2 Chronicles 1:7

That night God appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask, and I will give it to you!"

Study Bible

That night
This phrase refers to the specific time when God chose to reveal Himself to Solomon. It was the night following Solomon's significant act of worship, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings at the high place in Gibeon. This timing underscores the importance of worship and dedication in seeking divine guidance and favor.

God appeared to Solomon
The appearance of God to Solomon is a theophany, a direct encounter with the divine. This is significant as it shows God's personal involvement in the lives of His chosen leaders. Solomon, as the newly anointed king, receives divine confirmation and guidance, similar to other biblical figures like Abraham and Moses who also experienced God's direct communication.

and said,
God's communication with Solomon is direct and personal, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His chosen servant. This direct speech is a hallmark of God's interactions with key biblical figures, indicating the importance of the message being delivered.

“Ask,
This invitation to ask is a test of Solomon's heart and priorities. It reflects God's willingness to grant requests that align with His will and purposes. The open-ended nature of this invitation highlights the freedom and responsibility given to Solomon in his role as king.

and I will give it to you!”
God's promise to grant Solomon's request demonstrates His generosity and desire to bless those who seek Him. This offer is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in the New Testament, where He encourages believers to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will respond to their needs. Solomon's subsequent request for wisdom aligns with God's purposes, setting a precedent for seeking divine wisdom over material wealth or power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. At this point in the account, he has just been established as king over Israel.

2. God
The sovereign deity of Israel, who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him a unique opportunity to request anything he desires.

3. Gibeon
The location where Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar, which preceded God's appearance to him. Gibeon was a significant high place before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.

4. The Night
The time when God appeared to Solomon, indicating a divine encounter that was both personal and significant.

5. The Offer
God's invitation to Solomon to ask for anything he desires, highlighting the divine generosity and the importance of Solomon's response.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God
Solomon's encounter with God at Gibeon underscores the importance of seeking God through worship and sacrifice. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God.

God's Generosity
God's offer to Solomon reveals His generous nature. Believers can trust in God's willingness to provide for their needs when they seek Him with a sincere heart.

Wisdom as a Priority
Solomon's request for wisdom highlights the value of wisdom over material wealth or power. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual wisdom in their lives.

Divine Encounters
The personal nature of God's appearance to Solomon reminds believers that God desires a personal relationship with each of His followers.

Responsibility of Leadership
Solomon's request for wisdom to govern well reflects the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance. This principle applies to all areas of leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Solomon's request for wisdom reveal about his priorities, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

2. How does God's offer to Solomon demonstrate His character, and what does this teach us about how we should approach God in prayer?

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

4. How does the setting of Gibeon as a place of worship and sacrifice relate to our own practices of worship today?

5. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership that can be applied to our roles and responsibilities in our communities and families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:5-14
This parallel account provides additional details about Solomon's request for wisdom and God's response, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in leadership.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, drawing a parallel to Solomon's request and God's willingness to grant wisdom to those who seek it.

Matthew 7:7-11
Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, which reflects the principle of God's readiness to give good gifts to His children, as seen in His offer to Solomon.