Success and Stress

The Bible shows how God keeps His promises. In preparation for Solomon’s reign, God blesses him with a father who knows God personally and follows Him wholeheartedly.(1) We’re told that Solomon quickly follows his father’s advice. He:

- removes David’s enemies who internally threatened his kingship.(2)

- fortifies Jerusalem, the city of David, through building programs.

- plans for the temple’s construction.

However, stressors emerge. In verse 1 of our study, Solomon looks beyond God to gain power and prestige through external alliances. Egypt welcomes Israel as an ally. To confirm the alliance, Solomon marries the Pharaoh’s daughter.

But God’s law warns His people against marrying those who do not worship Him.(3) Like clues inserted in a film’s opening scene, small details hint at problems to come. Solomon’s later years fully show the outgrowth of failing to listen to God’s warnings.(4)

We discover a hint of trouble in verse 2. The Israelites are routinely disobeying God by offering sacrifices at “the high places” instead of the place God ordained. He commanded worship with sacrifices only at the tabernacle.(5)

God designed the tabernacle. He provided all the people, skills, and materials for its construction. This place of worship pointed to God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.

We see a second sign of trouble in verse 3, “Solomon loved the Lord, … except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” These “high places” were often hilltops with a long history of Canaanite (idolatrous) worship.

Solomon’s Request

Verse 4 says Solomon goes to Gibeon, the site of the tabernacle at this time, to dedicate himself to following the Lord. That night, God appears to him in a dream, saying, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

What a gracious offer, and what a test of Solomon’s heart! First, Solomon thanks God for His kindness to his father David and to him. Kindness is a translation of the Hebrew word, hesed– God’s never-ending, gracious, covenant love for His people and His people’s loyal love for others.(6)

No other word fully encompasses all the aspects of love and loyalty conveyed in hesed.

Hesed:

- expresses God’s identity. He describes Himself as “abounding in hesed.”

- refers tocovenant kindness.

- describes love that is steadfast, loyal, faithful, and unfailing.

- extends loving-kindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, and fidelity.

- includes God’s promise to overcome our most painful losses with lasting joy.

Solomon recognizes God’s awesome nature. He accepts the weight of his calling as king. Solomon knows he cannot govern justly with mere worldly wisdom. So, he asks, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”More than human knowledge, power, experience, or skill, he needs God’s spiritual and moral truth.

Savior and Strength

Our study will show how God’s good purpose prevails through the life of this great – and greatly flawed – king. Sin weakened Solomon and his kingdom, yet God is faithful. Solomon was not perfect, but he did start out seeking to know God and to work with wisdom only God can provide.

In our own lives, sin saps our strength. It robs our peace. It harms our relationships with God and people. Yet, we can choose to seek God’s wisdom. By faith, we can obey God and enjoy peace in His presence. Full joy forever awaits every sinful person who trusts Christ our Savior, Lord, and King. Have you turned from sin through faith in Him? If not, why not do so right now?

Questions

1. What actions mentioned in verses 1-3 seem wise, unwise, or even dangerous, and how can you know the difference?
2. How is “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” seen in your life or others’ lives in both relationships and work? (3:9)
3. From verses 5 to 9, when God tells Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you,” what does Solomon’s response reveal about him, and what would your response to God’s statement reveal about you?
   Insights: Solomon’s response – includes: Solomon humbly thanked God and asked for a wise and discerning heart. He was humble and teachable. He honored his father, David. He wisely confessed David’s greatness came from the Lord’s grace and gifts. He had some understanding of the gravity of the job. He knew he needed the Lord’s help to govern well. Personal responses will vary.

Related Verses

1. David’s obedience: 1 Kgs 1:15-31; 1 Chr 29:21-14
2. Kingdom secured: 1 Kgs 2:1-9, 12, 46
3. Marriage warning: Deut 7:3-6
4. Disobedience: 1 Kgs 11:1-6
5. One worship place: Deut 12:1-32
6. Hesed: Exo 34:6-7; Ruth 1:8; Ps 103:4, 8; Jer 31:3; Mic 6:8