*1 Kings 3:1-15
In a dream at Gibeon, Solomon prioritizes wisdom over wealth and power, and God grants him both wisdom and prosperity.
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Solomon Makes a Political Alliance
- Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
- This marriage is a political move to strengthen ties between the two nations.
- He brings her to the City of David until he finishes building his palace, the temple of the Lord, and the city walls.
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Worship Practices Before the Temple Is Built
- At this time, there is no central temple yet, so people worship at various high places (hilltop altars).
- Solomon also offers sacrifices at these places, including a large offering at Gibeon.
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God Appears to Solomon in a Dream
- While Solomon is at Gibeon, God appears to him in a dream.
- God tells Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.”
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Solomon Asks for Wisdom
- Solomon humbly praises God for His kindness to David, Solomon’s father.
- He admits he is young and doesn’t know how to lead the people well.
- Solomon asks for a wise and understanding heart to judge the people fairly and to know right from wrong.
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God Is Pleased with Solomon’s Request
- God is happy that Solomon didn’t ask for a long life, riches, or the death of his enemies.
- So, God gives him what he asked for—wisdom greater than anyone before or after him.
- God also gives him what he didn’t ask for: riches and honor.
- God promises a long life too, if Solomon follows His ways and keeps His commands.
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Solomon Returns to Jerusalem
- Solomon wakes up and realizes it was a dream, but also a real message from God.
- He goes to Jerusalem, stands before the Ark of the Covenant, and offers more sacrifices.
- He throws a feast for all his servants, marking the beginning of his wise rule.
1 Kings 3:1-15 shows us the importance of seeking wisdom over personal gain. When God offered Solomon anything he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead well, and God blessed him with even more. This teaches us to focus on what truly matters—understanding, kindness, and making good choices—rather than just wealth or success. When we put wisdom first and seek God’s guidance in our decisions, He provides what we need and often blesses us in ways we never expected.
1 Kings 3:1-15 (WEB)
3:1 Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into David’s city until he had finished building his own house, the LORD’s house, and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 However, the people sacrificed in the high places, because there was not yet a house built for the LORD’s name. 3 Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father, except that he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask for what I should give you.”6 Solomon said, “You have shown to your servant David my father great loving kindness, because he walked before you in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you. You have kept for him this great loving kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. 7 Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king instead of David my father. I am just a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in. 8 Your servant is among your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this great people of yours?”10 This request pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your word. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, and after you none will arise like you. 13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you for all your days. 14 If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”15 Solomon awoke; and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the LORD’s covenant, and offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.