So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies--but you have asked for discernment to administer justice-- So God said to himThis phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Solomon, highlighting the personal relationship between God and the king. In the context of the Old Testament, God often communicated directly with key figures, such as Moses and David, to guide His people. This divine interaction underscores the importance of Solomon's request and God's approval of it. Since you have asked for this
Solomon's request was for wisdom, specifically discernment to govern the people. This reflects his humility and recognition of the immense responsibility of leading Israel. It aligns with the biblical principle that God values a heart that seeks wisdom and understanding over material wealth or personal gain. instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often sought longevity and prosperity as signs of divine favor and successful reign. Solomon's choice to prioritize wisdom over these common desires demonstrates a selfless approach to leadership, valuing the well-being of his people over personal gain. This choice is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33, where seeking God's kingdom and righteousness is prioritized over worldly concerns. or death for your enemies
In the historical context of Israel, surrounded by hostile nations, a king might naturally desire the defeat of his enemies to secure peace and stability. Solomon's decision not to ask for the death of his enemies reflects a commitment to peace and justice, aligning with the biblical theme of loving one's enemies and seeking reconciliation, as later taught by Jesus in the New Testament. but you have asked for discernment to administer justice
This request highlights Solomon's desire to be a just ruler, which is central to the biblical understanding of a good king. The Hebrew concept of justice (mishpat) involves fairness, righteousness, and the protection of the vulnerable. Solomon's request is a foreshadowing of the messianic king, Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect wisdom and justice. Solomon's wisdom is later demonstrated in the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child, showcasing his God-given ability to discern truth and administer justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity. 2. GodThe sovereign Lord who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desires. God's response to Solomon's request highlights His approval of Solomon's priorities. 3. GibeonThe place where Solomon offers sacrifices and where God appears to him in a dream. It is significant as a high place of worship before the temple in Jerusalem is built. 4. DreamThe medium through which God communicates with Solomon, offering him a choice of blessings. 5. Discernment in Administering JusticeThe specific request Solomon makes, which pleases God. It reflects Solomon's desire to govern wisely and justly. Teaching Points Prioritizing Spiritual WisdomSolomon's request for discernment over personal gain teaches us to value spiritual wisdom above material wealth or personal vendettas. God's GenerosityGod's response to Solomon shows His willingness to bless those who seek His wisdom. We are encouraged to approach God with requests that align with His will. The Role of Justice in LeadershipSolomon's desire for discernment in administering justice highlights the importance of fairness and righteousness in leadership roles. The Power of PrayerSolomon's interaction with God demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of asking God for what we truly need to fulfill His purposes. God's Approval of SelflessnessSolomon's selfless request is met with God's approval, teaching us that selflessness aligns with God's heart and leads to His blessings. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Solomon's request for discernment reveal about his character and priorities as a leader? 2. How can we apply Solomon's example of seeking wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 3. In what ways does Solomon's request align with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about seeking God's kingdom first? 4. How does God's response to Solomon encourage us to pray for wisdom in our own lives? 5. What are some practical ways we can prioritize spiritual growth over material gain in our current cultural context? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault. It parallels Solomon's request for discernment. Proverbs 2:6Written by Solomon, this verse acknowledges that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, reinforcing the source of true wisdom. Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added. Solomon's request aligns with this principle of prioritizing spiritual over material blessings. | But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness | Hugh Binning | 1 Kings 3:11 | | The Prayer of Solomon and its Fulfilment | E. De Pressense | 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34 | | A Prince At Prayer | | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Choice | E. J. Hardy, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Acquisition of Knowledge | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Dreams Indicate Character | Hugh Black, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Effectual Prayer | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Lonely Communion in View of Great Duty | H. O. Mackey. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | On the Youth of Solomon | A. Allison, LL. B. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. MacNeill. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | Monday Club Sermons | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. Eells, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | E. Payson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Duty, Nature, and Blessings of Prayer | R. P. Buddicom, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The First Thing to Do | C. S. Robinson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Heart as Organ of Insight | C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Highest Order of Wisdom | Alex. Whyte, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Story of a Right Choice | W. Hoyt. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Wisdom of Solomon | Homiletic Quarterly | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | True Aims and False Aims | H. Evans. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Wisdom | Carlyle. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Prayer | J. Waite | 1 Kings 3:5-16 | | The Wisdom of Solomon's Choice | A. Rowland | 1 Kings 3:9-13 |
People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Administering, Causes, Death, Destruction, Discern, Discernment, Enemies, Hast, Haters, Judge, Judgment, Justice, Request, Riches, Thyself, Understand, Understanding, Wealth, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:5-12 1680 types 1 Kings 3:5-13 8130 guidance, from godly people 1 Kings 3:5-14 5548 speech, divine
6622 choice 1 Kings 3:5-15 5849 exaltation 1 Kings 3:6-15 5120 Solomon, character 1 Kings 3:9-12 8281 insight
8409 decision-making, and providence 1 Kings 3:10-12 5028 knowledge, God source of human 1 Kings 3:10-14 5787 ambition, positive 1 Kings 3:11-12 5064 spirit, emotional
5361 justice, human
5362 justice, believers' lives
8617 prayer, effective 1 Kings 3:11-14 5871 greed, response to Library A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 3:11 NIV1 Kings 3:11 NLT1 Kings 3:11 ESV1 Kings 3:11 NASB1 Kings 3:11 KJV
1 Kings 3:11 Commentaries
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