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Solomon’s Spectacular Beginning
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the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “‘Ask! What
shall I give you?’” In his answer the young ruler voiced his feeling
of helplessness and his desire for aid. “‘You have made Your servant
king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not
know how to go out or come in. ... Therefore give to Your servant
an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern
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between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of
Yours?’
“The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
“‘Because you have asked this thing,’ God said to Solomon,
‘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 under-
standing 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 com-
mandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your
days.”
1 Kings 3:5-14
; see also
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
.
The language Solomon used before the altar at Gibeon reveals
his humility and his strong desire to honor God. In his heart there
was no selfish longing for a knowledge that would raise him above
others. He chose the gift that would enable his reign to bring glory
to God. Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as
when he confessed, “I am a little child; I do not know how to go out
or come in.”
As people occupy higher positions, they exert wider influence
and need to depend on God all the more. They are to stand before
God in the attitude of a learner. Position does not give holiness of
character. Honoring God and obeying His commands is what makes
anyone truly great.
The God who gave Solomon the spirit of wise discernment is
willing to grant the same blessing to His children today. “If any of
you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally
and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5
. The