*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.
- Solomon’s Marriage Alliance:
- Solomon forms a political marriage alliance by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter, strengthening ties between Israel and Egypt.
- This marriage reflects the common practice of forming alliances through royal marriages in ancient times.
- Worship at High Places:
- Despite his devotion to God, Solomon continues the practice of offering sacrifices at the high places, which were traditional sites of worship.
- These high places were often associated with pagan rituals and practices that conflicted with the worship of Yahweh.
- Divine Encounter at Gibeon:
- Solomon travels to Gibeon, a prominent high place, to offer sacrifices to God.
- During the night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for whatever he desires.
- Solomon’s Request for Wisdom:
- Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience in ruling such a great nation and asks for wisdom to govern effectively.
- He humbly recognizes his dependence on God’s guidance to carry out his duties as king.
- God’s Approval and Blessing:
- God is pleased with Solomon’s request, admiring his desire for wisdom rather than selfish desires such as wealth or power.
- Because Solomon asked for wisdom, God not only grants his request but also promises to bless him with riches and honor beyond any other king.
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.