Week of July 24, 2016: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15

Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people.

Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61

Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.

After the death of their first son, Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon. Nathan, the prophet whom God had used to confront David concerning Uriah, gave Solomon a special name: Jedidiah, which means “Beloved of the Lord.” God chose Solomon to be king.

Early in Solomon’s life, God appeared to him in a dream. “What should I give you?” God asked. Solomon’s response set him apart from many other kings.

“Give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

One might assume that a king would ask for power, to be victorious over his enemies. Perhaps he would ask for riches or to live a long life. Solomon asked for none of these. Instead, he asked God to make him wise. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and He agreed to give Solomon a wise and understanding heart.

Solomon’s heart was surrendered to God. When we know and love Jesus, God gives us the same promise He gave to Solomon: “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).