God Answers Prayer
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Key Verse: “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.” Selected Scripture: |
SOLOMON LOVED THE Lord and kept God’s ordinances as did his father David. (I Kings 3:3) One of the earliest acts of his reign was to convene a religious convention at Gibeon. (vs. 4) God appeared to Solomon in a dream and inquired what he would like most of all. Solomon expressed appreciation for God’s mercy to his father David, and also for allowing him to become his successor on the throne.—vss. 5,6
Next, we note the humility manifested by the king. “Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.” (vs. 7, NIV) Solomon also recognized the most needful thing for the welfare of the nation would be righteous judgment in dealing with matters of either individual or national importance. (vss. 8,9) The Lord was well pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom, instead of asking for long life, wealth, or the defeat of his enemies.—vss. 10,11
Our Key Verse acknowledges that God granted Solomon wisdom and understanding unequalled either by those who preceded or would follow him. The immense wealth and honors which came to Solomon along with his wisdom are world renowned. The period of Israel’s greatest glory in the past was attained under his leadership.
God’s final promise to Solomon, and his reaction to his dream, conclude this narrative. “If you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.”—I Kings 3:14,15, NIV
Believers today may profit greatly in our Christian walk by studying God’s dealings and promises to Solomon. He sat on an earthly throne while ruling Israel. The Gospel Age followers of the Master have been given the hope of a spiritual reward.—Heb. 3:1; Rev. 3:21
God considers the choices believers make, to determine who will prove faithful to the heavenly calling, since the terms of Christian discipleship require sacrifice and self-denial. (Matt. 16:24) We should not be seeking a life of ease, self-preservation, or wealth as is common among those who place great value upon the acquisition of things related to human pleasure. (Matt. 6:31-33) Solomon desired wisdom, and was given many additional blessings because his choice was approved by God. Christians who have received the Holy Spirit will seek heavenly wisdom to guide them in all their affairs. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”—James 3:17,18
Like Solomon, let us recognize our personal insufficiency, trusting for Divine guidance regarding how we should speak and act in order to merit God’s approval. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”—I Pet. 5:6