Solomon
15
God’s commands. Early in his reign he went with his counselors
of state to Gibeon, where the tabernacle that had been built in the
wilderness still was, and there he united with his chosen advisers,
“the captains of thousands and of hundreds,” “the judges,” and “every
governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers,” in offering sacrifices
to God and in consecrating themselves fully to the Lord’s service.
2 Chronicles 1:2
. Comprehending something of the magnitude of
the duties connected with the kingly office, Solomon knew that those
bearing heavy burdens must seek the Source of Wisdom for guidance,
[28]
if they would fulfill their responsibilities acceptably. This led him to
encourage his counselors to unite with him heartily in making sure of
their acceptance with God.
Above every earthly good, the king desired wisdom and under-
standing for the accomplishment of the work God had given him to do.
He longed for quickness of mind, for largeness of heart, for tenderness
of spirit. That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and
said, “Ask what I shall give thee.” In his answer the young and inex-
perienced ruler gave utterance to his feeling of helplessness and his
desire for aid. “Thou hast showed unto Thy servant David my father
great mercy,” he said, “according as he walked before Thee in truth,
and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou
hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son
to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
“And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king
instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how
to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people
which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor
counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding
heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:
for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?
“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this
thing.”
“Because this was in thine heart,” God said to Solomon, “and
thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine
enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and
knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people,” “behold,
[29]
I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and
an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee,