1 Kings 3:7

And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David's place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

Study Bible

And now, O LORD my God,
This phrase reflects Solomon's acknowledgment of a personal relationship with God, emphasizing the covenantal bond between God and the Israelites. The use of "O LORD" (Yahweh) signifies the sacred name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. This invocation is a common feature in Hebrew prayers, showing reverence and dependence on God.

You have made Your servant king
Solomon recognizes that his kingship is not by his own doing but by divine appointment. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1 when God chose David. The term "servant" indicates humility and submission to God's will, a key characteristic expected of Israel's leaders.

in my father David’s place.
Solomon acknowledges the dynastic succession promised to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God assures David that his lineage will continue to rule. This continuity underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of Davidic lineage, which is central to messianic prophecies pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

But I am only a little child,
Solomon's self-description as "a little child" is metaphorical, expressing his sense of inadequacy and inexperience. Although Solomon was likely in his early twenties, this phrase conveys humility and a recognition of the immense responsibility of ruling a nation. It echoes the biblical principle that God often chooses the humble and seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27.

not knowing how to go out or come in.
This expression is an idiom for lacking the wisdom and experience necessary for leadership, particularly in governance and military matters. It reflects the need for divine guidance, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:2, where Moses uses similar language. Solomon's request for wisdom in the following verses highlights the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God, a theme echoed in James 1:5.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon begins his reign with humility, acknowledging his need for divine guidance.

2. David
Solomon's father and the former king of Israel, David is a central figure in Israel's history, known for his heart for God and his leadership.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who has established Solomon as king. Solomon addresses Him directly, seeking wisdom and guidance.

4. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigns. Israel is God's chosen people, and their leadership is crucial for their spiritual and national prosperity.

5. Gibeon
The place where Solomon offers sacrifices and where God appears to him in a dream, asking what he desires.

Teaching Points

Humility Before God
Solomon's admission of being "only a little child" highlights the importance of approaching God with humility, recognizing our limitations and dependence on Him.

Seeking Divine Wisdom
Solomon's request for wisdom rather than wealth or power sets an example for prioritizing spiritual discernment over worldly gains.

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
By recognizing that God has made him king, Solomon acknowledges God's ultimate authority and control over his life and leadership.

The Importance of Prayer
Solomon's dialogue with God underscores the necessity of prayer in seeking guidance and making decisions.

Leadership and Responsibility
Solomon's awareness of his role and the weight of leadership serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with positions of authority.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's humility in 1 Kings 3:7 serve as a model for our own approach to God in prayer and decision-making?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, and how does James 1:5 encourage us in this pursuit?

3. How does Solomon's acknowledgment of his limitations relate to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:3-4 about becoming like little children?

4. What can we learn from Solomon's example about the importance of prioritizing spiritual wisdom over material wealth or power?

5. How does recognizing God's sovereignty, as Solomon did, impact our understanding of leadership and responsibility in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Solomon's request for wisdom is a direct application of this principle.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which aligns with Solomon's acknowledgment of his need for divine guidance.

Matthew 18:3-4
Jesus speaks about becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, which parallels Solomon's humility in recognizing his limitations.