This passage of Scripture introduces us to several questions and answers all believers face in their walk with God. When seeking to fulfill our calling and responsibilities as disciples of Jesus, there are challenges that face us all.
In Solomon’s case, after the death of his father, King David, Solomon now is Israel’s king. As a young man in his 20s, he has the weight and responsibilities of an entire nation. Now Solomon must share with his people his priorities, policies and protection.
He knew these must come from the leadership of the God of Israel. He knew one of the first responsibilities he had and desired was to worship the Lord. He knew if he did not have the blessing of the God of Israel, he would not be able to successfully rule the nation in truth and righteousness.
However, he did not follow God’s laws that stated the Israelites could make sacrifices only in specified places. This was to prevent the people from starting their own methods of worship which could include pagan practices. But many Israelites, including Solomon, made sacrifices in the surrounding hills.
In 1 Kings 3:3, the writer states, “Solomon showed his love to the Lord by walking according the statutes, except he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” Solomon loved God, but, in his foolishness, desired to worship God in his own way.
He went to Gibeon which was the most important of the high places for two reasons. First, the site could accommodate sacrifices of royal proportions. Solomon offered “a thousand burnt offerings on the altar” (v. 4). Second, although King David had relocated the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, it was where the Mosaic tabernacle and the ancient bronze altar were located.
No matter how sincere and elaborate this act of worship was, it was sin because this sacrificial offering took place away from the watchful care of priests and ministers loyal to the God of Israel.
Today, many desire a relationship with the Lord in the same way as Solomon—by worshipping him and showing their love for him in their own selfish, sinful way. Notice because of Solomon’s sin, God did not appear to him during the sacrifice, but at night in a dream (v. 5).
In his appearance, God said, “ask for whatever you want me to give you” (v. 5). In verses 6-9, Solomon responds by acknowledging how faithful the Lord had been to David when he was king and called himself “a little child” (v. 7). Already feeling the pressures of his responsibilities, Solomon realizes his lack of experience and maturity in being king of a nation. Because of his weighty leadership concerns, he asked the Lord for “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v. 9).
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What a lesson to be learned from such a young man. Instead of asking for more of what he had (money, influence, power, etc.), Solomon asked for something he lacked—wisdom.
In today’s world, material prosperity and social influence are imbedded as valuable commodities in our society. It is difficult for Christians not to be governed by their financial bottom line or standing in their community. However, what delights God is for his children to value living right and helping others above anything else.
In God’s economy, loving God and living by his wisdom are the surest routes in building a life of character that makes a difference. It is a good thing when God’s people humbly ask the Lord to lead them to consistently decide wisely and act rightly. An attitude of willingness to hear and obey God’s word is the basis for wisdom. Such wisdom produces a life that pleases God.
In 3:10-14, the Lord responds to Solomon’s petition by showing his pleasure and generosity. Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth, but God gave him riches and long life as well. While God does not promise riches to those who follow him, he gives us what we need if we put his kingdom first. Jesus said: “So do not worry … But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well” (Matthew 6:31, 33).
God always gives his best to those who leave the choice with him. Setting our sights on wealth will only leave us dissatisfied because we will always crave more. But if we put the Lord and his work first, he will satisfy our deepest needs.
In 3:12, God gives Solomon “a wise and discerning heart,” but it was up to Solomon to apply that wisdom to all areas of his life. Solomon was very wise in governing the nation, but he was foolish in running his own household. Wisdom is both the ability to discern what is best and the strength of character to act upon that knowledge. While Solomon remained wise all of his life, he did not always act wisely.
That says much for today’s followers of Jesus. When we spend time with the Lord through Bible study, prayer and worship, he speaks to us and gives us direction. However, if we are not willing to apply the truths to our character and lives, what we learn will be of no use in our responsibility to advance the kingdom of God.
After receiving the blessings of God through his dream, Solomon awoke, returned to Jerusalem and made a fresh, public commitment to him (v. 15). This time, he worshipped where the Lord where the law of Moses instructed—in front of the Ark of the Covenant.
One more lesson for believers of today is found here. The Lord accepts our worship when it is given, not in our timing, place or will, but in his. It is here where we find God who helps us meet the challenges of serving him.
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