1 Kings 3
-As Solomon’s rule is consolidated, he takes a wife from
Egypt, from the Pharaoh, in an alliance of marriage. He brought her to the city
of David, which is near Jerusalem, until he had finished his own house, the
house of the LORD (The Temple), and the wall around Jerusalem (1 Kings 3:1). In
those days there had still been no House built for the Name of the LORD and so
people would sacrifice on high places, sometimes doing it in idolatry. Solomon
takes part in some of the deviant practices; although, he loved the LORD and
earnestly tried to walk in the steps of his father, David, in most situations.
It was at Gibeon, the great high place, where Solomon was known to have
sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings on that alter. It was here that he had
his dream where the LORD appeared to him and ask him what he wanted the LORD to
give him (1 Kings 3:2-5). Gibeon is north and west of Jerusalem in what today
would be considered the West Bank. It was a Canaanite city that was spared in
Joshua’s conquest against the LORD’s will, and the Amorites were known for inhabiting
it (Joshua 10:12, 2 Samuel 21:2). It was eventually made a Levitical city
(Joshua 21:17).
-Solomon’s dream is absolutely significant in the
development of the kingdom of Israel as a nation as well as spiritually
speaking. Solomon acknowledges God in the dream for His lovingkindness that He
showed to his father David and His extension of that to him as king on the
throne of his father. Solomon indicates in the dream how David walked in truth,
righteousness, uprightness of heart before the LORD, which blessed him with
God’s favor. Solomon acknowledges his dependence upon the LORD for wisdom out
of sincere humility with great concern over being a good and just king of the
chosen people of God. He quickly realized the responsibility he had to lean on
God for his understanding and this would be a trademark of his ministry
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
-Because of Solomon’s genuine and honest request for an
understanding heart to judge God’s people as the king in righteousness with a
heart to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9), the LORD granted him his
request according to his words (1 Kings 3:12). In other words, God gave Solomon
the desires of his heart because they lined up with His divine will and purpose
(Psalm 37:4, James 4:3-10, 1 John 5:14). Solomon did not ask for long life and riches
selfishly. He did not ask for the lives of his enemies. He only wanted discernment
to understand justice (1 Kings 3:11). This was absolutely pleasing in the sight
of the LORD (1 Kings 3:10), and therefore God also gave him riches, honor and long
life, besides this great wisdom, and He exalted him above all the other kings of
the earth (1 Kings 3:12-14). As the king awoke, he came before the Ark of the Covenant
in Jerusalem and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings along with a feast
for all his servants. Solomon was a thankful man who worshipped the LORD!
-His first test came with two harlots that had an issue over
the death of a child and baby stealing. Solomon showed his God-given discernment
right away in his handling of the situation as he and all gained recognition as
to the truth in this civic matter. “When all Israel heard of the judgment which
the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of
God was in him to administer justice (1 Kings 3:16-28).”
-*Application* The theme of this section revolves around the
idea of the administration of justice under the authority of God. God desires His
servants in leadership to seek to do things the right way without selfish motivations.
Just like Solomon, we have the opportunity to ask the LORD for wisdom and discernment
to govern whatever He has entrusted to us with integrity. Our own wisdom is not
nearly enough. We need God to guide us by His Spirit and lead us into good decisions
every day. Seek the LORD (His Kingdom) and His righteousness, and all these other
things of blessing will eventually be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Verses to Memorize: 1
Kings 3:9-15
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