I Kings 3:1-7 and I Kings 9-14
Son of King David *King of Israel after David*Built God’s Temple* Ruled Wisely
5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish me to give you.”
Note: God welcomes us to put our desires at His feet. Early in Solomon’s reign God appeared to Solomon and made Himself accessible for Solomon to ask what He wished to help carry out his new responsibilities. He knew Solomon’s potential to fail at his assignments. This is good; it is an example of the mightiness in the God you serve. He desires for us to ask Him for the help we need in running anything we are responsibly for, our homes, business, marriage, friendships, children, ministry and more.
6Then Solomon said, “You have shown great loving-kindness 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 loving-kindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
Note: Before Solomon placed his request a the feet of God , he began by giving acknowledging His great works in his fathers life and the blessings that He received. Though the Lord wants us to come to Him to place our requests, we should approach Him with praise for all He has already done and plans to keep doing.
7“Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.
Note: When Solomon says I am but a little child, he acknowledges his inability to be a leader of anything, especially a great nation. However, it is said that he may have been at least 20 years old. What in our lives are we but little children, failing to lead, deal with, or create because we feel incapable, like little children?
9“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern [distinguish, have intelligence, know, perceive,] between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
Note: All matters are God’s matters no job should be taken lightly. Not homemaking or running your own business.
10It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. 11God said to him, “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, instead have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,
Note: What is this that he asked for? An understanding heart to discern good and evil so that hey may rule wisely.
13“I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.
Note: When we ask for first things He adds the rest, no questions asked.
Yes, it continues on to say that no one will ever be as wise as Solomon but God’s Word still promises wisdom to those who ask for it.
James 1:5, 5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Questions:
What have you been asking God for lately in regards to your family and business? Have you been asking for what you think is best?
What can you begin to praying for that which will impact all of your life’s decisions and relationships in a positive, say, God way?
Sometimes running a home and business can get overwhelming and we may ask for help and extra finances and all other things that we thing would be good for us. However, King Solomon proved that asking for a discerning heart, or wisdom as several Bible translations use is the best and first thing to ask for, then He, will add all other things to us.
Copyright © 2010 Teresa G. Lusk