Read the Passage: 1 Kings 3-4

Appearance of God (3:1–15)

While 1 Kings 3–10 details the early successes of Solomon, within these chapters the author alludes to several errors that Solomon made that affected his later reign. Two of Solomon’s sins, which are mentioned in 1 Kings 3:1–3, are: (1) marrying Pharaoh’s daughter, in violation of Deut. 7:3–4; (2) and worshiping at the high places, which was unwise according to Deut. 12:2–4. Yet, despite these errors, God blessed Solomon and appeared to him when he was worshiping at Gibeon. Note that Gibeon was where the tabernacle of the Lord was set up, after it was moved from Shiloh (cf. 1 Chron. 21:29). When God appeared to Solomon, incredibly, God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5). While we might be envious of God’s invitation to Solomon, bear in mind that God makes this same offer to all believers (cf. Matt. 7:7–8; John 15:7; Phil. 4:6; Jas. 1:5).

In responding to God’s generous question, Solomon mentioned four things. First, at 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon noted God’s mercy, kindness, and covenant faithfulness to David. Indeed, by raising Solomon up, God was fulfilling His own promise at 2 Sam. 7:12–16. Second, at 1 Kings 3:7 Solomon recognized his young age (he was between 16 and 20 years old), his inexperience, and his lack of knowledge. David’s concern over Solomon’s lack of experience is why he prepared materials for Solomon to build the Temple (cf. 1 Chron. 22:5; 29:1). Third, at 1 Kings 3:8 Solomon observed the immense size of Israel, as the population was near four million people. This large number of people displayed both God’s faithfulness (cf. Gen. 22:17) and the peoples’ great need. Fourth, at 1 Kings 3:9 Solomon asked for wisdom, including an understanding heart and a discerning mind.

Solomon’s request for wisdom pleased God, as Solomon did not ask for personal gains such as wealth, fame, or a long-life. Indeed, later biblical teachings on wisdom highlight why Solomon’s request was so pleasing to God. Scripture teaches that God is both the foundation of wisdom (cf. Prov. 9:2) and the source of wisdom (cf. Prov. 2:6). Moreover, wisdom is described as being pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and good (cf. Jas. 3:17), and it preserves the lives of those find it (cf. Eccl. 7:12). Paul writes that in Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3) and notes that Christ is the embodiment of wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 1:30). Solomon’s desire for wisdom, then, revealed his desire for God. Consequently, God granted Solomon the wisdom he desired, as well as giving him blessings he did not request: riches, honor, and the prospect for a long-life.

Example of Wisdom (3:16–28)

1 Kings 3:16–28 narrates a relatively obscure event, yet this story is given to show the depth of Solomon’s wisdom. In short, in this account two harlots each gave birth to a son. After one of the sons died in the night, both of the mothers claimed that the living son was theirs. Since there were no witnesses to this event, and since there was no available medical test that could determine maternity, this narrative presents what appeared to be an unsolvable problem. Solomon’s “solution” was to suggest giving half of the child to each woman. While Solomon’s response is alarming, the narrative reveals that he never intended to harm the child; rather, Solomon was merely using the threat of harm to reveal the true mother. Indeed, Solomon’s “solution” here displayed his wisdom and it resonated with the general principles already established within the civil law (cf. Exod. 21:35).

Reign of Solomon (4:1–34)

1 Kings 4 reports various details about Solomon’s administration and reign. An outline of this chapter is as follows: Solomon’s officials (1 Kings 4:1–6), Solomon’s governors (1 Kings 4:7–19), Solomon’s prosperity (1 Kings 4:20–25), Solomon’s provisions (1 Kings 4:26–28) and Solomon’s wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34). While reading through the details in this chapter may be pedantic—including the names of 28 individuals who served in Solomon’s administration—this material is given here to show that God was faithful to fulfill His promise of granting Solomon wisdom. Indeed, 1 Kings 4:29 records, “God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.” In 1 Kings 4:32–24 the author notes the wide-ranging nature of Solomon’s wisdom and reports that all of the kings of the earth sought to hear Solomon.

Application Questions:

1. When God appears to human beings in Scripture, what are some commonalities between these appearances?
2. If you were Solomon, what would you have asked of God? What specific prayer requests has God answered for you?
3. Since God offered him the possibility of a long-life, how can we explain the later death of Solomon at a relatively young age?
4. How would you define biblical wisdom? How is wisdom different from concepts such as intelligence and discernment?
5. Is wisdom a general virtual that is available to everyone, or is it a spiritual gift that is only given to some (cf. 1 Cor. 12:8)?