PRAYER FOR WISDOM

1. God’s Offer to Solomon (1 Kings 3:1-5) 

2. Solomon Prays for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:6-15) 

3. Solomon Shows Supernatural Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28) 

Central Truth: God freely gives wisdom to those who ask. 

Focus: Consider and emulate Solomon’s desire for godly wisdom. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Christians who witness to the lost are wise. 

Text: “The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). 

INTRODUCTION 

This, our second lesson addressing the important prayers of the Bible, focuses on Solomon’s encounter with God at Gibeah, as he begins his reign as king of Israel (see 2 Chron. 1:1-13). The conditions leading to the founding of Solomon’s rule are detailed in the first two chapters of 1 Kings, providing pertinent information for this lesson. 

The Old Testament books are not always in chronological order; therefore, it can be confusing to determine what “Israel” means. For example, originally it was the new name for Jacob (Gen. 32:28). In some contexts, it means the entirety of the Jewish people in their journey to establishing their own nation (see 35:11). This is the context for this lesson. After Solomon’s reign, division enters the kingdom and, eventually, ten tribes pull away and are known as Israel (the northern kingdom), while the two remaining tribes are called Judah (the southern kingdom). The genesis of this disunion begins with Solomon’s spiritual failures later in his life. 

In the beginning, Solomon wanted his reign to be blessed of God. He witnessed God’s work in the life of his father, David, during the good and bad times. He determined to consecrate his kingdom to God, and he does so through a royal and extravagant offering unto God (if one can truly be extravagant in worshiping God!). That night God approached him, and a conversation ensued that dramatically changed the remainder of his life. A review of Solomon’s life quickly reveals God faithfully kept His promises to Solomon, although Solomon was not always as faithful in their spiritual relationship. 

If the wisest man on the face of the earth could get entangled and off-course, then we understand our own need to walk uprightly (righteously) and circumspectly (cautiously), to use Biblical language (Prov. 28:18; Eph. 5:15). This requires sincere, humble prayer and study of the Word. It further requires that we learn to listen to what God is speaking and how it applies to our lives. When we have heard, we need to faithfully obey. 

God does not just “go through the motions” in our lives. We cannot afford for our relationship and prayers to become perfunctory, designed to fulfill a sense of obligation or selfish wants. We must encounter the living God fresh every day in our lives. This requires effort, commitment, determination, an intentional strategy, and a desire for Biblical wisdom. 

1.  GOD’S OFFER TO SOLOMON 

A.   Alliances and Sacrifices (1 Kings 3:1-4) 

 3 And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.  

Upon solidifying his kingdom and power to reign, Solomon made an agreement with Pharaoh (king) of Egypt. Pharaoh gave his daughter to Solomon to solidify the deal (v. 1). Alliances were quite common in that age to assure peace between neighboring countries. The king of Egypt seems to be as eager as Solomon to enter this alliance. Under David, Israel had become a reckoning force feared by the surrounding nations. At this point in history, Egypt was not the dominating power it had been in the past or the aggressor it would be in the future (see 14:25-26; this Pharaoh is not Shishak, who plundered Jerusalem and the Temple). This alliance probably happened during the first year of Solomon’s reign, though not necessarily at the very beginning. 

Specifically, this alliance provided protection for the southern part of Israel from an attack from or through Egypt and secured trade routes through Israel for Egypt. Solomon also received, via his new wife, the city of Gezer as a wedding present from Pharaoh (see 9:16). Creating mutually beneficial agreements with others is not necessarily a bad thing (Matt. 5:25). However, in Solomon’s case they not only brought peace, they also brought distractions that led him away from God’s commands and prescribed ways of worship (1 Kings 11:1-6). For this reason, we are cautioned to exercise extreme caution in our relationships—especially marriages—that open the door for negatively affecting our relationship with God (see 2 Cor. 6:14). 

The ark of the covenant was located in Jerusalem at this time (1 Kings 3:15) but was housed in David’s tent (2 Sam. 6:17; 1 Chron. 16:1-2). God did not allow David to construct the Temple, despite his intense desire to do so (see 1 Chron. 28:2-3). There are times in our lives when God allows us to prepare the way for another generation to fulfill our desires or vision, even when those desires are from God. We need to exercise discernment, rather than force “our” plans (Hos. 14:9). 

When there was no central, proper place of worship (and even when there was), Israel tended to incorporate outside influences, resulting in pagan-corrupted worship. God foresaw this and prohibited Israel from doing so; thus, they were to worship only in the places prescribed by Him (Deut. 12:1-14). Today, we are instructed to be the Church and gather together for corporate worship (2 Thess. 2:1; Heb. 10:22-25). 

Solomon’s zeal for the Lord was fueled by his father’s example (1 Kings 3:3). However, he also worshiped in certain places out of convenience. “High places” should not necessarily be understood here to refer to a pagan high place or altar to a false god, as it does in 11:7. The phrase can mean “solitary place,” or a mountainous location (see Deut. 32:12-13). Gibeon was an important location (1 Kings 3:4). It was approximately six miles northwest of Jerusalem and was also the location of the Tabernacle (1 Chron. 16:39-40; 21:29). There he offered “a thousand burnt offerings” to the Lord (1 Kings 3:4). In today’s economy, this could easily be a multimillion-dollar offering, depending on the unnamed animals sacrificed. 

Consequential Choices 

In our postmodern world, the norm and expectation are for people to form their own spirituality based on their own worldview, apart from the Church and what Scripture says. A popular TV personality has confidently boasted that all roads lead to God and one’s spiritual relationship is not dependent on anyone else, especially “organized” religion (as opposed to “unorganized” religion?). Sadly, she has deceived many and is leading them to eternal destruction (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Our choices have consequences for ourselves and others! 

B.  A Commanding Question (1 Kings 3:5) 

 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 

God did not appear to Solomon during the sacrifice, but at night in a dream. Some believe this was proof that God honored his prayer, but not his sacrifice. As noted earlier, Gibeon was the location of the Tabernacle (literally, “Tent of Meeting”) and the brazen altar, but not the ark of the covenant. Others assert that God’s presence in the dream is proof of God’s acceptance of both Solomon and his sacrifices. There are times when we expect God to speak because of something spiritual we have accomplished, but He chooses the time and place. It is usually when we are still. It is often not in a dramatic but rather the gentle whisper in the still of the night (e.g., 1 Kings 19:12; 1 Sam. 3:9). The problem most Christians have today is being still long enough for God to get our full attention long enough to speak to us. God does not compete for our attention. 

This is the first of four times God speaks to Solomon (see also 1 Kings 6:11-13; 9:1-9; 11:11-13). Here, it happens to occur in a dream. Many today are suspicious of dreams “from God.” And certainly, Scripture advises us to discount dreams that are contrary to the character of God and His Word (Deut. 13:1-5; Jer. 23:25-32; Jude 8). However, dreams are one of the methods God utilizes to communicate His will and words (Matt. 1:20-25; Acts 2:17). 

God speaks to Solomon in the dream and says, “Ask!” It is not a request or a suggestion from God, but a command that carries a sense of urgency. The second part of God’s communication is a wide-open question, “What shall I give you?” The possibilities for Solomon at this point are almost unlimited. It is a onetime offer that should not be answered frivolously. It is a question that God asks of us every day in many ways. Hopefully, our responses are as substantive as Solomon’s. 

• If God were to say to you, “Ask for whatever you wont me to give you” (v. 5 NIV), how would you answer? 

2.  SOLOMON PRAYS FOR WISDOM 

A.  Awareness of Inabilities (1 Kings 3:6-8) 

 7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 

Solomon appeared to be very decisive in his decisions and actions previously in the Biblical record (1 Kings 2). This is the case here as well. There is no hesitation in his interaction with God. The purpose of his sacrificial worship (3:4) was twofold: (1) to worship and honor God; and (2) to gain God’s assistance in his reign. Solomon obviously had given the issue some thought beforehand. He knew exactly what he needed. Determining the difference between our wants and needs and focusing on the latter in our prayers can be the key to answered prayer and a contented, successful life. 

The narrative provides great insight into Solomon’s attitude and thought process. First, he is keenly aware of God’s merciful provision and activities in the life of his father, David (v. 6). Second, he does not forget nor take for granted the heritage of his father. David had walked before God “in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart.” Yet, Solomon recognizes he cannot live and thrive on what God provided for his father in the past. Third, he understands his position is a privilege from God, not a human right. 

Fourth, Solomon acknowledges and embraces his own relationship with God (v. 7). He calls Him “Lord” (Yahweh), the proper name of the God of Israel. It is also the more personal of God’s names, implying a covenant relationship. As such, He is the One who is and causes us to be (Acts 17:28). Further, Solomon calls Him “my God” (Elohim), or the true God of Israel. Solomon is here rejecting all other deities and embracing the mighty, powerful God as his God and the God of the Israelite nation of which he is over. 

Fifth, Solomon acknowledges and owns his own shortcomings—he knows what he does not know. He states he is “but a little child” (1 Kings 3:7). Solomon is approximately twenty years old during this encounter. This description, therefore, refers to either an inexperienced youth or an unimportant servant. In Solomon’s case, it may imply both. He states he does not know how to conduct himself and reign properly, according to God’s present will for Israel (cf. Num. 27:17). He understands he cannot merely follow the pattern or plan of his father in governing Israel. Obviously, the spiritual aspects are to remain the same. However, he has to know and embrace for himself who God is, not just rely on what he saw in his father. Further, he needs a vision from God to guide the people according to God’s will. 

Sixth, Solomon identifies the awesome responsibility that faces him (1 Kings 3:8). His language corresponds with the promises given to Abraham (see Gen. 13:16). It is a daunting task, and he needs God’s help. 

• What did Solomon learn from his father that could help him be an effective king? 

B.  An Impassioned Plea (1 Kings 3:9-10) 

 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 

Solomon gets to the substance or “heart” of his need and request (v. 9). He confidently asks (“Give therefore”) for a “discerning heart to govern [God’s] people” (NIV). Literally, he requests “a hearing heart” that is obedient and receptive to continual guidance by the Word and righteousness of God. In this verse, Solomon utilizes four verbs that provide insight into his thinking and request. First, “give” acknowledges that what he needs, he does not possess. He is previously described as a man of wisdom (2:6, 9), but this task requires more than mere human ability or giftedness. Spiritual matters require Spirit empowerment (Zech. 4:6; 1 Cor. 2:4). 

Second, his task includes making difficult decisions (“to judge thy people”) that will impact the future of the people. Based on those decisions, he will govern (or lead) the people to fulfill God’s vision and will for Israel. In Solomon’s time, the king or ruler was responsible to comprehend and apply the Law of God concerning religious, social, economic, and political issues affecting the nation (cf. Josh. 1:8; 2 Sam. 5—8). If the king deviated from the correct application, obviously, God had prophets to help return them to righteousness, as in the case of Samuel (1 Sam. 15:12-22), Nathan (2 Sam. 12:1-15), and Amos (Amos 7:10-16). 

Third, Solomon has to be able to “discern between good and evil.” The request includes receiving the wisdom, insight, and intelligence to understand the issues before him, but also comprises the ability to teach that understanding and insight to others, so they may discern and understand the issues as well. At this point in his life, he truly wanted to operate in godly wisdom and impart to the nation that same wisdom for their benefit and God’s glory (see Prov. 1:7). 

Fourth, Solomon acknowledges that no one is “able to judge this great people of Yours” (NKJV). Judge is the same word used earlier in the verse, but here he adds great, which carries the idea of “heavy” or “massive.” Solomon understands the weight of the responsibilities before him and surrenders to the fact that he is not equipped to judge and dispense justice properly without supernatural abilities from God (see 2 Sam. 14:4-17; Isa. 11:1-5). These same qualities are in desperate need today by those in positions of government and should be an integral part of our prayers for them (1 Tim. 2:1-3). 

Solomon’s priorities and request “pleased the Lord” (1 Kings 3:10). What a great honor—to bring pleasure to Almighty God! 

• Why is the ability to “discern between good and bad” vital in our day? How can we have such discernment? 

C.  God’s Response (1 Kings 3:11-15) 

 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 

 14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 

God acknowledges Solomon could have asked for longevity, wealth, or political power (v. 11). Because he chose correctly, God honored his request (“I have given thee”) and promised him a unique place in human history (vv. 12-13). Further, the Lord gave Solomon the very things he did not ask for himself. Some may wonder how this promise of uniqueness correlates with Christ’s wisdom and honor, but it must be remembered that Christ was both human and divine and therefore in a “class” by Himself (Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Cor. 1:22-24). 

The Lord also promised him a long life, but with conditions (1 Kings 3:14). His life had to reflect the will (“walk in my ways”) and the Word (“my statutes and my commandments”) of God. It also had to reflect the zeal for the Lord he had seen in David, his father. Upon waking, Solomon offered sacrifices or thank-offerings to the Lord at the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem and had a feast for those in his court (“servants,” v. 15). 

The Wisdom We Need 

When we genuinely seek to know the heart of God—when we prayerfully seek His wisdom and His will—our heavenly Father carefully guides us over the peaks and valleys of life. And as Christians, we can be comforted: Whether we find ourselves at the pinnacle of the mountain or the darkest depths of the valley, the loving heart of God is always there with us. 

3.  SOLOMON SHOWS SUPERNATURAL WISDOM 

A.  Justice for All (1 Kings 3:16) 

 16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. 

The writer of 1 Kings records an ensuing event to underscore that God’s promise of wisdom to Solomon was indeed fulfilled. Notice that the two women who came to him are distinguished as “harlots” (v. 16). The term can describe a very promiscuous woman or usually one who is a paid prostitute. It is the same term used of Rahab (Josh. 2:1; 6:17, 25) and Tamar (Gen. 38:15, 21), both of whom are highlighted in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:3, 5). Either way, these two unnamed women would have been tolerated in the city but treated with contempt and disdain. They were not socially acceptable to the citizens, at least publicly. Yet, they approached Solomon, so he could discern, judge, and dispense justice in a grave matter. They normally would not have had access to the king. 

The narrative underscores Solomon’s commitment to bring God’s justice to the entirety of the nation. This is a Biblical example of loving the sinner, while not embracing the sin. It is a difficult task, but one that cannot be ignored if we are to be the hand of Christ extended, especially in modern society. 

Nowhere Else to Go 

Abraham Lincoln freely acknowledged his dependence on prayer. He stated, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” He led the United States through a tumultuous time in its history. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). What He did for Solomon, Lincoln, and others, He will do for you today. And, as He provides, He should receive the credit and glory. 

B.  The Sword of Justice (1 Kings 3:17-28) 

 17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. 18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. 19 And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 

 22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. 

 25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. 26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. 27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment. 

The first of the two women explains to Solomon that they were living in the same house and both were pregnant (v. 17). She gave birth to a son first. Three days later, the second woman bore her son (v. 18). To remove any confusion about who did what, she says no one else was in the house with them. The second woman rolled over on her son and suffocated him (v. 19). Discovering the tragedy in the middle of the night, the second woman switched the children (v. 20). 

When the first woman arose to nurse her son, she discovered the dead child and knew he was not her son (v. 21; cf. Isa. 49:15). An argument between the two resulted, and the matter was brought to the king (v. 22). 

Why was the second mother so adamant about the situation? First, a child would help her social standing. The presence of children tends to soften a harsh opinion of a person’s circumstances. Second, the fact that she was a mother would have provided her safety from abusive customers and more generosity from compassionate ones. He could have run for help if she was mistreated, and her customers would have been more sympathetic to her situation in supporting her son. Third, a son was her means of a changed lifestyle. It is easy to condemn a woman for this lifestyle several centuries removed from her situation in light of the options available today. In her time, an unmarried (single, divorced, widowed) woman’s options were sparse, and prostitution was a quick means to survival. That does not excuse her sin, but it helps shed light on her circumstances. A son could find work for which she would never be considered and give her an escape from a lifestyle in which she apparently did not want to remain. 

Solomon quickly understood the dilemma and summarized their positions (v. 23). He called for a sword and ordered the child cut in two, and a half be given to each of the women (vv. 24-25). Upon hearing the order, the first woman immediately gave up claim to the child, so he could live. Her love, compassion, and motherly instinct would rather her son live with another than to see him killed (v. 26). However, the second woman was fine with the decision. If she was to be deprived of her son, she had no qualms about her housemate being deprived as well. It is said that misery loves company—as does sin. 

Solomon knew the true mother would not allow her child to die, and ordered the first woman’s son to be returned to her (v. 27). God’s nighttime promises to Solomon were confirmed to “all Israel” as they saw and respected (“feared”) Solomon’s just and righteous decision (v. 28). 

PRAY INTENTIONALLY 

Solomon’s options were virtually unlimited when God approached him in his dream. He could have asked for anything, but chose to ask for wisdom and knowledge that would benefit his nation. Prayer is an awesome and powerful spiritual resource that we often take for granted and treat much too lightly. We should be as selective and intentional in our requests as Solomon was in his. 

Daily Devotions  

M.  Benefits of Seeking Wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-12) 

T.  Wisdom for Living (Proverbs 11:25-31) 

W.  Wise and Foolish Words (Ecclesiastes 10:12-15) 

T.  God’s Wisdom Versus Man’s Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-10) 

F.  Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge (Colossians 2:1-7) 

S.  Ask God for Wisdom (James 1:5-8) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.