1 Kings 3:5-15
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5)
Solomon’s answer to God began with acknowledgement of the goodness God had shown to his father David, of David’s living in truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart, and of God’s continued favor for David shown in giving him a son to sit on his throne.
Solomon then confessed his smallness and deficiency in knowing how to rule the vast nation of Israel. He recognized the great task ahead of him and his strength unequal to the task.
Thus in a heart of humility before his Creator and Lord he asked Him for “an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). “Now give me wisdom and knowledge…” (2 Chronicles 1:10).
“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked for this thing. Then God said to him: ‘Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:10-14).
Like his father, Solomon showed a heart of humility in his request. And at this point in his life, he is following in the steps of David, who said, regarding the laws and statutes of the Lord, “more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10). Solomon esteemed the wisdom that comes from God greater riches than the transitory things of this life.
For what would you ask? Would you ask for health to live a long life? Would you ask for comfort and ease? Perhaps one would not be so bold as to pray to God for selfish motives and purposes and ends, but doesn’t the way we live, the things for which we strive for, the time we devote to activities, reveal what is really in our hearts, what we treasure, and what we most want?
This story reminds us of the value of the spiritual over the material. And it should cause us to think about what we long for and what we ask of God.
-Larry Jones