Solomon Asks for Wisdom

WHILE ISRAEL’S KING Solomon was engaged in religious matters at Gibeon, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s reply shows he was full of appreciation of the great work which God had committed to his care. He acknowledged God was the real King and that he merely sat upon “the throne of the kingdom of the Lord.” This is shown by his words, “O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father.”—I Kings 3:1-7; I Chron. 28:5

What strength it must have given Solomon to realize he was in God’s hands, and it was not merely because of his father David’s foresight and wisdom that he had come to the throne. Similarly, what strength it should give to the Lord’s people today, realizing they have come into grace, mercy, and peace, not by their own wisdom, nor by that of others. Rather, these qualities come “from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father.”—II John 1:3

King Solomon’s humility is shown by his declaration to the Lord, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” Although placed in the midst of God’s chosen people as their leader, he felt incapable of such a high and responsible duty. Notice Solomon did not say “my people,” but rather “thy people which thou hast chosen.”—I Kings 3:7,8

Solomon’s declaration continued: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.” (vs. 9) Solomon recognized the utmost importance of having righteous judgment concerning the various issues pertaining to the Jewish nation, as well as in individual matters. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, answering affirmatively, and also stating he would give Solomon that which he had not asked for, “both riches, and honour.”—vss. 10-13

Why, during the present Gospel Age, do those who are seeking the wisdom of God rarely receive earthly riches and honours? (James 3:13-18) It is because at Solomon’s time, during the Jewish Age, the Lord’s dealings with natural Israel were along natural fleshly lines.—Deut. 28:1-13

At the present time, however, the Lord’s followers are promised “spiritual blessings.” They are “sealed with the Holy Spirit,” and given the “spirit of wisdom.” (Eph. 1:3-18) Jesus instructed his disciples to “lay not up … treasures upon earth,” but “treasures in heaven.” “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21) Paul states that the wisdom which God’s people are to seek is not the “wisdom of men,” nor the “wisdom of this world,” but rather “the wisdom of God,” which “God hath revealed unto us by his Spirit.”—I Cor. 2:4-10

When Solomon awoke and realized it was a dream from the Lord, he returned to Jerusalem and offered burnt and peace offerings. (I Kings 3:15) He realized that God was prospering him in the matter to which he had called him, and this filled him with joy and peace.

So, too, it should be now with all of the Lord’s people. The proper way to show our appreciation to the Heavenly Father is by manifesting our faith in him, confidently trusting and rejoicing in his “exceeding great and precious promises.”—Rom. 8:17; I Pet. 1:3-8; II Pet. 1:2-8