Published by Vince Baker Ministries · · Scripture references link to the KJV
What did Solomon ask for at Gibeon?
Imagine being asked what you want as you take on a responsibility larger than any you have carried before. In 1 Kings 3, Solomon could have asked for an advantage over his enemies. Instead he admitted his need for understanding. He asked for help judging the people entrusted to him.
Read 1 Kings 3:5–14 (KJV) and notice who benefits from the request. Solomon recognizes that the people belong to God. He asks for discernment because his judgments will affect them. The next episode puts that request to the test when two women bring a dispute before him and he must decide how to protect a child.
Why read Solomon’s later story too?
First Kings 11 describes Solomon’s heart turning toward other gods. The king who asked for discernment still had decisions to make after receiving it. The two chapters belong together. One shows a leader asking well. The other asks the reader to look at the loyalties that can gradually pull a leader away from what he already knows.
Ask yourself where you have enough knowledge to do the right thing and still hesitate to do it. That question brings the story into ordinary life. Sometimes we need more information. Sometimes we need to take an honest look at the influence we are allowing to govern a choice.
Ask for wisdom about a decision you actually face
James 1:5–8 (KJV) directs people who lack wisdom to ask God. Name a real decision. Write down the people it will affect, what you need to learn, and where your preference might cloud your judgment. Pray over those particulars. Then ask someone who can speak honestly with you to help you examine the options.
?Did Solomon ask for wealth or a long life?|He asked for understanding to judge the people. First Kings 3 says God also gave him riches and honor.
?How did Solomon use his wisdom in the next story?|In 1 Kings 3:16–28, Solomon hears two women claim the same child and discovers which one is willing to give him up to save his life.
Read the Scripture passages
- 1 Kings 3:5-14 · KJV
- 1 Kings 3:16-28 · KJV
- 1 Kings 11:1-13 · KJV
- James 1:5-8 · KJV
