1 Kings 3:1-28
Q.1. What was it about Solomon’s youthful zeal that brought such a generous response from God? – (1 Kgs.3:1-12)
Alfred Eidersheim suggests that Solomon was twenty-five years old when he ascended the throne (The Bible History – Old Testament). The young Solomon had some endearing qualities – Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David (1 Kgs.3:3). Sadly, his weakness regarding women, plus his religious tolerance, would lead to his downfall in his later years (1 Kgs.3:1, 3 c.f. 1 Kgs.11:1-9). However, as a youth his devotion to God was impressive. He – offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar … at Gibeon (1 Kgs.3:4). In response, God spoke to him in a dream – Ask whatever you wish Me to give you (1 Kgs.3:5). Solomon’s request was legendary: He admitted – I am but a little child (1 Kgs.3:7). He honoured his father – You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day (1 Kgs.3:6). Of all that Solomon could have asked God to give him, his request pleased the Lord – So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours (1 Kgs.3:9). God promised – 11 … Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you (1 Kgs.3:11-12). Â
Q.2. On what basis did God promise to bless Solomon? Does this still apply today? – (1 Kgs.3:12-15)
Though God promised He would elevate Solomon above all other kings, this was conditional – If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days (1 Kgs.3:14). David was not perfect, but yet there was something special about his heart for God. This was expressed in his development of the worship of God, and in the insights and prophecies in his numerous Psalms. Solomon marked this special experience of God – and he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings and made a feast for all his servants (1 Kgs.3:15). His reign started on a high.
Q.3. What impact did Solomon’s display of wisdom have on his people? – (1 Kgs.3:16-28)
The wisdom used by Solomon as he presided over his people, is especially remembered in the record of his ruling regarding the surviving child of two prostitutes (1 Kgs.3:16-22). He was able to identify the real mother by discovering her true love for her child (1 Kgs.3:24-27). This made a deep impression on his people – When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer judgment (1 Kgs.3:28).