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Solomon’s Spectacular Beginning
In the reign of David and Solomon, Israel had many opportunities
to exert a mighty influence for truth and right. Jehovah’s name was
exalted and held in honor. People from heathen lands seeking truth
did not go away unsatisfied. Conversions took place, and the church
of God on earth prospered.
Solomon became king in the closing years of his father David.
His early life was bright with promise, and God intended that he
would grow more and more like the character of God. In this way he
would inspire the people to fulfill their sacred trust as God-appointed
witnesses of divine truth. David knew that for Solomon to fulfill
the trust with which God honored him, the youthful ruler must
be not merely a warrior and statesman but a good man, a teacher
of righteousness, an example of loyal obedience. David earnestly
appealed to Solomon to be noble, to show mercy to his subjects, and
in all his dealings with the nations to honor the name of God and
to reveal in his life the beauty of holiness. “He who rules over men
must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
2 Samuel 23:3
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In his youth Solomon made David’s choice his own, and for
many years he lived in strict obedience to God’s commands. Early
in his reign he went to Gibeon, where the tabernacle built in the
wilderness still was, and with his chosen advisers and “every leader
in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses,” joined in offering
sacrifices to God and consecrating themselves fully to the Lord’s
service.
2 Chronicles 1:2
. Solomon knew that those carrying heavy
responsibilities must seek the Source of wisdom for guidance. This
led him to encourage his counselors to unite with him in making
sure that God accepted them.
Solomon’s Dream From God
More than anything else on earth, the king desired wisdom and
understanding, a compassionate heart, and a tender spirit. That night
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