift from the Lord.
Solomon said, “Give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people.” (1 Kings 3:9)
Yes, and more. God said, “I have given you a wise and understanding heart…and I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor,..” (1 Kings 3:12-13)
For political reasons, Solomon married her. It was not a good decision with reference to Solomon’s walk with the Lord. The law of God said that Hebrews were not to intermarry with those of foreign pagan cultures, because the false religions would creep into Israel and steal the hearts of the people from the Lord. And that is what happened.
The high places were the hilltops where people offered sacrifices to the Lord.
The tabernacle and the brazen altar were at the great high place at Gibeon, about six miles northwest of Jerusalem. Solomon went to sacrifice to the Lord at Gibeon, the true altar of the Lord.

At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. The Lord said to Solomon, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon said, “Give to your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people” (1 Kings 3:9) Solomon’s request pleased the Lord and he gave Solomon not only what he asked for, but much more. What would you have asked for if you were Solomon? The Lord is pleased when we ask for wisdom. The wisdom of God is available upon request. See James 1:5. If we come to the Lord by faith and ask for wisdom in reference to any situation we are facing, the Lord will give wisdom. How often do you ask the Lord for wisdom instead of trying to solve a problem in your own strength? Do you believe that the Lord will answer your request? Have faith!
Re-read 1 Kings 3:16-28. What a great Bible story! This is given as one example of Solomon’s wisdom from the Lord. What would you have done if you had been in Solomon’s shoes? Recall examples from your life when you asked wisdom from the Lord and He answered your prayer. There is a way by which we can tell when wisdom is from the Lord. Read James 3:17.

When Solomon asked for wisdom, the Lord was pleased and He gave Solomon not only wisdom, but much more. The same is true for believers today. The Lord gives us more than we ask for. See Romans 8:31-32. Take time out to count your many blessings!

“Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except…” 1 Kings 3;3
“The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there…and he talked with God and said, ‘Give to Your servant an understanding heart…for who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ The speech pleased the Lord.” 1 Kings 3:4-10
“Then God said, ‘Behold, I have done according to your words…I have given you a wise and understanding heart…and yet more.” 1 Kings 3:11-13
“Now two women came to the king, and stood before him. The king gave the first woman the living child…She is his mother.” 1 Kings 3:16-27
“…all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered…and they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.” 1 Kings 3:28