SOLOMON
Solomon was the king of Israel after David. God blessed him with wisdom and was fortunate to rule the united Israel for forty years like his predecessors Saul and David. Because of his sin of idolatry at his later stage, God divided Israel as North (Israel) and South (Judea).
SOLOMON SEEKING WISDOM FROM GOD
1 Kings 3:4-15 presents the story of King Solomon gaining supernatural wisdom from God. After the king offered one thousand burned offering at the altar in Gibeon, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and asked him what favor he wanted. Solomon humbly expressed his limitations as a little child and does not know how to perform his duties (v. 7). “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (v. 9). God was pleased with Solomon’s request and told him: “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (v. 11-15).
REFLECTION
Like a parent knows what the child wants, God is aware of what his faithful need. Instead of worldly riches, let us seek wisdom from God to guide the people entrusted to our care. When we are loyal to God and willing to do the will of God in our lives, He will provide what we need.